Being a mama isn’t easy – and when your newborn is still very young, the idea of traveling to other countries can be pretty overwhelming. Packing all of the newborn necessities, planning how to feed while on the plane, and dealing with timezones… there is a lot to consider!
Don’t worry. You’re not alone. Traveling overseas with a newborn can be a challenge, but with a few top tips, you won’t regret taking that summer vacation or visiting your family overseas.
Here’s some top tips for all the amazing mamas traveling with a newborn…
Only pack the essentials
When you have a newborn baby, even a trip to your local supermarket can feel overwhelming… so traveling overseas can be pretty daunting! To make your journey less stressful, it is a good idea toonly pack the essentials.
Things such as toys, portable cribs, and highchairs will probably be available at your destination – or you can even find a service which ships these things to your location in advance. While this may involve spending a few more dollars, it all becomes worth it when you avoid hauling excess items during your travels.
Pick your fight carefully
The secret of traveling with a newborn is all in the preparation… and the flight you choose is an important part of this.
Of course you hope that the flight goes as well as possible. One way you can potentially achieve this is by scheduling flights during nap time for your baby angel.
If you are traveling on a red eye, then pick a flight which is at a similar time as your baby’s bedtime. It will make for a much more enjoyable experience (on the flight and once you land!) when your newborn’s sleep schedule isn’t too disturbed.
Bring your own medicine
Traveling overseas with a newborn can be intimidating – especially if you don’t speak the language of the country you are visiting. But don’t worry, mama! When you bring your own medicine with you, it saves you having to search through a busy foreign town for the drugs your newborn needs.
You should consider taking all the common medicines for babies, such as Ibuprofen, baby Benadryl and baby Tylenol. Keep in mind that you may need to display liquid-based medicines clearly in a plastic bag to bring them on-board a flight.
Choose the right vacation
For all mamas, traveling with a newborn can be stressful even during the best of times. There is a lot to manage with all the baby gear, feeding and nap times, etc. So, you should make sure you pick the right vacation before jetting off overseas.
A hiking holiday in Scotland may not be the best idea when you have a newborn baby, for example, nor will a holiday where the itinerary is all about scuba diving.
We’re not saying that you can’t have fun… but you’ll have much more fun if the trip is more aligned with newborn baby life.
Bring a baby wrap
Babywearing is an essential travel tip! Especially when you’re in the airport, having free hands is going to make things run much more smoothly. It also gives your baby comfort to be tucked in tightly to your chest. We recommend trying out fabric baby wraps as well as structured carriers to see which you and your baby like best. Sometimes mommies find that the structured carriers give more support for your lower back, and others find that the fabric wrap is more comfortable for baby. It’s a personal choice that you’ll want to test out in advance before you choose which one to pack!
Prepare for flight delays
The chances are, your overseas flight will be great and nothing will be delayed… but you should always prepare for some inconvenience! You may thank yourself for bringing two or even three pairs of clothes in your diaper bag, just in case your sweet babe has a blowout.
Other things to distract your baby, like little rattle type toys, baby books, and teething toys will make flight delays much more durable.
Don’t forget the basics!
There are a few more basic things for mamas to take care of when flying with a baby.
Firstly, make sure that your little angel has a passport. You should also speak with your doctor about when your newborn is able to fly. You may also need to consider certain vaccines for your baby, depending on where you are traveling, so discuss this with your doctor as well.
Enjoy the perfect holiday as a new mama
Congratulations! You now know all the key ingredients of a successful vacation with a newborn baby. Try to find ways to keep your stress level down while traveling however you can. Sunflower Motherhood offers a perfect little on-the-go self care kits for moms for moments just like this! OurMama Pouch Bundlewill help you find a moment of peace for yourself amidst any traveling stress. Take a look on our website… and enjoy your trip. You got this Mama!
