Tips for International Travel with Newborns

Are you planning a trip abroad with your newborn? If so, you may be feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. After all, traveling with a baby is no small feat! But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll share our top tips for international travel with newborns. From choosing the right destination to packing the essentials, we’ve got you covered. So if you’re ready to take the plunge, read on for our best advice on traveling with your bundle of joy.

Passport and Documents

When traveling internationally with a newborn, it is important to have all the necessary documents in order. A passport is required for all international travel, and you will need to apply for one for your baby before you leave. You will also need a birth certificate for your baby, as well as any other documents that may be required by the country you are visiting.

Make sure to allow plenty of time to get all the necessary documents in order before your trip. It is also a good idea to make copies of all important documents in case they are lost or stolen while you are away.

Visit Your Pediatrician

Assuming your baby is healthy, you should start planning for your trip abroad around the time you receive your passport. Schedule a visit with your pediatrician 4-6 weeks before your departure date to go over any questions or concerns and to update any vaccinations.

During this visit, be sure to ask about:

• Your baby’s current health and development status.
• Any health risks associated with travel to your destination(s).
• Recommended vaccinations and/or preventive medications.
• Health insurance coverage while abroad.

You should also bring along a letter from your pediatrician indicating your baby’s current immunization status, as well as any other pertinent medical information (e.g., allergies, chronic conditions). This will be helpful in case of an emergency while you are away.

The Fussy Hour

The Fussy Hour is that time of day when your baby is cranky and wants to be held. It can be tough to deal with, especially when you’re trying to travel. Here are some tips for dealing with the Fussy Hour while you’re on the go:

• Try to plan your travels around your baby’s schedule. If possible, avoid traveling during the fussy hour.
• If you must travel during the fussy hour, try to have someone else hold the baby while you drive or take care of other important tasks.
• Bring along some toys or other distracting items for your baby. A pacifier can also help soothe a fussy baby.
• When all else fails, try nursing or bottle-feeding your baby. This can help calm them down and may even help them fall asleep.

Your Seat

If you’re flying with a newborn, you’ll want to request a bassinet seat. These are usually located in the bulkhead rows and have a little bed attached to the side of the seat. This is a great option if you want your baby to sleep during the flight.

If you don’t get a bassinet seat, don’t worry! You can still hold your baby during takeoff and landing. Just make sure you have a good grip on them so they don’t slip out of your arms.

Keep It Minimal

When traveling with a newborn, it is important to keep your belongings to a minimum. This will help you stay organized and avoid lost or misplaced items.

Some essential items to pack for your trip include diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, food, clothes, a blanket, and a baby carrier. If you are flying, you will also need to bring along your baby’s passport.

It is best to pack light so that you can easily carry everything you need. If possible, ship some of your belongings ahead of time to your destination so that you don’t have to worry about packing them all in one trip.

By keeping your belongings to a minimum, you can make traveling with a newborn a more enjoyable and stress-free experience.

Your Phone is Your Best Friend

It can get tiresome when your baby refuses to stop screaming. Have some soothing, ambient noises that will keep your baby engrossed. Keep them downloaded on your phone.

A little phone exposure will not hurt your child. It will make your long flight bearable for yourself and your co-passengers.

There are many apps in the Apple Store and Google Play Store that have these sounds in them. If sounds fail to make your baby calmer, cartoons might help.

A long flight with a restless infant tends to wear out even the strongest parents. Try to take hostile stares and criticism with a pinch of humor.

Whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, traveling with a newborn can be daunting. Luckily, with a little planning and preparation, it can be a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your little one. 

Here are some tips to help make your international travel with newborns go as smoothly as possible:

1. Choose your destination wisely. When choosing a destination for your international trip with a newborn, consider factors such as climate, time of year, and accessibility to medical care.
2. Get travel insurance. This is especially important when traveling with a newborn, as they are more susceptible to illness and injury. Make sure your travel insurance policy covers both medical emergencies and repatriation in the event that you need to return home early.
3. Pack carefully. When packing for your trip, remember to pack all of the essential items for both you and your baby, including diapers, wipes, clothes, formula, food, medicine, and any special toys or comfort items that will help keep your baby happy on the journey.
4. Plan ahead for feeding times. If you’re breastfeeding, bring along plenty of expressed milk or formula so that you can feed your baby on schedule even while in transit. If you’re formula feeding, pack enough formula and bottles for the entire trip, plus some extra in case of delays or other unforeseen circumstances.
5. Make use of airport assistance services. Many airports now offer assistance services specifically for families traveling.