Traveling with baby
Top tips for keeping your little ones safe and happy as you venture back into the world
We’ve been hearing from a lot of parents lately who are itching to travel, especially after being mostly cooped up these past months. Of course there’s a lot to consider regarding your transportation to, and around, your destination. And of course you’ll want to be mindful of the latest CDC recommendations on domestic or international travel. In this blog, we’ll cover few tips and products that will help keep baby safe and happy whether you decide to venture near or far. (These pointers should be extra-helpful if this is your first time traveling with baby, or multiple kiddos!)
We’ll walk through each of these tips:
- It’s a good idea to continue distancing
- Book direct flights
- Keep baby as happy as possible in-flight
- Pack an easily accessible change of clothes for both you and baby
- Bring the essentials—and leave your stroller behind
- Keep germ-free with the help of a few simple items
It’s a good idea to continue distancing
If you’re headed to a popular travel destination, you’re likely to encounter fellow travellers from a wide array of places (some of which may have worse COVID case rates than where you’re coming from, or traveling to). So—bottom line: it’s still a good idea to socially distance as possible, for both your and baby’s sake. For instance: book restaurant reservations at non-peak times, or sit outside; wait for the next elevator if the first one is crowded; call ahead to ask what protocols are in place at attractions you want to visit.
If your travel plans are more modest or you’re visiting a less-busy area, distancing is likely to be a lot easier. Maybe you’d like to consider renting a lake house or shore house, or booking a stay at a small inn where every family has separate quarters. Get takeout food, and enjoy the simple change of scenery and routine.
(And, if you need some new masks for your travels, we’ve got lots of cute ones—made of 100% organic cotton, and available in both kid over two and adult sizes.)
Book direct flights
If you’re looking to fly somewhere, by all means look for direct flights. This will save you a lot of hassle and headaches associated with rushing from one plane to another, with baby and possibly luggage in tow. If direct flights are not possible, or they are cost-prohibitive, try to build in a longer layover. This may sound counterintuitive, but it’s less stressful. Also remember, if you’re traveling overseas: babies need passports. Oh, and airport pro tip: hit the restroom before boarding!
Keep baby as happy as possible in-flight
This probably comes as no surprise, but most babies don’t love flying, especially if it’s their first time. It’s a completely new experience but can also come with discomfort, particularly ear pain from the changes in air pressure. In the same way you might suck on a hard candy or drink a ginger ale to help with your own ear-popping issues, the same type of tricks will help baby. You can try giving them a breast, small bottle, or sippy cup, during take-off and landing. Chewing a cookie or other snack can help toddlers.
Pack an easily accessible change of clothes for both you and baby
You may already be in the habit of doing this, but…especially when you’re traveling, a change of clothes is something you want to have handy! For both you and baby. If you’re flying, put the extra clothes in your carry-on so that they are readily available.
Bring the essentials—and leave your stroller behind
We know…it sounds crazy to leave your stroller at home, but just think how much more freedom you will have, not having to check or otherwise stow it when you’re on various types of transportation! Bring your favorite carrier or baby wrap, and you’re good to go. And if you’ll be renting a car at your destination, look into renting a car seat for baby (rather than trying to bring one with you).
Keep baby germ-free with the help of a few simple items
Whenever you’ll be out and about with baby this summer, it’s a great idea to bring a pacifier holder that you can easily clip onto baby’s clothing, so the pacifier stays clean, rather than end up on the ground (we’ve all been there!). Ours are washable and feature small knitted friends that your little one will love. Also, once you try our stroller toys that can attach to a stroller or car seat, you won’t go back. They are made from natural untreated wood and/or organic cotton, and they’re as cute as can be.
We wish you safe and happy travels this summer, wherever you may be headed!
P.S. Want to know How Epidemiologists are Planning to Vacation with Their Unvaccinated Kids? The New York Times collected advice from these and other public-health experts.