When is it okay to start traveling with a baby? Here's what to bring and what to be careful of!
Traveling with a newborn baby is different from traveling with just adults and requires consideration in many ways.
However, I think most parents traveling with a baby for the first time have concerns like, "What should I bring?" and "What should I be careful of?"
So, this time we will explain in detail when you can start traveling with your baby, what to bring, and what to be careful about.
When is it okay to travel with a baby?
Newborns under one month old (under 28 days old) have weak immune systems and are not yet able to hold their heads up, so it is best for them to avoid going out or traveling.
Once you are given the go-ahead at your one- month checkup, start by taking your baby outside on the balcony or in the garden to get him used to the outside air.
It is said that full-scale outings and trips should not be allowed until the baby is 2 to 3 months old.
However, even though babies under six months of age have the immunity they inherited from their mothers, they are more susceptible to illnesses and colds than adults, so please do not push them too hard.
What are the must-have items for travelling with a baby?
When traveling with a baby, it's important to be prepared for every possible scenario.
Here are some essential items to bring when traveling with a baby.
Be sure to check it out so you don't have to panic at the last minute.
Diapers
Diapers are essential when traveling with a baby.
The number of sheets you should bring will vary depending on the age of the baby and the distance to your destination, but it's a good idea to have around 2 to 10 sheets per day.
Some babies may become nervous about traveling when they are not used to it and may poop and pee more frequently, so it is recommended that you prepare extra supplies.
Change of clothes
One thing that is surprisingly easy to forget when traveling with a baby is a change of clothes.
Clothes may get dirty when breastfeeding or changing diapers, so make sure to bring at least two or three sets of tops and bottoms per day.
Also, once your child starts crawling and walking, their range of movement will expand significantly, and as a result their clothes will become more likely to get dirty, so if you're worried, it's a good idea to bring extra clothes with you.
blanket
When traveling with babies, whose immune systems are weaker than adults', be sure to bring a thin blanket.
Even just one blanket can help prevent your body temperature from dropping.
Blankets are especially useful in winter, early spring, and early fall when the temperature tends to drop, so it's a good idea to put one in your bag beforehand.
Plastic bags
Plastic bags are surprisingly useful when traveling with a baby.
It can be used in a variety of situations, such as storing used diapers or dirty clothes.
Plastic bags can be folded up quite compactly, so it's a good idea to put 2 or 3 of them in your bag.
Breastfeeding set
Baby bottles and formula are also essential when traveling with a baby.
Recently, powdered milk in stick form with small single servings has also become available, so if you are looking for something that is easy to carry around, be sure to check it out.
You will also need a thermos bottle, so don't forget to bring one.
For more information on breastfeeding and formula when going out, please refer to this article. →
Baby carrier
If you are traveling with a baby who can't walk yet or a toddler, we recommend bringing a baby carrier.
The burden on mom and dad can be greatly different depending on whether or not they have a baby carrier.
Some people may think, "It's okay, I'll bring a stroller," but there may be cases where you cannot use a stroller or your child may ask to be held. In order to enjoy your trip comfortably, it is a good idea to bring a baby carrier.
Maternal and Child Health Handbook
If you develop a fever or get injured while traveling, you will need to go to a local hospital.
If you have your maternal and child health handbook at this time, you will be able to communicate the information clearly to your doctor or nurse.
others,
・Health insurance card
・Medical certificate
It's a good idea to bring these with you just in case.
What are some useful items to bring when traveling with a baby?
Here are some items that are not essential when traveling with a baby, but are handy to have.
Bringing the items introduced below will make your trip with your baby more comfortable and enjoyable, so be sure to check them out if you're interested.
Toys
Shopping and eating are very enjoyable times for adults, but they are "boring" times for children.
They may get bored and fussy, especially if there is a long wait or there is nothing to do.
Toys come in handy in situations like this.
Bringing your child's favorite toys will help prevent them from getting bored and becoming fussy, or from wandering around and causing a nuisance to those around them.
Style
The bib that goes around the neck is an item to prevent milk from getting soaked or food from spilling.
Nowadays, there are types of bowls that will catch food that has fallen, so be sure to get one if necessary.
However, if your baby is not used to wearing a bib, he or she may dislike it.
In such cases, we recommend getting a bib with your favorite character on it.
baby food
If you are traveling with a baby who has graduated from breastfeeding or formula, don't forget to bring baby food with you.
in particular,
·baby food
・Dining apron
・Cutlery set
etc. are required.
From the middle stage of weaning onwards, your baby will begin to get the nutrients he or she needs each day from food, so we recommend that you bring at least 1-2 meals of weaning food appropriate for that stage.
Furthermore, it is reassuring to use a brand of baby food that your child is used to eating.
Nursing cape
A nursing cape is useful when traveling with a breastfed baby or a baby who has not yet completely stopped drinking formula or breast milk.
It completely covers your chest when you breastfeed, making it easy to breastfeed.
Nursing capes are lightweight and don't take up much space, so it's a good idea to bring one with you.
What to bring according to the season
When traveling with a baby, it's important to pack appropriately for the season.
Below we will introduce the items you will need to bring in hot and cold seasons.
Hot season
Here are some essential items to bring when traveling with a baby during the hot summer months:
・Ice packs (cooling sheets)
Insect repellent
・Sun hat
・Sunscreen
Bringing ice packs or cooling sheets can help prevent your baby's back from getting hot or from building up heat when using a baby carrier or car seat.
There are various types of insect repellent, but if you are bringing one for a baby, we recommend the tissue type.
We recommend avoiding spray types as babies may inhale them or get them in their eyes.
Also, as ultraviolet rays have become stronger in recent years, it is a good idea to bring a hat with a brim and a mild sunscreen for babies (or children).
Cold season
When traveling with a baby during cold seasons such as winter or autumn, we recommend bringing the following items:
・Hat for protection against the cold
・Swaddling cloth
・Leg warmers
・Cold weather cape for baby carriers
If your pet is going outside a lot, try wearing a fleece-lined hat and earmuffs.
Also, if your baby is still young, it is recommended that you bring a swaddling cloth as they are not yet able to regulate their body temperature well.
Furthermore, since your baby's legs may be exposed when you are holding him or her, you may want to have them wear leg warmers if necessary. There are also warm cold weather capes available for use with baby carriers that completely cover your baby's body, so these may be something to consider.
Things to keep in mind when traveling with a baby
Traveling with a baby will be a precious memory for both parents and will also provide positive stimulation for the baby's development.
However, since the physical structure of babies and adults is very different, and there is also a significant difference in immune strength, you need to be aware of the following points:
・Don't disrupt your daily routine
・Pay attention to the time
・Check the facilities and environment of your travel destination
Don't disrupt your daily routine
A regular routine is an essential factor for your baby's development.
When you travel or are away for an extended period of time, try to keep your child's routine as similar to that at home as possible.
Breastfeeding
・Changing diapers
・Nap
If the timing or time of these things is too off, your baby may become fussy or not sleep at night, so be careful.
Pay attention to the time of day
When traveling with a baby, it is important to pay attention to the time of day.
If you run into rush hour traffic, such as people commuting to work or returning home, you are more likely to get caught in traffic jams or end up on a packed train.
If this happens, there is a high chance that your baby will become fussy or get injured, so it is recommended that you choose a time when it is least crowded.
Check the facilities and environment of your destination
To enjoy traveling safely with your baby, you need to check the facilities and environment of your destination.
By choosing a travel destination that has baby-friendly facilities and a child-friendly environment, you can enjoy your trip safely and comfortably.
In particular, the facilities and environment of your accommodation are very important, so be sure to check them in advance.
Nowadays, there are many baby-friendly inns that will provide diaper bins, baby beds, baby baths, and other amenities in your room if you request them in advance.
If possible, it would be good to choose an inn with private rooms in the restaurant so that mom and dad can dine in peace and relaxation.
How do you carry so much luggage?
When you travel with a baby, you need to pack a lot of things.
The question now is, "How do you carry it?"
One option is to carry it in a Boston bag or tote bag, but if the capacity is small, it will quickly become full.
In such cases, we recommend a mother's bag.
A mother's bag has more storage capacity and functionality than a regular bag, allowing you to store all your items, including diapers and nursing kits, all in one place.
Mother's bags are useful not only for travel but also for short outings, so if you're interested, be sure to check them out.
For mother's bags, go to Airium
summary
Traveling with a baby will create fond memories for both parents and will also provide good stimulation for the baby's development.
However, when traveling with a baby, you need to bring a variety of things with you, and if you leave without being prepared, you may find yourself in trouble once you arrive at your destination, so it's best to think about various scenarios in advance.
To ensure you have an enjoyable trip without any regrets, try using the information introduced here as a reference and preparing your belongings according to your destination, the season, the scene, and the situation.
