Becoming a mother is a whole new experience and it indeed brings joy along with it. And with the joys comes responsibility. If you are going on a trip with your newborn, it can be pretty difficult to decide on what things to pack for convenience on the road and/or at a location.
While it is true that you get most of the toiletries and medications around and there’s no need to pack loads of them, it is still safest to stock a decent amount of necessary things. It comes in handy and there’s no hurry to find all the things in a new place.
To help you with the packing, here’s a brief guide on how to go about it and what are the essentials you need for traveling with a baby.
1. Baby Carrier. The first essential thing you need is a baby carrier. If you think it would be easy to carry your baby around as you have been doing so for everyday errands, you need to think again.
It is not easy to carry a baby while traveling and it might exhaust both you and the baby. Prefer a comfortable stroller that can be carried easily and have covers for excess sunlight or insects.
Another option is a back carrier which is suitable for babies who can sit up and support themselves – generally okay for use from 6 months onwards. A back carrier can last until your child is 4 or 5 years old if used properly.
2. Small packs of toiletries. Toiletries are articles used in washing and taking care of one's body, such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. It is best to pack travel or test packs of toiletries you use for your baby.
If you plan to buy it at the location, you might not get the exact things/brands you use, and then you will have to carry them back anyway. So, just get pouches or small 50/100ml packs of lotions, sanitizers, baby soap, toothpaste, soft sponge, and cotton wool for your baby.
3. Diapers. The diaper is a piece of cloth or other material that is placed between a baby's legs and fastened around the waist to hold body waste. Diapers are one necessary thing to pack while on the go. At least pack some for the first couple of days and you can plan to buy the rest once you reach the place.
If you use re-washable diapers, you might consider giving them a break for a few days as it would be difficult to properly dry them in public toilets or hotel rooms when traveling.
There are a lot of quick diaper change kits available in the market today. These are pocket-size and portable which will make outings with your baby easy and light. You can also check super-portable changing clutches that are trending and used widely today.
4. Feeding essentials. If you are bottle-feeding or weaning (giving solid foods to your baby after 6 months of age), a pre-filled formula container is an essential piece of the travel kit. If your baby is taking formula milk, you should carry it along. Also, plan on from where you will get warm milk and other things required for the feed.
Carry a small bottle of dish soap and a bottle brush in a sealable plastic bag at all times for cleaning and sterilizing your baby’s feeding bottle.
If you are traveling by plane, remember to check the guidelines for carrying liquid items. Formula, breast milk, and juice are considered liquids and must be compulsorily separated from other liquids like gels and aerosols. You might also want to check how these liquids can be carried - is it okay to freeze them or carry them in liquid form.
5. Other miscellaneous accessories. Carry a couple of silicone bibs (a piece of cloth or plastic fastened around your child's neck to keep its clothes clean while eating) as they are super easy to clean, can be reused, and are portable to carry.
Consider carrying portable wet-dry bags for dirty diapers and soiled (or spoiled) clothes. Avoid using plastic bags to dispose of these. Cloth bags are reusable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly.
The most important thing is your baby’s health. If you are traveling to a new place with a different climate, visit your paediatrician and get a prescription for medicines that might be required, in case. You should also get your child vaccinated against any disease which is widespread in that area.
Traveling with your little one can be quite overwhelming if you do not plan properly. With a little bit of planning, your holiday or vacation can be exciting and fun. Consult your paediatrician and understand all essentials you need to carry for your baby.
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.