Top Tips for Traveling Internationally with a Newborn

14 Sep 2024

5 mins read (1178 words)

Traveling with a newborn, especially internationally, can feel like a daunting task. In a YouTube video documenting their first international trip with their two-month-old baby, one family shares their insightful and practical experiences. Their journey offers many valuable tips for new parents planning a similar adventure. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their travel experience and key takeaways to make your trip as smooth as possible.

1. Packing for the Journey

Traveling with a baby requires strategic packing. The family in the video traveled with five suitcases, a stroller, and a car seat. While this might sound overwhelming, they found it necessary to accommodate baby essentials. For parents planning similar trips, consider these items must-haves:

Nuna Pipa RX car seat and Nuna Tavo stroller: Compact and comfortable for the baby while still functional for travel.
Essentials for in-flight comfort: They packed baby bottles, formula, and pacifiers to ensure their baby, Shiloh, would be fed and comfortable during the flight.

2. Navigating the Airport

One crucial tip shared is to get an Uber XXXL if you’re traveling with more than a few suitcases and a stroller. Once at the airport, they suggest making the best use of the services available:

Don’t hesitate to check your stroller and car seat at the desk. Many parents make the mistake of gate-checking these items, but this couple realized that once they were at the gate, they were pushing the stroller around empty. If you’re not planning to use these items during the flight, it’s easier to check them in right away and free up your hands.
Security with baby formula and water: At airport security, baby formula and water were no issue. They were run through a machine without any need to open the bottles. Packing everything in a separate, easy-to-access bag will make the security process faster.

3. Tips for In-Flight Comfort

Long-haul flights can be particularly challenging, but with the right preparation, they can be made much easier:

Use a bassinet seat: The family was lucky to get a bassinet seat without having to pay extra, and although there was turbulence throughout the flight, the bassinet still served as a handy storage space for their baby items.
Feeding during takeoff and landing: One of the most helpful tips for new parents is to make sure your baby is either nursing, bottle-feeding, or sucking on a pacifier during takeoff and landing. This helps to relieve the pressure on their little ears. The family noticed other babies crying during the flight, but because they had Shiloh feeding or using a pacifier, she stayed calm.
Noise-canceling headphones: The couple also had baby-sized noise-canceling headphones for Shiloh, which seemed to help in keeping her calm during the noisier parts of the flight.

4. Dealing with Turbulence

When flying with a baby, especially during long-haul flights, turbulence can make the journey uncomfortable. During times of turbulence, babies have to be taken out of the bassinet and held in the arms with an infant belt. The parents found themselves holding Shiloh for most of the flight due to consistent turbulence. If turbulence is common on your flight, be prepared to hold your baby for extended periods, even if you have reserved a bassinet.

5. Formula and Feeding Tips

Bringing formula on a flight can seem complicated, but the family offers practical advice:

Pre-measure your formula in travel containers. This allows you to quickly mix up a bottle without any mess or stress during the flight.
Ready-to-feed bottles: These are great for convenience, but if your baby doesn’t finish the bottle, you’ll have to ask the flight attendant to refrigerate it for later use. They had no issues with this, but it can be a hassle, so having powdered formula and pre-measured water can be a good alternative.

6. Baby Carriers for Mobility

Having a baby carrier is invaluable when traveling with a newborn. Not only does it free up your hands, but it also keeps your baby close and secure. As the family shared, they put Shiloh in the carrier while getting off the plane, making the disembarkation process much smoother. The stroller, which they gate-checked, ended up carrying their luggage instead of the baby.

7. Pack for Emergencies

Having a well-stocked baby backpack is essential:

Spare clothes for both baby and parents: Although Shiloh didn’t spit up much, the parents recommended always having a backup outfit ready for those unexpected messes.
Blankets: Though the airline may provide blankets, it’s always a good idea to bring your own for extra comfort and peace of mind regarding cleanliness.

8. Managing Pumping

If you're pumping, a portable breast pump can be a game-changer. The mom in the video used a portable pump during the flight, which allowed her to continue pumping while caring for her baby. Having a hands-free, portable option ensures you stay on schedule with pumping even during long flights.

9. Post-Arrival Considerations

Once they arrived in Serbia, the family was relieved at how well Shiloh handled the trip, but they reminded viewers that it’s important to:

Check in your stroller and car seat early. There’s no need to drag them through security and onto the plane if you won’t be using them.
Stay flexible. Traveling with a baby means that not everything will go as planned. Be ready to adapt and improvise when necessary.

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

The family emphasized how nervous they were at the start of the trip, not knowing how their baby would handle the long journey. But with preparation, flexibility, and a calm mindset, their experience turned out to be smoother than expected. For new moms considering international travel, their advice is simple: take it one step at a time, prepare well, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.

Legal Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is based on personal experiences and is intended for informational purposes only. EarlyDaysMom.com is not responsible for the accuracy of the information presented. Always consult with a medical professional, pediatrician, or qualified expert before making any decisions regarding your child’s health or travel arrangements.