A Beginner’s Guide to Traveling With an Infant

Photo Credit: Adobe/hedgehog94

Traveling with a new baby is going to be a mixed bag.

You can expect some moments of bliss along with the occasional meltdown when you leave the comfort of home with your little one in tow.

I recently took a family vacation with my two-month-old daughter and can say it was both challenging and rewarding. As any new parent quickly learns, patience is everything so be prepared for a bit of chaos so you can handle these inevitable stressful moments with poise.

With newly set expectations that this trip wouldn’t be like the previous ones I’d taken as a non-dad, it was time to pack up as efficiently as possible.

Organization is crucial when traveling with a 10-week-old since you have the limitations of a car seat. Plus, mom or dad may need to be able to safely sit in the backseat if and when the baby needs soothing.

There are also all the important items you need when traveling with an infant, including things like formula, diapers and a stroller. The Doona car seat and stroller combo saved the day for us. It’s a bit on the pricey side but a no-brainer for families with small children who love to travel as you won’t need to pack a bulky stroller along with your car seat.

You’ll also want to have a portable changing pad that you can pack with extra diapers and wipes for quick and easy diaper changes whether you’re in the backseat of the car, at a rest stop or on your hotel bed. You can get one for cheap from most stores.

Ocean City, MD Boardwalk – Photo Credit: Patrick Clarke

When you’ve reached your destination, try to go on outdoor walks to give you and your baby plenty of natural light to boost your mood and help with the baby’s sleeping routine away from home.

We went on multiple strolls along the boardwalk during our week-long stay by the ocean.

A collapsible bouncer or infant lounger can also be helpful when bedtime arrives. Neither will take up much room while packing and will allow you and your baby to rest comfortably regardless of your accommodation setup.

Ultimately, as a parent, you quickly learn what your baby needs and those instincts will be helpful when travel throws you and your family a few unexpected curveballs.

Traveling with your new baby can be daunting in the beginning but, like with anything, practice makes perfect. Or, in this case, at the very least bearable so you can make those amazing memories and start traditions in new places. 

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.