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Safety Hacks for Traveling With a Baby

June 8, 2020 | Guest Post by Richard Cole

Are you new to the whole parenting business? Then you have probably heard your more experienced friends give this advice: "Don't travel with a baby. Just don't." Their advice really comes from a good place. They have probably already tried it and their experience was so terribly inconvenient that they wouldn't advise it to anyone.

We've been there ourselves. The unbelievable amount of luggage, the safety concerns, the wailing. It can make you think if the whole trip was worth it. Fortunately, there are ways to make your trip safer and easier. We have picked up and learned these hacks along the way, and today, we are going to share them all with you. So before you make travel arrangements and contact your chosen organizer like the online travel agency MustGo, make sure that you finish reading this article first. Let's get started.

The Real Concern

First of all, let’s talk about what you should be really concerned about. It’s not the inconvenience nor the luggage and impromptu diaper changes in a moving vehicle. Your main concern with traveling with a baby, especially a newborn, is the risks it poses to his health.

Just think about it. They don’t have a fully developed immune system yet. They probably haven’t even completed their vaccines. And yet, they’re going to be exposed to a lot of strangers and germs.

Having said that, it’s probably safer to go by car since it will expose him to fewer people. Not to mention that you’ll be able to disinfect your car beforehand. We understand, though, that some trips simply cannot be avoided, so that’s what this post is about.

If it is possible, though, then we recommend to at least wait until your baby’s vaccinations are complete to make him more protected against the elements.

Safety Hacks: Pre-Trip

In the meantime, let’s move on to the safety hacks.

• Do your research. If you’re traveling by air, then you should know that different airlines have various policies related to traveling with babies. For instance, there are airline companies who require a medical form before allowing your baby to fly.
• Prepare the little one. Chances are your baby is not used to being trapped inside a vehicle for long periods of time yet. That’s why we recommend taking him in long car rides across town so he can get accustomed to it ahead of time. Try to adjust his schedule as much as you can as well. If you’re lucky, you can probably even get him to sleep during the whole trip.  This will also prepare his body.
• Ask someone to tag along. Finally, don’t take this trip on your own, especially if you’re a new mom. We’re not saying that you can’t do it. It’s simply not advisable. Traveling alone is already hard on your body undergoing recovery. This will also give you an extra pair of hands and eyes when needed for added security.

Safety Hacks: During the Trip

• Opt for a body wearing arrangement. You can definitely bring a seat for your child during the trip but we recommend body wearing for a couple of reasons. First, your baby will feel safer being close to you during the whole experience. Second, should anything happen, you can just bolt and go. You don’t have to spend precious seconds unclamping seats, especially during emergencies when it could mean the difference between life and death!
• Formulate your plan. Not all bathrooms are equal, especially in airplanes and trains. Hence, know which lavatories have a changing table the moment you get on the plane or train. Make sure that you also know where the emergency exits are for added safety.
• Give him something to munch on. Giving him his binkie or feeding him as the plane takes off or lands will minimize the slight pain caused by the increase in air pressure. It will also take his attention away from the confusing and overwhelming stimuli of everything that’s happening around him.

Safety Hacks: Post-Trip

• Allow your baby to get some rest. Don’t go sightseeing the moment you land. You need some rest as well anyway. We’re sure it has been a tiring journey. This will allow his body to recharge whatever defenses he has no matter how weak they are.
• Make sure that your baby is in good condition. Check his temperature. Don’t forget to feed him and give him his vitamins. And if you notice anything weird, then make sure that you get him checked right away.

And that’s it! We hope that you have enjoyed the hacks that we have shared with you. So you see, taking a trip with your little one shouldn’t be that much of a hassle. All it takes is a bit of preparation and research. Good luck and we wish you safe travels!

About the Author:

Richard Cole is a Marketing and Content Manager at MustGo.com and has been working in the Digital Marketing industry since 2002. He writes about marketing, lifestyle, travel, and everything else in between. As a conversion-driven marketer, he is passionate about helping businesses expand their online visibility and reach their goals.