Travelling with your baby

You probably won’t want to do much travelling with your baby at first. Most people prefer to stay put while they get used to life with a newborn. But, after a while, you may find you need a holiday. Here are some factors you might like to consider before planning any travel with a baby.

When to go

There are many good reasons for travelling while your baby is young. Unlike older babies and toddlers, who can be fussy eaters and a challenge in many other ways, small babies are portable, and usually don’t mind being trundled about in their pram, baby carrier or sling, or sleeping in a baby travel cot. Remember to book outside the school holidays while your baby is young though. It’s cheaper and less crowded. 

What to take

A few well-chosen pieces of travel gear can help smooth your journey but don’t go overboard. Keep clothes to a minimum and find out whether you can buy your usual formula and nappies at your final destination to save space. The sort of items you might like to consider taking are a lightweight buggy, baby carrier or sling and travel cot. You should also pack an easily accessible bag containing a few of your baby's favourite toys, plus a couple of new ones for novelty value. For easy nappy changing en route pre-prepare several nappy sacks with a single nappy, small packet of wipes and cream.

Planes

If you are breastfeeding you don’t have to worry about security regulations for taking fluids in your cabin baggage and, as long as the airline doesn’t require your baby to be in an air baby travel cot or bassinet, you can breastfeed while you take off and land to help equalise the pressure in his or her ears. If the baby must remain in the bassinet, think about offering an alternative to the breast such as a clean fingertip. 

Formula feeding requires some preparation. Check the airport and airline regulations about taking fluids through security and on board and make sure you have plenty as the aeroplane environment may mean your baby wants more milk. Cartons are convenient but a made-up bottle in an insulated bag is easier if you are required to drink a bit of the milk at security. Plan a back up if your baby doesn’t want a bottle at take-off and landing, such as offering a dummy or clean fingertip to suck.

On board, a baby carrier or sling can help if you need to walk your baby up and down, especially if you are travelling alone and can’t share the burden.

Trains 

Train travel can provide a relaxing alternative to flying or driving long distances. It can be even easier if you: 

• Plan the most direct route to your destination and avoid awkward train changes.
• Book ahead if possible and reserve a seat to avoid a last-minute scramble.
• Choose a window seat for older babies and children to look out of.
• Pack a light bag with nappies, snacks and toys so you can stow your cases, buggy and baby travel cot if you have one, in the luggage rack. 
• Plan how you get from the train station to your final destination and whether, for example, you need to book a taxi with a baby seat. 

Cars

The safest way for children to travel in cars is in a baby seat or child seat that is suitable for their weight and size and that has been installed properly with the seatbelts correctly threaded. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure you plan your journey with plenty of stops for feeding and nappy changes and to give your baby a walk, or relief from being in the baby seat. Some people plan long drives at night to avoid disrupting their babies’ sleep.

You may also find the following helpful: 

• Removable window shades for your car to shield your baby's skin and eyes from the sun.
• Easily accessible bag with nappies, drinks and snacks for roadside stops.
• Plenty of music to help entertain your baby (or be prepared to sing!).

Whatever you do, resist the temptation to stuff the car to the gills and don’t ever overload it in such a way it compromises comfort or safety.

Trips abroad

• Organise your baby's passport in plenty of time.
• Apply for a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for each member of your family.
• Take out adequate travel and health insurance. Family and annual policies are often the best value.
• Find out about required travel vaccinations.
• Ask the airport and your airline about fluids allowed through security and in cabin baggage.
• Find out whether your baby is required to stay in a bassinet during take-off and landing and whether airline staff will warm up baby food.
• Stock up with sun protection, including sun hats and shades.
• If you are planning any car travel such as transfers from the airport to your final destination, ask your airline or check on the website for rules about taking your baby car seat, or arrange to hire one abroad.

Further information

NCT's helpline offers practical and emotional support in all areas of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood: 0300 330 0700.

For trips by car in the UK or abroad and information about car safety, click here.

For more information and examples of travel accessories including child car seats please visit www.nctshop.co.uk