Baby travel checklist: planning and packing these holidays

The world has become smaller over the last century, with international travel becoming more and more available to the masses. Our parent’s generation was used to holidaying within their own country, whereas today you can travel to virtually any country in the world. However, the coronavirus pandemic has put a stop to almost all forms of travel, whether domestic or international, although there are now signs that the world is opening up again. 

This has meant that many people are already planning for their 2021 holidays, and as it has been so long since most people have been away, they are thinking of traveling with a newborn baby. For many people, this would sound crazy, and they wouldn’t know where to start, whereas others would see it as a challenge and the opportunity of a lifetime. In this article, we will take a look at everything you need to plan and pack if you are thinking of taking your baby on holiday with you, so read on to find out more.

Nappy changing gear

Whether you are at home in your own country or on your travels to the other side of the world, your baby’s nappy will still need changing, so you need to be prepared for any eventuality. If you are traveling to a modern country, then you will likely find everything you need at your destination. Still, the last thing you want is to be spending your first-day sourcing nappies and cleaning products, and if you are heading off the beaten track, you may not be able to find any of the essentials, so it is paramount that you plan and pack ahead. Make sure that you have sufficient nappies for at least a few days and an ample supply of wet wipes so that your holiday sets off on the right foot. 

A pushchair

Babies grow every day, and although you may be carrying your little bundle of joy in the baby carrier without any problem at the moment, they could become too heavy to carry in a comfortable manner in no time at all. Thankfully, all modern airlines allow you to take a pushchair on board, and the majority of the latest designs are lightweight and will collapse down to a manageable size. Experts from Baby & Co advise that most airlines will also only charge the standard baggage fee, so you will not be wasting those hard-earned pennies transporting your pushchair around. Your back really will forgive you if you give it a rest from all the carrying, and your tot will find the pushchair cozy enough to fall asleep in, just as they would if they were held tightly to your bosom. 

Baby food

Depending on how old your baby is, they may not be eating solid food yet, so it is essential that you have a supply of their favorite baby foods to supplement your breastfeeding, assuming you are doing so. People feed their babies very different things, so the last thing you want to do is rely on supplies from a foreign country as your baby may refuse the food, and you could have an almighty screaming session as you have a starving baby on your hands. Take at least a few days’ worth of cereal for babies, as well as jarred or packaged food with you that you can quickly and easily warm-up, and don’t forget their bib, or you could find baby food all over you remarkably quickly!!

Clothing

You may have become used to clothing your baby in the country that you live in, but have you thought about the climate at your destination? If you are seeking winter sun or are heading away in the height of summer, the temperature will be very different, and you need to dress your baby accordingly. They will need covering up from head to toe in the midday sun, and you will need to remember to take a hat and appropriately strong sun cream to keep their skin protected. Conversely, if you are heading away in winter, don’t forget to take warm clothing for them, as it could be a lot chillier than you’d expect at home. 

As we have learned, there are several things you need to pack and plan for if you are taking your baby on holiday with you. Ensure that you have all the nappy changing gear you need and food for at least a couple of days, as you don’t want to be spending your holiday shopping. Take a collapsible pushchair with you to give your back a rest and travel long distances, and ensure you have the right clothing and accessories for the season where you are traveling to. Bon, voyage!