Many moms think that their traveling days are over once they have a baby and they would no longer enjoy a nice and relaxing vacation. The truth is quite the opposite, though, and if you plan everything properly, you can enjoy some quality time as a new family wherever you want. However, there are some things you need to pay attention to, especially if you plan on traveling soon after having the baby. You need to make sure you feel good, that you and your baby are ready to leave the house for a while, and that it’s safe for you all to travel. No matter which transportation option you go for, you need to make sure it suits your needs. Here are some useful tips you might want to check out when it comes to preparing your new family for the trip and making sure you’re fine traveling.
Create a plan
This is probably the most important trip in the world for your family and you should plan everything precisely. You’ll hear that you can’t know what to expect when traveling with a newborn, but the truth is that you need to try to control most of the situations. Making sure you know all the details of your flight, hotel arrangements, and how to get to your hotel from the airport will make you feel calmer and in control of things.
When it comes to packing, think about bringing only the items you’re actually going to use. This will be especially helpful when you’re trying to maneuver a baby stroller through the airport and carry all the luggage through a crowded area. Light packing will allow you to be more focused on getting from one checkup to another without making stops to check your bags.
Consult doctors
You shouldn’t do anything soon after giving birth without talking to your doctor and checking if you’re good to go. Lots of new moms take some time off before going anywhere, and this is especially the case if you had certain problems after giving birth and need to take care of them properly. You need to know that everyone’s body recovers differently and you need to be fully recovered before you leave your home.
In addition to that, check with your child’s pediatrician when it’s safe to take your baby on the road. Babies have a strict schedule when it comes to vaccines and their regular checkups so try not to miss any of them. If you’re traveling to a completely new area you’ve never visited before, ask your pediatrician about the medications you should have with you.
Proper mental care
Traveling for the first time with a newborn can be hard, both mentally and physically, so you need to make sure you’re doing fine. Even though you’ll be on a vacation, make sure you eat properly, especially if you are breastfeeding. Don’t forget to take your vitamins because they’re crucial for your recovery, and try to drink as much water as you can.
Sometimes, the burden of all these things and detailed plans can be hard and you could end up developing a case of serious postpartum depression which can be especially hard if you’re trying to have a good time. If you become overwhelmed, just cut your trip short or try to relax and focus on your baby, resting and connecting with your newborn. If nothing seems to be working, though, just go home and you’ll be fine once you’re back in your nest.
Getting around
A newborn is the perfect travel companion because they still sleep all the time and the only time they’re awake is when they need to eat. This will allow you to explore the city, enjoy a nice meal, and do pretty much everything while having your baby with you. When it comes to making your trip easier for the rest of the family, make sure that you know all the transportation options you’ll need.
A stroller is a must, and you need to find a model that’s practical and that will allow you to move quickly. However, your stroller needs to be comfy so that your baby can sleep as much as possible, so don’t forget that too. On the other hand, if you want to have your baby closer to you in order to feel safer, there are different types of carriers that can allow you to take your baby everywhere with you and even feed it when necessary.
Lastly, make sure to bring some interesting and colorful toys that could soothe your baby. Sometimes crowded places can frighten it, and these items could be helpful. Also, parents like to turn to different apps when it comes to traveling with a baby – from calming noises to apps that tract feeding time – so explore these before you hit the road as well!
