Arranging a journey as a parent for the first time, when the child with you is an infant, may be rather challenging. With some planning, though, both parents and child can take a journey that is fun and without incident. Everything beginning from packing to the luggage, security check to boarding and travelling with an infant will be tips to enable you to have a stress-free journey.

Let’s take a closer look at how to prepare when travelling with an infant. 

Preparing to Travel With an Infant

Here is how to prepare when travelling with an infant. 

Plan Your Travel Around Your Baby’s Schedule

It is a great consideration that should be taken when travelling with an infant in their schedule. It is advised that the parent should try and schedule their travelling in a way that will not interfere with the baby’s sleep or feeding routine.

If possible, try and travel when it is time for the baby's nap or when the baby is at night. It is easier for parents to manage their kids since the movement of the plane does not pose as much of a problem to anyone’s sleep. There’s nothing worse than getting on the road and then realising two hours later you are hungry or your baby needs feeding, changing or cuddling. If you try to rush it will only increase pressure.

Essentials for Your Baby 

It is generally hectic to pack for an infant though limiting the items to be packed will assist in lessening the bulkiness of the bags. Take enough diapers, wipes and a baby changing mat to cater for the time you will be on the counter. Each should remember diaper cream and a couple of plastic bags for soiled diapers. Depending on how you feed your baby, pack enough formulas, bottles, breast milk or baby food for the trip as this might be very necessary. For those who are nursing, bring something that would give you concealment. Also get a bottle of water and snacks that you will need perhaps, especially if you are a breastfeeding mother.

Take additional clothing for you as well as your newborn baby because the baby is likely to spit up. Layering is vital, mostly for airports and planes, they can be very hot or very cold. Comfort Items: Pack your baby’s favourite comforter, feeding bottle, or toy, so they can use it during the journey to make them calm down.If a crib is not available at the destination, providing one might be a good idea to carry a portable crib. A baby carrier or a sling also comes in handy in that it frees the hands in the course of moving around the airport or making other stops in case of a road trip.

Prepare for the Airport and Security

Moving around the airport with an infant may be slightly tasking, but it isn’t something that anyone should worry about. The amount of time that you take will also be longer than normal, this is because you will need to spend a considerable amount of time on check-in, security check and random emergencies that may occur. Early, it is also possible to specifically ask for extra space, or a bassinet, if available. It is however good to note that most airlines let you take your stroller and car seat all the way to the gate and they will check them in for you free of charge. This means one can uptake them all through the airport and tender them at the time of boarding only.

Keep Your Baby Comfortable During the Journey

Even during the takeoff and landing, the pressure difference in the compartment may cause your baby some discomfort, especially in his or her ears. Of course, feeding them during such moments may go a long way in easing this burden. Moreover, it is advisable for parents to dress their baby in soft and multiple-layered clothing since they will be spending most of their time in the car. Finished products must not have many buttons or zippers that may rub the skin of the children. Take along some small toys or a few books to keep the baby occupied during the trip. If they are of reasonable age, having a tablet with cartoons or games also becomes very helpful.

Be Ready for the Unexpected

Ensure that one has taken more than enough in case one is held up on the road. This means having literally more diapers, food, and clothes than you could imagine you would possibly require. It is very important that your baby does not sense any distress from you; therefore, whenever a situation is not favourable, consider it to be as positive as possible. It is very okay to seek help, from the flight attendants, other passengers or even while on a road trip. If one embarks on a journey with a child, especially an infant, most people are only too willing to assist the parent.

Taking a baby on a trip may sound like a herculean task but the following tips can ease the exercise. Before travelling around your baby, packing all necessary things, preparing for your airport stay, keeping your baby comfortable, and being prepared for some eventualities, you’ll prepare the stage for a successful trip. Just be prepared to be as fluid and patient as you can be because every travel experience with your baby and her is a treasure.