Traveling with a newborn: everything you absolutely need to know!

curated by Manuela Cervetti

We are almost there, summer has almost arrived while the scorching heat has actually been keeping us company for a few weeks. The desire to go on vacation is at its maximum at this time of the year: the desire to switch off, find some relaxation and rediscover slower rhythms, change the air and the view. In short, we all want to rest and regenerate a little.

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But who has recently had a baby? What are the precautions and things to know before planning a trip with a baby?

Well, the first advice is to avoid, if possible, to travel before at least 10/15 days have passed since the birth. I don't think you will exactly want to leave so close to the birth of your baby, but in any case, take a few days to recover well from childbirth, to start breastfeeding correctly, to allow your little one to acclimate to life. The opinion of the pediatrician, in this case, is really recommended.

After this first, very delicate period, go ahead to travel with your child but keeping in mind some small precautions so as to leave calm, equipped and really enjoy your holiday!

The journey by car

• Infants can travel by car as long as the rules of the Highway Code - Art. 172 are respected, which require the little one to be placed correctly in an egg compliant with European legislation and suitably fixed to the seat, respecting the installation rules (up to 9 kilos of the child's weight, the seat must be installed in the opposite direction to that of travel)
• The car seat must be installed on the rear seat, if possible in a central position (the safest position even in the event of side collisions) and never on the front seat (the opening of the airbag in the event of a collision could be highly damaging)
• A child seat in compliance with the law must bear the initials ECE R44-03
• Better to travel in the cooler hours of the day
• Do not abuse the air conditioning, maintaining a constant temperature not below 22-23 degrees and without excessive changes compared to the outside temperature
• During the stop, always park the car in shady areas and lower the windows to let the air pass
• NEVER leave, for any reason or even for a few minutes, a baby or child in the car alone: excessive and rapid overheating of the vehicle can cause severe dehydration with even lethal consequences in the small child. There are also CarBabyAler like Remmy that can be used, simple and quick devices to install to avoid any kind of forgetfulness of the child or infant in the car.
• NEVER remove the infant from the carrier while the car is in motion.
• Stop every 2 hours for a break and in case you need to breastfeed or change your baby.

Traveling by train

• Traveling by train gives mothers and fathers the opportunity to get up and walk, to change or breastfeed the baby without having to stop, to hold them in their arms to cuddle or sleep.
• Beware of drafts and air conditioning which, unlike the car, you will not be able to regulate. So remember to keep a blanket in which to wrap the baby and a bonnet to protect his head.

Travel by plane

• Traveling by plane with infants is possible if strictly necessary after checking with the airline with which you intend to travel but above all after obtaining the opinion of the pediatrician to whom it is good to contact before embarking on this type of travel.
• Traveling by plane for such a small child can be a source of great stress, sudden changes in temperature and pressure, very loud lights and noises.
• When traveling by plane with a very small child, it is strongly recommended to stimulate the baby's sucking, attaching him to the breast or offering him a pacifier, in this way any problems with pressure changes affecting the ear during take-off and landing would be reduced.
• Many airlines provide special services for those traveling with infants or small children (travel cradles, play kits, baby food, bottle warmers, facilitated boarding, reserved seats, etc ...), ask your company first. For example, Meridiana has even created an online guide "Children in the clouds" to download for free with useful tips for those traveling with children.

What not to forget in your suitcase?

• Changes for the newborn: bodysuits, rompers, bibs, bonnet and a blanket
• Diapers, wipes, changing cream, a towel on which to spread it out to change it in comfort
• Travel documents of the newborn and any information provided by the pediatrician before departure, as well as the telephone number of the pediatrician to contact for any doubt!
• If you are not breastfeeding, you need to prepare and heat enough formulated milk bottles to cover the estimated duration of your trip (maybe calculate one or two more bottles!)

Most of the advice listed above was provided by the SIN Italian Society of Neonatology which every year is concerned with helping new parents to travel safely with their children. As a mother I believe that they are all very useful and very important tips to ensure that we start our holidays with serenity and in total safety together with our children.

If I missed something and you want to add some practical and useful suggestions, the word is yours!

See also:
The 10 things I try to tell my daughters every day
Are you pregnant? Here are the 10 books you need to read during pregnancy to learn more!
Small at home? Here are 10 things to do to make a home truly child-friendly