Newborn Checklist for Travel
Parents of newborns find traveling with their little ones a huge inconvenience and that is why they need a newborn checklist. This is not surprising, as a baby’s things can be overwhelming. Can you imagine how difficult it would be for parents like you to pack their baby’s things, given the large number of clothes, diapers, bottles and wipes that newborns need? But there are times when traveling with a baby just can’t be avoided. You can minimize the chances of forgetting an important item by keeping a newborn checklist for travel. Likewise, you can ensure a more comfortable ride for your little one by bringing the right travel gear.
your essentials
But before you pack your baby’s things, secure your essentials first. Carry cash or credit, debit and ATM cards; you don’t want to be caught penniless during the trip. Don’t forget your passports or if you drive, your driver’s license. The same goes for your health and travel insurance documents and airline tickets. Keep your address or phone book, as well as hotel or car reservation numbers.
baby supplies
Pack plenty of clothes, as you don’t want to be caught needing a pair or two on the way. Assign two to three sets per day, plus one extra. Bring a sweater or jacket to keep your baby warm when she goes to cooler weather.
How many diapers do you need to carry? To have enough for the entire trip, allocate one diaper for every hour you’ll be on the road. You can also bring more in case your flight is delayed.
Bring disposable changing pads that you can put under your newborn during diaper changes. You can buy them in supermarkets and baby stores. Diaper rash can strike at any time during your trip, so you should have a small tube of diaper rash ointment with you.
Bring some blankets, as you’ll find them useful to cover your baby or protect your clothes from burping. Baby wipes not only help you clean the baby’s bottom, but also clean the face, hands and even spills. You can opt for disposable bibs instead of wearing totally dirty ones. Also include travel cloth diapers on your newborn checklist that can double as burp clothes to clean up spills.
Feeding
Hungry babies can add to the hassle down the road. Imagine how difficult it would be to appease a hungry newborn during a flight. So bring enough formula to last you through unexpected delays. If you are breastfeeding your baby, make sure you have plenty of snacks and bottled water.
Bring enough bottles to last you through the trip. Also don’t forget the bottle brush and some travel-size dish soap that you’ll need in case you need to clean bottles on the go.
Miscellaneous
Carry several sealable bags that you can use to dispose of dirty diapers or store dirty clothes. After changing your baby’s diapers, you may have a hard time finding a sink where you can wash your hands. Carrying a travel-sized hand sanitizer should keep your hands clean after changing diapers.
Carry cold and fever medications in case your baby experiences a sudden rise in body temperature. If you’re traveling by plane, make sure these medications are in your carry-on or diaper bag. Make sure the spoon or dropper for each medicine is also in the bag. A thermometer should also be carried so you know their temperature in case your newborn gets sick.
Keep your little one groomed at all times with toiletries like brush, shampoo, soap and nail clippers.
Carrying your baby is easier if you have a carrier or front carrier. You should find this useful if you are in busy areas like airports. If you travel by car, don’t forget the seat and the seat pillow to support your baby’s head throughout the trip. A collapsible stroller is also a must, something that can be stored in the overhead compartment.
tips
To avoid missing important items, start packing a few days before you hit the road. Cross off the things you have packed on the list. Pack your baby’s clothes in separate bags to save yourself the hassle of searching for smaller items like socks.
Don’t forget to bring your camera, battery charger and spare memory card. Your newborn travel checklist should also include age-appropriate toys such as rattles, squishy animals, plastic keys, and squishy animals.