Traveling With a Newborn Baby: By Car or Train
Traveling with your newborn can be stressful. But there are steps you can take so that you and your newborn have a safe and happy trip.
Note: Keep in mind that the doctor may recommend that your baby avoids crowds if he is younger than three months old. This is because a newborn’s immune system is not fully developed yet, so he is more susceptible to colds and other infections. Before you plan your baby’s first trip, it is a good idea to talk to the doctor to be sure that it is safe.
Traveling by Car
When traveling in the car with your baby, your trip will go a lot smoother if you pack all of the supplies you will need. While some of the items may vary depending on the weather and the length of the trip, here are some supplies that you will want to add to your travel bag:
- Diapers, baby wipes, diaper rash ointment, and trash bags to dispose of the diapers
- Extra clothes
- Feeding supplies (eg, bottles, nipples, formula, bibs)—If you give your baby formula, follow the product’s instructions about how to safely store it.
- Pacifiers
- Age-appropriate toys (eg, rattles, plastic rings)
- Any medicine that your baby needs
- Oral rehydration solution (ORS)—If your baby has diarrhea , ORS is used to prevent dehydration . The doctor may recommend that you pack ORS, which can be bought at a pharmacy.
Here are some tips for a safe trip:
- For newborns and babies, always use a rear-facing car seat. Be sure to follow the directions for attaching the seat and for strapping in your baby. Always place the car seat in the back seat. This is the safest place for babies and children.
- Since your baby will be facing the back seat, place colorful pictures on the seat to give him something to look at.
- Dress your baby in comfortable clothes. This will make it easier for you to change his diaper.
- Use a window shade to block the sun from shining on your baby’s face.
- Play relaxing music in the car.
- Try to follow your baby’s regular feeding schedule. For example, if your baby is awake and ready for her usual feeding, you will want to take a break from traveling to feed her.
- Unless your baby is sleeping, stop every hour to give him a break from sitting in the car seat and to change his diaper. You may want to give your baby a chance to move and stretch by placing him on a blanket outside. You can buy a product called a ground sheet, which stops moisture and insects from getting through to the blanket. Also, while your baby is outside, be sure to protect him from the sun. Dress your baby in clothes that cover his body. Newborns have delicate skin that can easily burn.
- Once you have reached your destination, if possible, have your traveling companion drop you and your baby off at the door. Remember to set up a place to meet with your companion once the car is parked.
- Never leave your baby alone in the car. This is extremely dangerous. As the temperature rises in the car, a baby can die from heat stroke . Babies should always be in the care of responsible adults.
Traveling by Train
Just like a car trip, train travel requires time to prepare. You will want to be sure that you have all of the supplies that you need in your carry-on bag. Here are some other tips to keep in mind:
- Reserve a seat for your baby. You will be able to use the car seat on the train.
- Again, dress your baby in comfortable clothing. You may want to have a few layers so that you can adjust his clothing depending on the temperature on board.
- Arrive at the station early. This can reduce a lot of stress.
- If you need your baby’s formula heated or refrigerated, talk to the train staff. They will be able to assist you.
- If your baby cries, try holding him and walking down the aisles.
As you get more adapted to traveling with your baby, trips will go more smoothly. The most important point to remember is to be prepared by packing the supplies that you will need to take care of your little one.
RESOURCES:
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org/
Kids Health
http://kidshealth.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php/
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://www.sogc.org/index_e.asp
References:
American Academy of Pediatrics. Travel safety tips. American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/travelsafetytips.cfm. Updated June 2009. Accessed May 12, 2010.
Baby First Year. Traveling tips for parents with infants. Baby First Year website. Available at: http://www.babyfirstyear.org/2009/03/traveling-tips-for-parents-with-infants.html. Accessed May 11, 2010.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Traveling safely with infants and children. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Travelers’ Health website. Available at: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2010/chapter-7/traveling-with-infants-and-children.aspx. Updated July 27, 2009. Accessed May 12, 2010.
Children’s Physician Network. Traveling with baby. Children’s Physician Network website. Available at: http://www.cpnonline.org/CRS/CRS/pa_travelai_pep.htm. Updated October 2006. Accessed May 12, 2010.
Harmon E. Traveling on a long car ride with an infant. Associated Content website. Available at: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/179640/traveling_on_a_long_car_ride_with_an.html. Published March 23, 2007. Accessed May 12, 2010.
Mass General Hospital for Children. Traveling with a baby. Mass General Hospital for Children website. Available at: http://www.mgh.harvard.edu/children/childhealthatoz/articles.aspx?article=pa_travelai_pep.htm. Updated October 22, 2008. Accessed May 12, 2010.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Tip #2: traveling safely with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Buckle Up NC website. Available at: http://www.buckleupnc.org/pdf/NHTSA_ChildSafetyTip02.pdf. Updated October 2004. Accessed May 12, 2010.
University of Minnesota. Tips for infant car travel. University of Minnesota, Amplatz Children’s Hospital website. Available at: http://www.uofmchildrenshospital.org/healthlibrary/content/pa_carseati_pep.htm. Updated February 2009. Accessed May 12, 2010.
Last reviewed June 2010 by J. Thomas Megerian, MD, PhD, FAAP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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