How to keep your baby safe when you're on the move?

If you're a new parent, you might want to stay close to your home for a few months after your baby is born. The idea of taking your baby along for a short trip can greatly stress you out. From constant diaper changes to feeding sessions, babies need non-stop attention during infancy. So when travelling, you must be attentive and take precautions to ensure your baby's safety. 

If you are planning to travel with your baby, make sure you carry all the essentials both you and the baby might need. From wet wipes and feeding bottles to strollers and car seats, ensure maximum safety and comfort for the baby when you are on the move. Though it sounds like a lot, travelling with your baby can turn out to be a fun experience if you are fully prepared and in control of the situation. 

Is your baby old enough to travel?

It is usually considered safe to travel when the baby is 3 months old as by then, they would have developed some resistance and their immune system would have developed. If your baby is 6 months old or beyond and has a fixed routine, you should then plan the travel according to that.

In most cases, it is advised to avoid any kind of travel within 40 days of childbirth. During this time, both the baby and the mother need some recovery time. The baby is put in a confinement period to safeguard it from getting any infections and the mother is expected to recuperate from the delivery. 

When it comes to air travel, it is recommended to wait until your infant is at least four to six weeks old is recommended. However, if you absolutely need to travel soon after giving birth, experts suggest waiting 7 to 14 days before taking a healthy baby on a plane.

How to keep your baby safe when you are travelling

When you are travelling with your baby, make your baby the priority. Plan your itinerary in such a way that it does not exhaust your baby or disturb its routine. Always be attentive to your baby’s moods, sleeping and feeding timings. A happy baby will ensure you a happy trip!

In this blog article, we have provided you with tips that you can follow when you are travelling with your baby in a car, train, or aeroplane.

Travelling by car

You can follow these tips when you are travelling with a baby in a car

• Make sure all passengers in the car are buckled and the baby is made to sit in an appropriate car seat. Road travel might not be the best option, especially in developing countries like India, so always go the extra mile to ensure safety.
• Installing car seats in your car will ensure safety for your baby at all times and prevent the chances of accidents or other injuries. Install the car seat in such a manner that it does not move more than 1 inch in any direction. Keep checking the height and weight limitations of the car seat every now and then to make sure your baby has not outgrown it. Car seats must always face the rear of the car. The best position for a car seat is in the middle of the backseat.
• 1st Step’s car seats are tested with European Safety Standards and come in two different categories: Infant Car Seats (upto 10kgs) and Baby Car Seats (upto 18kgs).
• Children often get restless and moody during long road trips. Keep them entertained by showing fun sights on the way, playing some music, and giving them their favourite toy to play with.
• Stop driving every few hours to give yourself and your baby a break. Constantly being on the move might lead to car sickness. You can stop and get out for some fresh air whenever you feel like it.
• Remember to carry your baby wherever you go. Never leave a baby alone in the car as temperature levels can rise in minutes, causing severe harm to the baby.

Travelling by train

A lot of us Indians travel by train quite often. If you are travelling with a baby, here are some points to keep in mind

• Always choose an AC coach if you are travelling with your baby. In most cases, the temperature is AC coaches are ideal for the baby. Generally, AC coaches are cleaner and more sanitized compared to the regular ones.
• New-born babies need a lot of sleep and rest. A carrycot is a great option for parents to let their babies settle in comfortably. Babies can sit or sleep in it since most carrycots come in many positions. They are lightweight, easy to carry, foldable, and take up much less space.

Our carrycots have a 5-in-1 feature as they can be used as a baby carrier, rocker, baby chair, recliner and feeding seat. They also have a foldable overhead canopy and a mosquito mesh that protects the baby from sun rays and pests.

• If it’s your baby’s first time travelling in a train, you must carry a set of emergency medicines since you wouldn’t know how your baby will react to the journey. Gastric issues are quite common for babies travelling in a train so make sure you carry emergency medicines to avoid fever, colic, stuffy nose, burp, nausea etc.

• Never buy outside food for your baby, especially the ones they sell in trains. Always carry your own food that you have tried and tested with your baby.

• Always keep an eye on your baby and make sure it stays on the lower berth. Protect your baby from sharp edges and from climbing to upper berths. 

Travelling by Aeroplane - Air ways

If you are flying with a baby, here are some useful tips that might help:

• If it’s the first time you are taking your baby on a flight, do consult your pediatrician and ask for advice, especially if your kid has respiratory problems. It is always better to get expert advice to be on the safe side.
• You can always carry prams and strollers to walk around with your baby in the airport and get them gate-checked. Since they are lightweight, they are also easy to push around without getting very exhausted. Strollers can also be greatly beneficial for toddlers as they come with cushiony seats that will keep them comfortable. 

Prams and strollers from 1st Step come with a 5-point safety harness and a reversible handlebar that can help the baby face either forward or backwards. Our durable strollers can be used for babies till they turn 3 years old. 

• Just like us, babies can experience ear pain during take-off and landing. Make sure you nurse them or let them suck on a bottle. Older kids can chew gums or use straws to drink any liquid.
• When flying, a child is best protected when firmly buckled up in a car safety seat that is suitable for their age, weight, and height. Most airlines allow parents to carry a car seat for the baby as luggage, without any additional luggage expenses.

You can check out our car seats that are tested with European Safety Standards and come in two different categories.

• Aeroplanes are usually very quiet. When you carry toys and other entertainment for your baby, try to take non-noisy toys that will not disturb other passengers. 

Some general tips to follow while travelling with a baby:

• Having a first-aid kit for your baby can come in handy during a mild cold or an upset tummy. It is always a good idea to carry the necessary medicines and general first-aid kit items like bandages and ointments.
• Carry a good amount of travel-sized cereal packs and other solids that your baby might prefer. You can also carry boiled water in a flask.
• If it’s your baby’s first time travelling, you might want to carry your baby’s favourite blankets or sheets to give them a familiar feeling of comfort. You can also take a favourite toy to distract your baby and keep them engaged whenever necessary.
• Make sure the baby is taking in a lot of fluids during the trip. A hydrated baby is a happy baby!
• Carrying extras of all essentials like wipes, food, diapers, and clothes (for both the parents and the baby) is always advised.

Conclusion

Getting out of your house for a longer duration might seem nerve-wracking if you have a little toddler crawling and running around your house. But with proper preparation and safety measures, you can make your day out as fun as possible. Who knows, your baby might even enjoy some travelling and meeting new people!

We hope this blog offered you some sound advice on how to take care of your baby and their travelling needs. 

With 1st Step’s top-quality products, both babies and parents can be stress-free and make the most of the day! You can check out all our products online or even visit our stores. If you have any suggestions or queries, feel free to reach out to us or comment below.