Guide for travelling abroad with a newborn

With a baby, travelling overseas can seem like a big step that requires preparation, a lot of questions, and maybe some anxiety.

Preparation is essential for everything. From deciding when it’s appropriate to take your baby’s first trip to preparing for feeding, sleeping and travelling, a little planning can help make the journey less stressful.

How soon you may travel with your baby, things to think about when picking a destination, advice on various forms of transportation, and a list of necessities are all covered in this guide.

When is the best time to take a newborn abroad?

Health specialists generally advise against taking your baby on a trip until they are at least two weeks old and, ideally, not until they are about six weeks old, when their immune system is a little more robust.

Many airlines, however, have their own regulations. Some require a minimum age of two weeks, while others permit flying from as young as two days old. Before making a reservation, it is advisable to confirm with both your preferred airline and your healthcare provider.

Your doctor could advise waiting longer if there were any birth-related issues for you or your child, or if your child was born prematurely.

Selecting the best location

When organising your vacation, take into account:

• Weather: Newborns can struggle to regulate their body temperature. Whether you’re travelling somewhere hot or cold, dress your baby appropriately and make sure the climate control in your accommodation is sufficient. Also, steer clear of excessive temperatures. 
• Terrain: Consider whether your pram and other gear will be appropriate if you’ll be walking on sandy beaches, cobblestones, or uneven walkways.
• Activity Level: When you travel with a newborn, you usually have to slow down. Select a location where you can have fun without feeling in a rush or overbooked.
• Access to Healthcare: Make sure there are quality medical facilities close by in case your infant needs attention while you’re away.

What if your baby becomes ill abroad?

Before travelling, save the contact details for local medical services and your travel insurer.

Seek medical advice promptly if your baby develops:

• A fever (particularly in a very young infant)
• Difficulty breathing
• Signs of dehydration
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
• Unusual drowsiness or difficulty waking

If you’re unsure, contact a healthcare professional for advice.

Safe sleeping while travelling

Check in advance whether your accommodation provides a suitable cot or whether you’ll need to bring a travel cot.

Continue to follow safe sleep guidance while travelling by placing your baby on their back to sleep on a firm, flat sleep surface with no loose bedding, pillows or soft toys.

Advice for various forms of transportation

Flying by air

Organise your travel as far in advance as possible to coincide with your baby’s feeding and sleeping patterns. In order to relieve ear strain, feed your infant when taking off and landing. Many airlines let you bring expressed milk and sterile supplies on board, but make sure to verify their policies beforehand.

Milton’s cold water sterilisation process, which doesn’t require electricity and keeps bottles and teats sterile for 24 hours, is especially useful for lengthy journeys.

Driving

Before you go, make sure your baby’s car seat is installed properly. Schedule frequent pauses to feed, change, and stretch your newborn every one and a half to two hours.

Keep your travel steriliser close at hand for when you get to your destination and include sterilising wipes for last-minute cleanups.

Taking a bus or train

Travelling by train or coach often provides more flexibility than flying, but facilities can vary.

Pack a changing bag with everything you’ll need during the journey, including:

• Nappies
• Baby wipes
• Spare clothes
• Bottles or feeding supplies
• Muslin cloths
• Hand sanitiser
• Sterilising equipment if bottle feeding

A portable steriliser, like the Milton Solo Travel Steriliser, is ideal for shared facilities and tiny areas if you’re using bottles.

Checklist of essentials for travelling

Remember to pack these essentials for travelling with a newborn baby:

• The Milton Solo Travel Steriliser is perfect for sterilising on-the-go
• Sterilising tablets to keep bottles, teats, and dummies safe and germ-free for a full day
• Wipes, nappy cream, and nappies
• Baby clothing appropriate for the climate at the destination, along with spares for mishaps
• Bottles, formula, or extracted milk, and a breast pump, if necessary
• Lightweight blanket to provide shade or warmth
• Stroller that is portable or a baby carrier
• First aid kit with medication safe for infants
• Travel documents (including, if necessary, your baby’s passport)

Travelling with a newborn takes a little extra planning, but being prepared can make your trip much smoother. By considering your baby’s health, researching your destination and packing the essentials, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy your first family holiday.

For more than 70 years, we have been leaders in newborn hygiene and sterilising products, helping parents through the early phases of parenthood, both at home and on-the-go. No matter where you’re going, our selection of travel-friendly items, such as the Milton Solo Travel Steriliser and Sterilising Tablets, may make your trip more hygienic and comfortable. Our cold water sterilising method means it couldn’t be easier.

Shop our hygiene and sterilising products today.