How to Travel Abroad with Baby for the First Time

Vacations aren’t just for adults anymore! More and more frequently, parents are opting to take their children along with them, rather than leaving them home with a sitter or relative. People may look at you like you’re crazy when you tell them you’re planning to travel abroad with your baby, but with some careful preparation, it can be done!

Here are some tips to make your overseas travel a great experience for everyone – even the littlest of little ones!

1. Get Each Child A Plane Seat- While you may wish to save the extra money and hold your child on your lap, overseas flights tend to be very long. Especially if you are time zone jumping and your baby will want to sleep, this is easier to do in a separate seat with their car seat. Since baby is already used to sleeping in his car seat in the car, he’s likely to be happy in it on the plane as well.

2. Get Your Passports Early- Even babies need passports! Try to apply several months ahead of time to allow ample time for the paperwork to be completed.

3. Pack Entertainment- Pack presents for your toddler. Coloring books, crayons, thin paper books, flashcards, and quiet toys are great ideas to take along to keep your toddler busy on the plane ride. For more fun, wrap each toy individually to turn the quiet entertainment into exciting presents!

4. Talk To Your Doctor- Make sure your baby has had a well child check before you travel abroad. Get any medications refilled, make sure your child’s immunizations are up to date, and ask the doctor for any travel advice regarding foods to avoid overseas.

5. Breast Is Best- While breastfeeding is a personal choice, most doctors agree that if it is at all possible to breastfeed your baby while you are abroad, you should. Breastfeeding offers your baby immunity to new bacteria that she may come in contact with, making her trip safer and healthier.

6. Tag Your Toddler- Toddlers are known for slipping away. In the blink of an eye they can get lost in a crowd. In case your toddler should become lost, make sure he is wearing an ID bracelet at all times with his name and your contact information imprinted onto it. This will make him easy to find, should he slip away.

7. Know Your Conversions- It is a good idea to have a list of conversions jotted down and kept in your wallet or purse. How much does your baby weigh in kilograms? What temperature is a fever in Celsius? These are important things to know to ensure that your baby stays healthy even far from home.

All inclusive vacations are even more fun when the whole family participates. Remember these seven simple tips to ensure that you and baby’s vacation is one to remember!

Jessica Esqueda is a stay at home mother to two beautiful children and is a freelance writer. She enjoys traveling, and knows all about making plans around her babies!