Education and Child Matters

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Travelling With Your Baby

 

CAN YOU TRAVEL INTERNATIONALLY WITH A NEW BORN?

The general advice is that a new born baby should not travel internationally in the first two weeks after their birth. Some recommend that a baby should only fly after a month while others recommend that babies should only fly after 3 months once their immune system is more developed and they have had a few immunisations.

However, you should email or call the airline or transport company for further clarification. 

You should also consult your GP and ask them for guidance.

You should also call the embassy of the country you are flying to to enquire if your baby needs to have additional vaccinations to enter the country. 

Your travel insurance may also advise you about any thing that you must do before travelling.  

WHY DO MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS DISCOURAGE NEW BORNS FROM AIR TRAVEL?

The reason is because it is easy for them to catch an infection.

WHAT SHOULD YOU REMEMBER WHEN TRAVELLING WITH YOUR BABY?

The following points are very important:

  1. Ensure your baby’s  immunisations are up to date.
  2. Make sure you have spoken in detail with your GP or your health visitor and you are following their guidance.
  3. Enquire about visas and any other entry requirements for the country you are travelling to
  4. Make sure you research the airports, the hotels or resort and the areas where you are traveling to. Do they have baby changing facilities? Are breastfeeding facilities available? Can you push strollers around? How easy is it to get baby products?
  5. Pack for the weather where you are travelling to.
  6. Always allow more time for everything. If you have to catch a flight or are between flights give yourself as much ‘grace time’ as you can. Your baby might want to feed, you may need to change their nappy or they may be restless. 
  7. Will the hotel provide a crib in your room, a refrigerator to store breast milk if you are expressing it and a stove to heat the milk.  
  8. If you travel in taxis or cars will there be car seats?
  9. Try and keep your baby’s feeding and sleeping schedule. If it will be different once away then try and adjust your baby to this new schedule a few days in advance of travelling. 
  10. Wash your hand frequently.
  11. Make sure you yourself get enough rest.
  12. Have a bottle of water with you for your baby and yourself so your can keep both of you hydrated.
  13. Have a picture book or a soft toy available to entertain your baby.

WHEN YOU TRAVEL WITH YOUR BABY WHAT IMPORTANT THINGS SHOULD YOU TAKE WITH YOU?

When you travel with a baby you should always take the following in your baby bag:

  1. All medications that your child is taking at present.
  2. Additional medications your child could need if they feel unwell.
  3. Your baby’s red book.
  4. Your baby’s documents such as birth certificate and passport.
  5. Insurance documents.
  6. Important contact numbers. 
  7. Formula milk if your baby is drinking formula milk.
  8. Feedings equipment if your baby is drinking formula milk.
  9. Breast milk expressing equipment if this is applicable.
  10. Nappies (disposable), bibs, pacifiers, baby toiletries, change of clothes, suitable clothes for the climate, blankets, bedding if necessary.
  11. Toys
  12. A baby’s first aid kit 
  13. Travel crib
  14. Age appropriate snacks.