Once the baby is here, it’s not uncommon for many new moms to shy away from going outside the home with their child in tow. After all, the outside world may suddenly seem a bit more dangerous and foreboding. Add to that the thought of having to travel – either via plane, car or train – and it’s enough to have a new parent more than just a little bit anxious.

Thankfully all hope is not lost and many parents are able to successfully get out with their new babies, without too much stress. After all, reconnecting with the community or distant family is one way that a new parent can start to feel better and to get back to normal.

Following are 5 Tips For Traveling With Baby

1)   Prepare – Make your list, check it twice and then add a couple of extra supplies just in case. You know how it is with little ones – they could have a series of spit-ups or worse on your trip outside of the home. Make sure to pack a few changes of clothes to say the least, more diapers than you think you need, backup formula (even if you’re breastfeeding), wipes and more. Sometimes you’re out or traveling longer than you have planned, so make sure you’re able to cover any unexpected accidents, messes or meals that may occur when you’re out.

2)   Research – Know where you’re going. Whether it’s down the street or across the country, have a clear view on the facilities, amenities and lay of the land that may or may not be available to you. Knowledge is power, and you’ll be able to confidently go travel with your child if you know what to expect and how you’re going to maneuver when you’re there.

3)   Set Realistic Expectations – While it may be tempting to try to do it all on your foray out of the house with baby, it may prove to be a bit more difficult than you may have remembered. If you’re traveling close by, perhaps take it easy and go out for just a short while at first, while you become re-accustomed to traveling with your child. As time goes on, you will gain more confidence and will be able to take longer jaunts out with the baby. If you’re traveling somewhere afar, factor in extra time to get to where you’re going because it usually takes longer with a little one in tow.

4)   Engage support – Whether it’s your spouse, a family member or a close friend, take up their offer to help you when you’re ready to go out. Most people are happy to help a new parent regain their bearings and are more than helpful when asked. Having someone at your side, to perhaps help juggle the baby gear as well as provide emotional support is welcome during these early days.

5)   Timing is everything – Consider the baby’s sleep schedule. If you’re able to, go out or travel when your child is asleep for an easier time. Sure, she may awake while you’re out but if you’re able to have even a little bit of peace and lower stress during your travels, do it.

Dr. Greene’s Answer:

Being outside can be great at this age if she does not get too hot, too cold, or too much sun exposure.

The concern with being around other people is catching infections, which you prefer for her not to do, especially in the first month. Most of these would be caught from handling, so you might want to minimize the number of people who hold her and have them wash their hands first. You might also want to avoid staying for a long time in enclosed spaces with poor circulation where people are coughing or sneezing.

Dr. Greene’s Answer:
As tempting as it may be to put a pretty crib bumper in your baby’s crib, the use of these bumpers should be avoided. These bumpers can suffocate or strangle an infant; and an enlightening article in the Journal of Pediatrics in September 2007 concluded that crib or bassinet bumpers should not be used due to these serious risks. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping pillows and other soft objects (including crib bumpers) out of an infant’s sleeping area to prevent the risk of SIDS.

Don’t worry about your baby hitting her head on the sides of the crib. Head bumping is usually not a problem. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has found very little risk of long-term injury from contact with the sides of cribs.

Dr. Greene’s Answer:

I wouldn’t be concerned about a 4-week-old pulling at her ears. Nevertheless, I am a fan of waiting just a bit for ear piercing. My reason?

Tetanus.

Even though the disease is not very common (thanks to immunizations), the tetanus bacteria is everywhere. It usually enters the body through puncture wounds.

I would prefer that a baby have at least one (better two) tetanus shots behind her before her big day. The first tetanus shot is usually given at the 6 to 8 week old checkup; the second at the 4 month checkup. Waiting until then would put the event at 3-5 months old for most kids. Also, babies are better able to handle the more common minor skin infections they might get once they are more than 3 months old.

The following are the safe bedding recommendations put out by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The AAP’s published its most recent recommendations in 2005 (Pediatrics 116:1245-1255):

• Place baby on his/her back on a firm tight-fitting mattress in a crib that meets current safety standards.
• Remove pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and other soft products from the crib, playpen, or portable crib.
• Consider using a sleeper or other sleep clothing as an alternative to blankets, with no other covering.
• If using a blanket, put baby with feet at the foot of the crib. Tuck a thin blanket around the crib mattress, reaching only as far as the baby’s chest.
• Make sure your baby’s head remains uncovered during sleep.
• Do not place baby on a waterbed, sofa, soft mattress, pillow, or other soft surface to sleep. Some playpens and portable cribs may have soft mattresses.
• Do not smoke during pregnancy or around the baby. Smoking significantly increases the risk of SIDS.
• The infant’s crib or bassinet should be in the same bedroom as the parents, but the infant should not co-sleep in the bed with the parents. The infant may be brought to the bed for nursing or comforting but should be placed back in the crib for sleep. Infants should also not share a bed with other children.
• Consider using a pacifier for naptime or bedtime. Use when placing the baby down to sleep but do not reinsert after he or she has fallen asleep. Clean and replace the pacifier often. Wait 1 month before introducing the pacifier in breastfed babies.
• Keep the room temperature comfortable for a lightly clothed adult.
• Note that commercial devices that are marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS have proven to be effective.