Many parents are reluctant to take their newborns out of the house. But fresh air is good for your child, and it is a good idea to get baby used to travel. Here are some tips for traveling with your infant.

Equipment for safe travel

Car Seats

• Car seats are required by law in some parts of the world and can save a baby’s life in the event of an accident. Your lap is the most dangerous place for your child while riding in a car.
• Buy the car seat before baby is born and use it when you take him home from the hospital.
• Always use the car seat—even on the shortest trips. Most accidents occur close to home.

Baby Carriers

• If you purchase a front or backpack carrier, take baby along to make sure it’s a good fit for her.
• Select a carrier that supports baby’s back, is sturdily made, and has leg holes small enough to prevent slipping through.
• If you get a backpack, select one with a padded frame so baby won’t be hurt if she bumps against it.
  

Strollers and Baby Carriages

• If you choose a collapsible carriage, be sure baby can’t reach the release lever.
• Carriages and strollers must have brakes. Always use the brake when the carriage is stopped.
• Select a stroller with a broad base to prevent tipping.
• Never hang bags or other heavy items from the handles of baby’s stroller. They could cause it to tip backward.
• Never leave baby unattended in a carriage or stroller.
• If you use bumpers or toys in your baby carriage, fasten them carefully so that they cannot fall on top of baby. Remove them as soon as baby can sit or get on all fours.
• Once your child is able to sit alone, stop using a carriage because falls become common. If you must still use the carriage or if your baby is very active, use a harness to prevent him from leaning out of the carriage.
  

Dressing baby to go outdoors

• Unless the weather is warmer than 24ºC, your baby will need several layers of clothing to stay warm. A newborn can usually be dressed in an undershirt, diaper, and footed pajamas, and then wrapped in a receiving blanket. In cold weather, you may wish to add a hat and bunting for additional warmth. 
• If your baby is premature, he may need an additional layer of clothing until he reaches full-term weight. Consult your health care provider for guidance.
• In weather warmer than 24ºC, a single layer will do, but always keep baby out of drafts and cover him or her before entering air-conditioned surroundings.
• As a general rule, baby will be most comfortable when dressed in one layer more than you.
• When selecting clothing for baby, look for items that snap or zip all the way down both legs. This simplifies diaper changes.
• Clothes made of stretchy fabric with loose-fitting sleeves will also make dressing easier.

Making the trip go smoothly

• For the most part, keeping a tight schedule for feedings and sleep has more to do with your quality of life than it does with your baby’s needs. It is healthy and convenient to stick to a schedule, but you should be flexible. As long as your baby is well-fed and comfortable, traveling with an infant should be manageable.
• Baby may have some trouble sleeping or eating because of the distractions of being moved from one place to another. Bringing some familiar items from home may ease the adjustment.
• Don’t worry if baby eats and sleeps a little more or less or at different times when you take a trip. His or her normal pattern should return when you get home.
• If you take a long trip with baby, allow several days for her to adjust to time changes.
• If you bottle-feed your baby, bring along extra formula in case of unexpected delays.
• Pack baby’s items in a separate bag to make it easier to find them quickly.
  

For more information about traveling with your infant, talk to your health care professional.