With a new baby in the family, you might be wondering how to plan travel and outings that are fun, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. Check out our Dad Guide on Best Places to Travel with a Newborn!
Day Trips and Staycations for Infants
When the thought of a vacation feels overwhelming with a newborn, day trips and staycations are the best way to dip your toes into travelling with a newborn or a baby. Staycations and day trips are not only practical but also incredibly fun and enriching for your family. By exploring your local surroundings, you’ll introduce your baby to new experiences, cultures, and environments.
Exploring Day Trips
Day trips are perfect for a quick escape without the hassle of an overnight stay. Look for places near your home that you haven’t explored, that would be fun for the whole family. Check out our tips and suggestions for day trips with your baby.
Day Trip to Museums
Visit local historical sites or museums to introduce your baby to different environments. It will be indoors, and likely in the middle of the city so you don’t have to go too far.
Credit: Pexels Ambady Kolazhikkaran
If you plan it during a weekday, there will be fewer people and it’ll be more fun for everybody. If you’re planning a weekend day trip, explore paid trips through museums and see how your baby behaves with more people around!
Botanical Garden Day Trip
Spend a day in a local botanical garden, exploring nature’s wonders. This will allow babies to spend more time in nature and would be a good break from the heat. Pack a picnic with baby-friendly foods like mashed fruits or boiled vegetables.
Pro Tip: Find a shaded spot and introduce your baby to their first outdoor play session.
Beach Visits
If you live in coastal areas, you should take your baby to the local beach for some ocean views. Your baby would love to experience sand and water on their feet!
Pro Tip: The sound of the ocean waves is pretty much the default noise in a white noise machine so a visit to the beach is often very soothing for the baby, especially in the evenings after sunset. Let your little ones fall asleep to the real thing!
Shopping Malls
Taking your baby to shopping malls can be both practical and enjoyable. It is hard to beat the practicality of a shopping mall when it comes to introduce the world to your baby.
You are in a climate controlled environment, the distance isn’t too far, you are certain to have baby care rooms, and there will be a food court where you can sit and have a meal together!
Auto Rides
Infants love rides in the auto-rickshaw! Go ahead and rent one for an hour or so and let your infant enjoy your city in an auto!
Metro Rides
Try taking your infant on the metro to expose them to new sights and sounds. They are bound to love the climate controlled environment, especially if you took them somewhere in an auto first!
Cultural Centres
Try taking your infant to a cultural centre near you such as the Isha foundation, the Art of Living, a Dhamma centre, or anything else you can think of!
The Joy of Staycations
A staycation is a fantastic way to enjoy a break without leaving the comfort of your city. Find a beautiful farm property, a star hotel, or a spa resort in your city to break the monotony of being at home and observe how your baby behaves with changes in environment, changes in sleeping patterns, etc.
Preparing for Staycations and Day Trips with Infants
Preparation is key to a successful staycation or day trip.
- Pack Smart: Ensure you have everything you need, from baby essentials to your own comfort items.
- Safety First: Check the safety of the activities you plan to undertake, especially for your baby.
- Create an Itinerary: Plan your day or staycation activities ahead of time.
- Baby Naps: Plan your activities around your baby’s nap schedule.
- Feeding Schedule: Ensure you have the essentials for feeding, whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
- Comfort Items: Pack familiar comfort items like your baby’s favorite blanket or toy.
- Essentials: Remember to pack essentials like baby wipes, diapers, and a change of clothes, and always prioritize your baby’s comfort and safety.
Making Memories: Infant Travel Photos and Souvenirs
Capture the moments and create lasting memories:
- Family Photos: Take plenty of photos to remember your day or staycation.
- Create a Keepsake: Collect a small souvenir or create a scrapbook to remember your adventure.
- Share Stories: Share your day or staycation stories with your baby as they grow.
Planning infant Travel and vacations
Travelling with an infant may seem daunting, but with the right tips and a bit of preparation, it can be an enjoyable and memorable experience. Let’s dive into the world of infant travel.
Choosing Your Destination: best places to travel with a newborn
When planning your trip with a newborn, it’s essential to pick a destination that’s suitable for both you and your baby:
Hill Stations
India’s hill stations offer a pleasant climate and beautiful scenery, which can be perfect for your baby’s first trip. If you’re in Bangalore, consider visiting places like Wayanad, Kodagu, Ooty, or Yercuad.
Beach Destinations
Coastal areas can be a great choice as the beach provides a soothing and sensory experience for your baby.
Consider flying to places like Bali that have large resorts and hotel chains where you are sure to find support to take care of your newborn.
Baby-Friendly Resorts
Look for resorts that cater to families and offer amenities like baby pools or attached private pools so you can introduce your baby to the pool and have loads of fun.
Accommodation Essentials for Infant Travel
When choosing accommodations, look for options that cater to families, and keep the following in mind:
- Baby Cots: Ensure that the hotel provides a baby cot or crib for your baby’s comfort.
- Amenities: Check if the accommodation offers baby-friendly amenities such as baby pools or babysitting services.
- Kitchen support: Speak with the shortlisted hotels to understand the level of support you can expect from the kitchen in preparing fresh meals for your baby. Some places may not have a fully functional kitchen to help you through the day – avoid such places.
- Medical Services: Check with the shortlisted hotels or online and check if there are medical services available nearby in case of unforeseen circumstances.
- Don’t go off-grid: It is generally a bad idea to go completely off-grid or to such rural areas where you would have difficulty either availing medical services or purchasing any required baby products.
Travel Essentials: Packing for Infant Travel
Packing for travelling with your infant is crucial for a smooth trip. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Diapers and Changing Supplies: Pack enough diapers, wipes, and changing mats for the journey.
- Weather appropriate Baby Clothes: Don’t forget to pack comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing for your baby.
- Feeding Necessities: Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, make sure you have all the essential supplies.
- Baby Carrier: A baby carrier can be a lifesaver, allowing you to keep your baby close and explore hands-free.
- Travel Stroller: A lightweight and compact stroller that easily fits in the boot of your car is ideal for travel.
- Medical Kit: Bring a basic medical kit with baby-specific items, just in case. This may include medication for colic, fever, cough, as well as prescribed supplements such as for vitamin d. Ensure you pack mosquito repellant patches / sprays.
Carrying and Feeding Your Baby
Safety should always be a priority when traveling with a newborn:
- Car Seats: Ensure you have a suitable car seat for your baby during car journeys.
- Babywearing: A baby carrier can keep your baby secure and close while you explore.
- Feeding Schedule: Stick to your baby’s feeding schedule to keep them comfortable and content.
Dad Guide to taking an infant on a Roadtrip
If you are taking an infant on a roadtrip , you can do a great deal to ensure your baby’s comfort. Here’s how to ensure they are relaxed and content during your journey:
- Scheduled Rest Stops: Plan your journey with scheduled stops for diaper changes and feeding.
- Entertainment: Bring along baby toys or mobiles to keep your little one engaged.
- Car Seats: A car seat is your best friend when it comes to road trips with your baby. It allows them a place to settle and even have nap when necessary.
- Adapt to the Baby’s Rhythm: Be flexible with your schedule and adjust it according to your baby’s needs.
Dad Guide to Flights with Newborn
Nowadays, traveling with a newborn by plane is generally inevitable. Here’s how you can make the most of the experience when you have to fly with a newborn:
- Flight Timings: Check for flights that are in line with your baby’s wake windows or sleep windows.
- Book Layovers for International Flights: For international travel, we suggest you book for flights with layovers instead of direct flights. Yes, the travel will be longer, but having a layover will help you to stretch your legs and hep your baby get some movement as well. We’ve found Changi Airport, Singapore, to be an amazing layover stop when flying internationally with our baby.
- Travel Time: Keep in mind that a flight travel would involve travelling to and from the airport. Keep the travel time in mind and ensure you travel preferably during the day, keeping in mind your baby’s sleep schedules.
- Get there early: Generally, airlines will allow priority checkin and boarding if you are travelling with an infant. That being said, try and get there early to get through security especially if you are carrying baby food.
- Carry a Stroller: Airlines will allow strollers of approved dimensions in the cabin. This means you can use the stroller until boarding and as soon as you deplane. This is immensely helpful, especially if your baby is sleepy.
- Lounges: If possible, try and use the lounge facility at the airport so you have some time to relax and let your baby relax before the flight.
- Bassinets: If the flight is of a longer duration, make sure to book well in advance and ensure you have purchased seats with a bassinet. While you wouldn’t be able to place the baby in the bassinet during takeoff or landing, it is immensely helpful when you put the baby to bed. Plus, they are usually the front row seats, ensuring you have extra legroom for the same price.
- Feed during takeoffs and landings: Make sure to feed your baby during takeoff and landing. The motion of swallowing helps ease the discomfort caused in their ears due to the air pressure.
- Packing List: Ensure you have a dedicated bag with baby essentials for the train journey. This should definitely include toys that your baby is comfortable with as well as some new toys to pique their interest.
- Baby Food: Airlines often allow you to purchase baby food, or bundle it with your infant seat booking.
- Cabin Crew: We have generally had amazing interactions with the cabin crew when we’ve flown with our baby. It always helps to be kind to them – it will help make the experience better for everyone!
For more information on traveling with infant on plane, traveling with a newborn by plane, airplane travel with infant, flying with an infant on lap, infant airplane seat, or air travel with infant, check out our Newborn And Infant Air Travel In India – FAQ’s. For an infant travel checklist, check out our post on Newborn Air Travel Checklist.
Conclusion
Travelling with a newborn can be an incredibly enriching experience for both you and your baby. With the right destination, essentials, safety measures, and a flexible attitude, you can create lasting memories while ensuring your baby’s comfort and well-being. So, go ahead and explore the stunning landscapes, delicious cuisines, and vibrant cultures that India has to offer with your little one. It’s an adventure that you’ll cherish for years to come.
