Planning Your First International Trip With Your Newborn
Is it really possible to board a plane with a tiny human who can’t even hold their head up yet?
That mix of excitement and sheer terror about taking your newborn across borders makes complete sense. Every parent who’s ever eyed their passport while rocking a three-month-old has felt exactly the same way. But fear has never stopped American parents from traveling with their little ones.
According to one survey, 81% of parents plan to travel with their kids, and 76% are thinking about international trips, and there’s good reason for that confidence. Air travel is actually the safest form of travel for most full-term babies. Your pediatrician will likely give you the green light once your baby hits that six-week mark.
Got an OK from the doctor already? Now, let’s talk about how you can plan a successful international trip while keeping your newborn’s needs front and center.
Check Airline Guidelines First
Infants less than 7 days old require a note from the pediatrician before flying. But that’s just the baseline. Each carrier has its own rulebook when it comes to infant travel. Some let babies fly free if they sit on your lap. Others charge a percentage of the adult fare.
You’ll want to call ahead and ask about their specific policies on bassinets, diaper changing stations, and whether they allow car seats on board. International flights often have different rules from domestic ones. Certain airlines offer bassinets for long-haul flights, but they’re limited and need to be reserved in advance.
Your baby’s weight and length are also important considerations here. Most bassinets have a weight limit of around 20 pounds. Double-check documentation requirements as well. Even though your newborn isn’t paying full price, they still need proper identification for international travel.
Pack Smart When It Comes to Feeding
Breastfeeding while traveling seems straightforward until you’re fumbling with a nursing cover in an airplane bathroom. Many mothers find it works perfectly for them on the road.
However, breastfeeding doesn’t always go as planned, even at home. Around 10% to 15% of mothers deal with low milk supply, which makes exclusive breastfeeding tough to maintain.
If you’re facing challenges with breastfeeding, switching to formula is absolutely okay. However, you need to be extremely careful about which formula you choose. Make sure to check if any batches have been recalled for safety concerns. TorHoerman Law notes that some brands pose danger to infant health.
The Similac lawsuit brought attention to serious risks when Abbott’s cow milk-based formula was linked to increased cases of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants.
When you’re traveling internationally, stick with formula brands you trust and know are safe. Bring enough to last your entire trip, plus a few extra days. Pack pre-measured formula portions in a dispenser to make mixing bottles easier mid-flight.
Takeoff and landing are ideal times to nurse because the sucking motion helps equalize pressure in your baby’s ears. Window seats give you more privacy and something to lean against during longer feeding sessions. A lightweight nursing cover or large scarf works wonders when you need some discretion.
Be Prepared for Security and Customs
Airport security with a baby involves more steps than you’d think. Breast milk, formula, and baby food get a pass on the usual liquid restrictions. You can bring whatever amount you need for the flight, but security will likely test it.
They might ask you to open containers or run them through additional screening. Don’t pack these in checked luggage where you can’t access them. Strollers and car seats go through the X-ray machine or get hand-inspected.
You can usually gate-check your stroller, which means you keep it until you board and pick it up right when you deplane. Wearing your baby in a carrier speeds things up because you won’t need to collapse a stroller while juggling bags and a diaper bag.
Some airports have family security lanes that move more slowly but accommodate parents better. Customs and immigration take longer with an infant because officers need to verify your baby’s documentation.
Bring your baby’s birth certificate and passport. Some countries require a notarized letter from the other parent if you’re traveling alone with your child. Double-check entry requirements for your specific destination because rules vary wildly between countries.
Time Your Trip Around Sleep Schedules
Newborns sleep around 16 to 17 hours a day, which sounds like a travel advantage until you realize those hours come in unpredictable chunks. Booking a flight that aligns with your baby’s longest sleep stretch makes everything easier.
Red-eye flights work beautifully for some families because babies sleep through most of the journey. Others swear by early morning departures when their little one is fresh and content. Think about your destination’s time zone too. A three-hour difference means adjusting nap times and feeding schedules gradually over a few days.
Jet lag affects babies just as much as it affects adults. We suggest that you start shifting your baby’s schedule by 15 to 30 minutes a few days before departure if you’re crossing multiple time zones. Once you arrive, get your baby outside in natural daylight. It helps reset their internal clock faster than keeping them indoors all day.
Select Baby-Friendly Accommodation
When booking accommodation, look for baby-friendly options that provide the amenities you’ll need. Ideally, choose a hotel or rental that offers a crib, baby bathtub, or high chair, so you don’t have to worry about bringing everything with you.
Check whether your hotel is located near essential services, like pharmacies or pediatricians, in case you need something for your baby during your stay. If you’re renting a place, verify that it’s safe and baby-proofed, with no sharp edges or hazards. This way, you can relax and enjoy your trip knowing your baby’s comfort and safety are taken care of.
Ready for Takeoff?
You’ve done the hard part by thinking through every detail and potential hiccup. Now comes the fun part – experiencing a new place through completely fresh eyes, even if those eyes are only a few months old. Will something unexpected happen? Probably. But you’ve already planned for the essentials, double-checked the documents, and packed enough supplies to handle whatever comes your way. So, why worry?
Take a deep breath, trust your preparation, and board that plane. The world’s been waiting to meet your little one, and you’re more ready than you think.
