There’s no denying that Covid-19 has irreversibly changed some of the most important life events. After over two and a half years of pandemic life, when the cases are decreasing, we are all eager to return to more of our normal activities. For many families, this includes travelling, especially around the holidays. But is traveling with a baby when Covid-19 is still going on safe?

Well, here we’ve compiled some advice for you to keep in mind when travelling with a newborn.

6 things to take care of if you’re travelling by flight:

1. Make advance reservations

To make reservations easier, try to book earlier and, if at all possible, keep your travel dates open. The most important thing to be sure of, especially when flying with infants, is that the airline has enough vacant seats. It would seem rational to book far in advance in order to acquire the best seats at the most affordable rates.

2. Reserve seats in the front row

With a newborn, they are more pricey, but well worth it. You’ll have more room for your legs and be far enough away from other people to be secure. You have the option to board last and depart first.

3. Carry clear bags for all loose objects

Baby supplies, including bottles, bibs, burp cloths, diapers, outfits, and other items, should all be stored in zip locks of different sizes so you can easily retrieve what you need. In this manner, the contents of your basics are still protected even if anything from the outside, such as passports, paperwork, or meal trays, comes into contact with them.

4. Use a baby carrier instead of bulky strollers

As a result of the carrier’s attachment to your shoulders, your baby is kept close to you while minimizing contact with everyday objects.

5. Take care of the baby’s ears

The middle ear pressure fluctuates momentarily as a result of the change in cabin pressure during flying. Earaches may result from this. Offer your infant breasts, a bottle, or a pacifier to suck on during takeoff and the early descent to ease the irritation in their ears. To ensure that your infant is hungry during these times, try timing feedings.

Also, read: Travelling? Before you step out, run an immunity check using these tips

6. Restrict touching anywhere

If your infant is content and at ease in their infant carrier car seat, think about booking a seat on the flight so you can utilize it. In such circumstances, it is simpler to travel with a smaller baby. In particular, if they are not yet putting items in their mouths, you are better able to restrict what they come into contact with.

Things to take care of while you are on a road journey:

1. Cut your stops shorter

The more you stop, the more you will come into contact with individuals and possibly gain greater exposure. So, prepare meals to last you through the day and pack trash bags and diaper pails for changes on the road. Talk to your driving companion and come up with a strategy that works for you. Some new parents who have completed this trip have simply stopped for petrol and toilet breaks.

2. Pack your meals and baby supplies beforehand

Even when there is a worldwide pandemic, babies frequently don’t arrive according to plan. Try to prepare your road trip supplies as early as you can so that you can go as soon as you are discharged and avoid exposure from having to buy everything at once.

3. Set a schedule

Together with your driving buddy, make a schedule in advance. How long will each driver be on the road at once? Remember that babies normally need to be fed every few hours, and that your child will also need to be comforted and changed on a regular basis (or more). Although having to stop so often can be annoying, keep in mind that your child’s safety is of the utmost importance.

Also, read: 9 travel tips that can ease life for a lactating mom

You should keep a schedule in mind while you prepare for your trip. If you must spend the night someplace, look for a comparable rental with little to no interaction with other guests. Of course, once you get there, sanitize that area before you do anything else.

Don’t succumb to the temptation of giving your child an OTC sleep aid like diphenhydramine (Benadryl, etc.) to induce sleep while traveling. It is not advised to engage in the practice, and occasionally, the drug may have the opposite effect.

Conclusion

Everyone has been impacted by Covid-19, and the pandemic has been tough for families. It makes sense to have the need to travel. Just keep in mind that the pandemic is still ongoing, so it’s crucial to weigh the dangers and reduce them.