It's been nine long months of being pregnant, in child labor, with a newborn, and no sleep, and now you desperately need a vacation. (we get it!)

So when can you travel with my baby? What do you need to do to prepare? And how are you going to entertain them?!" 

Don't you worry! You came to the right place! So, please sit back and let us help you. Know that not everything will be perfect, but hopefully, we can prepare you for the much-needed r&r trip you have needed for a loooonnngg time. 

First things first, how soon can you travel with your little one?

It's always wise to check with your healthcare provider before traveling with an infant. The rule of thumb is generally when your baby's immune system is better developed, starting at 3-4 months. But your provider will offer guidance on whether you should or shouldn't travel with your tiny newborn, depending on your little's one's age and health status. Whenever you travel with your little one, it's good to keep some safety precautions in mind. 

• Frequently washing hands
• Using hand sanitizer
• Wiping down the seats and tray tables and the windows! 
• Wearing a mask and keeping visibly ill travelers away from your baby.

Before your trip, here are some things to consider regarding your baby's healthcare needs.

• First, make sure your baby's immunizations are updated. 
• If you're traveling abroad, consult your healthcare doctor to ensure you and your baby have the vaccinations required. 
• You can also purchase a sturdy folder to keep important documents, such as your baby's vaccination record, copies of recent medical reports, passport, etc.
• Bring a first-aid kit for your baby. You can find this on Amazon or make your own. 

Pack the essentials: 

1. Bottles, bibs, diapers, wipes, pacifiers, and needed clothing. 
2. Bring snacks for your 6months+ baby, or Good travel food for babies can be anything they regularly eat—the point is to keep their tummy happy!
3. Peariwinkle play toys stimulate your baby's brain on the plane. (check out our blog- Activities you can do with your baby on a long flight. We will walk you through fun DIY activities with your little one.) 

Breast pumping on the flight:

• TSA breast pump policy is that breast pumps can be carried on or checked. However, we recommend that no matter how short your flight is, carry your pump on if you are flying with a breast pump. Most airlines consider breast pumps as a medical devices and not a carry-on. 
• Breast milk is considered a medical liquid that is not subject to other restrictions on quantities of liquids, and you're allowed to carry on a "reasonable amount."
• If you decide to pump on the plane, in most cases, you can pump in either the restroom or your seat. Check your airline policy, of course. 
• To pump in your airplane seat, pull everything that you'll need to pump. 
• You may need a portable battery pack if your pump doesn't have a rechargeable battery or a manual breast pump. 
• Then, put on your cover, set up the bottles and pump parts (if you think you'll be self-conscious, have all of your pump parts put together and attached to the bottles ahead of time in your bag so that all you need to do is connect the breast shields to the pump parts and start pumping), and start the pump.

Feeding your baby on the trip

1. Feeding your baby freshly-pumped breast milk will make sense in most cases, so you don't have to deal with warming bottles.If you need to warm milk, you can ask for a half-full cup of hot water and put the bottle in that for a minute or two to warm. 

Keep Feedings and Sleep Schedules Consistent

 It's hard for children to adjust to new routines; a little consistency will do wonders. If you're moving across several time zones and it's impossible to stick to the exact feeding times, try to adjust your schedule gradually. However, what's most important is feeding your baby when they're hungry, regardless of the hour, and giving yourself some extra grace.

Call the hotel

Ensure you let your hotel know you're traveling with your little baby, so they can provide extra assistance and the necessary supplies to feel comfortable on your trip. 

Create a checklist

It's always good to create a checklist to ensure you have everything you need for your trip. 

We hope you enjoy your trip!