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Tips/packing list for travel with a newborn!

29 replies

Eve1356 · 14/06/2021 21:26

DH and I have to travel long haul for 1 week when dc will likely only be only 6 weeks old. I know some might think it’s a bit mad with a newborn but it’s not something that can be cancelled or rescheduled. I’ll be travelling with the grandparents and dc’s Aunty and uncle - so we’ll have all hands on deck.
I’d really appreciate any advice on what you would recommend packing for a newborn for a week away? We’ll be staying in a hotel for the week and all being well dc will be breastfed exclusively 🤞🏻

Any tips/things to add to my checklist would be greatly appreciated ☺️

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shouldistop · 14/06/2021 21:27

What if you go 2 weeks overdue, have a c-section and aren't fit to travel? You also might not be able to get the baby a passport in time.

Moonshine11 · 14/06/2021 21:27

Where is it your going?

shouldistop · 14/06/2021 21:30

But since you asked;

A crib to sleep in / Moses basket
3 sleeping bags
14 sleepsuits
14 vests
5 cardigans
A baby bath
70 nappies
Couple of packs of baby wipes

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yikesanotherbooboo · 14/06/2021 21:35

Where will you be staying? Assuming it is somewhere with shops you don't need to take tons of nappies and wipes. Can you fashion somewhere for baby to sleep at your arrival? No need for baby bath and I never had 14 sleep suits or 5 cardigans ; that sounds like a lot. If you need something extra you can get it there.

shouldistop · 14/06/2021 21:38

I'd assume in a hotel they wouldn't be able to wash anything.
I had one baby who kept his clothes clean then I had a baby with reflux - I'd definitely need that many outfits for him.

Eve1356 · 14/06/2021 21:38

@shouldistop thank you! That’s a helpful list, I appreciate it.
I’ve counted the 6 weeks from 2 weeks post due date to allow for being overdue. Going to look into passport options now as that is another worry!

If there are complications and DH and I need to pull out of going we can, it’s just that we’re going to see a grandparent who is now too old to travel and it’s sadly looking like it will be the last opportunity we will get to see him

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shouldistop · 14/06/2021 21:41

Assuming you're married then get your dh to register the baby's birth the very next day if possible. You don't need to go unless unmarried. Then apply for passport ASAP and you might get it in time.

At that age a baby's needs aren't many. Sleep, comfortable clothing, to be kept clean and fed.

Bare in mind though it can be a very tricky age with lots of crying.

Eve1356 · 14/06/2021 21:41

@yikesanotherbooboo the person we’re travelling to see lives in Mauritius of all places. I’ve had a look for nearby shops and they’re very limited which makes me a bit nervous Confused

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TheMotherlode · 14/06/2021 21:41

Loads of clothes unless you can wash while you’re there. Nappies, wipes, bedding, blankets, carrier/pram, car seat, hats, muslins. Not sure you’ll really need all that much for a newborn.

Moonshine11 · 14/06/2021 21:42

Are you UK?
You can order nappies, wipes, cream from boots and pick it up once your through security.
This will save a lot of space in suitcase and isn’t classed as part of your hand luggage.

A lot of vests, baby grows, muslins, hats, cardys, blankets.

A baby that young on a plane should be a dream tbh! Lots of feeding and sleeping!

Moonshine11 · 14/06/2021 21:42

Oh and a sling!

shouldistop · 14/06/2021 21:42

And yes to pram / travel system but I thought you'd know that Smile I'd take a sling too.

shouldistop · 14/06/2021 21:43

If your pram has a flat carry cot then that can be used for sleep

Eve1356 · 14/06/2021 21:45

@Moonshine11 Yes in the uk. I didn’t know you could preorder things from boots for airport collection - that’s a great tip thank you!!

Someone else said a newborn is easier to travel with as they’re very immobile and just eat and sleep! And that it’s when they start to crawl/become more curious that it’s more of a nightmare!

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Eve1356 · 14/06/2021 21:46

@shouldistop

If your pram has a flat carry cot then that can be used for sleep
If we bring the pram and carrycot - would both go into the hold of the plane. I assume I can’t bring the carry cot attachment onto the plane?
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shouldistop · 14/06/2021 21:47

Yes in a lot of ways newborns are easier to travel with. It can be a hard time for you though with feeding / recovery / emotions etc. It sounds like you'll have lots of support though.

shouldistop · 14/06/2021 21:49

Unless you pay / book especially then the baby will be on your lap for the flight. If you get the baby their own seat then you might be allowed the carry cot on the plane.
You could use it in hotel for sleep.

shouldistop · 14/06/2021 21:49

Pram goes into hold but you can keep it right up until the gate

LittleBearPad · 14/06/2021 21:51

You can’t bring the carrycot onto the plane. You’ll need to book a seat by a skycot.

The airline will chuck, literally in my experience, the pram etc in the hold.

Soontobe60 · 14/06/2021 21:58

You really need to contact the airline for details of what you can or can’t take on the plane - every airline is different.
When are you thinking about going?

Eve1356 · 14/06/2021 22:12

Thanks @Soontobe60 - I will definitely get in contact with them.
Going the first week of October so long as me&baby are healthy. Starting to write lists now though so I’m fully prepared in advance of dc’s arrival

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MissingCoffeeandWine · 14/06/2021 22:17

Op I’ve traveled a lot with Newborns to visit family. Important to note most airlines allow two pieces of baby equipment as standard (is 2 travel free).

The first thing to consider is accommodation and your sleeping plan/preferences - for example, there are cribs that fold away that function as “next to the bed” set ups (ie the folding crib) OR prams that are for safe sleeping that could be left within bed touching distance. If bringing one of these, pack as many extra blankets as possible into the package as they are brilliant to cover surfaces to make safe spaces to leave the baby down (ie in a bathroom so you can shower etc). Not needed for a 6 week old, but for an older baby bringing the cot sheet from their bed at home and a gro blind helps my kids accept a hotel travel cot!

Clothes wise, it will be hard to plan until you know your baby! Each one is different. With my 3 week old I’m currently needing at least two “outfits”/full changes a day (due to poo or spew) and yet am fine with one baby grow overnight. I’m using two Muslins a day but they wash in a sink and dry quickly. I’ve two ikea rubber backed change mats that fold down to nothing. One lives set up in the room we sleep in, and the other in the change bag. For £4 each (or something similarly cheap) they protect the bed from baby mess and make my life as a mom a LOT easier! Having two means one can always live in the change bag.

I’m currently away and didn’t pack enough for me! Big knickers, feeding bras and non disposable breast pads (the disposable ones make me ich) are all stuff that frequently stain/get wet and although they hand wash ok, I underestimated that i could get through more than one change a day! And don’t like having such items drying on display. So wish I had more for me!

Will you need a car seat, a pram, a sling and something to sleep in? How can they be combined to best pack for travel. Presumably it’s three bulky items so one will have to be paid for? Buy a “storage bag” of Amazon for the pram or car seat - pack nappies and wipes into that to pad it out - this Keeps it safe for travel and removes bulk from your own packing. Again once baby arrives you’ll have a better idea of how many you’d need but I would suspect at minimum 2 packs of wipes and 80 nappies.

If it’s somewhere sunny I’ve also always found it invaluable to pack a fold away spf 50 baby tent. (Again probably unnecessary if you plan on bringing a pram, but I often travel with just the sling, and it means I have somewhere safe to pop the baby down)

Passport wise you are under huge time pressure to have it issued. Register the baby ASAP and I suspect you may need to ring the passport office and explain the family urgency to travel. I’ve had to do this and had documents issued within timelines BUT it meant multiple days of cross city appointments in person to sign and collect docs - so be prepared to sort in advance and expect some hassle.

If traveling long haul post chance of a c section etc. think about your own comfort, can you book an extra plane seat? Ring something comfortable to sit on! How will you manage all of the suitcases and equipment each side in the airport, can you pay for a porter or assistance service?

Caspianberg · 15/06/2021 09:42

I wouldn’t take loads and loads of baby clothes, just a normal amount. If baby is sick on lots, then it would be better to wash them in sink to rewear another day as packing loads of sick/poop covered clothes in luggage to go home is worse than your dh just washing them in sink with some soap as needed.

I would personally take full pram with carrycot at this age so you can use as baby bed daytime and overnight. Pack it up well and it goes with luggage at airport. Just use a sling to carry baby through airport and on plane.

Correlation · 15/06/2021 09:56

I had a baby in April and once my husband had registered her birth we applied for a passport and got it back within 2 weeks. You will need to take a decent photo of her with a plain background using your phone and then you can upload this, so you don't need to go anywhere - it's all done online. Good luck with the travels!

Correlation · 15/06/2021 09:56

Sorry, him or her!