When is it OK to travel with a baby? What should you be careful about?

The year-end and New Year holidays are a time when there are many opportunities to go away with your baby, such as going home or traveling. We'll tell you when it's safe to start traveling with your baby and what you should be careful about.

When is it OK to travel with a baby?

In conclusion, there is no clear standard for how many months after birth it is OK.
According to the experiences of older mothers, there are many cases in which children travel together for the first time when they are 5 to 8 months old. For some, it's a little earlier, 3 to 4 months.

When you travel, you are exposed to completely different environments and stimuli for long periods of time. This is a big burden on babies who are not yet used to going outside and spend most of the day sleeping. Rather than going on a long trip all of a sudden, prepare by gradually getting used to going out for short distances and short periods of time before the actual trip.

What should I be careful about?

There are a few things to keep in mind when traveling with a baby.

First of all, the temperature.
Heat and cold can be a big burden on babies. Measures against the heat and UV rays are essential in the summer, and protection against the cold in the winter. If you frequently go in and out of the house, you will need to wear clothes that are easy to put on and take off and adjust accordingly.

Also, in spaces with many people, the risk of infection increases. Avoid crowds as much as possible to protect your baby, whose resistance and immunity are still immature, from infections such as viruses.

In addition to being in a different environment and putting a lot of strain on the baby's body, the baby's brain is also stimulated by receiving a lot of information through their eyes, which can make them tired after a long period of time. It's important to plan your trip so you don't push yourself too hard.

What are the points to consider when planning a trip?

If you stay at your parents' home, you can see what's going on inside the room and it's more flexible, so the hurdles are relatively low.
Recently, an increasing number of hotels and inns are offering "baby plans" to make traveling with a baby more comfortable. Plan details vary depending on the facility, so be sure to check in advance and choose an inn that offers the services you need.

If you travel a lot for sightseeing, having a stroller can reduce the burden on mom and dad.
On the other hand, in areas with many steps, the stroller itself becomes luggage, so a baby carrier is more convenient. We recommend simulating how to move in the area depending on the destination so that both baby and mom and dad can enjoy the trip stress-free.

What are the main means of transportation and precautions?

When you travel by private car, you don't have to worry about the size or weight of your luggage, and you can change your route or take breaks as you like, which greatly reduces your mental burden. However, some babies can get car sick, so be careful. Please check the situation frequently.

If you are using public transportation, we recommend avoiding crowds and reserving reserved seats if available. There is no need to wander around looking for a seat, and moms and dads can sit side by side, making it easier to care for the baby, so you can rest assured.
Shinkansen trains have seats with luggage space where you can store large luggage. If you have a stroller or large luggage, it would be ideal if you could secure a seat like that. With unreserved seats, you can store your luggage if there is space behind the seats in the last row of the vehicle.

Children can generally fly on a plane when they are 8 days old. We recommend taking a seat near the front of the aircraft for ease of getting on and off and receiving support from the flight attendants. It is important to make reservations early to ensure you get the seat you want.
Babies may cry if their ears get clogged due to changes in air pressure as they rise and fall. Make it easier to remove the ears by giving them milk or breast milk or putting a pacifier in their mouth.

Clothing/belongings

When going out, the important thing to remember when choosing clothes for your baby is that they are easy to adjust.
In winter, it is important to wear layers of clothing that are easy to put on and take off to accommodate the temperature difference between the cold outdoors and the heated room. It is also a good idea to make good use of accessories such as a cape that can completely cover your baby, including the baby carrier, as well as socks, gloves, and a hat.
Even in hot weather, it's a good idea to have a jacket or cape that you can add on to keep you cool. Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect your baby's skin from the sun.

The things you need to bring when traveling are basically the same as when you go out normally, such as diapers, milk supplies, and a change of clothes. However, since you will be away from home for a long time, you will need to prepare more than usual.
Other items you should prepare include bath supplies such as baby soap and moisturizing lotion, and items to use when sleeping such as pajamas. Bedding is often provided by the accommodation, but it's a good idea to check just in case.
We also hear from senior mothers that it's convenient to have a spare bath towel to wear instead of a cape, or to use when you don't have enough towels in your room. If you have room in your luggage, it may be a good idea to prepare.

A hip seat carrier that is great for traveling.
It can also be held facing forward, making family outings even more enjoyable.
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