Safety for newborns comes in many forms and is typically up to the comfort level of parents.

Vaccinations

Will you wait for the 2-month vaccinations, or travel before then?

A lot of families choose to book the first “Big trip” when they may be taking a flight or going to lots of public places like hotels, until after the 2-month vaccines.

But, there are lots of reasons to travel. Not all families wait, and some choose to travel whenever they feel ready, with a newborn.

Cleaning

What we mean here is, will you have a way of cleaning all the bottles, products and supplies you bring with you? When we traveled at the newborn age, we were looking for a sure way of cleaning bottles, pump parts and pacifiers.

Bring your own brush set (BYOBS)

A tip we developed was to bring our own bottle brushes and/or dish detergent in a tiny travel-sized bottle! You can also get a tiny bottle of baby-friendly dish soap like this Babyganics travel-size dish liquid.

We also used the travel-sized OXO bottle brush set during the entire year of 0-12 months. It was so handy for travel and it went in our suitcases every time.

Clean water

Remember: you will need access to bottled or spring water if traveling internationally. This is both for any breastfeeding moms to drink (we need to stay healthy in order to feed the baby!) and for making baby formula bottles.

Refrigeration

Unless you are exclusively breastfeeding your newborn with no storage of any milk at any time, refrigeration is key to saving and keeping saved milk, pumped milk or mixed formula usable and fresh. Feel free to read further at milk and food safety for travel.

Confirm there will be a fridge

Chances are, unless you are exclusively breastfeeding and not saving any milk, that you will need a fridge. If you’re not staying in the homes of family nor friends, it is important to ask your accommodation like a hotel or Airbnb if there is a fridge for your use.

Tip: Ask about a fridge at your accommodation for storing breastmilk or formula, as well as a lot of food for breastfeeding mothers or hungry parents who need midnight (or 3am) snacks. You will be glad you did.

Bring a milk chiller

If you are pumping or nursing with some ways to save milk, consider a popular milk-cooler item like the CeresChill Breastmilk Cooler. A product like this keeps milk safely-conditioned for up to 20 hours while you’re out or in transit, until you get to a refrigerator.