There is an old saying that says no one is happy if mama isn’t happy. You could reword that to say that no one is happy if the baby isn’t happy. Newborn babies demand feedings every few hours, diaper changes at all hours of the night, and lots of cuddle time to ensure they feel secure and loved. If the baby doesn’t get what they need, loud screams that can last for hours will result. The last thing you want is to get far away from home and hear those screams while you are trying to enjoy a family vacation.
After staying home for a period of time to adjust to life with a new baby, you will come to the point where your life outside of the home needs to continue. This means taking the baby out with you. It is rather easy to determine that your baby can handle short periods of time outside of the house if they are healthy and thriving. It is more difficult to determine whether your baby is ready for a family vacation that could last for a week or longer.
Where Do You Want to Go?
You have to know where you are going before you can determine whether it is safe to bring the baby along. If you plan on traveling overseas, you have to consider your baby’s weak immune system and the possibility that they are too young to receive required immunizations. You also have to consider your baby’s comfort during long flights, taxi rides and other transportation scenarios.
If you are staying closer to home, think about the activities you may enjoy while on the vacation. Many amusement parks, resorts and other entertainment facilities do not readily accommodate small babies. If the baby cannot participate in all activities, then an adult will need to stay back to care for the baby. In some cases, it is better to put the trip of until the baby is older or arrange for childcare at home so that the rest of the family can enjoy the vacation.
Get Pediatrician Clearance
Once you know where you are going and how long the vacation will last, take your baby for a pediatric checkup and ask the doctor. If your baby has any medical issues, the doctor will discuss the risks involved with travel at their current age. If your baby is healthy, then the doctor will voice any concerns related to your vacation location and intended activities.
If your baby takes medication or needs other special accommodations, discuss how this may impact the family vacation. Your doctor may have resources and ideas that make it easier to travel with your baby given the specific issues involved.
Test Your Baby’s Temperament
If you haven’t spent much time out of the home with your baby, it is time to put your little one to the test. Start with three or four hours away from home, but make sure you are close enough that returning home is possible if necessary. Fill your diaper bag with everything needed to keep your baby happy, including bottles, pacifiers, bibs, clean clothing, diapers and a favorite toy or two. You want to visit a shopping mall, the park or another public location. Simply going to another person’s home may feel too much like being in your home to really see how your baby is going to react.
There are many things that you want to pay attention to while you are away from home:
- Does your baby seem content or at peace while riding in the car? Is there a limit to how long they can ride in the car seat before getting cranky?
- Does your baby transition between car seat and stroller without getting fussy?
- Does your baby seem to enjoy riding in the stroller for a long period of time?
- Is your baby reasonably happy without being held while traveling?
- Does your baby seem startled by the noise level of a shopping mall or airport?
- Do you feel comfortable caring for your baby while they are in a car seat or stroller rather than holding them directly?
This trip will help you see whether your baby is ready for an extended vacation away from home. If they get cranky after a half hour in your car, they probably are not ready for a three-hour flight across the country. If they are startled and unsettled by the crowd at the shopping mall or screaming kids at the park, then they probably will not enjoy the sounds of a busy amusement park.
If your baby seems to enjoy time out of the home, plan an overnight trip to make sure every member of the family travels well together. This will give you time to see how your baby reacts to being away from home overnight. It also gives you a chance to see what caring for a small baby in a hotel room is like. If everyone is happy and healthy, then you may want to book the family vacation and see how it goes.
If problems arise during your trial trips away from home, go back to your pediatrician and ask questions. If your baby seems unusually fussy while away from home, the doctor may find undiagnosed reasons for that behavior. The doctor may also simply tell you that your baby is still too young to stay away from home for an extended period of time. If that happens, it is always best to delay a family vacation than to find yourself far from home with an upset or sick baby.
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