We’ve talked about hosting the holidays with a newborn, but what if you are traveling outside Houston? Spending the holidays with family and friends is a wonderful way to make connections and memories, but getting to your destination can be stressful, especially with a new baby in tow. You can’t plan for everything, but I hope that following these tips for holiday travel with baby will help you get to your destination safe, sound, and ready to celebrate.

Give Yourself Extra Travel Time

As a newborn photographer, I always make sure we have lots of wiggle room during a session. Why? Unexpected diaper changes, needing to soothe or feed a crying baby–it all takes time! The same thing applies to travel. Give yourself a buffer, and you and baby will both be much happier.

Think About Space

Baby might take up much room–but their gear does. Prioritize the essentials, and consider what you might be able to buy or rent when you get there. (For example, it can be much more efficient to pack diapers just for the travel portion of your trip and plan to buy more when you arrive at your destination than to take up half your luggage space with diapers and wipes).

Pack More Clothes Than You Think You’ll Need

There is nothing more adorable than a newborn, but every parent knows that frequent messes are part of that cute little package. Pack a few more clothes than you think you’ll need–for both of you! (A couple of plastic bags to hold dirty laundry won’t take up much space and can come in very handy too.)

Stay Nourished and Hydrated

Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, it’s important to take care of yourself. Pack a few healthy snacks and a bottle of water or thermos of herbal tea for yourself and make sure you have plenty of formula or breast milk for the little one. Traveling with an infant means you can take more liquid on a plane than is normally allowed, though they may have to undergo additional screening. Just keep all those liquids together to make things go quickly and smoothly during check-in. (Pro Tip: If you want the comfort of tea on a plane, bring an empty thermos and a teabag, then simply ask the flight attendant for hot water when they offer refreshments.)

And a First Aid Kit

Having baby pain reliever, gas drops, a thermometer, and a few other essentials on hand can make holiday travel with baby safer and easier. Baby is comfortable, you have peace of mind, and you don’t have to go hunting down a pharmacy in an unfamiliar city. It’s also a good idea to chat with your baby’s doctor before the trip, particularly if you’ll be traveling by plane, to get their advice.

Breathe

Holiday travel with baby is not easy, so give yourself the gift of grace while you do it. It’s okay to forget something, it’s okay that you didn’t quite stick to your baby’s schedule, it’s okay that you don’t feel put together. You’re traveling with a baby–which means you’re brave, confident, and awesome, even if you don’t feel that way!

Don’t Forget Your Camera!

You didn’t think I’d miss that one, did you? As a Houston newborn photographer, nobody knows the importance of capturing memories better than I do. Even if it’s just the built-in camera on your cell phone, make sure you take pictures and document the journey! Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.

Happy Holidays, and safe travels!

Lots of Love,

Shannon