First Trips with a Newborn

Learning to travel with your newborn will take practice and patience. How do you decide when to go out and where to go? How far can you travel with a newborn baby? Not only does going out depend on how your baby feels, it also depends on how you feel.

Your infant is probably more ready to go out and about than you are. Not only do new mothers need time to adjust from labor and delivery, new fathers also need time to adjust to this new lifestyle. As soon as you get approval from your child's pediatrician, you can take your baby out. Keep in mind though, that the weather should be above freezing and below 80 degrees. It is important to dress your baby properly and comfortably. There is no need to overdress your baby. She probably needs one light extra layer than what you are wearing. Limit the amount of sun exposure your newborn receives-her skin is much to fragile for direct sunlight. Use a hat and stay in the shade as much as you can. New parents often worry about exposing their baby to germs when they go out. To lessen the amount of germs that your newborn is exposed to, do not allow strangers to handle your infant and keep her away from friends and family that are sick. Remind friends and family to wash their hands thoroughly before handling your baby.

Your newborn will be able to experience alot, even though she is so young. As soon as your baby is born, she can distinguish light from dark, rough from smooth and familiar voices over non familiar ones. Your baby is born with her sense of touch, smell and taste fully developed. Sight and hearing will develop during the first two years of life. Expose your baby to interesting sights and sounds to create permanent neural connections in her brain that are needed for development. Take your baby out into the world with you and watch how she notices a new sound or unfamiliar scent. Everything is new to your baby and it is your responsibility to help her develop and learn.

Where exactly you take your baby is up to you. Parents have taken their newborns on safari rides in Kenya, to the Superbowl and many other destinations. Some parents have more courage than others, but it is important to expose your baby to the world. You do not need to go to the extremes of backpacking with your baby through the Himalayas or on a cruise to Alaska, a simple walk or trip to the mall with be sufficient. Schedule your outtings carefully. Make sure that your newborn has been fed, changed and when you feel up to it. Take a shower and dress yourself up. If you have other children, get them ready first. A walk can be a rejuvenating experience and your baby will enjoy the fresh air. A trip to the mall gives you opportunities to see other moms out and about with their children. Shopping with children can be hard and sometimes, even stressful. So, do not try to shop with your newborn. Simply enjoy getting out, window shopping and exposing your baby to a variety of sights, sounds and people. A visit with your friends or family can be a wonderful outting for you both. Friends and family will want to help with the baby, which will offer you somewhat of a break. This time is also great for much needed conversation that may not be allowed over the phone.

Vacationing with your newborn baby can get a little trickier. The first several weeks after your baby is born is often the easiest timeframe for new mothers and fathers to get away from work to take a vacation. If you are pre-planning a vacation after the baby's arrival, plan to take the vacation at least a month after your due date. Make your plans as easy to change and cancel as you possibly can. Talk with your doctor and the baby's pediatrician before making any definite travel plans. It is best to choose a destination that pampers you and caters to their guests. This will allow for maximized enjoyment and time spent with your new baby.

What do you need to pack for your newborn? It is actually easiest to take the least amount of items necessary. It is easier to get around with less baggage! You do not need a pack of diapers, case of wipes, multiple receiving blankets, two pacifiers, four changes of clothes and a bottle of baby lotion to get to the grocery store. As you get used to your baby, you will figure out what she really needs for how long. For a quick outting, in a diaper bag, pack a few diapers, one burp cloth or receiving blanket, a handful of wipes, a pacifier, one change of clothes and a bottle if needed. Generally, for longer trips, pack one diaper for each hour of time away, a travel case of baby wipes, diaper rash ointment, a pacifier, two receiving blankets, two-three changes of clothes and however many bottles your baby needs. If you will be away overnight, pack extra diapers, clothes, wipes and an extra receiving blanket. You will also need a portable playpen for your baby to sleep in.

More than anything, enjoy your time with your newborn. This is a special time in both of your lives. Outtings should be fun, not stressful.