Taking Your Baby Overseas for the First Time
The thought of taking your baby overseas for the first time may well be a daunting one.
This is totally understandable with so many considerations to make.
As such, keeping your baby settled during a long journey is sure to be high on your agenda.
Therefore, to improve the chances of enjoying your first trip overseas with your baby it is wise to plan in advance.
Here are some useful things to consider when taking your baby overseas for the first time.
A Passport
Applying for your baby’s passport should be the first consideration above everything else.
After all, without a passport, overseas travel is not possible!
It’s not always easy to capture a photograph of your baby which meets passport standards.
There are apps available such as paspic.com which will review your baby’s photograph and ensure it fits the correct criteria.
A passport can be applied for via the post office online, this can take several weeks to arrive.
There is a fast-track process with additional costs.
You will need your baby’s birth certificate and if applicable, any court documents describing residency or parental responsibility.
Baby Food and Drink Supplies
It’s important to ensure you have food and drink to hand. Both during your journey and whilst you are overseas with your baby.
If your holiday or trip involves flying, it is wise to check what you are able to carry on to the plane in advance. Baby’s may feed more frequently as air quality can be dehydrating.
Feeding can also be comforting to help in the change in air pressure, especially during take-off and landing.
The following lists what you should be taking with you for the entirety of your stay:
- Snacks
- Ready-made formula
- Bibs
- Beakers and bottles
- Bottle warmer
- Sterilising equipment
- A Breast Pump
- Food pouches or jars
- Hand-held blender
- Plastic spoons, forks, and bowls
Baby Equipment for Bedtime
Prior to traveling do check with your accommodation provider that a travel cot is included.
Once you are on the plane try and adjust feeds/naps to the local time of the country you are visiting.
This will help your baby transition to the new time zone.
If it is, this is one less heavy item to have to pack, the following items should be considered before traveling overseas.
- Travel cot (if not included in accommodation). A cot can also be booked for flights
- Sling to settle your baby when walking up and down the aisle of the plane
- Bedding
- Night sleepwear
- Overnight nappies
- Night light (you will need the plug adapters too)
- A Baby monitor
- Blackout blinds
- Lightweight foldable buggy which can be taken onto the plane and stored overhead
Baby Personal Care
Your toiletry bag will double in size once you start roaming with your child.
If you’re only going on a short-stay holiday, you can transfer large bottles of shower gel and shampoo into handy travel bottles.
It is worth having a change of clothes on the flight for yourselves in case baby is sick on you.
- Sponge, shampoo, and body wash
- Plenty of nappies
- Nappy rash cream, nappy bags
- Swim nappies
- Wet Wipes
- Hairbrush
- Toothbrush and toothpaste (if applicable)
Protection From the Weather
Depending on your destination you will need to take weather conditions into account.
Whether you are going to a warmer or colder country than the UK, the following equipment should be carefully considered:
For warmer countries:
- Sunblock
- Aftersun cream
- A Parasol for pram or buggy
- UVA protection pop up beach tent
- A Sun hat (or two)
- Sunglasses (If applicable)
- Insect repellent protection
- UVA protection swimsuit
For cooler countries:
- Hot water bottle with a safe covering
- Cold weather hat and boots
- Mittens
- Baby leg warmers
- Sufficient insulation for pram or buggy
- Pram or buggy rain cover
Taking Your Baby Overseas Checklist
This checklist for traveling overseas with a baby does not include items that may be required for a newborn baby with additional needs.
Is your baby is currently having issues settling while you are planning to take your baby overseas?
Margaret Maternity provides a range of services to enable a greater quality of life for both babies and parents alike.
Find out more here about the Remote Maternity Clinic.
