7 Tips for Traveling with a Baby in Summer

However, if you have a baby and are planning to take him along, traveling can really be a stressful experience for you. But worry not, here are some solid tips that will make your trip as easy and fun as possible.

There is no doubt that summer is a great time to explore and experience a whole new world of travel, fun, and adventure with your family. However, if you have a baby and are planning to take him along, traveling can really be a stressful experience for you. But worry not, the tips given below will make your trip as easy and fun as possible.

Pack Light:

Instead of filling your carry-on bag with whatever you get in your hands, focus on packing clothes that are lightweight and breathable to both you and your baby. For the summer season, soft materials like cotton or hosiery with light colors are perfect to pack as they keep your baby cool and comfortable. Besides that, make sure to have enough diapers and wipes in your diaper bag.

Apply Sunscreen to Your Baby:

Apply sunscreen liberally to the exposed areas of your baby’s body 15 to 30 minutes before you hit the road. This will not only protect his soft skin from the accidental sun exposure but also will minimize the risk of developing sunburn or sweat rash. However, if your baby is younger than six months, use sunscreen sparingly.

Carry Enough Water Bottles:

Carry plenty of water to avoid dehydration or sunstroke during the trip. On hot summer days, babies breastfeed a little more than usual which may interrupt your overall milk supply. This means you have to stay well-hydrated to produce all that extra milk for your little one, which is possible only when you drink plenty of water.

Keep Breastfeeding:

If your little one relies solely on breast milk, make sure to feed him frequently so he doesn't become dehydrated. This is vital because breast milk is the only way to compensate the loss of fluids that comes out of your breastfed baby’s body in the form of sweating. In case you are concerned about nursing in public, be sure to use a nursing cover to maintain your privacy and comfort.

Keep the Pumped Milk Cool:

Of course, you can pump your breast milk at home and have an extra bottle ready to feed your baby in case of an emergency when you’re not able to breastfeed. While breast milk can be kept at room temperature for up to 10 hours, it may get really hot when you’re traveling. To keep your pumped breast milk cool, you can take advantage of a baby feeding bottle cover that is made of an insulated material.

Help Your Baby Stay Cool:

As much as possible, keep your little one out of direct sun exposure, especially during the peak heat hours. Since your baby has a very delicate skin, exposure to direct sunlight for a long time can lead to heat rashes and sunburn. If you’re unable to avoid the sun, make sure to protect his head with a baby cap. Also to save your infant from overheating, dress him in lightweight clothes made up of materials such as cotton.

Never Leave Your Baby Alone in the Car:

Last but not least, never leave your child alone in the car, even for a few minutes. During a hot summer day, the temperature inside a closed car can rise up to 45 degrees Celsius. That means if you leave your little one in such a hot environment, he may suffer from severe heat exhaustion (or even suffocation) and require immediate medical care. So next time when you go on a summer trip, don’t forget to take your baby out of the car.