Parenting comes with many duties, but staying at home all the time is not one of them. It’s summer and it’s normal to think about whether it’s time for the new family member’s first trip. Why not? With a little more planning everything is possible.
WHEN CAN I TRAVEL?
How long you will recover after childbirth depends on many factors such as the delivery method (vaginal or c-section). It is advisable to wait 2-3 weeks after vaginal delivery and at least a month after Caesarean section. Consult with your GP and listen to your body.
Women are predisposed to deep vein thrombosis 6-8 weeks after childbirth. This is especially true for those who had a c-section. Though rare, you should take this into consideration if you are going on a long trip. Drink plenty of water, get up and stretch on the plane or stop for a rest if you’re planning to travel by car.
WHEN CAN THE BABY TRAVEL?
Babies receive antibodies from breast milk that protect them from many diseases. However, they are much more susceptible to disease than adults. It is desirable to wait at least a month before you go with your baby on a longer trip. Some pediatricians recommend waiting for up to 3-6 months. During this time, you can start with day trips.
ABROAD WITH A BABY
Even if they’re one month old, the baby must have a passport. It can be issued when you receive the birth certificate and make an address registration of your child. If the baby is going to travel with only one of the parents, a notarized declaration is required.
One of the benefits of traveling with a baby is that it is free or only a small fee is paid. Each airline has its own requirements that you need to get acquainted with in advance so that there will be no surprises. With some airlines, children up to 24 months of age travel for free as long as they sit in the lap of their parent. This is a good way to save money, but it can be tiring when the flight is longer. In this case, it is recommended to purchase a separate seat for the child.
HOW TO SURVIVE THE FLIGHT?
Some babies sleep throughout the flight and others may cry for hours. How your child will behave is hard to predict. Changing the daily regime, air pressure all the different noises can be the source of stress for the youngest and can lead to crying and restlessness.
Select a seat next to the window – so the child will be entertaining himself with the view. Take his favorite toys and books, but only those that do not make sounds (the other passengers will be grateful). Children get nervous when they are hungry, so be sure to bring snacks. If possible, choose a flight that matches the child’s usual sleeping time. In this way, the likelihood of sleeping through it is greater.
Traveling with a baby is not for everyone, but it’s worth trying at least once. It definitely has its difficult moments, but in the end, everything is a matter of attitude.