Traveling with a Newborn This Spring? Tips for Sleeping and Feeding on the Go (And How Our Nightingales Can Help!)

Apr 20
3 min read

Vacation season is upon us! But for families that have recently grown in size, traveling might look a little different this year.

Let’s be honest, the postpartum period is already hectic in the comfort of your own home. And when we add a completely new location and travel time in the mix? Well, a little extra help goes a long, long way!

So, without further ado, take note of these traveling tips from our newborn care experts before your next trip.

Tips For Sleeping While Traveling With a Newborn

What causes our little ones’ aversions to sleep while we’re in a new location? Usually, it’s the unfamiliarity! To create a more familiar, safe environment for your baby, prioritize these steps:

Replicate your nursery. Bring a swaddle, or a sleep sack, and anything else that will help your little one feel at home. (Even if it means packing another bag!)
Block out the light. Bring travel blackout shades or a sleep pod to keep your sleeping area nice and dark, no matter the time of day.
Bring white noise. A sound machine is familiar and can help mask the new creaks and sounds in a hotel or family home.
Stick to your routine. Stay consistent with a similar variation of your typical routine to signal bedtime to your baby. This will keep their internal clocks on time!
Create a safe setup. Always use a safe, approved crib, bassinet, or pack-and-play for sleeping in new locations.

Of course, sleeping is only one part of the equation for traveling with your baby. The other major change to your routine is feeding.

Advice for Feeding Your Newborn While Traveling

The most important thing about packing food for your baby is that more is always better. We’d always recommend bringing an excess of formula and supplies to avoid running out in the middle of the airport!

Here are a few tips from experienced mothers to help you on your journey:

Overpack everything. Bring extra bottles, formula, and breast milk storage bags to account for delays or damages. We recommend packing for an additional 3 days!
Keep it accessible. Pack a designated, easy-to-reach bag for bottles, snacks, pumps, wipes, and diapers. You’ll thank yourself later.
Prep your formula. Use a formula dispenser for pre-measured powder and ready-to-feed bottles to make the whole process more convenient during your travels.
Pack cleaning supplies. Bring a travel-sized dish soap and bottle brush, so you’re never left without a clean bottle.

While traveling with a newborn involves a whole lot more planning beyond sleeping and feeding arrangements, these are likely the biggest challenges you’ll have to deal with. And if planning for a trip has you overwhelmed, our Nightingales are ready to help!

Our Newborn Care Specialists are Ready to Travel With You

It can be scary thinking about traveling with your baby for the first time. But don’t let that keep you from booking your tickets! If you’re ready to head out of town with your little one, but know you want a little extra help along the way, book overnight newborn care with our Nightingales.

Our newborn support experts are available to travel with you and take care of your newborn on the go. This way, you’re still sleeping through the night, even if your baby takes a little longer to adjust.

Connect with our owner, Melissa, to find out more about booking newborn care for your upcoming travels.