The idea of a long trip with your little one can be daunting. The professional postpartum doulas at No Barriers Birth compiled a list of solutions for infant discomfort during travel, so that you can feel confident and prepared!
Preventing Crying on the Plane
1. Relieve Ear Pressure Just like adults can alleviate pressure in their ears by chewing gum, babies also find relief in sucking and swallowing. Since turbulence may make breastfeeding difficult or dangerous, you might want to have a pacifier or bottle on hand. Tylenol given a half-hour before take-off and again before landing can also prevent pain (and screaming).
2. Prevent Overfeeding While feeding may soothe baby, feeding more than you normally would can cause painful bloating. Atmospheric pressure actually creates more air in your tummy, so substitute pacifiers and teething rings if baby is full and needs something calming.
3. Avoid sedatives Medications meant to make baby sleep often backfire and make your child overtired and irritable or even hyperactive. Instead bring a few new toys that baby has never seen for a nice distraction, or even headphones and calm music.
4. Temperature Planes can be freezing! A familiar blanket that smells like Mom or Dad can be a lifesaver.
Helpful Travel Tips
5. Avoid over-packing You can purchase packs of diapers, wipes, and formula when you reach your destination. For your travel day, it’s best to pack about one diaper for every hour of travel and possible delays (you certainly don’t want to run out at 30,000 feet!)
6. And if all else fails, do not let the haters get you down! Solicit the help of a flight attendant if someone is bothering you or making you upset. You deserve support, not judgment!
How Your Postpartum Doula Helps You Travel
- Handling the details: She will make sure that nothing is left behind, from a car sun shade for shielding baby to resealable bags for dirty clothes and bibs. She will find the mother’s lounge at the airport and make sure a crib is set up in the hotel room, taking all of that worry off of your shoulders.
- Dealing with the TSA: Have no fear when it comes to bringing breastmilk on a plane or transporting your stroller—your doula will double-check all of the rules and standards before you even book the flight. It will also be such a relief to have your doula’s extra set of hands to cart everything through the airport!
- Taking care of yourself: Want to go on an outing with your family but baby needs a nap? Let holiday time be as restful, fun, and stress-free as possible by bringing your postpartum doula with you. Just like she does at home, she will enhance your experience, and make sure that you don’t miss out on anything!
-Blog post authored by Sally Stratmann, A professional Postpartum Doula at No Barriers Birth