How to Travel Safely With Your Baby During a Pandemic

It comes as no surprise that the novel coronavirus has forced us to configure a new normal from having to shift to a digitized world. Our interactions with physical spaces have taken another meaning.

The worry of contracting the virus while traveling is already debilitating at times, but when it comes to traveling with your baby, you have to be extra careful with the precautionary measures.

Research also suggests that newborns and infants are at a greater risk of getting ill if exposed to an environment rich in bacteria and viruses. When it comes to traveling with your child, it is natural to feel the uncertainty you do, especially given the circumstances. So, how can you safely travel with your baby during the COVID-19 pandemic? 

Talk to Your Pediatrician

As a mother, when you're planning either an overseas trip or a cross country trip, the first order of business is to consult your pediatrician. This will be your best source of information. He/she will make sure you're prepared to take care of your baby in case of emergencies.

Your pediatrician is likely to suggest a full medical exam for your baby before allowing her/him to travel anywhere. Be sure to keep them in the loop during your trip so they can guide you and help think of ideas you might not have. Their experience with your baby is not a novel one.

Many parents might have already consulted them about their travels. This means they are already aware of the situations and understand how to help you and put your worries to restfully.

Clean Your Car Seats

If you've decided to go on a road trip, this is going to be especially helpful to you. While you might think disinfecting your car the same way you would a surface might suffice, it might not be sufficient and will damage your car seats.

Start by cleaning and disinfecting the car seat with a mild detergent and water. If someone who has tested for the virus has been exposed to the car, remove the car seats after the first step and seal the seats in a plastic bag for a few days. Wear gloves and a mask while you handle the car seats.

Try to park your car in the sun for a few days to air it out and use it after. For car, door handles, and steering where use disinfectants and wipes as often as possible after stepping out of the car for a break. Make sure to pack sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer, so you have already disinfected any surface you expose your baby to. 

Know Airline Policies

If you're traveling by air, then the chances are that there is less than you might be in control of. You can make sure your child is safe during overseas traveling by going through the airline policies before purchasing a ticket.

Many airlines have introduced specific policies for flying with infants, and some even have new policies due to the COVID-19 outbreak. A few policies include wearing a mask, social distancing with spaced out seating arrangements, and a COVID test before you board your flight.

You might also be asked to show a certification or a document for your child from her/his doctor for their health status.

In the End

To make sure your child is as safe as it is possible for you, you are going to have to plan, strategize, and make lists of supplies you will need throughout the trip. Your doctors and airline management will be able to help you create a plan that leaves no stone unturned!

If you're looking for high-quality wipes, diapers, and other baby products for traveling, made responsibly from plant-based materials, then visit littletoes.com for more insightful information.

Author's Bio: Dr. Sharon Fried Buchalter Ph.D., is a distinguished clinical psychologist, life coach, and public speaker who has worked as a Marriage and Family Therapist and clinical social worker. She received the highest accreditation as a board-certified diplomate-fellow in advanced child and adolescent psychology. She has spent her life educating, enlightening and empowering parents and children of all ages.

She has developed revolutionary tools to help couples, parents, and families achieve happiness and success. Her first book, Children Are People Too, provides eight essential steps to strengthen families and empower parents to be their own child's life coach and mentor. Her second book, New Parents Are People Too, provides relationship advice for couples entering parenthood for the first time.

She is also the founder and owner of Products On The Go. And Little Toes.