Breastfeeding and Travel

You are used to traveling for work and fun. Cappuccino in hand, magazines and laptop case on wheels in tow, airports are your home away from home. Now with the baby you are not sure what you can and cannot do in terms of travel. If you are breastfeeding, traveling with your baby is not as daunting as it may seem. The soothing mechanism and food for your baby is readily available, so you are life is pretty simple then. You know your babys temperament better than anyone else, so you know best what works and what doesnt. But at any rate be sure to plan ahead to have everything you need with you, and you will be jet-setting with your bambino in no time!

Best time to travel with a baby is between ages of 2 and 6 months. This is a great time to go on a vacation! Usually infants are alert enough by then that the changing scenery around will be entertaining. He will likely hold his head up, but will not be mobile quite yet, so you can bring him along without much resistance on his part. Best time of the day to travel with the baby is early morning, when the baby is fresh from nights sleep, and around naptimes, if you baby easily falls asleep in unusual places (some children fall asleep in the car very easily, while others only like their own cribs).

Many sources of information online will tell you the rules about breastfeeding in public and incidents where women were not allowed to nurse, thus leading to huge media attention, nurse-ins, boycotts, etc. The truth of the matter is, so few women nurse in public, that even those of us that are comfortable with it, see it as something unusual when we run into another mom breastfeeding in the mall. The reality is such that most women in fact pump ahead of time or opt for formula, all to avoid breastfeeding in public. If only more women did it, and showed the world that its normal, natural and not uncomfortable for everyone! Until then we have several suggestions that might help you find ways to breastfeed in public, the best thing you can do for your baby and for yourself.

Invest into a comfortable baby carrier or sling, which will give you baby the security of being really close to you. Find a stroller that can fit all the things that you need, but will be easy to fold and unfold going through security and on/off the airplane.

Ideally travel with a partner who can help you with an extra set of hands for carrying your luggage and baby. However, if you must travel by yourself with the baby, try to have someone help you check in at your departure city, and pick you up at your destination. For the airport and airplane time, try to be as strategic as possible in packing everything you need but not going overboard. Remember, every extra ounce of stuff you pack will have to be carried by you!

Bag Must-Haves
First invest into a large size bag with many pockets. The bag can be of any color and style, reflecting your personal sense of fashion, however, we recommend the kind that can be easily closed up or zipped. This will allow you to have all your things in one place and not falling out when on the security belt. Make sure to have enough diapers and wipes for the trip. Dont over pack and try to find small packages of creams and lotions you might need. A couple of blankets and changing pads are a must for the public changing tables.

If you baby takes pacifiers, pack a couple of them strategically in the bags pockets with easy access. You will likely need some toys and small books to show your baby while flying to keep him entertained. We recommend that you take several of his favorite playthings and put them away a few days before travel dates. Then when flying, you baby will be happy to see them again and you are more or less guaranteed some time of his undivided attention.

Cover-ups
Many moms are uncomfortable nursing in public because they feel like others stare. To avoid this, a great cover-up is a great option. These poncho- or apron-like garments let you cover your chest and the baby, giving you discreetness and style nursing anywhere in public. If you find yourself without these great accessories, you can always improvise with a receiving blanket or even a scarf. Depending on the age and personality of your baby, you may opt for basic solid colors and not colorful prints so as to not distract him from the task at hand. Lighter fabrics will let your baby be cool under and extra layer, so when purchasing a cover-up try to find something in natural cotton.

Nursing clothing
When you have a million things to hold (baby, diaper bag, stroller, tickets, wallet, etc.), last thing you want to have is a struggle pulling out your breast to nurse your baby. We recommend a great versatile nursing bra that lets you unhook it with one hand. Colorful and pretty styles available at Eve Alexander are a good choice, as they will stylishly add to your ensemble, rather than focus unnecessary attention around your breasts if you were wearing some raggedy discolored bra. Nursing tops that help you nursing discretely will also serve you well while traveling. We suggest colors and styles that are non-wrinkly and in colors that are easily made dirty. Cardigans and top combinations work well together, as they let you have an extra layer that you can take off when warm.

Note to the Worried Mom
Most important thing for you to know when traveling is that you are trying to get from point A to point B with the least headache. Let that guide your path in taking things calmly and confidently. Dont get into discussions with the flight attendant if she does something wrong you need her on your side for any possible help or special attention she could offer during the trip. Airlines will often allow passengers with children board at a certain time, which may simplify the battle to get on for you. Dont be shy about asking others for help most people understand that its difficult enough to travel with the baby, and they will help you. Forget about the people that will give you hard time or unfriendly stares they must have never had this experience and just dont get it. If your baby happens to cry during the flight, try your best to sooth her with nursing, toys, or crunching sound of the magazine in the seat in front of you. But if she cries, dont panic. It happens for a multitude of reasons and the more you worry the more she feels your stress and the less comfortable she is. Do your best to stay calm and relaxed and your baby will feel it and (hopefully) be a good little companion for you.