Traveling with a bottle-fed baby can be daunting, but with a bit of preparation and planning, it can be an enjoyable experience for both you and your little one. In this article, we’ll share some working tips for traveling with a bottle-fed baby, like keeping baby formula fresh while traveling, to make your journey stress-free and comfortable.
Keep reading for tips on how to travel with a formula-fed baby.
Top Tips for Traveling with a Bottle-fed Baby
Don’t stress. While it can be overwhelming to think of ways to easily travel with your baby, with these top tips for traveling with a bottle-fed baby, you’ll be ready in no time at all.
Be sure to also check our suggestions for a sick baby who won’t sleep.
Plan Ahead
The key to a successful trip with a bottle-fed baby is to plan. This means researching the airlines’ policies on traveling with HiPP formula, bottles, and other baby items.
Some airlines may have restrictions on the amount of baby formula you can bring onboard, so it’s essential to know the rules before you fly. You can also check if the airline provides in-flight bottle warming services or if you need to bring your bottle warmer.
If one wants to travel by bus, train, or car, one should also regard some tips. Car traveling is great because you can rent a big vehicle to keep all the required stuff.
Bus and train policies complicate things a bit because you face luggage limits and cannot prepare bottle formulas comfortably, and providing sterile conditions is more complex there. So, you should consult the trip providers to consider all the pros and cons before choosing a transport.
Pack Enough Supplies
Make sure to pack enough formula, bottles, and other baby supplies for the duration of your trip. It’s always better to pack more than you need so you don’t run out of supplies during your travels.
You can also pack extra bottles and nipples, which can easily get lost or misplaced while traveling.
Carry a Sterilizer
Traveling with a sterilizer can be a great help when having a bottle-fed baby. You can sterilize your baby’s bottles and other feeding equipment in the hotel room or wherever you stay.
This way, you can ensure your baby gets clean and safe feeding supplies.
Choose a Formula That Meets Your Needs
Parents select between powder and ready-to-feed formulas. The main difference is the price.
Powder formula is traditional and cheaper, so parents usually buy it to budget appropriately and afford other things for kids. Moreover, the quality of powder formula is high, and its manufacturers offer various formula types to meet the needs of babies, such as:
“sensitive tummies” for babies who suffer from meteorism and colics
“antireflux” for those who spit up food frequently
“vegan” for animal milk intolerant babies
“hypoallergenic” for newborns who are intolerant to cow milk
“cow milk formula” that’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients
Another advantage of the dry formula is lifespan. Bottle formula must be used within 72 hours after opening (if one stores it in a fridge), while one takes the required dose of powdered formula without letting germs spoil the rest.
An average dry formula is produced in a pack with a lid that provides tightness. However, one needs good-quality water and sterile tools to prepare it, which is uncomfortable in public transport.
The ready-to-feed formula can be a convenient option when traveling with a bottle-fed baby. It’s pre-mixed and doesn’t require any additional water or mixing, making feeding your baby on-the-go easier.
You can find the ready-to-feed formula in small, travel-friendly sizes that are easy to pack in your carry-on bag.
Take Pouches and Canned Goods if Your Baby Is Over 6 Months Old
Babies aged six months old are ready to try adult food. An excellent option is to take several Holle fruit pouches and canned or jarred pureed baby foods.
Don’t take pouches with fruit or vegetables a baby hasn’t eaten before to avoid severe allergic reactions or digestive problems like diarrhea. Canned or jarred food must have the desired labeling and a list of safe ingredients. The best variants are:
homogeneous meat (chicken/turkey/rabbit)
pureed vegetables (broccoli/cauliflower/etc.)
a mix of vegetables or cereal and meat
The product must exclude salt and artificial taste enhancers, stabilizers, colorants, preservatives, and GMOs. Organic products fit best because brands are responsible for each added ingredient and the safety of the environment where it is grown.
Bring a Cooler Bag
A cooler bag can be a lifesaver when traveling with a bottle-fed baby. You can use it to store bottles of formula, breastmilk, and other perishable items while traveling.
This way, you can be sure that your baby’s milk stays fresh and safe for consumption.
Use a Baby Carrier
A baby carrier can be a great help when traveling with a bottle-fed baby, and it allows you to keep your hands free while carrying your baby around the airport or other busy areas. You can also use the carrier to feed your baby on the go, as it provides a comfortable and secure place for your baby to sit and feed.
Think of Disposable Bottle Liners
Baby might need several feedings during travel, but sometimes it’s impossible to sterilize bottles and nipples in buses, planes, and trains. Disposable bottle liners help to forget that problem and avoid colics in babies thanks to the air-free feeding option.
Feed Before the Travel Starts and Before the Engine Stops
Feeding your baby during takeoff and landing of a plane can help prevent ear pain and discomfort caused by changes in air pressure. When you feed your baby before the bust stops, you won’t hurry to try to find the feeding place and carry the luggage simultaneously.
So, sitting on a bus and getting off with a satisfied baby is better than listening to its hungry crying.
Make sure to bring enough formula or breastmilk for feeding during these times. It’s better not to buy new formulas to avoid side effects.
You can also use a pacifier or teething toy to help relieve ear pressure during flights.
Choose a Comfortable Seat
Choosing a comfortable seat can make a big difference when traveling with a bottle-fed baby. Consider booking a seat with extra legroom or a bulkhead seat that provides more space for you and your baby.
You can also request a bassinet or infant seat, which provides a secure and comfortable place for your baby to sleep.
Pack Distraction Items
Distraction items can be a great help when traveling with a bottle-fed baby. You can bring toys, books, and other items your baby enjoys to keep them occupied during the trip.
You can also download some baby-friendly apps or videos on your phone or tablet to keep your baby entertained.
Don’t Stress
Traveling with a bottle-fed baby can be stressful, but it’s important to remember to relax and enjoy the journey. Babies can sense your stress, so try to stay calm and enjoy the experience.
Takeaways
Remember, traveling with your baby can be a wonderful experience if you plan it. Choose the most comfortable means of transport and the seat if possible to guarantee comfortable traveling.
Don’t forget to pack enough formula to avoid buying a new one that can cause adverse side effects. Think about sterilization or taking extra disposable liners.
Don’t forget to feed babies on time and ask the trip provider about the permitted luggage weight and opportunities for additional baby comfort like feeding tables or rest chairs. Finally, take some distractions like books, toys, or tablets, and relax because babies are happy when their parents are relaxed and happy.
