Articles

Key takeaways

• If you're travelling during your pregnancy, get health advice early on.
• Ensure travel insurance covers pregnancy and a new baby.
• Always use a properly fitted, rear-facing car seat.
• Keep babies out of direct sunlight and well-hydrated.

Planning your trip: passports, insurance, and health

If you're planning a holiday during your pregnancy, it's a good idea to get health advice as early as you can. You should also consider the quality of medical care in the country you plan to visit.

You will need vaccinations before travelling to certain countries. There are some vaccinations you should not have when you are pregnant, especially in the first 3 months. Always check before you book anything.

Long journeys can increase your risk of developing blood clots in pregnancy. For journeys more than four hours it’s important to move regularly, stay hydrated and consider compression stockings for your legs. You can speak to your midwife about this.

It is important to make sure your travel insurance covers care during labour or for a new baby. It should also cover the cost of changing your outward or return trip dates in case of premature birth.

Applying for a baby's passport can take time, so it's best to do this well in advance of your travel dates. Both parents usually need to sign the application, and you'll need specific photos that meet passport requirements. Check your country's official government website for detailed instructions and processing times.

Mastering car seat safety

All babies must sit in a properly fitted child car seat by law. The car seat must be right for their weight, height, and age. Your baby must be in a car seat for every journey, including the one home from the hospital.

Choosing and fitting your car seat

It is recommended to buy a baby car seat before your baby is born. It is important to buy a seat that fits your car and is suitable for a newborn.

When choosing and fitting your car seat:

• Practise fitting the seat before your baby is born. When buying, try a few in your car before deciding.
• Buy from a retailer with trained staff who can ensure you get the right seat for your baby and your car. Ask them to demonstrate fitting and then try it yourself until you are confident.
• Check if your car has Isofix connectors. If your baby travels in other cars, ensure the seat fits those too.
• All car seats in the UK should be EU approved (look for the E mark label).
• Avoid second-hand car seats, as they may be damaged or incomplete. If accepting one from friends or family, ensure you know its full history, that it's not too old, and that it includes the instructions.

Using your car seat safely

To use your car seat safely:

• Rear-facing is safest – Use a rear-facing car seat for as long as your child fits, as these offer superior protection in an accident. The back, passenger-side seat is generally the safest spot.
• Airbags and front seats – It is dangerous and illegal to use a rear-facing car seat in a front passenger seat with an active airbag. If you must use the front, ensure the airbag is switched off (and remember to reactivate it for other passengers). Forward-facing seats in the front are not ideal; children are always safer in the back.
• Never hold your baby – It is illegal and dangerous to carry your baby on your lap or in your arms. Never share a seat belt with your baby, as this can cause severe injury in an accident.
• Proper fitting and strapping – Always fit the car seat according to manufacturer instructions. Put your baby into the car seat from the pavement side of the car, and ensure they are securely strapped in.
• Clothing – Remove bulky outdoor clothes when using a car seat to prevent restriction and overheating.

Travelling by car, plane, and public transport

Car travel

If you are driving long distances with your baby in a car seat, take regular breaks. If your baby is in their car seat for a long time, their head can sometimes roll forward. This can make it harder for them to breathe easily. Your baby can breathe more easily when lying flat.

Once you are out of your car, if your baby is asleep, take them out of the car seat. Lay them down on their back somewhere safe.

Ensure your baby's bulky outdoor clothes are removed when using a car seat. These can be restrictive and increase the risk of overheating.

Plane travel

Traveling by plane with a baby requires some planning.

• Booking – Check airline policies regarding infants. Some airlines allow babies under two to fly on a parent's lap (often for a reduced fare or free), while others require a separate seat with an approved car seat or a bassinet.
• Car seats on planes – If you plan to use a car seat, ensure it is FAA-approved (or equivalent for your region) for aircraft use. Always check with your airline in advance.
• Feeding during takeoff/landing – Feeding your baby during takeoff and landing can help with ear pressure changes.
• Packing – Pack essentials like diapers, wipes, snacks, formula or breast milk in your carry-on. Also include changes of clothes and small toys.
• Prams and travel cots – Most airlines allow prams, pushchairs and travel cots to be gate-checked for free.

Prams and pushchairs for public transport

Prams give your baby a lot of space to sit and lie comfortably. However, they take up a lot of space and are hard to use on public transport.

If you have a car, look for a pram that can be dismantled easily. Consider buying a pram harness, as you may need it to strap your baby securely into the pram.

Wait until your baby can sit by themselves before using another type of pushchair. Choose a light pushchair if you will be lifting it onto trains or buses.

Keeping your baby safe and comfortable on arrival

Sun safety

To ensure sun safety for your baby:

• Babies under 6 months – Keep them out of direct sun entirely. Ensure they are protected by shade and clothing even in the garden.
• Older babies – Keep them out of the sun as much as possible, especially during peak hours (11 am to 3 pm) in summer.
• Shade and ventilation – Use a parasol or sunshade on pushchairs. Never cover a pushchair or pram with a blanket, as this can cause overheating.
• Clothing – Dress your baby in lightweight clothing and avoid too many layers. Check on them regularly for signs of overheating.
• Sunscreen (6 months+) – For babies 6 months and older, apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 months.
• Sunscreen application – Use plenty of sunscreen and re-apply every 2 hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. Choose products specifically designed for babies and young children to minimize skin irritation.
• Protective gear – Ensure your child wears loose-fitting clothing, sunglasses, and a sunhat with a wide brim or long flap. This will protect their head, ears, and neck.

Food and water safety

When traveling, pay close attention to food and water safety for your baby.

• Water – Use bottled water for mixing formula and for drinking, especially in areas where tap water quality is uncertain. Boil bottled water if you are unsure of its sterility.
• Food – Be cautious with street food or unpeeled fruits and vegetables. Ensure all food is thoroughly cooked and served hot.
• Hygiene – Always wash your hands thoroughly before preparing food or feeding your baby. Carry hand sanitizer for situations where soap and water are not available.
• Breastfeeding – Breastfeeding is generally the safest option for infants when traveling, as it reduces the risk of foodborne or waterborne illnesses.

Hydration

Like adults, babies and young children need to drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.

• 0 to 6 months – Fully breastfed babies do not need water until solids are introduced, though they may breastfeed more in hot weather. Bottle-fed babies can be offered a little cooled boiled water in addition to milk feeds, especially if they wake at night after their usual milk.
• Around 6 months – Offer sips of water with meals once solids are introduced, using a cup or beaker. Breastmilk or infant formula remain the main drinks, but additional water may be needed in hot weather.
• From 12 months – Water, breast milk, or whole cow's milk are the main drinks. Plain water or very diluted fruit juice lollies can be offered in hot weather. However, you should limit these to mealtimes to prevent tooth decay.

Keeping cool

Do not leave babies or children in small, enclosed spaces, such as a parked car. They can get hot very quickly. Playing in a paddling pool is a good way of keeping babies and children cool. Keep the pool in the shade during very hot weather and watch them carefully at all times.

Run them a cool bath before bedtime. Keep your child's bedroom cool during the day by closing blinds or curtains. You can also use a fan to circulate the air in the room.