Tips To Keep You Traveling
Traveling with a baby can seem daunting, but actually with a few small adjustments to your normal travel routine, it can be quite manageable. Here are some tips for breastfeeding while traveling to help keep you exploring when your newest travel mate arrives!
Establish a Routine
Breastfeeding is a wonderful thing! It is good for both mama and baby but it does not always come naturally. Before you set out on an adventure with your little one, it is helpful to find what your normal routine is. Get your milk supply established, see what your baby’s eating schedule is like, and get over the hump of the painful engorgement and first few weeks of soreness.
Try a Day Trip First
Start with a day trip to get comfortable breastfeeding in public. I was very nervous about public nursing. I started with a day trip to get comfortable before diving into a longer trip. America tends to be on the conservative side of public nursing (especially uncovered public nursing). I lived in Germany when I had my daughter and I wasn’t sure how people would react to me breastfeeding in a restaurant or out in public. I felt most comfortable nursing with a cover, though I quickly realized most German women I saw were nursing uncovered. After that day trip, I gained confidence and was ready to tackle a longer vacation.
Pack Wearable Covers to Save Space
Try packing things like scarves, capes, and shawls which can be used as nursing covers. This will prevent you from needing to pack something additional in your diaper bag. Using a wearable cover is especially useful when flying so you aren’t trying to fumble in your bag for a one while in those tight airplane seats. Consider the climate and the weather at your destination. Lightweight muslin/linen scarves are great for warmer weather. Heavier knit wraps, capes, and scarves would be better in the winter.
Find a Comfortable Spot or a Good View
If your baby nurses for long sessions, you will want to find a comfortable spot to sit for a bit. If you can’t find a comfortable spot, at least find a spot with a good view! I like to think about all the magnificent places in Europe where I sat and nursed my baby – looking at the Eiffel Tower; high in the mountains of Switzerland listening to cowbells; and gazing up at the Sagrada Familia. If it is cold outside, find a cozy cafe or restaurant to sit and take a break. I found that Starbucks made for a great nursing spot. There’s coffee and snacks, comfortable chairs, and bathrooms with changing tables as well.
Time Nursing Sessions Around Tours
Try to nurse preemptively before you start a tour or activity. This way your baby will be fed and happy, and you can enjoy your tour without being interrupted. While we were visiting the Loire Valley in France, I nursed in the car upon arrival at each chateau. Then we toured the palace and by the time we were finished walking around and taking pictures, my daughter was ready to nurse again. It was helpful to not have to stop in the middle of a tour to try and find a place to nurse.
Use a Baby Carrier to Nurse on the Go
Learn how to use your baby carrier to help you nurse. I had an Ergobaby carrier and they are definitely breast feeding friendly. It will help greatly to keep you moving if you can’t or don’t want to park yourself on a bench for an extended time. This is especially useful if you are already a mom to a busy toddler or older children. We all know kids don’t slow down even if you want to, so this will help keep your family moving and everyone happy.
Written By: Lindsey Bybee
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