COVID + Holiday Travel Tips for Parents

John Legend and Michael Bublé have officially made their way onto my playlist which means the holidays are here! Although there will likely be less holiday travel this year, many families are still planning on packing their bags and venturing away from home. I’ve shared plenty of tips for traveling with a baby before (you can check out this Instagram post, this Instagram post, and this blog post), but things are a little different this year. 

On top of the challenges that come from traveling with babies and toddlers, there are important health and safety measures to keep in mind too. In 2020, not only do you have to keep holiday travel tips in mind, but also COVID travel tips, while traveling with your littles. 

First of All, is Traveling Safe?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is still advising against any travel that’s nonessential, since "travel increases the chance of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19." While there's no such thing as a ‘no-risk’ trip during the pandemic, there are several ways to reduce your family's chances of getting sick and many airlines and some public health officials assert that it's safe to fly again thanks to rigorous cleaning routines and hospital-grade air filtration. 

Keep in mind though, very few airlines (Alaska, Delta, Hawaiian, and Southwest through the end of November) are still blocking middle seats which allows for extra room between you and other travelers. 

COVID + Holiday Travel Tips

If you’ve decided that a family trip is essential during this season, make sure you’re taking the proper precautions to ensure your family’s safety and that things run smoothly with your little. 

Note: I’m not a medical professional, so I encourage you to chat with your pediatrician before planning a holiday trip this year and always use precaution while being around anyone not in your ‘bubble!’ That being said, here are 10 COVID and holiday travel tips for just in case you plan on traveling with your baby or kiddo this season.

1. Start with a Well-Rested Baby

In the days and weeks leading up to your trip, protect your baby’s sleep schedule so your little is well-rested and ready to start off on the right foot. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of holiday and travel preparations so prioritize those existing naps and night schedule, so you can travel with a happier little one.

2. Consider Hitting the Road (vs. Taking to the Sky)

Driving in a car with members of your family that you've already been in close contact with will be a much safer option than flying. If you opt for a road trip, just keep in mind you want to minimize touch points like bathroom visits, gas tank refills, and food stops. 

3. Schedule Flights Around Nap Times

If you do choose to fly, schedule your flights around nap times, so the flight takes off around the time your little would fall asleep (I know a tricky balance with delays). Even if naps are shorter or not as restful, they’ll be much better than no nap at all.

4. Maintain Your Social Distance

While at the airport, make sure you’re staying at least 6’ apart from other passengers; this may mean waiting at an empty gate until it’s time to board. When you’re booking your flights, look for airlines that are still blocking off middle seats! If that’s not possible, try to book front row window seats or seats that allow for more legroom since those will offer a little more distance from people even if the flight is full.

5. Don’t Make Your Little Wear a Mask

CDC guidelines state that children under two years of age should not be required to wear a mask or any form of covering that might cover their nose. Instead of having your baby wear a mask, wear your little so they’re facing you, or carry them in their car seat and cover that with a blanket or swaddle. 

6. Sanitize + Avoid Touching Everything

Once inside the plane, sanitize your seats (including seat belt buckle, arm rest, tray table, and window pane) before settling in. It’s also a good idea to ensure your little doesn’t touch any surface, especially for babies, since it can be unsafe to use sanitizer or soap to clean their little hands. (Mittens can help in this case, so that you can change them the minute you see that your baby has touched something in the plane.)

7. Nurse as Much as Possible

I always recommend nursing/feeding your baby (or giving them a pacifier) during take off and descent, since it helps their ears to pop as the plane changes altitudes. Breastfeeding (if that’s how you choose to nurse and if you feel comfortable doing so on a plane), also keeps your baby’s mouth and nose close to your body, which may reduce the chances of inhalation of any viruses.

8. Recreate Your Little’s Sleep Environment

Once you arrive at your destination, whether it's your family’s home, a home rental, or hotel, try your best to recreate your little one’s sleep environment. Bring their crib sheet right and their comfort items (including white noise, sleep sack, pacifiers, lovey, travel blackout shades, etc.) to ensure optimal sleep conditions. Bringing your own sheets and linen also minimize their contact with other items.

9. Stick to Your Routine

If you’re traveling for the holidays, I’m going to guess it’s to see your family and friends – which can lead to long nights or an odd schedule. No matter what your new travel routine may be, aim to get one good nap in each day (other naps can be “on the go” or slightly shifted if need be).  

10. Ask Your Family to Respect COVID Precautions

Unfortunately, the lengthy indoor gathering we come to expect with the holidays – with lots of talking, hugging, and baby snuggles between unmasked people – is what poses the greatest risk during the season. If you’re visiting your loved ones, ask them to get tested or to quarantine for two weeks before your arrival, and always have hand sanitizer with you, so your family can use before holding your little. It’s unprecedented times, and your loved ones are hopefully accommodating when it comes to keeping you and your little healthy.

Remember, while traveling for the holidays, you should do what's best for you and your family, and that might mean making the call to reschedule or cancel your trip. (There’s always Zoom!)

And if you need some help getting baby started with sleep training before taking off, you can schedule a free 15-minute call with us!