When you have a new baby and are nursing, you’re presented with a dilemma; how do you nurse when you’re out and about? Sure, you can hide in your house until your baby is finished with nursing altogether, but since that might be a year or so, it’s best to try and master nursing in public so that you can live your life and still keep your baby in fed.
Nursing in public can be a gratifying experience, because it is the ultimate in independence. Leaving the home and knowing you have everything with you to nourish your baby with you at all times is a great feeling. And it certainly saves room in the diaper bag to not have to have bottles with you. It takes some practice, but once you learn to nurse in public it becomes second nature to you, and you’ll find yourself finally mobile again.
Pack well. Make sure that you have a carry-on bag that is packed with not only the necessities, but plenty of extras in case you have to endure delays, your baby is fussy or sick or any other situation. The best way to travel with a baby is to prepare for just about anything. Make sure you have an extra outfit for the baby and extra shirt for you in case your baby spits up.
If you are formula feeding, make sure that you have plenty of extra dry formula that you can ask a flight attendant to mix for you. Pack changing pads so that you can change your baby wherever you need to. Bring a favorite item, like a pacifier or blanket to sooth your baby.
A diaper bag is the next great gift, and it’s even better if you’ve stuffed a few things inside it such as a bottle, some pacifiers, a portable wipe case, and maybe an inexpensive outfit. When you go to buy the diaper bag, look for something trendy. Women today want to look classy and functional. It’s difficult to achieve that look with Winnie the Pooh hanging from your shoulder. Today, you’ll find diaper bags designed with the look of a purse, but the functionality of a diaper bag. Your friend will love this gift, if it is designed with her as a mother and a woman in mind.
Make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to travel. Juggling a baby and all of the gear will take extra time. If the airline says to arrive one hour before your flight, arrive 90 minutes beforehand to cut back on added stress from being rushed. The more time you have, the less stressed you’ll be. Your baby can sense stress, so when you’re harried he or she will probably be a little fussier; something you don’t want to have happen while flying.
Make sure you get plenty of practice with nursing in public. You want to be comfortable with it no matter where you are. Try a few different methods before you settle on the one that will work best for you and your baby.
