Feeds on the Road
A fed baby is a happy baby, so of course feeds on the road a very important. No matter how you feed your baby, there are some tips and tricks you can implement to establish a solid feeding plan for your road trip. Let's break it down by your family's method of feeding...
If you're breastfeeding...
What to bring:
- Pump of choice (if pumping at all)
- I've used THIS hand held pump, and my Elvie Pump
- Cooler bag (We use THIS one)
- Portable bottle warmer (THIS one)
- Burp cloths
Tips for Success:
- If you're pumping, have either a manual or mobile pump. This way you'll be able to pump while you're on the move, and not have to rely on stops/finding a place to sit.
- Stretch your baby for a few minutes after feeding and burping to help with digestion.
If you're bottle feeding (breastmilk)...
What to bring:
- Bottles
- Cooler bag filled with breastmilk (THIS one)
- Portable bottle warmer (THIS one)
- Pump of choice
- I've used THIS hand help pump, and my Elvie Pump
- Burp cloths
Tips for Success:
- Have either a manual or mobile pump. This way you'll be able to pump while you're on the move, and not have to rely on stops/finding a place to sit.
- Have your bottles already assembled, with breastmilk in them.
- Begin warming the bottle a couple minutes before you arrive at your stop. This way your bottle is ready for your little one when you arrive.
- Stretch your baby for a few minutes after feeding and burping to help with digestion.
If you're bottle feeding (formula)...
What to bring:
- Bottles
- Portable bottle warmer (THIS one)
- Distilled water
- Formula
- Burp cloths
Tips for Success:
- Have your bottles already assembled, with water in them before you leave. This minimizes the risk of spilling as you're on the road.
- Add formula when you're about 5 minutes away from your stop.
- Begin warming the bottle a couple minutes before you arrive at your stop. This way your bottle is ready for your little one when you arrive.
- Stretch your baby for a few minutes after feeding and burping to help with digestion.
If you're introducing solids...
What to bring:
- Silicone Table mat (THIS one)
- Baby travel dining set (THIS one)
- Silicone bib (THIS one)
- Snacks
- Drink of choice
Tips for Success:
- Give snacks and drinks as you normally would. Whatever keeps your baby comfortable, go with that!
- Give your baby their "meals" the same time as you have them. Aim to keep these at a similar time as you would at home on any normal day.
- Have your baby stretch and move for about 10 minutes before putting them back in the car seat to help with digestion on the road.
Tomorrow, we'll dive into the next lesson: Diaper Changes on the Road.