Which baby door to choose when traveling? Plane, train, car: all our tips!
Traveling with a baby is possible! It requires a bit of planning in advance. Using a baby carrier while traveling is a compact, practical, and reassuring solution. Carrying your baby accompanies you through airports, train stations, or rough paths, so you can explore with your family!But then, what type of carrying method is most suitable depending on the child's age, the destination, or the weather? We help you make the right choice for trips that combine serenity and comfort!SummaryWhy use a baby carrier when traveling? Baby carrier while traveling: which model to choose based on your destination? What reflexes to adopt in hot countries? Which baby carrier depending on the mode of transport? Focus: the hiking baby carrier, not so suitable for travel Travel-specific checklist: what to take with your baby carrier? FAQ: Baby carrier while traveling: essential questions! In summary: the baby carrier while traveling, a real ally Why use a baby carrier when traveling? Planning a family trip soon? Whether your stay lasts a weekend or several weeks, planning your local trips by packing a carrying device in your luggage can be essential! Indeed, using a baby carrier while traveling allows you to:Facilitate your movements in places inaccessible to strollers like the beach or certain hiking trails,Comfort the baby in public transport (train, plane, bus...) by meeting their proximity needsKeep your hands free to carry suitcases or passportsTravel light, by leaving your stroller at home (about 7kg for a travel stroller compared to 500 grams for a My Neo baby carrier!)Promote your baby's sleep, wherever you are, they can sleep against you!Introduce the world at adult height, and offer a 360° field of view, broader than when your baby is lying down or sitting in a stroller Baby carrier while traveling: which model to choose based on your destination? Preformed baby carrier: intuitive and quick to install The preformed baby carrier, which simply clips on, is perfect for long trips or extended walks. However, ensure you choose a model that respects the physiological position (rounded back, pelvis tilted forward, knees raised). It should therefore be flexible and adjustable in width and height.Ideal for:Public transport (airport, train station...)Visiting towns and villages Hiking, for example on the back if your baby is at least 3/4 months old💡Avoid overly rigid and inflexible models, which tend to lack comfort. At Néobulle, we offer three preformed baby carrier models: the My Néo (from birth to 12 months), the Néo (from birth to 24 months), and the Néo+ (from 3 months to 3 years)! The mei-tai: the perfect compromise between a wrap and a baby carrier! On a daily basis, the carrier wrap proves to be extremely comfortable and versatile. However, on vacation, it sometimes takes a little practice to tie it outside or in transit. If you are looking for a carrying method that combines the comfort of a wrap and the quick setup of a baby carrier, the mei-tai will undoubtedly meet your needs! For example, the Pti-Evo from Néobulle is a very flexible mei-tai, made of tie straps and a clip-on belt. Suitable from birth to 2 years, it is compact and easily fits into a bag. Light and adjustable, it suits all sizes. Its adjustment is intuitive, no need to tighten multiple straps!Ideal for:Parents seeking the comfort of a wrap with the quick setup of a baby carrierAn intuitive setup, without the need for precise adjustments beforehandGoing for walks with the baby from birth, whether hiking or visitingInstalling the baby in different ways, for example in front, on the hip, or on the back The sling: the hands-free kit for holidays Choosing a baby carrier for travel often involves a specific constraint: bulkiness. If you are looking for a solution to carry your baby as an emergency option, other than in your arms, the sling can be the perfect solution. Ultra-light and flexible, you can pre-install it on yourself and put the baby in when necessary in just 10 seconds! Once folded, it barely takes up the size of a rolled-up T-shirt!It is also a particularly breastfeeding-friendly carrying method. With a sling, the carry is asymmetrical, so you will only have fabric on one shoulder. If you have scoliosis or back problems, favor a symmetrical carrying method (baby carrier, mei-tai...).Ideal for:Having a backup solution both in town and at the beachShort trips The connections between train / planeBreastfeeding discreetlyParents looking for an ultra-compact solution⚡️At Neobulle, there are two types of slings: the MySling stretchable (recommended from birth to 8/9 kilos) and the woven slings (adapted from birth to 3/4 years as an extra). What reflexes to adopt in hot countries? In summer or in the tropics, opt for a baby carrier for travel that combines the following two criteria: lightweight and breathable! So choose:Natural materials like organic cotton or seacellModels that are used in a single layerInstallations that promote air circulation 👉 To go further, discover our full article: Summer baby carriers or wrap carriers: all our tips ! Which baby carrier depending on the mode of transport? Baby carrier for travel and plane: A carrying method will prove very useful upon your arrival at the airport. Between security checks, waiting at boarding, managing luggage, and long lines, having the baby close to you frees your hands and keeps the child secure in often stressful environments. It also helps soothe a tired or restless baby. This is particularly useful during delayed flights or layovers.If your baby is active, you can also walk the aisles of the plane during the flight to help them fall asleep.Good to know: many airlines allow carrying during the flight, provided the child is in their seat or bassinet at takeoff and landing. Baby carrier for travel and train: In train stations and train cars, your baby carrier becomes your best ally. Platforms are sometimes narrow and crowded, stairs numerous, and elevators often out of service or occupied. Instead of having to carry a stroller up the stairs or feeling like you're invading the aisle in a crowded car, carrying allows you to move freely, even between train cars.Bonus: baby feels reassured by your proximity, which can help them fall asleep more easily during the journey. You also gain a space for a carry-on bag, as your carrying method is considered an accessory. Baby carrier while traveling and in the car: In the car, baby must be installed in an approved car seat for the trip. The Securange website is a treasure trove of information on the subject! However, during rest stops at a highway rest area, carrying is very practical for getting some fresh air, breastfeeding, or changing the baby without having to take the stroller out of the trunk. For example, if you need to enter a busy service station or go to the bathroom with the baby, the baby carrier allows you to keep your child close while having your hands free. A real time-saver and efficiency boost in sometimes stressful moments. Focus: hiking baby carriers, not so suitable for travel While browsing a sporting goods store, you may have discovered hiking baby carriers. It’s legitimate to question a potential purchase. However, these are very heavy baby carriers, made of a very rigid metal structure weighing about 3kg, to which the weight of your child is added. Once folded, they remain bulky: impossible to slide into a tote bag or carry-on suitcase. Additionally, the weight distribution is not ideal, and if your baby falls asleep, their head will sway to the side, and they cannot rest it on your chest, which may cause discomfort at the cervical level. As you have understood, opting for a traditional baby carrier provides a more suitable solution, usable daily as well as during travel. Travel checklist: what to take with your baby carrier? Travel checklist: what to take with your baby carrier?✅ 1 ergonomic, lightweight, and compact carrying method✅ A cloth to prevent sweating✅ Clothing suitable for the climate✅ A mist sprayer / fan if it's hot✅ The changing bag Nursing cover to slide the essentials for baby (nipple, teddy bear, papers...) FAQ: Baby carrier for travel: the essential questions! What baby carrier for a newborn when traveling? With an infant, opt for a sling or an adjustable baby carrier in width and height. The My Neo, for example, is the smallest model available on the market in France! The Neo version, suitable up to 2 years old, is also suitable from birth. Can I carry a baby on the plane? Yes, it is perfectly possible. First, before boarding. Then when boarding. And also once in the air, if flight conditions allow you to stand up from your seat. Once you arrive at your destination, your carrying method will once again be valuable to fully enjoy! What to do if my baby cries in public transportation and I am worried about disturbing others? We all have different sensitivities to babies' cries. It’s not easy, as a young parent, to manage the sometimes oppressive gaze of people around us. These people are adults: they can listen to music, wear headphones, change train cars, or move away if your baby’s crying becomes too difficult for them. You are doing your best to support your child. Which model to prefer so that carrying is accessible to both parents? To avoid too many adjustments between two carriers, many parents opt for the sling or the mei-tai. Indeed, these two options are directly adjustable to the carrier's size. Their adjustments are minimalistic and intuitive! How to prevent the baby from overheating? If you want to practice carrying in a hot country, adapt the way your baby is dressed to favor breathable fabrics. Slip a damp cloth between your chest and theirs, and choose the coolest hours and shaded areas. Opt for a lightweight and less enveloping carrier like a baby carrier or sling. And finally, for the comfort of the whole family, carry a fan or a mist sprayer in your bag. In summary: the baby carrier for travel, a real ally Carrying a baby when traveling makes life easier, reassures the baby, and allows you to enjoy your vacation with more freedom. In the city, at the beach or in the mountains, by plane, train or car: the baby carrier remains essential for young parents.No need to buy a model specifically designed for hiking: choosing a solution suitable for both daily life and travel ensures savings and a sustainable choice.
Baby carriers and breastfeeding: all our advice
Is breastfeeding in a baby carrier really possible? The answer is yes, a thousand times yes—and it's actually a valuable practice, both for the baby's well-being and the parent's comfort.
Which material should I choose for my scarf?
In a more supportive and breathable fabric? In a more enveloping knit but less durable? Preferably basic, easy-to-care-for cotton or a firmer linen? Or maybe a bit of viscose to smooth everything out and add a little breeze of freshness? Here you are lost in the jungle of babywearing and the many choices available to you. Need help understanding better? We offer a small article to review the commonly used materials in baby carrier manufacturing and their impact on use. 1 – Fabric or knit? The very first notion to know, the most important, is the distinction between fabrics and knits. Did you think that all wraps were just large pieces of fabric, almost identical? Actually, there are three models divided into two main categories: woven and knitted, with or without elastane! Knowing which category your item belongs to significantly impacts how you will use it! Knit is made from a single yarn, usually cotton, knitted. Of course, not with grandma’s needles: an industrial knitting machine is used. This results in a fabric that is more or less stretchable: take your T-shirt, for example, it’s a knit. Knits entirely made of cotton have a stretch without memory: when you stretch the fabric, it remains deformed afterward. In babywearing, this fabric is pleasant for carrying a newborn but often very little durable: as the baby grows and gains weight, the knit stretches and the child is poorly supported inside, making installation uncomfortable. The thinner the knit, the less supportive it is, if your wrap is so thin that it’s transparent, it’s rather a bad sign for its durability. If the composition label is inaccessible, you can recognize these materials by their behavior: stiff when stretched lengthwise, rather soft and slightly deformed widthwise. Note that the instructions for wraps sold with these wraps often do not match their actual use and suggest impractical knots (notably the "basic knot" style, which is performed entirely before placing the child, but can only be offered with knits containing elastane in combination with cotton). Knits containing a bit of elastane or spandex in addition to cotton (around 5% generally) benefit from a shape memory that allows the fabric to return to its original shape after stretching. These are much more dynamic knits and are therefore more supportive. that their counterparts without elastic. If we want to play on semantics, we can talk about elastic stretchy wrap in addition to extensible. The obtained answer allows the wrap to be used for several months, the actual durability then depends on its width and density, on average we are between 4-6 months and 12-18 months. Knitted Armor Knitted wraps all require 2 to 3 layers of support materials on the baby's back to be safe: simple layer knots like a kangaroo or a crossed-wrapped swaddle with non-deployed panels are not suitable. In most cases, their use for back-carrying is also discouraged. The fabrics are made on a loom, with several warp and weft threads. The weaving used in carrying is what is called twill-weave. We spare you the technical details; basically, when you take a piece of cloth (e.g., a dish towel), it is very stiff when pulled along its length and width, but very stretchable diagonally with a tendency to deform (see the linen pants that seem to grow 4 sizes after 10 minutes of walking? This is due to the deformation of the fabric!). We do not use fabric for making wraps because the rigidity along the lengths tends to cut into the edges and the deformation diagonally is not optimal for providing good support to the baby. It would be safer but less comfortable. The broken twill is less 'dry' in length and width, and elastic diagonally (see for knits if you followed closely: stretchable but with a shape memory that offers more resistance). For example, jeans are made with twill weaving (not broken, but it’s similar!) Woven wraps are very durable, they can withstand traction forces of over 700kg without flinching (Note: if your baby reaches this weight: consult!). A single layer is enough to provide good support for your little one, which especially allows for kangaroo knots. Woven Fabric Armor Jacquard Woven Armor Cross Twill Woven Armor 2 – So, what is better? Is everyone still with me? Let’s continue! The choice between knit or fabric is mainly subjective: carrying is primarily a matter of sensations! Knits provide sensations extremely enveloping, especially those with elastane that give a true second skin effect. You become one with your baby! They are less durable than fabrics but are also less expensive: this can allow at a lower cost to first see if you enjoy carrying before investing in another system that will go further. It is not uncommon to start the first weeks with a sling, then switch to a mei-tai or preformed carrier when the baby grows and/or when you want to carry him on your back with less technical setups. On the other hand, contrary to popular ideas, they are often more technical to handle: when you pull on the material, it deforms before tightening, and it only tightens if you pull in the right direction! The lack of feedback can sometimes challenge a beginner who will have difficulty assessing if their adjustments are correct. Another negative point to consider: they are warm scarves! 3 layers of fabric + the synthetic elastane: beyond 20-25°C, this can become quite uncomfortable! Finally, elastane is a material that has a limited lifespan. Even (and especially) useless in a closet, the sling wears out: do you see the old pair of socks forgotten in a drawer? the elastic that makes CRRRRCCCRCRRRR and breaks when you pull on it? Same thing. At least the sling does not tear and remains safe, but it becomes stiff and much less comfortable. So avoid it occasionally. Fabrics are, on the other hand, very durable and can be used to carry multiple children (or even their own children later on!). The weaving is generally more breathable than knitting, which needs to be very dense to be supportive, and since it is only used in one layer, it is perfectly usable even in the summer (see the article on summer carrying). Woven scarves suffer from a poor reputation of being difficult to handle and a bit stiff: as you will understand, this is not the case! They offer a very pedagogical feedback that allows you to feel the adjustments well, and the signs of good quality are soft and flexible from the first uses. 3 – What about the material? Beyond the notions of yarn work, the composition of the yarn also matters: cotton, linen, hemp, wool, silk, bamboo viscose… You will not get the same result depending on the chosen material! Classically, cotton remains the most used fiber: versatile, soft, lightweight, and easy to wash, it has the ideal characteristics! Linen and hemp are regularly mentioned for summer: if they are indeed cooler, their fibers are also more rigid. This makes the sling a bit stiffer and less easy to adjust. With some exceptions, baby carriers containing linen or hemp are generally intended for heavier toddlers and who stand well enough for their musculature to compensate for less precise adjustments, they are more supportive That is to say, with a thickness equal to cotton, you will feel less the weight of your child with. Silk and wool are materials that are thermoregulators: they keep you warm in winter but stay cool in summer. They are often slightly more elastic than cotton and very pleasant if you can tolerate the somewhat "prickly" side of wool (even if high-quality wools are very soft and have nothing to do with the sweaters and balaclavas that traumatized us as children!). The main downside remains their more delicate maintenance, to be avoided with a baby who regurgitates a lot! Viscose are synthetic materials but generally cool and very fluid. They give scarves great flexibility and are highly appreciated in combination with cotton for carrying very young children and for summer. 4 – Where are the Neobulle ranges located? My sling My sling, My cocoon and My neo are carrying systems made of knitted: they are therefore stretchable and enveloping, designed for carrying in the first year of the baby.My sling is sewn in 100% cotton knit but features a high density that despite being used in a single layer provides quite surprising support! My cocoon My cocoon is made of a blend of bamboo viscose and elastane, making it a stretchy scarf. Bamboo largely reduces overheating associated with the three layers it requires, making it ideal for front carrying only. My Neo My Neo features an apron made of an innovative 3D knit flexible but very supportive. Écharpe sergé brisé coton The vast majority of other ranges are made of cotton either woven with a broken serge weave or jacquard weave: jacquard is a much more complex technique that creates a pattern and is therefore more aesthetic. The resulting fabric is also more flexible, softer, and more pleasant to handle and adjust. Écharpe seacell Finally, the slings and classic range scarves feature a combination of cotton and seaweed viscose, which gives them a great feeling of freshness and more fluidity. All that's left is to choose the colors, and this time: we can't help you anymore!!!!
The benefits of carrying in 8 points
1 - Already familiar sensations Baby spent 9 months in his mother's womb in total symbiosis. Rocked by movements and in a constant temperature. A true bubble of well-being ! Carrying allows a transition that is gentle because it provides continuity from pregnancy. Baby will rediscover sensations already experienced that can give him a feeling of safety and serenity: Warmth Rocking The familiar scent of his parent The voices of his parents Vibrations The physiological position Proximity Feeling contained It is therefore normal for baby to feel the need to be carried and in contact with his parents or attachment figures. 2 - Building attachment bonds What is attachment? It is the emotional bond that connects baby with his attachment figures. Most of the time, it is with his parents that the baby creates his first attachment bonds. Attachment with his baby develops throughout life and allows him to grow on different levels (relational, emotional, etc.). Baby will create the attachment bond with the people who most often care for him and meet his needs. This helps him feel secure and gain confidence in himself. This bond is naturally formed, but, for different reasons and situations, it can also take time to develop. For example : difficult delivery, premature birth, his personal history, life events…but it can happen even without complications. Do not hesitate to seek help from professionals around you if difficulties persist. And carrying in all this? Exactly! Carrying can positively contribute to building the attachment bond! Do not hesitate to carry baby to discover him and take the time to create and strengthen this bond. Feeling his baby, his skin, his smell, his well-being and his calm when he is carried against you are moments that will help you connect with him and feel more confident in your new parental role. "To detach well, the child must be able to attach well"Bernard Golse, child psychiatrist. 3- Fewer tears Why does my baby cry? Crying is the primary means of expression for the baby, so it is a matter of survival. Speech (or signs) comes only later. It is therefore normal for our baby to cry; he is expressing his needs: cuddles, food, drink, sleep, being changed... but also his emotions and feelings (cold, hot, pain…). A baby is biologically immature at birth and has a great need for proximity and contact with his attachment figures (most of the time their parents). Carrying will help soothe your child and make them feel secure. Baby will quickly calm down in carrying thanks to familiar sensations that will give them a sense of security. There will therefore be fewer tears and you will more easily know when they need something else. Some babies cry a lot and others less! Perhaps it will take you some time at first to learn to decode their cries... It is also important to trust yourself, you know your baby better than anyone else. So, in most cases, you will be able to understand them! If the crying persists and seems abnormal, do not hesitate to consult a health professional. Don’t remain isolated when faced with intense crying from your baby, pass the baton if you can, and if you are alone and it becomes too difficult, place your baby safely and go breathe and clear your mind in another room. It is normal to sometimes feel exhausted and overwhelmed by your baby’s cries. Sometimes, crying can also be a sign of digestive discomfort (often observed in the first months of a baby’s life), and carrying will help through massage (belly against belly), movement, warmth, and comfort. Evening is also more conducive to emotional release crying. Carrying will therefore help reduce crying. 4- Promotes Sleep Sleep is a particularly challenging issue for parents. “Is your baby sleeping through the night?” Yes, your baby is SLEEPING through the night. A child's sleep is not the same as an adult’s. For example, their biological clock is set at 25 hours at birth, and it is only later that it matures to 24 hours. Likewise, their sleep cycles are not the same as ours. Before your child can adopt the same sleep cycle as you, they will go through several stages during their early years. These stages will fluctuate and may include regression phases. As you understand, a child's sleep does not resemble ours, and therefore it is normal not to always understand their sleep needs. Carrying and sleep? In carrying, your child can fall asleep and stay awake as they wish. Carrying allows the baby to find their sleep rhythm and helps parents worry less. The feeling of security in carrying enables them to have peaceful sleep. Naps in carrying during the day do not hinder night sleep. Falling asleep will also be greatly facilitated, and you will be less exhausted when putting your child to sleep, and your baby will be soothed and secure. 5- Carrying & Breastfeeding If you have chosen to breastfeed, carrying will be your ally. Indeed, beyond a mode of feeding, it is a way of life you have chosen, and carrying will go in this direction. First of all, the proximity between mother and baby will promote the secretion of oxytocin: the hormone of breastfeeding and attachment. The mother will more easily recognize the signals of hunger because she will be more sensitive to them thanks to proximity. On-demand breastfeeding will thus be facilitated. The carried baby will find the same sensations as when at the breast (warmth, contact, heartbeat...). And will thus be able to gradually space out its feedings. In some cases, the baby can even be breastfed in the carrying device, which can be practical in certain daily situations or when the baby has strong demands (growth spurts, for example). Breastfeeding can be discreetly done in public thanks to the carrying solution. 6 - Promotes psychomotor development Close contact with a parent will allow the baby to develop its brain, which is under construction. Did you know? In one year, the size of a human baby's brain will almost double! Even though the human baby depends on its parent, it has several skills: sensory, emotional, motor... Carrying helps to stimulate its sensory skills already developed in the mother's womb (smell, sight, hearing...). These sensory experiences in contact with its environment will contribute favorably to its development, while being secure in its carrier. The baby actively participates in its carrying (in a physiological position) to hold onto its carrier during movements, changes of direction, etc., which helps it improve its sense of balance and exercise its tone in a developmental logic. For example, as a very young child, it will learn to hold its head, then its shoulders and back. As it grows, it will be among the first to participate in carrying activities (meals, leisure activities...). This is an opportunity to give it a different visual field and discover odors, colors, memorize gestures... Did you know? vision is the last sense to develop intrauterinely! At birth, the baby sees on average between 20 and 30 cm, the perfect distance to dive into the eyes of its carrier when the baby is carried! 7 - Advantage for the carrier Let's now focus on the carrier! What are the advantages of carrying? Having free hands: being able to go about your daily activities with the baby snugly against you! Practical in everyday life and even more so when you have several children to look after. Take more easily time for yourself: walks, outings, meals … without waiting for baby to finish his nap Strengthen the attachment bond with your baby and enhance your parenting skills This is the all-purpose tool! In the city… on a trail… in public transportation… on stairs…! Moreover, carrying tools take up very little space in a bag or the trunk of a car! Respond more quickly to baby’s needs thanks to close contact! This helps the parent observe their baby and learn to better understand him. Preserve your nape when carrying by holding at the right height (high and close against you) Reduces baby’s crying and thus promotes a decrease in stress/anxiety in parents! Supports breastfeeding. Protect your back and develop your muscles by evenly distributing the baby’s weight! For co-parents: experience some unique sensations of pregnancy. This is also a very good transition tool during adaptations: at daycare, with a childminder or grandparents because it provides the baby with landmarks and comfort. 8- A prevention tool Carrying is an excellent prevention tool against plagiocephaly (skull deformation, commonly called "flat head"). Indeed, with carrying, you avoid prolonged pressure on the skull. Be careful not to restrict the baby’s head movements with the carrier! When the baby’s head is free to move, he strengthens his neck and back muscles and quickly learns to turn and support his head. Carrying is also an excellent prevention against physiological gastroesophageal reflux, due to the upright position. It will also help babies suffering from pathological gastroesophageal reflux, which will be more relieved in a vertical position. Regarding digestion, carrying reduces discomfort (sometimes called "colic"), thanks to warmth, belly massage against belly, and the feeling of security it provides. From a motor perspective, the physiological position in the carrying solution is a very good way to promote the maturation of the baby’s hips. « What delights a child is the happiness in which he bathes; if you wish him well-being, work on making yourself happy », Boris CYRULNIK, neuropsychiatrist. Safety rules Discovered face, clear airways (the fabric reaches up to the nape of the neck) Physiological position: rounded back, knees raised higher than the hips, head aligned with the spine, hands near the face, respecting hip spacing. Snug fabric grip Exclusive vertical position Baby's belly against the caregiver Observe and monitor the baby (skin coloration, breathing, signs of well-being…) Appropriate clothing for the baby (keep in mind that a layer of fabric equals a layer of clothing) and the caregiver. Ensure proper hydration of the baby Adapt activities (no extreme sports) and do not carry if your alertness is altered (medications, psychoactive substances, drowsiness…)
