Essential Large Baby Gear for Intended Parents
By Danica Todd
Most intended parents are travelling to their surrogates' home location around the time of delivery. Some necessary baby items are big, bulky, and not ideal to travel with, especially for International IPs. Here are some things to consider:
Formula: Formula may be confiscated at the airport from travellers without a baby. To avoid this, we suggest shipping your formula to your surrogate, local JA staff, or a local friend in advance of your arrival. If you plan to use a Canadian brand of formula, you may be able to pick it up upon arrival from a local shop. In this case, it is recommended to research the local availability of your chosen formula before you depart from home.
Sleeping: Your newborn will require a safe place to sleep. Some rentals, Airbnbs, and Hotels have a crib or bassinet upon request. If not, you may consider purchasing something to bring back home after, donate upon your departure, or look into renting this item (see “Renting Baby Equipment” below for more information).
Car Seat: A Canadian-certified infant car seat is required for travel in passenger vehicles within Canada and may be a requirement upon discharge from a hospital. Furthermore, it may be a requirement for airline travel. International IPs generally consider purchasing/borrowing a car seat for use only in Canada and upon departure, and have another car seat certified in their home country available for their arrival.
Stroller: Some IPs will prefer to have a stroller for their newborn for their time in the surrogate's home location following birth. Generally, unless the stroller has a bassinet attachment, an infant car seat is included which clips into the stroller for dual purpose. In cases where an infant car seat needs to be purchased separately, it is important to consider if your chosen car seat is compatible with your stroller. An alternative to using a stroller on outings is baby wearing (carrier, sling wrap).
Bottle Sterilizer: The Center for Disease Control recommends sterilizing your baby's bottles and other items which go in their mouth (nipples, rings, soothers, caps, syringe, medical cup, etc.) daily up until 2 months old. There are multiple ways to do so and your preferred method may be dependent on your accommodation. For more information, click here!
Bathing: Newborns require sponge baths until their umbilical stump has fallen off, and (if applicable) their circumcision is healed. To ensure the newborn's safety and comfort, many IPs will consider using a baby tub.
Entertainment: A baby play mat may be considered for IPs who will be in their Surrogates' home location for an extended time.
Feeding Pillow: A feeding pillow is not a necessity but can offer significant contoured support while feeding and holding your newborn. Alternatives, depending on your accommodation, could be couch pillows, taller armrests, or rolled-up blankets.
Renting Baby Equipment: If you are considering renting baby items for your stay, your Surrogate's home location may be a factor. We encourage you to do some research before arrival. Pint Size Pilot’s rental directory offers a detailed list, sorted by location, of baby equipment rental companies across in Canada. Click here to view!
P.S. Your JA Support Worker is always ready to chat and assist in planning your trip!