Of all the joys and hardships that come along with introducing a baby to your family, one of the most overlooked by far is how to properly travel with them. Though most people avoid extensive travel when they have a small child on their hands, the fact of the matter is that travel is an inevitability. Eventually, whether for work reasons or simply just running errands, at some point you will have to take your baby on the road (or train or plane). If this sounds like you, don’t panic just yet. There are plenty of things you can prepare to make a trip with your child as easy as possible. Many jetsetters have babies in tow on flights all around the world- you can take yours for a weekend getaway! Still nervous about traveling with your baby? Here are 4 life-saving tips that will help to make your next child-laden trip a complete success.
Keep Necessities on Hand
Small babies are adorable, but they are also incredibly needy. To help ensure your baby’s comfort and calm during a journey of any length, you should be ready with the essentials. Things like baby wipes, food, bags for soiled garments, and milk are all necessities. It’s always a good idea to bring extra of what you might need in case of delays. If a baby is teething, make sure you bring their favorite soother or other cold compresses. The more comfortable and well taken care of your baby is, the higher the likelihood that they will be quiet and cooperative. Especially in the case that you will be traveling for long periods, you must have everything you need close at hand. For flying, this means anticipating in-flight needs and ensuring you pack them in a carry-on bag. There’s nothing worse than realizing you don’t have access to the things your child needs to sleep, eat, or maintain their comfort.
Pack Light
Though it is true that you should always have essentials on hand, new parents most definitely run the risk of overpacking for any excursion. A good rule of thumb is if you can buy it at your destination or launder it, opt for the less cumbersome alternative. The same can be said for creature comforts. Although most hotels and short-term stays are ill-equipped to deal with fussy babies, you shouldn't be bringing heavy equipment with you. Though small babies undoubtedly need a place to sleep, they will be just as comfortable in a portable crib. Save yourself the weight and annoyance of unnecessary items by packing wisely. Investing in a travel-friendly setup and knowing when to leave things behind is the key to a happy family whilst traveling.
Travel Safely
No matter where you are in the world, there are some methods of transportation that just aren’t safe for babies. A perfect example of this is traveling in a car without a car seat. Though some people might be comfortable “lapping” a baby for small errands or excursions, the reality is that this is an extremely unsafe way to travel with a small child. If you find yourself faced with a car ride without correct safety measures, it’s always best to find an alternative. Some great examples of this would be to take a train, walk, or equip yourself with proper safety gear. Biking can also be safe with the proper equipment. Regardless of the route or how it will impact the convenience or timing of your travels, your baby’s safety should always be the priority.
Be Ready With Entertainment
Let’s face it, traveling isn’t always as exciting and romantic as it’s cracked up to be. Truth be told, extended wait times, boring drives, and long stretches of uninterrupted transit time can make for a thoroughly bored and unimpressed baby. To keep your child interested and unproblematic during long flights or rides, remember to pack toys, stuffed animals, and books. While you should probably refrain from bringing the whole toy box, a few favorite or engaging pieces will keep your baby entertained, and prevent any major meltdowns before they start.
Small babies are a handful, but having young children shouldn’t mean being stuck at home. Travel is a necessary part of most people’s lives, and an important thing to introduce children to early on in their lives. By keeping the essentials close by, resisting the urge to pack heavy, finding baby-safe transportation, and toting a few entertaining tidbits, travel can be much easier than you might expect. A happy baby means easier travel, and ultimately a happier parent. The tips above might take a little extra planning, but taking them into account the next time you head out on an adventure might just make your trip a whole lot more enjoyable.
