Traveling with your toddler is like traveling with an entourage. Your luggage takes a backseat while you fuss about packing every essential your baby needs and some extra. There’s one thing that you need to make sure when you head out for a trip with your baby: You got to be prepared and double-check every detail.
Most importantly, you need to put plenty of thought into your child’s mood and schedule – what calms him or her? Your first instinct is to keep your little one as comfortable as possible. One thing that parents dread while planning a trip with the baby is the flight. Babies have a mood of their own and you can never predict their in-flight behavior, especially if it’s their first one. If these thoughts make you chuck that vacation plan, hold on. It’s not rocket science, and these eight tips will have you sorted.
Make A Checklist
Don’t ever start packing your luggage without a checklist especially when you are flying with an infant. If you miss out on it, it will cause unwanted stress. Airport stores rarely carry necessary baby supplies except for wet wipes and diapers. Be sure that you start packing a couple of days in advance of your flight so you have plenty of time to pack all of your baby gear. Some of the general necessities will be:
Diapers and wipes (loads of them), Two-three soft blankets that can also act as cover-ups during nursing, naps, keeping the baby warm and protecting their clothes during burps. By now you might have known the number of times your baby tends to need a change of clothes. So, at the very least, pack an extra onesie or two. If you are still breastfeeding, nursing pads and shields are a must, however, it is advised you pump the milk and store in bottles if your baby is a little fussy when feeding. Do not forget a couple of disposable bags.
The Bassinet is a Boon on the Flight
If you’re traveling by plane, book a seat that has a bassinet connection. Before boarding, let one parent pre-board the bassinet or the baby’s car seat, then de-board the plane until it’s closer to take-off time. This way, the bassinet or car seat is ready to go, but you and your child can use the extra 30 minutes walking around being active instead of waiting out that time seated on the crowded plane.
Snacks, Milk, and Fluids
If your baby is bottle-fed, you need to pre-prep for the same. Be sure to pack non-perishable foods. Keep baby hydrated because airplanes are drying. Take your baby’s favorite sippy bottle to keep him/her relieved during take-off and landing. It also keeps them occupied during non-entertaining hours. Grab a few baby-friendly snacks like puffs.
Bring your Baby’s Favorite Items
Tuck in a couple of comfort toys – don’t forget your baby’s favorite one. Bring his favorite toy, favorite blanket, and favorite pillow. Pack his favorite sleep toys so you can show it to him to give cues about bedtime. Pull down the shades in the airplane, darkness or dim lights will make them associate to sleep. In a car, you can use sun shades to block light out from the windows. All of this can help the baby calm down and go to sleep. Having his favorite toys with him will help him feel secure and comfortable, and keep him happily occupied.
Keep the Baby Engaged and Occupied
If your baby is old enough to play basic activity games, take some exciting ones with you. This can be animal identifying books, color and shapes books, little toys etc. Take a surprise treat with you, and give it to them when they get cranky. Babies are always curious to see what’s there in a never-before-seen package and this can keep them busy for a couple of hours.
Pack Fun Items that Have to do with the Place you are Visiting
Bring snacks that are special to your final destination. Tell him stories about the places you are going. Load your iPad with apps or games. Also, include games and audio-books about the places you will be visiting. Thus, a family trip can become both a fun and memorable journey, for the baby and the parents.
Do Not Take Long Hour Trips
Try not to take trips that are longer than six to seven hours. Children have very little patience and get bored easily. Sitting in a particular spot for long periods of time is unhealthy, just as it is for adults. When you are on a road trip, take regular pitstops and allow them a change in the environment from the air-conditioned car to some fresh air. Plot out well-lit rest stops, restaurants, or restrooms along your route, so that you can all get out of the car, and so your toddler is not confined to a seated position for hours. Consider scheduling trips around your child’s sleep time, if that’s possible.
It’s all about being well-prepared when traveling with a baby – whether it is by train, car or flight. Plan well, pack well, and schedule well. A happy baby means happy parents which in turn will make for a happy and memorable trip. So plan well, schedule well and pack well.
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