Have you welcomed a new baby to your family recently? Or perhaps you’re going to be doing so in the very near future. If so, congratulations! Many parents of young children think that once they have children, their traveling days are over, at least for the time being. While it’s not quite as easy to simply get up and decide to go on an adventurous trek on a whim, the truth of the matter is that if you aren’t opposed to planning, you can take children with you on your travels most of the time. What better way to introduce your new little one to the fascinating world around him? Here are a few pointers for those wanting to travel with babies:
- Air Travel If your baby is under the age of two, he can fly free on most flights, but that means that he won’t get his own seat. While it might be okay for a short flight, chances are that you’re going to get tired of holding a wiggling, squirming, bouncing or crying baby after a while. It’s also safer to buy him his own ticket, because then he can be buckled into his carseat, which he’s used to and which will keep him restrained in the case of turbulence. To help keep baby comfortable, offer him the breast or bottle when the plane is ascending or descending, as this will help alleviate the pressure on his ears. Bring some things to help keep him entertained as much as possible; a wide-awake baby will quickly become a bored baby, and your fellow passengers will tire of his squeals and screeches, so try to keep him quiet with your keys, your phone or a new toy or two. It’s easiest to check the stroller right at the gate instead of with your luggage, as that way it will be ready and waiting for you as you walk up the tarmac.
- Travel by Car If your destination isn’t too far away or overseas, you may find that traveling by car is cheaper and easier on all involved. The easiest way to travel via automobile with a baby is to drive during naptimes and overnight, as she’s likely to sleep most of the trip away. The problem with this, of course, is that when you arrive at your destination, you’ll be ready for sleep and she’ll be ready to play and start her day! If you are going with another adult, one of you can sleep while the other drives, then when you arrive, each of you can rest for a couple of hours while the other entertains the baby. Before you leave for your trip, have your baby’s carseat checked by a carseat safety technician; studies have shown that as many as 80 percent of carseats are being used incorrectly. Also, keep her in it every second that the car is in motion; if you need to feed or change her, then pull over, for safety’s sake!
- Staying in a Hotel A very young baby will simply sleep wherever he happens to be, but it can be difficult to get older babies and toddlers to settle down in strange surroundings. Try to keep things the same if possible: If you normally cosleep with your little one, then continue to do so in the hotel. If he sleeps in a crib, bring bedding from home and try to make his portable crib as much as possible like his own bed. Bring along safety devices like doorknob covers and outlet covers if your little one is mobile and in the “getting into everything” phase. Also, when you first enter the room, get down on your hands and knees to see what types of hazards will catch your toddler’s eye, and move them if possible.
These are just some basics to give you peace of mind when it comes to traveling with your baby. Remember that unless you’re traveling to a third-world country, chances are that you’ll be able to find things like extra clothing, diapers, baby formula, baby food and other necessities while at your destination, so don’t panic if you’ve found that you’ve forgotten something. As long as you plan ahead for your little one’s comfort, you’ll probably discover that traveling with your baby is easier than you thought it would be!
