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Traveling with a baby can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a smooth journey for both you and your little one. Whether you’re embarking on a road trip, flying to a new destination, or taking a train ride, here are some top tips to make traveling with a baby a breeze.
FIrst holiday with a baby? Read My top Tips
Also Read: Looking for a Small Travel or Cabin Sized Stroller?- Read This
- Plan Ahead: Before you start your journey, take the time to plan and organize all the essentials. Make a checklist of items you’ll need, such as diapers, wipes, extra clothes, bottles, formula, pacifiers, and any medication your baby requires. It’s also a good idea to research the facilities and amenities available at your destination, such as baby-friendly accommodations and nearby stores. Know where you are going, know what equipment is available when you arrive, work out your baby’s approximate feeding schedule. If you are bottle feeding pack extra instant milk and arrange for your powder milk to be delivered to your destination.
- Pack Smartly: Pack strategically to minimize the amount of luggage you need to carry. Choose lightweight and compact baby gear, such as a travel-friendly stroller, a portable crib, and a diaper bag with multiple compartments for easy organization. Consider packing travel-sized toiletries and bring only the essentials to save space in your suitcase.
- Hire or borrow equipment: Check what you can hire or borrow at your travel destination
- Invest in travel bottles and cleaning equipment if bottle feeding Don’t get caught out with not enough milk. Pre measured formula containers can be a great way to alleviate this problem with thermos flasks to hold your hot water and a cooler to cool it down. Remember it’s important to always make fresh milk.
- Timing is Everything: When planning your travel itinerary, try to schedule around your baby’s routine. Plan flights or long drives during your baby’s naptime or bedtime, so they can sleep through most of the journey. This will make the travel experience more peaceful for both of you. Allow extra time for breaks and feedings, especially during long trips.
- Be Prepared at the Airport: If you’re flying, check the airline’s policies regarding traveling with infants. Arrive at the airport early to avoid unnecessary stress. Keep important documents, such as passports and identification, easily accessible. Consider using a baby carrier or sling to keep your hands free during security checks. Pack extra diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag for emergencies. If you are doing a long flight some airlines have bassinets whch can be really useful to lay baby down- definitely worth checking and booking if possible!
- Invest in a travel stroller Also Read: ErgoBaby Metro+ Stroller Review
- Buy a comfortable sling and se it before you travel.
- Know the Diaper bag. If you are travelling with a partner ) I’ve done this solo which can be less stressful! : ) Make sure your partner knows where everything is so you can Tag Team or let this be his job!
- TILE all your bags. Tiles are great tracking devices that go in bags or can be clipped onto favourite items like blankets and comforters so that you can locate them if lost. Teddy left in the loo.
- Make check lists. Create checklists for each bag and keep it in the bag or take a photo of it on your phone so you can check each item off when you return.
- Get storage bags for your infant car seats and stroller to protect them from damage.
- Miniaturize your cosmetics and liquids
- Coordinate your outfits before you travel
- Ensure Comfort for you and baby During the Journey: Make sure you and your baby as comfortable as possible during the journey. Cotton babygrows are best for baby. Dress them in layers, so you can easily adjust their clothing to different temperatures. Bring their favorite blanket or stuffed animal to provide a sense of familiarity. Use noise-canceling headphones or a white noise machine to block out loud noises during flights or train rides.
- Pack Snacks and Entertainment: For older babies and toddlers, bring a variety of snacks and finger foods to keep them occupied and satisfied during the journey. Pack a few favorite toys or books to provide entertainment and distraction. Consider downloading baby-friendly apps or videos on your phone or tablet as a last resort.
- Stay Calm and Flexible: Traveling with a baby can be unpredictable, so it’s important to stay calm and flexible. Be prepared for unexpected delays or changes in plans. Take breaks whenever necessary to tend to your baby’s needs. Remember that babies can sense and react to their parents’ emotions, so staying calm and relaxed will help create a more positive travel experience for everyone. Audible your way through it! Listening to a podcast or getting lost in a soothing or gripping novel can get you through many a queue or squeming meltdown! Bring a battery pack so you can charge devices on the go.
- Seek Help and Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help or seek support when needed. Reach out to airline staff, hotel staff, or fellow travelers for assistance if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Join online forums or communities where you can find tips and advice from other parents who have traveled with their babies. On more than one occasion asking for help this has got me bumped up to a better seat very often staff and strangers are happy to help if you smile and ask politely.
Newborn Baby Travel
How to travel with Baby Formula on a Plane or long distance?
When managing formula feeding on a plane, careful preparation and organization are essential to ensure the baby’s comfort and safety during the journey. Firstly, pack all the necessary supplies in a convenient and easily accessible bag. This includes pre-measured formula powder in labeled containers, sterilized feeding bottles, boiled water in separate bottles, and a portable bottle warmer if needed. Remember to pack extra supplies in case of any unexpected delays. During the flight, try to maintain the baby’s feeding schedule as closely as possible, considering time zone changes if applicable. When the cabin crew announces that it’s safe to do so, prepare the formula by mixing the correct amount of water with the pre-measured powder, following the instructions on the formula packaging. Double-check the temperature of the formula to ensure it’s comfortable for the baby. During take-off and landing, feeding the baby can help with ear pressure discomfort. Remain patient and attentive to your baby’s needs throughout the flight, and be considerate of other passengers by minimizing disturbances. With proper planning and care, formula feeding on a plane can be a manageable and smooth experience for both the baby and parents.
Baby Travel Cot Bassinet
Bassinets are not essential if your destination already has a safe crib for your baby, but you might prefer to keep your baby close and be assured that they are sleeping in a clean and safe environment.
Chicco LullaGo
Century Snooze On 2-in-1 Bassinet, Metro
Graco® Pack ‘n Play® Simple Solutions™
Baby Travel Chairs
If you are weaning a small collapsible chair can be really helpful when out and about
Inglesina Fast Table Chair
This award winning clip on table chair from Inglesina is very robust and secure, comes with a tray and carry bag and brings baby right up to your table
Chicco QuickSeat Hook-On Chair, Graphite
Buy a Baby travel Bag
Ditty Co. Small Diaper Bag
It’s useful to had a small diaper bag where you can keep a few essentials close to hand
T.O.M HORIZONS Sling Diaper Bag for Dad
Traveling with a baby can be a wonderful adventure filled with precious memories. By planning ahead, packing smartly, and staying flexible, you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable journey for both you and your little one. Embrace the adventure and savor the special moments along the way.
