Maybe you’re taking your baby to visit family for the holidays or planning your first vacation with your new addition. Either way, the thought of hitting the road (or skies) with your baby for the first time may make you a bit nervous.
It’s true; gone are the days when you could pack an overnight bag and hop a train or flight on a moment’s notice. Although traveling with your baby takes a little more planning and a lot more stuff, it can also be fun to introduce your baby to the world around him.
Plan Ahead
Whether you’re driving, flying or taking another mode of transportation to your destination, there are several things to keep in mind when traveling with your little one.
One of the best things you can do is give yourself extra time to get where you’re going. Getting through security with a baby and extra stuff can take a little while. Even if you’re traveling by car, unexpected stops to change a diaper or soothe a crying baby may occur. Don’t add stress to your travels by feeling rushed.
You may also want to consider traveling overnight. Taking a red-eye flight or driving in the evening may be the perfect way to increase the chances your baby will sleep during the trip.
Traveling by air may be especially stressful with a baby. You’re locked into an aircraft without a lot of space to move around. Add to that the unhappy glances from your fellow passengers when your baby cries and you may have a long flight.
It may help to feed your baby on take-off and landing. All that swallowing may help decrease ear pressure that’s common when you’re changing altitude. Also, consider dressing your baby for easy diaper changes. Those tights and dress may look adorable, but they may not make for a quick diaper change.
However you travel, make sure you bring a few essentials, such as toys, books, diapers and a change of clothes. If you’re modest, a cover up for nursing is also a good idea. You never know when you’ll have a delay, so make sure you bring enough of everything.
Keeping a Loose Routine
Once you get to your destination, try to keep your baby on his normal routine as much as possible. Of course, sticking to an exact routine during the holidays or while traveling can be a little tricky. For instance, if you’re crossing time zones, or family and friends want to hold your little bundle, it may delay your normal activities. But sticking to your baby’s regular schedule may prevent fussiness due to being sleepy or hungry.
Don’t worry if things don’t go completely as planned. Flights get delayed, babies get sick, and travel plans are not foolproof. For example, try not to stress if your seatmate on your flight is not exactly a baby person or if your little one is fussier than normal. Instead, focus on enjoying your holiday or vacation and making new memories with your baby.
Written by MaryAnn DePietro @ writerlady 34
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.