Getting ready for any journey takes some time and effort, but when your baby is traveling with you, both the time and the effort double. It takes meticulous planning and elaborate preparation to make sure your little one feels fine during the trip. So, here are some valuable tips for all the parents out there who are hitting the road with a baby on board:
Make timely plans
When making a plan for a trip that includes a baby, you have to take into account all your little one’s needs and routines.
For instance, if you’re traveling by car, perhaps you’ll want to drive at night and leave home at about the same time your baby goes to bed. This makes it more likely that they’ll sleep through most of the trip and that they won’t get nervous or bored in their car seat.
You’ll also want to consider when you have to feed your baby so that you can plan when and where you’ll stop to do that. And if you take another step back and think about the date of the trip itself, you’ll also want to adjust that to your baby. In case you’re flying with a newborn, it might be a good idea to postpone the trip until your doctor says it’s safe for the baby to travel.
In addition, when making an itinerary, don’t try to fit too many sights and activities into it. Remember, while you might have been able to visit six different museums in a day back when you weren’t a parent, you’ll definitely want to take it slow when your baby is with you.
Keep your family safe
As important as it is to keep everybody comfortable all through the trip, especially your baby, your top priority should always be safety.
Whether you’re traveling by car, train or plane, you should invest in a quality child seat. Not only will the journey be cozier for both you and your little one, but a baby is always safer when they’re snug in their seat than they are on your lap.
Furthermore, in case you decide to drive your family in your own car, you should take it to a mechanic/garage before you leave, so that there’s no doubt it’s in its best shape and that you have all the necessary tools and equipment. Of course, you shouldn’t even consider going anywhere without good car insurance. Choose one which is tailored precisely for you and your family, so that you can count on your car being towed and stored in certain cases. Finally, get enough rest before you start driving and always keep your eyes on the road.
Pack wisely
Packing everything your baby might need is crucial and it would be best for you to make a detailed list before you even begin putting things into your suitcases. Plenty of clothes, diapers, bottles and other baby products are a must, so check twice if you’ve brought enough of them. As far as a stroller is concerned, you can opt for a lighter version for your trip, and go with one which can be reclined, so that your little one can take their nap when they get tired. However, the type of stroller you bring has to be in accordance with the terrain you’ll have to push it on, so bear that in mind, too. Plus, a baby carrier or a sling might prove to be beyond useful on any trip with a baby.
Visit your baby’s pediatrician and ask them for a list of basic medicines you should take, so that you’re on the safe side.
Another thing you should definitely pack is a carry-on bag, which should contain things like one or two changes of clothes, some diapers, a pacifier, some milk, and water, as well as some baby wipes and anything else your little one usually needs when you go out.
In addition, babies sometimes get nervous during a trip, so you’ll want to have something to entertain them at hand. Some colorful toys, books or their favorite songs on your phone will probably do the trick, but this differs from child to child, so bring the things your child normally reacts to best.
Conclusion
Traveling with a baby may seem a bit complicated at first, but as it is with most things in life, it just takes some practice. Even if you don’t do everything perfectly the first time around, you’ll do better next time and you and your entire family will be able to enjoy your trips together. So, have fun and make some memories to last until the next journey and beyond.
What do you do to ensure safety while traveling?
The post Safety First: Tips & Tricks for Traveling with a Baby appeared first on The Baby Sleep Site – Baby / Toddler Sleep Consultants.
