Tips on Traveling with Your Baby
Preparing for Airplane Rides and Long Road Trips with Children
Mar 8, 2008
Traveling on an airplane or taking a long distance road trip can be fun with your baby. It all depends on how well you plan out your trip. Packing the right pieces from home will bring comfort to your baby, and make it easier for you to soothe them if they become fussy. This way the trip becomes enjoyable for the whole family.
Airplane Rides
It's always best to book your flight well in advance and during off peak flights. For instance, flights booked Monday afternoon through Thursday evenings are generally less full, so you'll find more flexibility in seating arrangements. You'll also find it easier to store your needed baggage close at hand.
Find a family friendly travel agent who understands the needs of parents traveling with small children. You'll find it easier to express your concerns and they'll be better able to assist you in finding the right flight. Children under two years old travel for free, but they won't get their own seat. Request a bassinette. They're free, and you'll find it handy once your baby is asleep.
Make sure you pack plenty of diapers, wipes, drinks, snacks, toys and a familiar blanket.
Keep your routine as normal as possible.
Feedings should be done at the same time. Bring pajamas to prepare your baby for naptime the way you do at home. Think about the things your baby relies on to sleep. Will they feel better lying on their pillow from home? How about their favorite stuffed toy? Anything that will help your baby feel comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings should make the ride easier for you.
Road Trips
When traveling by car, make sure the car seats and boosters fit correctly for your baby's comfort and safety. A maximum of six hours a day is usually recommended for toddlers.
Mobil DVD players are great for long trips. Bring along your child's favorite movies. Also, don't forget to sort through your CDs for fun music for the road. Remember, your child is famaliar with your favorite songs, so bring them along.
Plan a route with parks with picnic areas and plenty of room to run. Plus, restroom facilities with clean changing rooms and trash bins. Sticky hands and wet bottoms usually make babies unhappy, so you want to make sure help is nearby.
Make sure you bring along plenty of water, snacks, diapers, changes of clothes for baby. Plus, a first aid kit with bandages and ointments for baby, and plenty of aspirin for you.
