I am a mother to a 4.5 years old boy now. I have started travelling with him since he was just 2 months old. I have taken him on international as well as domestic trips and I have learned a lot about travelling with babies. Though we all know every baby is different and hence the needs are different; here are a few tips that might just be handy while travelling with your kids & babies:
Any travel with a baby needs a lot of planning, so if you are planning a trip always keep a checklist with you. As soon as you have travel dates, start making a list of things you need to buy and the things you have at home. We all love to travel light but things change when we have a new addition to our family.
- If you are breastfeeding the baby, make sure you carry feeding clothes/scarf & breast pump (if needed)
- If he/she is on formula; make sure you carry enough formula and extra feeding bottles with mild soap to clean the bottles
- If your baby has started eating solids, pack food in ziplock/ airtight containers and name the pouches.
- Mothers are always lured to give more food options to the kids, but make sure you don’t do it during the trip.
- Keep set of two feeding plates/bowls and spoons along with bibs so that your baby doesn’t spoil the clothes. Keep a napkin handy while feeding food
- Be sure to feed your child at take-off and before the landing of flights, since sucking and swallowing help relieve painful ear pressure
All this was regarding the food. Now talking about their clothes;
- Keep a separate pouch which should include a diaper, set of clothes, booties/socks, wipes and a changing sheet. This pouch must stay in the diaper bag and whenever your baby needs a change you can just carry the pouch instead of an entire bag
- Just to be at safer side keep 3 diapers in the diaper bag
- Along with your baby’s extra set of clothes, it’s just good to keep your one set of clothes too; you never know your babies might just want to shower you with a vomit.
- Keep a bag/pouch to keep soiled or changed clothes
- Remember your baby is going to be at the new place so make sure he/she has his/her regular sleeping stuff around, like their sleeping blanket and their sleeping buddies like a teddy or a doll. Download some soothing music just to put them to ease
No one would like their baby to fall sick while travelling but in case they do; the most important thing to keep in mind is not to PANIC. Always consult a doctor before travelling and check if the baby’s vaccination is on track;
- Check the weather of the place you are travelling to and carry clothes accordingly
- Have a first aid kit handy with bandages, ointment, thermometer, and medicines if prescribed by a doctor
- Be sure you carry extra pacifiers or soothers
- Carry teethers if your baby is teething and over the counter medicines for fever, diarrhea, and anti-colic
- Air sick bags
And the most important thing; don’t forget to take your camera and extra batteries to capture the precious moments that you will cherish forever. Have a happy & fun trip!!
Very useful
Thanks a lot