You are not the only parent who wishes to just stay home with their little baby, snuggle her, enjoy the time with her and rest. But, sometimes, traveling imposes itself as a must so it’s up to you to think of ways how to manage the whole thing. Being a mom myself, I can only imagine how complicated a travel may sound, especially with such a small baby on your hands. Not to mention you are probably exhausted and the last thing on your mind is traveling. Do not despair – thing’s aren’t as bad. Follow through this little guide I’ve put together – I hope it will help you the way it helped me.
Time Frame
If you are wondering when your baby is old enough to travel, the answer is – straight after she is born. Most airlines prefer babies to be at least two days old but other than that, there’s no fuss there. Plus, the younger the baby, the better traveler she is. You just need to make sure she is fed regularly, cuddled and secured. Further, movement and activity of the travel will help the baby sleep as you are rocking her without even realizing it. This goes for car travels too.
Still, you may reconsider traveling to far destinations if you feel the baby is fragile or you are feeling overwhelmed with being a new mom. There is no need to push it, really. After the baby is about three months, she’ll be more than ready to travel with you. She is still small enough to not mind whether her bed is your arms, a crib or a hotel bed.
A big challenge when it comes to traveling is when the baby establishes a routine, which is usually around seven months to nine months. This is a time frame the baby has become mobile and when she got used to her environment.
Transportation
No matter what the destination is, you need to have the right travel gear. A front carrier or baby sling is an ideal way to transport your baby, regardless of the type of transport. Baby carriers make traveling much easier not just on plains, but on trains, cars and buses too.
Once she feels she is still close to you, she won’t be causing any fuss. Plus, you’ll be hands-free to look find money for fares, delve for passports, carry bags or even take a nap yourself – all while you hold your baby snugly.
A travel system with a car seat that fits on to the pushchair chassis is probably the best option (among not so many, unfortunately), especially if your baby is very young. Even though it can be a little uncomfortable for getting it in and outside of cars and airplanes, the trouble is worth it – you can move your baby from the plane to the arrivals lounge, from the car to a café and all without disturbing her sleep.
The Road
If you are traveling by car, I hope you have an SUV or some other bigger car as otherwise, there’s no way you’ll be able to pack anything! Or, you will but you’ll feel extremely uncomfortable.
Before you start your journey you need to have your car checked. Do you have enough gas? Is oil okay? Breaks in check? No flat tires in sight? These and other things should make to your to-check list before you’ve organized a trip. Always carry an extra gas case with you, because sometimes you can’t be sure where you’ll find a first gas stations. Buy tires (tyres) if it seems like you should (your mechanic will know if you should). Further, make sure your car is cleaned properly – vacuum it, wash the windows, spray it with some anti-bacterial liquid that will eliminate nastiness from the car. Do this a day or two before the journey, so the car has the time to vent.
Necessities
Better than anyone by know, you know how your baby functions and what all she needs. But, as traveling tends to get so overwhelming, us mothers can’t help but forget to pack something! Apart from the usual baby supplies, here’s, I believe, a helpful list of things to carry with your baby bag: wipes, nappies, changing mat, nappy rash cream, sunhat and sunscreen, bibs, tissues, breast pump, first-aid kit, car seat, travel sterilizer kit, formula, bottles, toys, clothes.
I hope this little guide helped you and you’re not as panicked about going on a journey. It’s all going to be fine, your baby is stronger than you think! Don’t forget to bring the camera to capture this wonderful experience of your baby’s first journey!
Image Credit: Pixabay
Have you ever traveled with a baby? If so, share your experience.
