Taking your baby on vacation for the first time can be nerve wracking. You’ve got a little life to take care of now, and even when you’re in a beautiful new location with so much to see and do, your baby always comes first! And that means you’ve got a lot more careful planning to do right now. Taking a newborn or a 3 to 6 month old on a train, boat, or aeroplane can be tricky and you need to know what to expect.
No longer can you just go traipsing off to parts unknown – spontaneous adventures are hard to come by when you’ve got a baby strapped to your chest! But other than that, traveling with young kids doesn’t have to be impossible; here’s what you need to keep in mind before you book your next trip.
It’s Best to Travel at Quieter Times
If you’ve got a baby to take, no longer can you just jump on the next flight out of the country. You’re going to need to plan your departure times much more carefully; a baby can be easily overstimulated, and being surrounded by huge crowds of other airport goers can cause a meltdown before you’ve even got on the plane. And once you’re on the plane you should expect tears as well.
A baby’s ears are very sensitive, and even if you’re fine with the difference ein pressure during take off and touch down, there’s a very good chance your little one will make their displeasure known! As such, you’ll want to get on a quiet flight that has few other passengers. You don’t want to be receiving glares and have to apologize every 5 minutes when this is your first time traveling with a baby!
You’ll Need to Comb Through Booking Policies Like Never Before
Taking a baby to a hotel or an AirBnB can be tricky; there’s no guarantee any facilities will be provided for them. Similarly, any aeroplanes you get onto may have strict rules over how old a baby can be before they’ll be accepted onto a flight. For the majority of airlines the youngest a child can be is four weeks old; this also ensures their immune system is in good enough shape to fight off any coughs and colds they might catch along the way.
You’ll also need to look into seat policies as well. Can you keep your baby on your lap for the journey? Or do you need to book them a seat and strap them in properly with a harness as well? It’s best to double check, rather than assume, to keep this part of your journey smooth sailing.
Anything You Pack Will Need to Be Portable
If you’re taking something along for the baby, it needs to be totally portable! It needs to be something you can easily carry, and is preferably collapsable or doesn’t require more than one hand to operate. It’s why many traveling parents choose a papoose over a pushchair – it’s far easier to carry a baby on your chest than it is to push them around all day.
And the same goes for any items you bring along to your accommodation as well. If a cot isn’t provided, for example, take some time choosing the best travel play yard to take along instead. Similarly, instead of a burly suitcase, why not take a duffel that’s easier to just hang over your shoulder? The more you can grab and go, the easier it will be to take a baby around, and you won’t be so tired at the end of the day either.
It’s Best to Take a Double Amount of Baby Supplies
While you’re away it’s going to be hard to stock up on baby supplies. Babies can be notoriously fussy, and if you run out of the right wet wipes or formula while you’re in a hotel it can spell disaster.
So before you head off, make sure you’ve packed a double supply of whatever you’re planning to take. Double the diapers, double the hygiene products, double the food and snacks, and double the clothing or blankets. You never know if you might lose something along the way!
If you’ve just become a parent, taking your baby away on vacation can be intimidating. You’ve got so many responsibilities now and that can make your relaxing time away incredibly stressful! But as long as you’re prepared, you’ll have a lovely time while you’re on your trip.