Whether it’s your first family baby trip or you are travelling with your partner, going on a trip with a young baby can be a challenge. The good news is you can find some fantastic tips to make things a little easier below. Just read on to find out what they are.
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Pack your essential dad gear
If you are taking a baby on a trip, you need to make sure that you have everything you need with you at all times. This means in addition to the carrier and pram you need a baby bag chock full of useful stuff.
The first items to put in your baby bag are nappies, because trust me you will need them. Make sure you always put a few more in than you think you’ll need and then you will be ready for any eventuality, even a poonami on the road!
Another item that you will need to pack in your baby bag are wet wipes. Whether you use them to clean up the baby during a change, or after a feed, they truly are invaluable. It always pays to buy the good quality ones too as they won’t split while you’re using them and so protect you as well as the baby.
Spare clothes should also be included in your dad’s baby bag. Remember that it’s very likely that baby’s clothes will become dirty at some point. That means having spares will keep them clean and comfy, and for your sanity, smelling good too.
Last of all, you will need the items required to feed the baby while you are on a trip. If you are with mum who is breast feeding this may include a breast pump, and soothing creams.
However, if you and baby are doing the trip solo you will need bottles, milk that has been kept cold and a sterilizer as well.
Just remember that if there is no other alternative than taking the baby alone, you and mom will need to wean them onto a bottle well before the trip takes place. Otherwise you could have real issues getting them to feed property.
Make sleep routines a priority
Just because you are on a trip, it doesn’t mean that you should completely ignore the baby’s sleep routine. Indeed, you probably have spent a great deal of time and effort getting the baby into a routine when it comes to sleep. Therefore abandoning it for late and over stimulated nights makes no sense.
With that in mind taking action to stabilize your baby’s body clock even when on the road is essential. This can look like keeping up the rituals you have set for bedtimes, such as a bubble bath, lullabies, or rocking baby to sleep. Also using familiar bed times items like this pack and play crib is a great idea.
This is because they will not only ensure the baby is comfortable in familiar surroundings as they sleep, but it’s fashionable too. Making sure you know the baby is always in a clean, hygienic space even while you are travelling.
Make sure you manage your transport logistics
This is something you can sort ahead of time, and make things so much easier for yourself.
First of all, make sure that you choose family friendly seats on whatever types of transport you will be taking.
Often you’ll get more room, and this means things will be far more comfortable for you and baby, and that you won’t need to arrive at your destination exhausted.
Next be sure to show up to the airport much earlier than you think you will need to. Remember there are several rounds of checks you will need to go through, and it’s best for you and baby if you don’t have to rush them.
Also take care when planning your journey and factor in plenty of rest stops along the way. This will help keep your energy levels up so you can take care of the baby, and stay patient.
Get in the right frame of mind
While we are on the subject of patience, getting in the right frame of mind for travelling with a baby is crucial. This means patience and staying calm, because you are the one that is in control of this situation, and your baby needs you to always do the very best for them.
What this means is making sure that baby’s comfort always comes first, while also understanding that unpredictable things may happen. It can be very useful to understand that when travelling with a young child you will need to go at a slower pace and adjust your expectations accordingly.
Things to keep your baby entertained
Yes, your baby will definitely be too young for things like tablets and switch consoles.
However, there still are some things you can pack to help entertain and sooth your baby as you travel.
Small soft sensory items like toys and teethers are a great choice as they will help keep the baby calm and happy while travelling. They should also not take up too much space in your bags.
Make smart accommodation choices
When it comes to accommodation, the truth of the matter is that some are just so much more well suited to families with babies than others.
Of course this means you will need to find and book this accommodation as it will make things so much easier. In particular look for self catering spaces that come with laundry and kitchen facilities.
Then you will be able to prepare familiar baby food, as well as wash their clothes properly during your stay.
Plan for emergencies
Last of all, don’t forget to plan for emergencies. This means making sure that you have copies of your documents and emergency contacts to hand. (the latter can be saved in your phone).
It also makes sense to do your research beforehand and find out where the closest pharmacy and medical centers are. Then if you or the baby does get sick you will know where to go to get help, fast.
