Should I travel with my baby?

Yes!

The baby years are actually among the best to travel with your child, mainly because they are so darn portable when they’re young.

And yes; Babies cry on planes, need milk, need new diapers in strange places, and might not like having their routines disrupted if they’re accustomed to a regular eating and sleeping schedule at home.

On the other hand, they can’t talk, so you won’t hear ”Are we there yet?!” multiple times per hour. They can’t walk yet, so they won’t try to scamper down the aisle during the flight. They’ll nap in a stroller while you stroll down the boulevard and when they wake up there are happy to see your face. They just want to spend time with you and don’t need much to be content.

What to do first?

  1. Choose your destination. Book an all-inclusive hotel so you can stay in one place the whole time, having paid for everything upfront, and know what to expect. When you dislike this concept make sure your hotel has a good rating and search for good family reviews. Not all places are child-friendly. Also the location is very important, make sure the beach is a 5 minute walk and the supermarket is close to you instead of booking a hotel at a hilltop with a lot of steeps.
  2. If you’re traveling outside of the country, it is important to have baby’s vaccines up-to-date. Infants are more vulnerable to germs than adults. Before you head to the airport or check in to your hotel, stop by your pediatrician’s office and have her or him complete a standard check-up.
  3. When you are packing, Spread all of baby’s belongings/necessities among all your checked luggage. If luggage is lost, you don’t want it to be the one bag in which you packed all of baby’s gear.
  4. When you are travelling by airplane make sure you have a stroller that’s easy to set up and take down. Don’t bring your expensive, new stroller, they will throw with your luggage and it will be damaged. This is our favorite, strongest stroller with a two-step folding design!
  5. Consider a baby carrier. Carrying helps build secure attachments and is good for your baby’s emotional development. And with a sling abroad your hands will be free to take family selfies and capture wonderful memories for years to come. Check our top 3 baby carriers here.

What to pack?

  1. Don’t forget sunscreen. Your babies skin is very delicate and sunburn can cause blisters, the skin can become swollen, and your baby may develop a fever. Sunburn usually happens in hot weather, but it can also happen when light reflects off snow. This is our favorite sunscreen lotion that has also the best reviews.
  2. Remember, you can buy diapers and formula almost anywhere. Just make sure that you have the essentials ( stuff that’s important ) for YOUR baby packed. It can be his/her favorite pacifier, bottle, sunhat, favorite stuffed animal(s) and so on.
  3. Over pack your diaper bag. It may be more to carry, but being extra prepared for delays during air travel will go a long way. Pack a few extra bottles, diapers, wipes, food and formula, plus changes of clothes for both you and the baby. You’ll want something clean to wear if baby spits up mid-flight, too.
  4. Painter’s tape is easily removable and can be added to any surface for baby proofing a room. Cover electrical outlets, tape up loose wires and secure any drawers or areas that you don’t want baby to explore.

Don’t just tell your children about the world, show them.

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More tips

  • Don’t forget to ask your hotel/accommodation about cribs or Pack ‘n Plays.
  • Don’t begrudge the baby’s naps. It’s tempting to “go, go, go” on vacation, sightseeing as much as possible to pack it all in. But it is important to rest almost as much as your baby does. Rest while baby does if you can, and if you can’t, try traveling during that time. A long car ride or busy flight can be a lot easier if baby can sleep straight through it!
  • Designate a diaper-changing station at your destination. Bring a box of wipes, put a disposable changing pad on top of a towel, and stack a bunch of diapers in one area. With everything already set up, there will be no rummaging through suitcases in search of diapers, wipes or creams.