7 Tips for Less Stress When Traveling With Babies and Toddlers
Once upon a time you hopped on a plane without a care in the world, maybe your biggest concerns would be snoring too loudly or a bad movie. Once you’re traveling with a little one, snoring is the least of your worries and if there’s a movie to be watched, chances are it stars a girl with a backpack and a monkey. When your family expands, the way you travel changes. But because it’s different, that doesn’t mean it’s less enjoyable.
Traveling with small children, for us, has opened up new ways to connect with our surroundings. There are no palm trees where we live, so seeing them when we travel somewhere warm is special. But seeing them dance in the breeze through our daughter’s eyes on our first trip with her is a memory I’ll cherish forever. Plus, children are natural ice breakers, and it was wonderful to connect with locals as parents, just hanging out at the beach or the playground.
But traveling with kids in tow, most especially when you’re a new parent, is a challenge. I was inspired to create my website, Have Baby Will Travel, when I could find little support online for a first time wannabe traveling mom who was finding it difficult just leaving the house. I’ve created a one stop shop that’s for parents, by parents, and my mission is to inspire first-time moms and dads to keep traveling with their young families. No one will ever say that traveling with a baby isn’t stressful (and if they do, don’t believe them!) but I can offer up 7 tips to make your inaugural family vacation less so.
Book flights at times where your baby will be sleepy or in a good mood. I knew my daughter would not sleep on the plane (too nosy) so I was glad to get an early morning flight. Some moms swear by overnight flights. You know your baby best.
Be organized – even if that’s not in your nature (it’s most certainly not in mine!) Pack in advance and use a detailed packing list.
Spread out all baby’s belongings amongst all of your luggage, not just in one bag. If a suitcase does go missing, it’s not that one.
Get baby used to room temperature bottles and food. This saves the hassle of warming while en route.
Take time to nap or rest when the baby naps, or take turns with your partner in spelling each other off to do activities or excursions.
Don’t over-schedule your days. By taking it easy and following your baby’s routine, or your new “vacation routine”, you can decide on itineraries that will suit everyone.
Pick a place that welcomes families. Choosing a destination and accommodations that embrace families means understanding fellow guests who are more likely to be sympathetic if baby’s having an off day.
0 Comments