If you want to see me panic, just mention the words ‘baby travel’. The endless lists, the planning, the research, the questions that have to be answered at 2am: ‘How will they sleep?’ ‘How many diapers do I really need – will 200 for 3 days be enough?’ ‘Is 5 bags per child too many?’
It’s all a bit much. So I wrote my process down, and posted it on the blog. I hope it helps you.
I really hope it helps you.
Because travelling with babies is not for the fainthearted.
Why not view our article on 4 Steps in How To Choose a Baby Travel System Stress-Free or Best Toddler Travel System or 4 Quick Steps To Choosing The Perfect Toddler Travel System. Be Smart.
Baby Travel Secrets That Will Have You on the Road, Straightaway!
I’ve always loved traveling. Whether locally or abroad, the freedom travel brings is unforgettable! It’s the peaceful scenery at a lookout point, eating homemade pies, or indulging on a cold boiled egg that adds memorable moments to your journey. But with the new addition to your family, travelling just got a little more; I dare to say, adventurous. Having a baby travel with you might make a 40mi ride feel like a 120mi mini road trip.
Are you on the verge of planning your first holiday with your little one? Be assured: you are not the first doing so! And yes, it is possible. You might ask, ‘How?’ Let me share a few travelling secrets with you. Also, don’t hesitate to visit MovingBabies.com for more info on Best Infant Travel System.
“I want my kids to seek the stories that live just over the horizon, and feel at ease in unknown lands. How else will they truly know that the world has so much more to offer than our daily routines can reveal” – Ciaran Blumenfeld, babble™
Exhausted before even leaving for your holiday trip? Fellow vacationers, airlines, train stations, bus stops, you name it can be intolerant with young ones. In fact, it is inevitable. Acknowledge this beforehand but don’t let it influence valuable travel time with your family. However, there are methods making travelling easier for both you and your fellow vacationers. It helps to understand frequently used terminology; planning ahead; travelling light; comforting your baby in the best possible way, and always be prepared! The following 8 Need to Know Secrets will have you plan that dream family vacation. More important, your little one will be happy and comfy!
8 Need to Know Secrets
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You Say What? Understand important terminology.
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It All Starts With Planning Ahead: Don’t be left in the dark, plan ahead.
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How Light Can You Go? Pack and consider re-packing at least two times.
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Have Their Backs: Be there for your little one and understand how travelling influence their routine, comfort and familiarity.
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Use Feeding Times to Your Infants’ Advantage: Feed at best suitable moments, preferably when starting off and near the next stop.
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Don’t Expect the Worse but be Prepared: Always have a First Aid Kit and pack those extra T-shirts and nappies!
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A Comfortable Baby is a Happy Baby: Determine which car seat, carrycot or baby traveling system will keep your young one comfortable for longer.
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Tag Along a Piece of Home Remember to pack Toy and Blanket that will have your baby feel familiar in unfamiliar places.
#01. You Say What? Know Important Terminology
Not knowing the lingo, might have you, well, speechless. When making hotel reservations, booking an aeroplane seat or even taking to the long road it is important to know basic Baby Travel terms.
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- Angle Indicators: a handy device showing whether the car seat is correctly positioned and at the right level of incline on the car seat.
- Bulkhead seat: the seat before the wall or divider that separates the sections on an aeroplane, usually the bassinets are situated against this bulkhead seat.
- Bassinet: a basket-like bed for infants from birth to a few months old, making it possible for them to lie flat and secure.
- Double room: refers to a room with one double bed and not a room with two beds or with two separate rooms.
- FAA: short for the Federal Aviation Administration and is an operating mode of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
- Five Point Harness: a car seat with a strap between the legs, two shoulder straps and two hip straps (perfect and safe for the long road).
- Restraints: seat belts that hold the car seat and the infant in place.
- Tether straps: secure anchors that are attached to the vehicle and the seat supplying extra support for the baby car seat.
- Travel System: is a stroller with a detachable infant car seat and carrycot.
#02. It All Starts With Planning Ahead: Don’t be Left in the Dark.
Remember those days before thinking for two and last-minute planning was custom? Those days are not quite over; babies do sometimes make you plan on the last minute. But when it is possible, plan ahead! Lessen the stress and know where you are going. Feel assured that you have reserved a place to stay the night if you are travelling far. Whether going by bus or train make sure you know on what station you hop on and off also if driving by car plan the route beforehand. Remember to take a break at least every two hours. Let the young one stretch and move around- the parents will, without a doubt, need it as well.
When you are flying, check in and try to reserve seats next to a window where you can control the amount of light. Try booking a seat closer to the front than the rear of the plane. It can get noisy in the back, and it is less convenient to carry the baby baggage through the narrow aisle up and down. If you are comfortable using the airline’s bassinets it is best to sit at the bulkhead, which gives you more space and a flat-lying bed for the young globetrotter.
“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”— Ernest Hemingway, babble™
Read the ‘How To Understand the Baby Travel System’ section below and watch the video to make sure you are on top of it.
When you combine your carrycot or car seat and stroller you have a travel system!
#03. How Light Can You Go? Pack and Consider Re-Packing.
When you are travelling, less is better. If it is by car, bus, train or aeroplane the less you pack, the more convenient it is. Driving with your personal wheels does give you more space, but even then you want the bare minimum to pack when on the move again. If you are even a tiny bit like me, you also know that you will return with at least a quarter more baggage than was originally packed. Remember that your little one requires (most of the time) both your hands, you can’t afford to be occupied with unnecessary baggage.
#04. Have Their Backs: Understand How Travelling Influence Their Routine, Comfort and Familiarity.
Always have your baby’s back! In the end, travelling as a family your most precious cargo is your little one. Consider the manner in which you are going to travel and how it might be new for your infant. The possible noise or high altitude flying by aeroplane might affect your baby’s ears. Find ways to lessen the discomfort: through feeding or sucking a dummy can make the take-off and descent easier. Avoid being caught off-guard. Possible delays by car, bus, train or aeroplane might occur. Always be prepared by packing extra supplies- for the little one and yourself!
It may include baby formula, snacks, an extra pair of clothes and (for the baby) enough nappies.
#05. Use Feeding Times to Your Infants’ Advantage: Feed at Best Suitable Moments.
Provide comfort and familiarity when it is needed. Travelling can be adventurous but breaking with the routine may bring restlessness to your little one. Nursing can decrease even the tiniest bit of uneasiness. Especially during a flight, avoid blocked ears by nursing your baby. In the case of an aeroplane try feeding during the take-off and descent. Think of it as a two-in-one action: keeping your child from screaming and feeding him/her.
#06. Don’t Expect the Worse but Be Prepared: Always Have a First Aid Kit and Extra T-shirts and Nappies!
Every day the possibility of injury is almost inevitable, while on the road even more so; especially for younger ones. Always keep that first aid kit nearby. If you don’t have a full set first aid kit, at least pack the basics. Include Tylenol (in case a fever occurs), enough bandages, plasters, first aid ointment and treatment for possible diaper or swimsuit rashes.
#07. A Comfortable Baby is a Happy Baby: Determine which Baby Gear will Keep Your Young One Comfortable for Longer.
Keep your young one happy and safe on the road.
Make sure you invest in a safety seat that has at least tether straps. Using a five-point harness is even better when driving in a vehicle. Remember you want to keep your baby safe, but at the same time comfortable. If your child is comfortable, you can be assured of a cheerful young traveller.
The cheaper option is not always the easy option. In the case of booking seats on an aeroplane, rather buy an extra seat to use a child safety restraint for your baby. It might feel like a waste of money, but it will add safety and comfort to the little globetrotter. Remember to make sure your car seat is FAA approved when flying.
#08. Tag Along a Piece of Home: Remember to Pack Toy and Blanket that Will Have Your Baby Feel Familiar in Unfamiliar Places.
Being out of your routine and familiar environment may cause uneasiness for your little one. Sleeping in a different room may be difficult. Take that favourite toy or blanket with you on the road? Help your baby to adapt to new surroundings and routines. It might be challenging, but you will be surprised at how quickly they can adjust.
My Personal Takeaways
If you have travelled before having a baby, you can still discover places after having one, two or three of them! The secret lies in being travel wise. It includes understanding your young one, planning ahead, expect the unexpected and enjoying the journey! With today’s Infant Travel Systems, baby safety gear and the internet to search and book the perfect family destination; no excuses (excluding maybe your budget) can be given not to take that long-planned family breakaway.
In a Nutshell
Don’t keep it a secret, apply it! Know your glossary and be travel savvy. Don’t get caught off guard, always plan ahead. Less is better; help your baby by always having a spare hand to assist. For adults, unfamiliarity is not necessarily a discomfort, for a baby it can be. Make the journey as comfortable as possible. Don’t hesitate to nurse your infant when you think comfort is needed. You cannot know everything, but you can be equipped for any possible unplanned incident. Remember to pack those familiar items; you might even find it soothing.
When on the road keeping your baby safe and comfortable is a top priority. With varied options for the baby trend travel system or single stroller, car seat and carry cot you have no excuse for keeping your young tourist cheerful.
Next Steps
Travel smart and don’t hesitate to plan that family vacation. Make keeping your infant safe and comfortable your number one goal- it is ours! Visit MovingBabies.com for even more reviews on babies travel systems.
Why not have a look at all Toddler Travel System reviews or Toddler CAR SEATS reviews ? There are so many options to choose from including the baby trend ez ride 5 travel system.
Have a look at ALL of our in-depth & Detailed Baby Guides.
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