As a parent, you probably worry about a lot of things. From teething to diaper rash to vaccinations and infant fevers, it’s natural to worry. Traveling with your infant is another big worry as your departure date draws nearer.
The idea of a vacation is relaxing. The idea of a vacation with an infant is anything but. You’ll worry how long your little one can stand to be in the car if you drive, or how he will react to his first flight. Parents travel with their children all the time. Some find it simple, and others find it a challenge.
However, with a few simple tips, you can make your family vacation as relaxing as possible.
Pack accordingly
With an infant in tow, you will need more luggage than ever before. You need to be able to pack accordingly. The best advice is to start packing early rather than waiting for the last possible minute. Take into account how often your little one changes throughout the day and pack enough outfits for that.
If you are going somewhere you can wash your own laundry, it’s less important to pack extra clothes. However, you should remember that you can pack enough for your newborn and the rest of the family without paying excess baggage fees. One way is to pack only enough diapers and wipes for the travel itself, and buy new ones at your destination to save luggage space.
Your diaper bag matters
Your diaper bag is the one that will accompany you on your flight. With an infant, you don’t have to worry about items such as snack foods, electronic devices, and toys. You do, however, need to bring formula or breastmilk, bottles, and plenty of diapers and spare clothing.
The airline will allow you to travel with formula. You simply inform the security agents in the airport that you are traveling with either formula or breast milk so they can check it before you go through security. You can either buy water for mixing formula once you pass through security or bring your own bottle and ask TSA officials to test the water.
Bring the essentials
Your drive and/or flight isn’t all you have to worry about when you travel. When you get where you are going, you have to worry about keeping your baby comfortable. Don’t forget your baby monitor, your child’s favorite stuffed toys or blanket, a pack-n-play in which the infant can sleep, sheets, and bottle cleaners you can use in your room.
If your baby requires certain medications, uses gas medications, or requires the use of gripe water for colic, don’t forget to pack those. Some can be picked up at your final destination, but you’ll want them in the car or plane.
Remember the stroller
You can bring your stroller in the car or through the airport. It’s gate-checked once you board the plane so you are never without it. You might find that your stroller is the most important item you bring on a vacation. Your baby can nap while you walk, or you can put him in it when you are lying by the pool and he gets tired. A stroller with a sunshade is the best choice in this situation.
Stick to schedules
Just because you are on vacation doesn’t mean you have to let your little one stay up late, wake up early, and miss naps. You can schedule sight-seeing and dinners around bedtime so that baby isn’t cranky and out of whack during your stay.
It’s a bit more work to travel with an infant or child, but it’s not impossible. If you prepare in advance and consider all the possibilities of what could happen, you will handle it in stride. Traveling should be fun for everyone. The more you travel with your baby, the easier it gets.