Traveling with a baby can be stressful. With the right planning, it can be a fun and memorable experience. Here are some top tips for doing it in style!
Comparisons with chalk and cheese may be a little harsh, but traveling with babies can be an unnatural fit! The whole essence of a holiday is to relax and break from the norm, but with so much to think about, from diapers to baby bassinets, the stress can quickly mount up.
This article provides a quick guide to help you prepare for your first excursion with your baby and ensure everyone has an enjoyable and relaxing time!
Get your admin in place.
Unless you are traveling to Canada, your baby will need a passport. Gather the documentation you need for the application and get this organized long before you book your trip. Visa requirements are also important to research, and these vary country-to-country.
It is also worth looking into any vaccinations and health provisions you can expect in your destination country. Ensure your travel insurance covers all your family members to avoid any unexpected medical bills should your child need some care while you are away.
Baby kit!
Babies can make military expeditions seem light on equipment requirements! Formulate a plan for taking some supplies with you in the event of travel delays, missed connecting flights, or other unplanned eventualities. Doing so also avoids the need to start shopping as soon as you arrive at your destination – remember that not all countries have 24-hour stores like the US!
It is also important to determine if your hotel or villa comes equipped with a crib and bedding. Your little one will need a good rest after their travels, so make sure there are no surprises.
Car seats also take some planning. They can be expensive to hire, and the quality can be unreliable. For these reasons, it is worth considering bringing your own car seat, even if it is heavy and bulky to carry. This also has the advantage of providing your baby a little “home” comfort on the airplane or ferry.
Prepare for entertainment!
Airports, ferry terminals, and other transport hubs are the essence of boredom for babies. Although you may be able to kill five minutes looking at airplanes on the tarmac, you will need to pack a separate rucksack of entertainment supplies. Ensure handheld devices are fully charged before you leave and that you have travel adaptors for your destination country.
In summary
This short article has touched on some of the main points of traveling with a little one. It is by no means a comprehensive list, but ensure you do your preparation in advance, and you will be fine! Try to relax, and you will cherish the experience.
This blog post was contributed by Isabel, Community Outreach Coordinator | 4moms
