Travelling with babies might actually be easier than to travel with toddlers. Their home is where you are and they might not be aware of the bigger changes in the surroundings as much as toddlers might be.
However the best time to travel with a baby is after you have gotten used to the role of being a parent and are able to predict your baby’s needs. This can be by 1 month or by 6 months but it is best to wait until you are less-overwhelmed before planning a long journey.
Here are some tips on how to make that journey, whether it is on a plane, train or car, a little more comfortable for you and your baby.
- If your baby is still breastfeeding then great, no extra food needs to be packed. However if the baby has started eating solid foods(introducing your baby to solid food)then it’s best to pack her favourite food so that there will be no fuss to eat it. Pack a few biscuits which can give your baby something to do, whether she wants to eat it or just gnaw it into a paste.
- Pack as many sanitary wipes as possible, especially when travelling long distances on a train. They can not only be used to sanitize the germ-infested partition walls of the berths where the baby will sleep, but they can also be used to clean up messes that are bound to happen while changing or feeding due to the constant motion of the train. Also pack an extra set of baby- clothes for the same reasons.
- Pack a sippy cup or a pacifier in case you are flying. Sipping while ascending and descending will help prevent the baby’s ears from popping and cause discomfort.
- Pack a couple of new toys as well. If your baby is old enough to play with toys then bringing along a new toy that will engross him for a couple of hours is a good idea.
- If your baby is still very young then it might be a good idea to bring a sling or a baby carrier. This will not only make the baby feel snug and warm but it will also give you two free hands to dig for money, hold tickers or carry the diaper bag without any hassle.
- Dress your baby in clothes that will make it easy for you to change him. Putting on layers is the best option, removing or adding clothes according to the immediate environment.
- If your baby has started walking he will probably feel restless after a nap or even after half an hour of sitting. So make sure you let him stretch his legs by walking the length of the plane/ train with him. If you are travelling by car then frequent rest stops is a good idea.
- Try to sense what your baby needs, like the above restlessness point, and give it to him before he starts to make a tantrum about it. Diaper change? Hungry? Motion-sickness? Boredom? Keep going through the roster. (a baby’s way of communicating)
- Sitting in a confined space with a baby for many hours can get boring for you and the baby so play a few games that will entertain your baby and prevent ‘boredom-crying’. Games such as peek-a-boo, singing itsy bitsy spider and other nursery rhymes with actions, making animal sounds or even giving your little one a piece of paper to tear into pieces will help entertain her.
- Pre-plan some entertainment according to what your child loves. Does he love watching a particular tv program? Download it and put it on your (full-charged) laptop. Or if she likes playing a game on your tablet, bring it along. Does he get distracted from a tantrum if you show him his favourite biscuit? Pack them!(4-12 months-what to feed your baby). Even if your baby is easy-going, no child will be very comfortable on long journeys so it’s best to be prepared.
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