If you start baby travel slowly and plan wisely, both you and baby will enjoy first-class comfort. Begin with baby steps and you'll find that soon you and your little one will be able to walk, ride, or fly in the fast lane.
Day Trips
Introduce baby to travel starting with a few day-trips to a local relative or friend. Basic equipment will be a packed diaper bag, a stroller or pram (if you'll spend some time outdoors), and a car seat. Most modern car seats easily detach and convert into a baby carrier.
Be sure to pack your diaper bag with a diaper for each two hours you intend to be away from home. Pack 2 nipples for each bottle you pack, two to three receiving blankets, and an extra change of clothing for baby and an extra shirt for you. Cut down on diaper bag weight and keep things easy to find by using Ziploc bags to pack extras like nipples, wipes, and pacifiers. Pack one large, empty Ziploc for soiled items.
Overnights
For baby's first overnight trip, you'll need to extend your day-trip plan with a couple of extra receiving blankets and extra sets of clothing for baby. Even if your overnight trip is to Grandma's house, remember that nighttime sounds and perceptions may be different from those during daytime hours. A good pram with wheel locks can double as a bassinet, helping baby feel right at home and enabling everyone to sleep more comfortably through the night.
If overnight travel is a frequent part of your regular routine, consider investing in a Graco Pack 'n Play Classic Care Center. This excellent piece of baby travel equipment is a bassinet, changing table, and playpen in one portable unit that folds into a handy tote bag. There are 22 models of the Classic Care Center. With prices starting at under $50.00, you're sure to find one that's right for your little one and your budget.
Extended Hotel Stays
Many hotels stock products and equipment especially for travelers with babies, but they may not stock the brands you and baby prefer. When you make your reservation, ask for specific information on product brands and the equipment you'll need to make baby's stay comfortable. If you opt to use a hotel crib or bassinet, be sure to pack a couple of baby's own blankets, a familiar mobile, and/or other "security items".
Although your inclination may be to pack up your complete nursery, in some cases, an extended stay may allow you to pack even less than you would for an overnight trip. For instance, it would be impractical to pack a week's worth of bottles and nipples. Pack only enough for a day and leave time in your itinerary for clean-ups. When packing baby clothes, include two or three one-piece outfits that can be quickly hand washed when soiled.
You'll also want to be sure to bring along a stroller. Most contemporary strollers are lightweight and easily collapse for transport or storage. Some models are equipped with multi-position reclining seats so baby can sight-see or nap as he or she chooses. In addition, many have features like tray attachments, sun canopies, attached toy bars, and "parent" trays for your little extras.
If part of your vacation will put you in a crowd, consider a baby backpack or sling. The Baby Bjorn Carrier holds baby safely to your chest, increasing baby's sense of security as he maintains eye contact with your familiar face.
From day trips to cruise ships, how you travel with babies depends chiefly on your destination and length of stay. However developing a basic plan and adding to it as the situation warrants will quickly make seasoned travel companions out of you and your little one.
Linda is mother and grandmother of two, she is author of the Baby Strollers Guide and the Baby Products Guide
With so many options out there for baby carriers it... Read More
How To Clone The Perfect BabySheep, Cows, pigs, mice, donkeys,... Read More
The choice for a baby or an infant gift can... Read More
Are you unsure whether you should make your own baby... Read More
So you're holding a baby shower? Then you will need... Read More
The crib is where your baby will spend a lot... Read More
It is an unfortunate fact of life but, unfortunately, toddlers... Read More
Sheepskin offers unique advantages as an underlay for babies. One... Read More
A long distance baby shower is for when mothers won't... Read More
When one talk about shower baby gifts, it is clear... Read More
The first few days home from the hospital are important... Read More
Americans have long depended on jarred baby foods for convenient... Read More
It's time to celebrate the baby! As Keepsake Favors' resident... Read More
Starting new things for your child sometime difficult, but you... Read More
Throwing a surprise baby shower doesn't have to be difficult.... Read More
Congratulations! You have just learned that you are having a... Read More
Decorating your child's nursery is an exciting experience. Your little... Read More
Did you know the first strollers appeared during the early... Read More
When it comes to naming their baby, people tend to... Read More
There are many whimsical, fun baby room themes if you... Read More
Helping your child move from breast breast milk or formula... Read More
You've engaged a celebrant and you've picked the day. So... Read More
Once your baby is out of their crib and playpen,... Read More
Mother's milk is the best choice for healthy baby food.... Read More
If you start baby travel slowly and plan wisely, both... Read More
When you came up with such question, what will be... Read More
If having a Couples Baby Shower seems odd to you,... Read More
Most shower checklists will suggest you start planning approximately four... Read More
Your Sagittarius Baby..November 22 - December 21 Young Sagittarians are... Read More
Have you ever read those reports on the cost of... Read More
Your Capricorn Baby..December 23 - January 19Capricorn babies thrive on... Read More
To the uninitiated parent, buying a car seat for your... Read More
With so many different aspects of a shower to plan,... Read More
As a new Mom, you are probably wondering about many... Read More
Lisa Fozo (37), a Fair Oaks resident, wanted to breastfeed... Read More
An excellent source of information providing the perfect baby shower... Read More
Decorating a nursery for your new baby can be a... Read More
Today, feng shui is used for everything from arranging office... Read More
A few guests can get together and get a big... Read More
What is a baby monitor & why do I need... Read More
Some things we take for granted. Like getting dressed. Unless... Read More
As many as one in three babies are born with... Read More
As a prospective parent, you may wonder how hard it... Read More
Buying educational toys for infants can be difficult, because infants... Read More
As an expectant mother, you are full of excitement and... Read More
You are expecting your first baby and are wondering what... Read More
Toilet training (herein referred to as "potty training") is an... Read More
Look for Books! The books that you pick to read... Read More
Many parents already know that it is better not to... Read More
When buying luxury baby bedding, perhaps first decide what style... Read More
Your Aquarius Baby..January 20 - February 18Your Aquarian baby will... Read More
Helping your child move from breast breast milk or formula... Read More
Having a child is a life altering event for you... Read More
When you're holding a baby shower one of the most... Read More
When it comes to your newborn or children's health, it... Read More
Does your diaper bag have everything you need in it?... Read More
You have made the decision to grow your own vegetables.... Read More
When a baby has colic, the family environment is stressful... Read More
Setting the Stage - Reading is One of the Big... Read More
Baby slings are one of those things that have been... Read More
A baby shower is a simple celebration of family and... Read More
Keeping your baby safe at all times is one of... Read More
I'm sure you have heard some of the debate surrounding... Read More
From birth to one year your baby will go from... Read More
Do you want to provide a baby shower that is... Read More
Free baby shower invitations are the best! Everyone knows that... Read More
Babies & Toddler |