Traveling With Babies

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

---

Planning the Perfect Baby Shower

One of the most exciting events an expecting mother looks... Read More

A Surprise Baby Shower Can Be the Perfect Way to Celebrate

Throwing a surprise baby shower doesn't have to be difficult.... Read More

Jogging Strollers?How to Get Back in Shape!

Add a little extra push and a jogging stroller to... Read More

Popular Baby Names

Are you looking for cute baby names? This article explains... Read More

Baby Nursery Furniture

You are expecting your first baby and are wondering what... Read More

Show Your Baby That You Read

When you take your child to the library, check out... Read More

Tips To Get Your Child To Stop Using A Pacifier

Limit the time you allow your child to use a... Read More

Baby Development - But What Role do Parents Play?

It is truly amazing the development that a baby experiences... Read More

The Perfect Baby Shower Gift

Have you found yourself frustrated trying to decide what to... Read More

Family Baby Showers

The addition of baby number 2, 3, or 10 is... Read More

Baby Girl Clip Art

The online baby girl clip art images help you to... Read More

Childrens Backpack Safety and Comfort

One of the easiest and safest ways to carry your... Read More

New Parents Rely on Other Moms & Dads to Prepare for Baby

When most new parents are preparing for the arrival of... Read More

The Mystery Around Colic

You are a proud parent of a happy and healthy... Read More

Types of Baby Showers

There are different types of baby showers to cover just... Read More

Perfect Baby Shower Idea List for Necessity Type Baby Gifts

Perfect Baby shower idea lists for necessity type baby gifts.... Read More

Educational Toys That Stimulate Chidrens Mind

When children start to walk more steadily, run, push, pull,... Read More

Baby Clothes for Your Baby Shower Gift

Baby clothes are one of the most popular types of... Read More

When To Start Teaching Your Baby (2)

With you or without you, your baby will be learning... Read More

Baby Safety & the Family Dog

I recall how wonderful the baby swing in particular, was... Read More

Baby?s First Shoes: How to Choose the Right Ones

Any parent of an active toddler has asked this question:... Read More

My RAD Child

When I say RAD you may think of a child... Read More

Top 100 Baby Names and Helpful Tips To Consider When Naming Your Baby

Are you an expectant parent anxiously waiting for that little... Read More

Potty Training Guide

Toilet training (herein referred to as "potty training") is an... Read More

Baby Car Seats Safety - Frequently Asked Questions

In this article you will be provided with information about... Read More

Feng Shui Fertility: Six Ways to Create More Baby Chi

Today, feng shui is used for everything from arranging office... Read More

The Personality Traits of a Leo Baby

Your Leo Baby..July 23 - August 22Leo children are sunny,... Read More

Fun and Easy Baby Shower Crafts

Baby shower crafts can be fun and easy to make.... Read More

Baby Room Themes: Fun Ideas Your Baby Will Love

Decorating a nursery for your new baby can be a... Read More

Sharing Baby Photos Online with Birth Announcements & Baby Photo Album Services

Congratulations! You're a new parent and you've brought your precious,... Read More

Babys First Days at Home

The moment that you have waited for has finally arrived:... Read More

Baby Shower Favors to Spice up Your Baby Shower

Baby Shower Favors should be at every baby shower for... Read More

Choosing Baby Names

Take Your Time The worst thing you could do when... Read More