Whether you’re traveling abroad or right in your home state, the last thing you want is to be the family with the crying baby. Not only is it disruptive to those around you, it means your little one isn’t comfortable either. When traveling with a baby, the most important thing is to be prepared. You never know what to expect, and accidents can pop up at any time. As you’re packing your bags for your next road trip or a cross-country flight, keep this list of five tips for traveling with a baby in mind.
1. Bring Extra Snacks and Liquids
We all know the discomfort of being hangry and being stuck in stop-and-go traffic on an empty stomach is a recipe for disaster. This is where you and your travel companion’s true colors will come out, including your baby’s. If you’re traveling by land, whether by car or train, make sure you pack a cooler or fill your car’s mini-fridge with all of your baby’s favorite treats. Some good snack ideas for your infant include:
- Fruits and veggies
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Baby food
- Applesauce
- Crackers
- Cheese
- Water, juice, milk
However, if you’re traveling by plane, you’ll have to me more cautious about what you pack to comply with TSA’s guidelines. This means no liquids, so opt for small treats like crackers, fruit, and snacks.
2. Pack a Travel Crib
We all know how hard it is traveling with a baby, especially when it comes to figuring out where/how they’ll sleep. Luckily, there are plenty of travel cribs on the market that
If you’re traveling on land, there are a few other things to keep in mind for your adventures. When you’re embarking on a cross country road trip and are looking to find a new or used car dealership, make sure you inquire about their safest car models that can conveniently secure a car seat as well. This way you can enjoy some peace when traveling knowing your little one is safe every mile of your journey.
3. Store Extra Clothes and Diapers
If you’re going on a road trip, you know how hard it can be to eat or drink something without causing a mess due to potholes and sharp turns. This goes for your baby too, so expect a few spills on their bibs and clothes. The same goes for rest stops, too. Often, rest stops are far and few in between, and it may be difficult getting to a bathroom to clean your child. This is why it’s essential you come prepared.
As you pack the car up, make sure you have ample amounts of diapers, shirts, bibs, and pants. And don’t forget baby wipes, hand sanitizer, and trash bags either. Clothes and garments can become soiled very quickly without you even noticing at first. You also want to make sure you pack extra layers in case there are drastic temperature changes that result in your baby becoming too hot or too cold. Coming prepared can give you peace of mind knowing you can tackle any mess that comes your way.
4. Carry a Blanket
There’s nothing better than snuggling up in your favorite blanket. If your baby is used to sleeping with their night-time blankie, make sure you pack it, or you’ll regret it later. If they can’t sleep at night, neither will you, which will result in a tiring trip. Bringing items that are associated with bedtime, such as blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals will serve as a cue to let them know it’s time to get some shut-eye.
5. Take Fun Toys
Last but not least, make sure you pack all of your baby’s favorite toys to keep them entertained for the duration of your trip. While packing a large Hot Wheels race track might not be the best idea, there are plenty of little toys and activities that won’t take up too much space when you travel by air. These include:
- Stuffed animals
- Dolls
- Books
- Stickers
- Crayons and coloring paper
- Finger puppets
- Rattles
- Teeth toys
- Tablet for movies and shows
Wrapping Up
Now that you have this list of essential tips for traveling with a baby, you’ll be able to go anywhere without worrying about your little one being uncomfortable. Planning accordingly and making a schedule will help you plan out activities and other plans so you can feed, change, and entertain your baby. Planning child-centered activities is a great way to enjoy new places while exploring new areas.