“Your life is over once a kid comes into the picture! No travelling, no parties, just mother duties 24/7!” We bet all new mothers have heard this statement at least once during their pregnancy journey. Travelling with babies has its challenges, but nothing that cannot be managed. All you need is a proper plan, the right mindset, and thorough preparation to turn what you thought would be a dreadful experience into a memorable trip with countless firsts. Below we have listed some smart strategies to make your travels, be it a weekend getaway or a long-haul flight, more fun and less stressful.
Carry Cuddle Essentials
When your baby is on board, you should be prepared to face anything and everything. Carry everything your baby needs to stay calm, be it his or her favourite blankie, plush toy, pillow, Riff Raff sleep toy, or comforter. Carrying things from the baby’s nursery with a similar smell and texture helps calm the baby and offers emotional support. Treat these items as a piece of home that comforts your little one when travelling.
Fly By Baby’s Clock
The odds are that your baby follows a specific time for napping, feeding, and sleeping. Disrupting the routine will only result in meltdowns, fussiness, and a stressful experience for you, the baby, and the co-passengers. That’s why they schedule flights at a time that aligns with their regular feeding and napping schedules. A sleeping baby on the flight or in the car means no fussing or crying. Plus, with fewer diaper changes, you can completely relax and enjoy the journey with your baby.
Pack That Favourite Bottle
Babies are sensitive to unfamiliar surroundings and can get fussy if they don’t find something comforting, for example, their favourite feeding bottle. The shape, feel, and flow of the baby bottles they use can be a key source of comfort. If your baby is used to a specific nipple style or shape of the bottle, changing them can make them fussy and lead to feeding resistance. So while packing, remember to pack that particular bottle to maintain consistency and make feeding on the go less complicated.
Fuel the Tummy for Fuss-Free Travels
A well-fed baby means no hunger and less fuss. To avoid crankiness and dehydration, feed your baby during takeoff or landing, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. The sucking motion helps to relieve pressure in their ears and comforts them. So when travelling with babies, pack sufficient formula, sterilised water in bottles and ready-to-eat formula packs.
Don’t forget to pack a few extra bottle nipples and a small thermos to keep your child’s milk warm. Moreover, travelling can dehydrate your baby. Make sure to give them frequent sips of water to keep them hydrated throughout the journey.
Pack Your Diaper Smart
Diaper changes are a serious concern for all mothers, as public transport bathrooms are notoriously tight. The best thing to do is to practice changing diapers in moving spaces. Next, pack the essentials:
- 6-10 diapers
- Baby wipes
- Portable changing packs
- Disposable diaper bags
- Diaper rash cream
- 2 sets of onesies
- Hand sanitizer
- Basic first-aid items
Prioritise Comfort for Your Baby and You
A well-rested, happy baby means fewer tantrums, smoother transitions, and more enjoyable trips. From packing soft clothes and cosy blankets to maintaining the feeding and cleaning routine, small comforts can keep your baby content and stress-free throughout the journey. But along with your baby’s comfort, you should also focus on your comfort and peace of mind. Wear comfortable and layered clothes and slip-on shoes for hassle-free security checks when travelling. Remember to pack your neck pillow and eye mask to catch some rest while your baby sleeps during the journey.
Finally, Embrace the Chaos and Make Memories
No matter how well prepared and packed you are, there will be surprises and meltdowns. Despite this, stay calm and comfort the baby. Sing them rhymes or tell me interesting stories to soothe them. Being strict with your little one is okay to make things easier. Remember that you are doing your best, and keep everything handy to make the journey as comfortable as possible for your baby and you.
