Who says Travel can’t be fun and easy with your little one? There are lots of benefits of travelling with young kids. It is so educational for your kids. They get to see new amazing things! Travelling creates so many memories to show your children as they come of age. It makes your child adapt easily to different weathers and seasons of different countries and the local culture.
Travelling also makes your child open to different people and culture at a very early and tender stage. It is very important to keep in mind that the earlier the child starts travelling, the better!
It is fun showing your babies the world, however, it is important we have it at the back of our minds that travelling with your baby becomes easier when you plan ahead of time.
Here are some things to do to make travel interesting and less stressful with your little ones.
PACK THEIR LUGGAGES CAREFULLY
When travelling with young children, it is very important to pack what your children will need for the trip. Things like extra nappies and extra clothes come in very handy. However always have it at the back of your mind that you should only pack the nappies and clothes needed for the journey and few extra because you can buy these when you arrive your destination and you will have less things to carry.
BABY DRUGS SHOULD NOT BE IGNORD
Your baby drugs should never be forgotten. It should be the first thing to pack in your luggage. The most important ones should always be in the nappy bags at all times.
YOUR NAPPY BAGS SHOULD NOT BE FAR AWAY
When travelling with your baby, your nappy bag should contain baby wipes, soothing balm, sanitizer, infant formula etc. for your child’s comfort.
TRY TO SCHEDULE YOUR FLIGHT DURING BED TIME
Scheduling your flight during your children’s naptime or bedtime makes your flight a lot easier because the baby is asleep during the flight.
EXTRA SNACKS ARE NEEDED
Little snacks your kids love should not be far away from them during the travel. Snacks like biscuits and drinks will go a long way in making your flight or transit easy.
MAKE SURE YOU BOOK YOUR FLIGHT AHEAD OF TIME
If you’re travelling by air, it’s important you book your flight ahead of time. You can also speak to the flight attendant to help you with a good seat that will be spacious for you and your child.
YOU SHOULD BOOK A SEAT CLOSE TO THE WINDOW AREA
This will help you relax on the wall, give you more privacy for nursing (if you are a nursing mother) and help you control the curtain. This also applies when you’re travelling on a bus.
YOU SHOULD TAKE EXTRA CLOTH FOR YOURSELF
Always have it at the back of your mind to take extra comfortable clothes for yourself just in case of spillage or baby burps if you’re a nursing mother. This will also help you if you have breast milk stains on your clothes.
BRING ALONG A TRAVEL COMPANION
It is not always possible to have this but it does makes things a lot easier for you. With these, you have a little time for yourself. You can go to the bathrooms, have a little nap time and also get help in carrying your baby.
TAKE YOUR CHILD’S TOYS ALONG
Colourful toys, pacifier, teddy’s, storybooks, colouring books etc. are very important during your journey. This distracts your child’s attention while awake. It also gives your child that extra comfort and feeling of home.
DO NOT FORGET YOUR BABY CARRIER
This will help you and your baby a great deal. It will make your baby fall asleep for a longer period of time as you rock your baby to sleep easily. It also makes them feel closer to you.
TRAVEL SMART
It’s important to have a very light make up on during your travel. Wear very free clothes and sandals to get more comfortable.
PROOF OF AGE FOR YOUR CHILD UNDER THE AGE OF TWO
Your children under the age of 2 can sometimes travel free or in some cases you get to pay a minimal charge. All you need to do is provide a proof of age. So why not travel with your baby?
You should also take note of what your child put in their mouth while on transit. Try as much as possible to keep their mouth away from foreign objects in the plane so as to avoid germs.
DRESS YOUR CHILD IN LAYERED CLOTHING
This prepares you for any kind of temperature on the plane. If the plane is hot, all you need do is to remove the outer layer cloth your child is wearing. If it is cold, then your child is safe and won’t get the flu.
BRING A MINI PILLOW ON BOARD
A pillow will help position your baby when breastfeeding. It will also help you and your baby relax while you remove your baby carrier.
You should also choose a place that welcomes children and provides some facilities for children.
WAIT TILL YOUR CHILD IS AT LEAST SIX MONTHS OLD
At six months, babies are used to sleeping and napping. They are now more familiar with the weather and not as tender and fragile as they were. In a nutshell, travelling is a lot easier when your baby is six months and above.
TRAVEL WHEN YOU HAVE A LOT OF FREE TIME.
Finally, this is a no brainer for everyone. Travelling with your children is a lot easier when you are on leave so as not to get overwhelmed by emails from the office. Remember one of the most important reason you’re travelling is also to give you time and space to properly bond with your kids.
Ensure you follow the steps above and you will be on your way to a hassle free travel with your children!
Good luck!
