Many parents give up on travel entirely after they have children. But that’s a shame. Today’s airlines and hotels are more accommodating to babies than ever before, allowing you to have a family and travel at the same time.
But what practical steps do you need to take if you are planning on taking your tiny tot on vacation with you? That’s the topic of this guide. We look at how to travel the seven seas while showing your baby the world.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Table of Contents
Let It All Happen
Traveling with a baby isn’t going to be like going abroad with your partner. It won’t always be a calm, tranquil or relaxing experience.
However, that’s okay. When you go with the expectation that everything will work out the way you want it to, you’ll wind up feeling disappointed. However, if you go with the attitude that things can and will go wrong, then you won’t feel like you’re missing out when they do.
Don’t be surprised, for example, if your baby has a tantrum on the flight to Malaga or the boat to the Florida Keys. Learn how to take these circumstances in your stride and laugh along the way. Remember to expect the unexpected.
Listen to Your Tiny Tot
At the same time, it’s a good idea to listen to your child. Young children and even babies can express their needs.
Paying attention to what they say can help prevent tantrums and frustrations. Listening to them crying could be a sign that they are too hot, hungry or tired. Solving these problems faster can help prevent more epic meltdowns later on.
Take the Proper Equipment With You
It also helps to take the proper equipment with you when you are navigating the world with a baby or toddler. Things like a traveling crib, sun protection, and bottle feeders are essential when you are on the move.
You don’t want to find yourself at an airport or train station without the supplies you need to maintain the peace. Trying to find them on the go can be expensive and leave less money left over for enjoying yourself.
It’s also a matter of safety. Having the right gear reduces the risk of injury to your child and protects them.
Look After Your Wellbeing
Going on holiday with family can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you’re looking for a break, but on the other, you know that there are a lot of logistics involved. Looking after kids isn’t easy.
That’s why you’ll want to make a compromise while you are away. Look for opportunities to pamper yourself while shifting the responsibility for taking care of children onto someone else.
For instance, you might go to a holiday park that offers daytime activities for young children and even baby care. This support and assistance frees you to spend time alone or with a partner enjoying more grown-up things. You can also just use the free time to relax and enjoy yourself.
Set Routines
While embracing the chaos can be fun, you also want to set routines while on vacation or traveling. Having a regular timetable prevents mornings from evaporating and ensures that everyone makes the most of the time away.
For example, you want to get kids into the habit of getting out of bed early and eating breakfast. You also want them to go to bed at the right time, sleep, play, and generally enjoy themselves.
The more physically active they can be during the day, the more likely it is that they will rest at night, even if you are traveling between time zones.
Make Them Explore
You can also make navigating the world with a tot more manageable by getting them to focus outward instead of inward on their feelings and emotions. Encouraging exploration can be an excellent way to help them get more from the trip and develop fond memories for years to come.
Exploration can also lead to the development of cognitive skills. Encourage them to explore hotels, airports and beaches with you, helping with their navigation skills and educating them about the world of travel and countries beyond their own.
Talk to Other Parents About What They Do
Another great strategy is to talk to other parents about what they do. Discussing various parenting tactics with them can make travel more bearable.
For instance, one common strategy is to go prepared with all the supplies you need for life’s basics: food, drink and sleeping aids. Putting a bottle of juice in your bag and some snacks can be a lifesaver when you’re on the road traveling with a baby and far from help.
Many parents also spend a lot of time talking to their children about upcoming trips before setting off. Laying the groundwork and setting the scene can help manage expectations and warn kids about what’s going to happen.
If you use this tactic, ensure you focus on the pleasant aspects of the trip. Remind them that it is a break from school and a chance to enjoy new activities.
Talk to them about the wonderful accommodation or food. If they are too young for that, then make the traveling itself a pleasant experience. Stay close to your child, hold their hand, or even carry them if they are in a new location.
Finally, you can speak to parents online about the tactics they use to make traveling with a baby or small child more bearable. Little things like arranging to use the bassinet on the plane or avoiding certain hotels that don’t have baby-changing facilities can be a lifesaver.
Make Sure It’s Safe
It’s also a good idea to make sure that it’s safe when you let your toddler explore. Depending on the country, safety standards might not be as high as back home.
For this reason, keep your wits about you. Check that new situations aren’t harmful for your child, such as toddling alongside a swimming pool or fiddling about with sockets in a hotel room. Take things with you that make life safer, such as playpens and plastic covers for plug sockets.
Go On Short, Scenic Trips
While traveling the world might be a fun adventure for singles and couples, it’s not great for families. Going away for a long time can make your toddler feel overwhelmed.
If you do make trips, keep them short and sweet. Focus on quality instead of quantity, and remind your little one that you’ll be going home soon.
Plan Your Departure and Arrival Times
Another pro tip while traveling with a baby or toddler is to plan your departure and arrival times. Try to book long journeys that coincide with your child’s sleep patterns, letting them take time out during flights and train journeys while being awake for day trips and beach activities.
Remember, it may take you longer to get through airport security and baggage handling if you are traveling with young children. Therefore, leave extra time between arriving, getting on your flight, and booking your taxi.
Plan Amenities
Finally, it is a good idea to consider access to amenities when traveling abroad with a baby. Being close to the things you need helps make your life more convenient and avoids last-minute panics. It also makes journeying more enjoyable and comfortable for your toddler.
You can also do what a lot of parents do and go to all-inclusive destinations. These usually have all the facilities you need on-site, including places to get food, entertainment, and even medical care when required.
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