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Everyday life with a small baby is full of unexpected challenges and obstacles, but nothing can compare to traveling with a young infant. Unlike older children that can be appeased or entertained for a few hours during a long journey, babies live by their own rules. From changing time to feeding, taking care of the tasks associated with a small child can feel nearly impossible while traveling. Fortunately, tackling this challenge doesn’t have to feel like an impossible mission. Use the following tips to make a trip with your baby more manageable.
1. Pick Your Location Wisely
When it comes to choosing a vacation destination, not all locales are created equal. Hitting the beach might sound like fun, but a small baby brings a whole new experience to the table. Many vacation spots and hotels offer services that cater to parents with young children, which could prove valuable in planning an upcoming holiday. From babysitting staff to hotels with cribs and playpens, thinking ahead will help make certain the vacation goes well.
2. Come Prepared
While it may seem like a no-brainer, it is easy to forget supplies at home when traveling. Plan ahead by making certain that baby essentials are taken care of in advance. From supplies like extra diapers and wipes to books and DVDs to keep the baby entertained, travelers can never have too many resources available to them. While packing light may have been the rule as a childless person, bringing a baby along means making certain to cover all the bases.
3. Plan Schedules with Lots of Leeway
Babies come with unexpected surprises that can easily cause delays. Instead of choosing between changing the baby’s diaper and making a connecting flight, make certain to plan with plenty of extra time in mind. This will help make certain that childcare can easily be managed alongside the travel itinerary.
It isn’t just the journey that can be interrupted by a fussy baby. Taking part in special events and activities during a vacation can be a challenge with a baby on hand. Parents who are able to do should may wish to consider making their schedules more flexible, feeding the baby when time permits and putting him or her down for a nap when the schedule allows. This can help make planning a bit easier to handle.
4. Book Bulkhead Seats When Flying
If a flight is on the travel itinerary, a bulkhead seat could be a lifesaver. These seats, located at the front of the airline cabin, have more floor-space for all of the baby supplies. It’s important to note that bulkhead seats do not have under-seat space, so carry on items and baby supplies will need to be stowed during takeoff and landing. Nevertheless, the bulkhead area serves as a buffer between babies and other passengers, as there is a wall in front of the row. This can give parents a bit more room to keep things comfortable on the trip.
5. Bring the Right Stroller
Strollers play a pivotal role in making certain a vacation is successful. Sleeping babies will enjoy having a safe place to rest while the family enjoys time out and about. Furthermore, strollers can hold plenty of supplies to deal with any surprises. Not all strollers are a great match for the travel experience, however. Travelers should be certain to pick a sturdy stroller that compacts well before departing. It may be helpful to test packing strollers and opening them once again to make certain the process is relatively simple and easy to do on the go.
Traveling with a young baby can be a fun experience, so long as the trip is carefully planned. By researching the destination before departure and making certain to bring along all of the necessary supplies, parents can make certain they are prepared for the journey ahead. Remember, expect the unexpected. Life with a baby is often surprising and challenges can appear out of thin air. Remain cool and collected so that finding a solution while on the move will be infinitely easier to manage.
Additional Sources:
http://family.go.com/travel/article-779124-tips-for-flying-with-babies-t/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15210565/ns/travel-travel_tips/t/baby-board-traveling-youngsters/
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