There is a common misconception that traveling once you have young children will be difficult. But no, traveling with babies and toddlers can also be stress-free and fulfilling.
Traveling also creates enlightening experiences for your baby or toddler. Even though they may not recall those memories because they are still too young, their experiences will make them realize what a beautiful childhood they had. That’s why you should also invest in family vacations and allow your children to join the journey.
Though traveling with young children is more challenging than before when it was only you and your partner, this article will help you narrow down the essentials for your next trip.
Tips for traveling with babies
1. Pack smart and travel light
When traveling with young children, you should always expect to carry more baggage. For example, you must bring a baby bag filled with diapers, a change of clothes, wet wipes, feeding bottles, and milk formula.
In addition to that, you should also bring good quality baby travel gear, such as a baby carrier or a stroller, to help you walk around with your baby. You should also not forget other miscellaneous items you may need.
But how many items should you bring? Do you need to carry several pieces of luggage to fit all your stuff? Here’s a checklist to limit your belongings when traveling with your young children:
1. Diapers — Pack at least five diapers per day, so if you travel for three days, it is safe to have around 15 diapers and put them inside a baby carry-on bag.
2. Feeding bottles and tumblers — For babies, you can have at least two feeding bottles that can last until you arrive at your destination. Since toddlers already drink water and eat solid foods, bring a tumbler they often use at home. Of course, you can always get extra, depending on your child’s regular consumption.
3. Formula — Choose a sealed container that fits your baby bag, and fill it with your baby’s formula. Ensure you have enough supply for the entire duration of your trip.
4. Wet wipes — Children often get messy, especially when eating. A handy pack of wet wipes can save you trouble cleaning them on board a plane or in a car in the middle of the road.
5. Change of clothes — Pack extra shirts for you and your children in your carry-on bag.
6. Baby medications and a first aid kit — Always bring your child’s medicine or vitamins, so they won’t miss them even if you’re out from home. It would be best to have your meds and other first-aid essentials in case someone gets hurt.
7. Baby gear — Do not forget to bring travel-friendly baby gear, such as a stroller, a baby carrier, or a car seat.
8. Toys and gadgets — Bring your child small toys from home to play with to keep them company. You can also allow them to use devices for a limited time to keep them busy during long travel hours.
9. Snacks — Pack sandwiches or cookies your child can eat. Hungry children often get grumpy.
2. Invest in good baby travel gear
Consider buying good-quality baby travel gear for your next family vacation. The baby gear will surely help you carry your child around and keep them safe with you at all times. These baby travel gear are:
1. Stroller — Ideal for visiting a theme park or if your trip involves much walking. Choose a stroller ideal for traveling, so you can quickly check it on planes. Travel strollers won’t be too heavy to carry and won’t take up a lot of space on your car truck when folded.
2. Car seat — Of course, it is law-abiding to install a baby car seat to keep your young ones safe, especially if you often go on road trips.
3. Baby carrier — A baby carrier can be more convenient when carrying an infant than a stroller. The baby carrier can help you maintain and walk around with your baby longer.
3. Book a separate seat while flying
When traveling by air, ensure you always book an extra seat for your child, even though they are still too young to sit on one. This is because you can always have extra space to move around without bothering other passengers.
Sometimes, a flight attendant can offer to sit on a series of empty seats. But securing a place as you book your flight is always safer.
4. Take note of your child’s sleep schedule
As you plan your trip, ensure you set your itinerary in line with your child’s sleeping schedule. So if you book a flight, consider the schedule of their nap or at night. That way, you can ensure your child won’t be too active and will remain asleep on your way to the destination. And they have enough energy when you start touring around.
5. Always book at child-friendly accommodations
And lastly, to ensure you have stress-free trips with your family and children, always check your accommodation to see if it is child friendly. For example, confirm if the hotel or the resort you book has child-friendly pools or serves meals that children can enjoy. You will also get to meet other families there and have your children socialize with the others.
Enjoying traveling with young ones
Family vacations can also be stress-free in contrast to what other people think. But yes, it will be more challenging since you have another person to care for during the trip, and you must pack and bring more stuff than usual.
For you to better enjoy your memories with your young children, do not expect anything. Just live with the moment and prepare yourself for any sudden tantrums, and don’t mind what other people will say. Instead, focus on your family and enjoy your vacation.
