Tips for travelling with a baby

After months under intense lockdown, travelling in and around the country is finally allowed again and come 1 October, international travel will be allowed as well. Since most families spent time indoors, they are longing for a bit of adventure and the outdoors. But travelling with a baby can be tricky but with the right planning, the trip can turn out to be so much fun, even for the baby, who is slowly discovering the world around them..

Planning is essential

With the excitement in the air, it is easy to forget the most important things that baby might need on the trip. The trick to ensuring a successful trip is to plan ahead. Create a checklist to help you make sure that you don’t forget anything. Include items like weather appropriate clothes, food for the baby, toys, nappies, wipes and other baby essentials on your list.

What to pack

Don’t forget the following essentials for your travel bag:

• A bag of special toys that are only used in the car. Make sure the same toy is not given on each journey
• Soothing music for you and the kids
• Mobiles that can be dangled from the roof of the car
• A bunch of keys and a magnet – older babies are fascinated with keys
• A change of clothes for inevitable spills and leaks
• Nappies and wipes
• Bottles and a non-spill cup
• A security item from home like a blanket (also for warmth as the plane cabin can get very cold)
• Rubbish bags
• Baby food, utensils and cups
• A jacket and hat
• Healthy snacks

Travelling by car

Experts say that it is better to plan your trip around your baby’s routine and travel either at night or early morning when they’re most likely to be sleeping. Babies are demanding and can cry for your attention while you drive.  It’s much easier to travel with a sleeping baby than having to cope with an energetic baby who wants to stand up, crawl, walk or sing and play during the drive. This way you won’t disturb your little one’s sleeping patterns either.

Take regular breaks

Take regular breaks during your trip. This will give you a chance to stretch your legs and freshen up. Breaks are equally important for kids. They have a short attention span and need to move around. Look for a stop to rest and make sure that it has a  play area or jungle gym where they can play for about 30 minutes while you enjoy a cup of coffee.

Travelling by plane

Flying with a baby can be tricky as the pressure changes are very uncomfortable and babies don’t know how to unblock their own ears. Sucking and swallowing helps to keep the baby’s ears unblocked. Try not to feed your little one between one and two hours before take-off, this way she’ll be hungry in the plane. Bottle or breastfeed your little one when the plane takes off and just as the plane descends, which is right about the time when your ears pop. This will help ease the pressure. Experts warn that parents should make sure they treat any colds or blocked noses and upper respiratory or ear infections before a trip as excessive mucus can increase the discomfort from pressure in the ears during take-off and landing.