A Practical Guide for Less Stressful Baby Travel
Making the decision to travel can be one of the most exciting things in life. It is so exciting that everyone should be able to pack a suitcase and travel at least once in their lives. Traveling has the power to completely change an individual and give a new perspective, and it is also important to see what the world has to offer.
Nevertheless, once you settle down and have a baby, traveling may become more challenging. From energy draining jet lag to embarrassing poop explosions, traveling with a baby can be both frightening and off-putting. For this reason, it is crucial to do some research before going on the actual trip. If you prepare in advance, things are more likely to go according to plan.
By applying some of these tips below, taking your kid with you will be less stressful. Here is a parent’s practical guide for less stressful baby travel.
Baby’s Skin Care
When packing for your trip, prioritize the baby’s skin care regime. Make sure you do not forget the most essential products. Babies have sensitive and gentle skin. As such, they need extra care and protection, especially when traveling. If proper skincare is not practiced, the baby’s skin can develop serious rashes or allergies.
Make sure to pack an all-natural baby soap or shampoo free of artificial fragrances, colors, and alcohol. Don’t forget to bring a good quality lotion or ointment to avoid any irritations and to add extra protection to the baby’s overly sensitive skin. Another must-have baby skin care product is a jumbo packet of wipes. Babies are notorious for making a huge mess whenever the opportunity presents itself. As with other baby products, make sure that the wipes do not contain any unusual ingredients which might irritate the baby’s skin. To stay safe, stick to all-natural ingredients such as coconut oil and chamomile.
A Practical Stroller
Another item you should not leave without is a baby stroller. How else are you supposed to take long walks and explore a stunning new city if you are unable to bring your baby with you easily? Fortunately, there are a lot of travel stroller options out there on the market, and many brands offer quality products at a low price. When shopping for a brand-new stroller, look for one which is compact and practical so you can take it wherever you go. Better yet, invest in a practical stroller which comes with both an infant car seat and a glider board if there’s an older sibling who wants to hitch a ride.
A Travel-Safe Car Seat
If you are traveling by car or your little one has her own seat on the airplane, then investing in a quality car seat is necessary. If you already have one at home, make sure that it is installed properly in the car. Baby car seats are required by law for all infants traveling in a car so getting a high-quality one is important. When shopping for the best car seat for baby, look for a product made out of soft, yet sturdy material and has optimal back support. Do your research to find highly-rated car seats that will fit your child through the many stages of his or her life.
Extra Diapers
If you are going to travel with only the essentials, then make sure you bring plenty of diapers. Did you know that babies, especially newborns, use up ten or more diapers per day? Many parents can’t help wondering how it is possible to bring enough diapers to last during the whole trip. Plus, the last thing a parent wants to do is to devote the whole suitcase solely to diapers.
First, try to roughly estimate how many diapers you may need to take with you. Bring a few extra just in case. An excellent way to solve the issue of a lack of space is to get your hands on a life-saving diaper backpack. One of the reasons why this item comes in handy is due to its practicality. Parents can easily use both their hands when traveling. A good tip is to look for a diaper backpack made out of a wipe-clean material. This way, it will be a piece of cake to clean!
A First Aid Kit
How do you avoid getting sick when traveling? What extra measures can a parent take in order to make sure that the child is protected at all times? Every experienced traveler knows that a first aid kit is a quintessential piece of equipment on any trip when a home is not close by. Nevertheless, many people struggle with figuring out what to include in the kit.
First, think of the most predictable issues that might occur during the trip. For some parents, it would be an aching tooth, for others an upset tummy. Some common essentials you want to include in your first aid kit is natural medication for teething relief, something for bloating or constipation, and a vitamin c supplement. In fact, vitamin c is an amazing and all natural way to boost the baby’s immunity when traveling. However, make sure to consult with your pediatrician before giving your child any supplements.
In summary, many parents believe that once a child enters their lives, then their traveling days are all long gone. But by planning a bit in advance and taking extra precautions, less stressful baby travel can be in your future.
About the Author
Audrey Taylor was born in San Francisco and moved to Adelaide at the age of five. Marketer researcher and social media manager on hold, she is currently a full-time mommy of a cheerful two-year-old. Audrey graduated from Queensford college and worked in a couple of marketing agencies across Australia. She is eager to learn more about business and share her experiences. Twitter: @TheAudreyWorld
Photos: Stock photos with free usage rights. Author photo provided by the author.