If you start traveling with your little one slowly and plan
wisely, both you and baby will enjoy first-class comfort. If you
begin with baby steps, you?ll find that you and your little one
will soon be able to walk, ride, or fly in the fast lane.
Day Trips
Introduce baby to travel starting with a few day-trips to a
local relative or friend. Basic equipment will be a packed
diaper bag, a stroller or pram (if you?ll spend some time
outdoors), and a car seat. Most modern car seats easily detach
and convert into a baby carrier.
Be sure to pack your diaper bag with a diaper for each two hours
you intend to be away from home. Pack 2 nipples for each bottle
you pack, two to three receiving blankets, and an extra change
of clothing for baby and an extra shirt for you. Cut down on
diaper bag weight and keep things easy to find by using Ziploc
bags to pack extras like nipples, wipes, and pacifiers. Pack one
large, empty Ziploc for soiled items.
Overnights
For baby?s first overnight trip, you?ll need to extend your
day-trip plan with a couple of extra receiving blankets and
extra sets of clothing for baby. Even if your overnight trip is
to Grandma?s house, remember that nighttime sounds and
perceptions may be different from those during daytime hours. A
good pram with wheel locks can double as a bassinet, helping
baby feel right at home and enabling everyone to sleep more
comfortably through the night.
If overnight travel is a frequent part of your regular routine,
consider investing in a Graco Pack ?n Play Classic Care Center.
This excellent piece of baby travel equipment is a bassinet,
changing table, and playpen in one portable unit that folds into
a handy tote bag. There are 22 models of the Classic Care
Center. With prices starting at under $50.00, you?re sure to
find one that?s right for your little one and your budget.
Extended Hotel Stays
Many hotels stock products and equipment especially for
travelers with babies, but they may not stock the brands you and
baby prefer. When you make your reservation, ask for specific
information on product brands and the equipment you?ll need to
make baby?s stay comfortable. If you opt to use a hotel crib or
bassinet, be sure to pack a couple of baby?s own blankets, a
familiar mobile, and/or other ?security items?.
Although your inclination may be to pack up your complete
nursery, in some cases, an extended stay may allow you to pack
even less than you would for an overnight trip. For instance, it
would be impractical to pack a week?s worth of bottles and
nipples. Pack only enough for a day and leave time in your
itinerary for clean-ups. When packing baby clothes, include two
or three one-piece outfits that can be quickly hand washed when
soiled.
You?ll also want to be sure to bring along a stroller. Most
contemporary strollers are lightweight and easily collapse for
transport or storage. Some models are equipped with
multi-position reclining seats so baby can sight-see or nap as
he or she chooses. In addition, many have features like tray
attachments, sun canopies, attached toy bars, and ?parent? trays
for your little extras.
If part of your vacation will put you in a crowd, consider a
baby backpack or sling. The Baby Bjorn Carrier holds baby safely
to your chest, increasing baby?s sense of security as he
maintains eye contact with your familiar face.
>From day trips to cruise ships, how you travel with babies
depends chiefly on your destination and length of stay. However
developing a basic plan and adding to it as the situation
warrants will quickly make seasoned travel companions out of you
and your little one.