Travel Tips for Packing Luggage for Babies
Now that you have decided to go on vacation, here are some travel tips for packing luggage as well as some other things not to forget. Even though you’ve chosen where you are going, you know how you are going to get there and you have a reasonable idea of where you are staying once you arrive. So what else is left?
Believe it or not – there really is more! There are decisions about what to pack (how long you’ll be gone and whether you are doing laundry while gone), how to take care of the house/apartment while you are gone, who will care for the pets/plants and preparing for an emergency.
Traveling with infants and toddlers presents its own set of challenges. Giving travel tips for packing luggage for kids is essential. Children this age don’t always adjust to a different hotel room each night and you may benefit immeasurably from staying in one place or cottage for a week. You soon learn to surrender to the situation. Make the plans simple and remember to plan in the child’s afternoon nap. Some children are very flexible and can nap in a stroller or carrier as well as their crib. Others aren’t...(I was very lucky that my son could sleep almost anywhere). However, you can work toward that flexibility for several weeks/months before the planned vacation.
For travel tips for packing luggage, think about diaper bags that resemble backpacks. In fact a backpack works very well, especially the type with different sections. Remember the standard fair in the diaper bag (diapers, wet wipes, pacifiers, antibacterial hand soap, cups, bottles) and also bring a small change of clothing for the baby. Being gone from the hotel for the day without a change of clothing for the baby can be disastrous. Imagine diarrhea or vomiting from different food or unexpected teething…….
As well as those items carry a small sample bottle of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and a thermometer. Travel tips for packing luggage also includes those items that make your baby feel better. There is no point running back to the hotel for a slightly cranky baby who would be calmed with a dose of acetaminophen and cuddling from mom. Another must for toddlers is paper, small toys and crayons so that stopping for lunch or dinner doesn’t create a sudden panic when the baby has nothing to do but holler about how bored he is!
Depending on how you are traveling, there is a whole different list of travel tips for packing luggage. If you are traveling by plane or train and are not carrying your own, arrange for a crib ahead of time from the hotel – they are often in short supply.
Bring your own car seat. Rental agencies don’t always have one to fit your child and this will also give a level a familiarity to your child.
Traveling with a stroller is essential – even when not in the city. There will be the occasion that mom’s and dad’s back needs a break. We use an umbrella stroller when we go on vacation. They are wonderful if you aren’t planning on using it frequently; a full size foldable stroller may be better if you plan on walking long distances and visiting places where baby could nap in the stroller.
If you haven’t discovered the baby carrier yet… now is a good time. The carrier gives support to both the baby and the parent while allowing for continued neurological development and closeness with mom or dad. Babies may appear interested in the world but their field of vision makes it virtually impossible for them to see much of it. Instead, take advantage of this time to physically bond with your baby while enjoying the sites and smells of your vacation destination. Be sure to get one that you can use for both front or rear carrying. My husband always used the carrier and loved every minute of it!
Dehydration is a concern while traveling or enjoying your trip. Bring a separate water bottle that is refillable for each child. Even children as young as six months can drink from a water bottle. Don’t bother with the disposable bottles unless you are traveling by car and have unlimited space.
If you can afford it – get connecting rooms or a suite. There is something so relaxing about sending the children to bed and shutting the door for some much needed rest and relaxation.
Travel tips for packing luggage for kids...
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