1. Ask questions ahead of time. When can I make seat arrangements? Will I have the bulkhead seat for extra room/bassinet? Can we all sit together? (Some airlines regulate against having 2 adults and 2 children in the same row because of oxygen masks...long story.) Where can I find a baby gear rental site.
2. Bring the stroller right up to the gate and check it in there. Make sure you have tags on every single piece, bases and all, so it finds you when you reach your destination.
3. Take more gimmicks (with toddler) than you think you'll need: small new toys, DVD player, M&M's (worked like a charm...ate 1 at a time and took nearly 1/2 hour), or anything else you think will work as a distraction. Some like lollipops for this but they were a bit messy for us-maybe better for older kids.
4. Change diapers on the seat. Don't even attempt to use the bathroom do do this! Yuck.
5. Remember to try to get kids to suck on something for take-off and landing (pacifier, bottle, breastfeed, sippy sup, etc.) to avoid ear problems.
6. We read it's good to let them run around and expend energy waiting for the flight rather than having them in the stroller. This worked the opposite for us. Once our toddler was out and running around, it was a nightmare to contain her for the flight.
7. Don't travel without the following equipment:
On-the Go Booster Seat by First Years - Light, small, worked perfectly! #1 must have
Sit-n-Stroll Stroller/Car Seat- My favorite piece of travel equipment.
Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover- Used constantly, to nurse, to cover from sun, etc.
Protect-a-Bub Stroller Rain Cover- Just in case!
Portable Playtime- A kids' backpack and teriffic way to organize the toys, snacks etc.
Baby Carrier - We have Bijorn & Ergo Baby, but I would definitely have something.
Bottles - Even though I breastfeed, it was nice to have some for travelling at times.
Leave home: Breast pump, pack & play, big/noisy toys
8. Bring more formula, snacks (graham crackers etc.) and baby wipes than you think you'll need.
9. If you don't want to worry about finding/buying diapers (we didn't), we estimated 5 diapers a day for toddler and 6 for baby with a few extra in the car for the ride home and had just enough left over.
10. Stroller...regular versus lightweight. This is a tough call, especially or this trip in Positano etc. where a lightweight stroller would have been nice. For us, though, we made the right call bringing the regular stroller because he was still in an infant seat, so for us it worked.
Bonus Tip: Use this vacation packing list. I couldn't find one I liked and created one instead.
Whether you're travelling with kids, travelling with toddler or travelling with baby, there is a lot of planning but lots of rewards too as you make memories with the little ones. With lots of patience, any size trip is doable. In general, people are very understanding, even on the plane, and have either been there themselves or can empathize with you if things aren't going 100% according to plan. Safe and happy travels!Question Submitted by Joan P. (Do you have any tips for travelling with a baby?)
3 comments:
Thanks for the comment!
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