Are you taking a vacation with a baby or toddler and worried that it will be a hassle? Well, you’re right to worry but with a few tips and suggestions, your family vacation will be enjoyable for you and your young ones.
If you’re planning on traveling by yourself with your child then consider asking for help from a friend or family member. The added cost of their company will more than pay for itself with the assistance that they’ll provide.
If you’ll be traveling by car then try not to drive extended distances without stops. Plan rest stops about every two hours and consider staying the night at a midway point to give you and your baby a rest from the road.
Travel by plane can also take its toll on adults and kids. Get your seats booked in advance and if possible, get a bulkhead seat. These seats have a wall in front of them and offer a bit of room for your child to move around. Airlines generally will let you pre-board with infants so you can get settled in your seats before the other passengers board. If air travel is more than a few hours then consider stopping off at a midway point along the way. Not only will it give you and your family a rest but you can take a day or two to discover an interesting destination.
If you’re traveling with a young baby then make sure you bring plenty of the diaper changing essentials and bottles of formula or baby food. Regardless of age, pack things to keep children busy. If they’re young, bring rattles and teething rings. If they’re older then bring a new toy since old ones won’t keep them occupied for too long. Consider purchasing a portable DVD player so they can be kept busy watching their favorite program or cartoon. There are also children’s books that are accompanied by CD’s so your child can listen and read at the same time; not only will it keep them busy but it will also be educational. Coloring books sound like a good idea but coloring can be too much of a temptation to draw on tray tables and seats.
Bring snacks since children often get hungry and thirsty and they tend to be finicky eaters. Don’t pack messy snacks and try to find food with low sugar. Pack lots of baby wipes; they come in handy for cleaning up messy faces and small spills.
Holidays with babies and toddlers don’t have to be nightmares. With some preparation, planning some rests along the way and keeping them busy, you and your family can have an enjoyable vacation.
