Baby’s Day Out

Traveling with a baby is not always easy, but there are things you can do to make your travel stress free. Consider the following:

1. Stroller. A stroller can be your most helpful item when traveling with a baby. It gives the baby a place to sleep, sit, and play, regardless of where you are. In addition, it alleviates the physical stress that carrying a baby around all day can create. It also frees up your shoulders and arms because most strollers have a place to store your diaper bag, purse, and even your cell phone, beverage, etc. Strollers come with plenty of gadgets, and become a convenient storage place to hold all of the stuff you need for baby, in addition to the baby, making getting from point A to point B much easier, and thus less stressful.

2. Car seat. Your baby’s safety can be a cause for concern, so be sure when you travel that you eliminate that worry by bringing your car seat along. Most airlines will allow you to check it at the gate without paying anything for extra luggage, etc. And if you have a stroller system that allows you to clip your car seat in, you get the convenience of having the ability to not even move baby when you go from car to activity. This way if they are asleep, they can stay asleep, etc.

3. Diaper bag. Having a well packed, well stocked diaper bag is going to make your travel far better. Your diaper bag should have the basics, such as diapers, wipes, pacifier, bottle, formula. However, in addition, you should have a few toys, a tube of sunscreen, a change of clothes, a hat for baby, a blanket, a toy, some snacks, and a copy of their doctor info. A few items can make the difference between a stressful and a stress free trip. If you are at the beach and are stressed about your baby getting a sunburn, how helpful will a hat and a tube of sunscreen be? If you are waiting at a restaurant for your food, and your baby is starving, a handful of cheerios can make a world of difference. If you are in a movie and the air conditioning is on full blast, a blanket can keep baby comfortable and happy.

4. Sleep. Your baby needs sleep. Get the right amount, and they will be happy. If they don’t, they won’t. So, bring along a portable crib, playpen, or bassinet so that baby has somewhere they can sleep, and do your best to allow them regular naps. Plan long drives for during their regular nap times so they can sleep in the car, see movies, shows, etc. when they need to sleep so that they can without being moved too much. Put them to bed at a decent hour.

5. Schedules. Babies thrive on consistency, so do your best to stick to their regular schedule and they will be far easier and happier, and you will have a more stress free trip.