Have you travelled with your child yet? Was it chaotic or stressful, or did it go smoothly? Did you overpack or underpack? Did you all have a good time?
Going on a journey with your child can be intimidating, but planning your travels well and packing efficiently, can lead to a rewarding experience for your entire family. The American Academy of Paediatricians suggests that you travel with your baby only after they are a few months old unless necessary. So, if you plan to travel soon or want to upgrade your packing skills, go through our tips, tricks, and packing lists for hassle-free travelling with your little one.
Packing For Your Infant
Diapering Essentials: Don’t shy away from packing excess diapers and wipes for the entire duration of your trip. Also, keep a portable changing mat for quick diaper changing and a diaper rash cream to avoid rashes from diapers and frequent wiping.
Feeding Supplies: Carry pre-measured formula milk and baby food. Pack bottles, sippy cups, and other age-appropriate snacks for easy food access.
Clothing: Pack extra clothes in the case of spit-ups, spills, and accidents. Carry weather-appropriate outfits like jackets, raincoats, hats, swimwear, socks, etc.
Comfort Items: Carry your child’s favourite stuffed toy, pacifier, or blanket for comfort and to offer them a sense of familiarity.
Creams and Medicines: Carry infant-safe moisturizer and sunscreen. Keep a first aid kit handy with medicines for fever, allergies, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ask your paediatrician if you need to keep other prescription medicines while travelling.
Sleep Necessities: You can carry a pram, portable crib, or car seat. Also, keep some sheets and blankets to give your baby a comforting sleep environment. Keep a white noise machine if your baby uses that to sleep. You can also play white noise music on your mobile.
Packing For Your Toddler Or Preschooler
Snacks and Meals: Carry portable and healthy meals and snacks. Keep headphones to use during age-appropriate screen time.
Clothing: Keep extra clothing for toddlers in case of spills and accidents. Carry socks and comfortable shoes so that your child can move around. Pack weather-appropriate clothes like jackets, sweaters, caps, hats, sunglasses, etc.
Toiletries: Carry any potty training essentials your child is using. Keep toddler-safe shampoo, body wash, and toothbrush.
Entertainment: Keep your child’s favourite toys, books, and gadgets handy. If you give them a tablet or laptop, let them use it within limits.
Outdoor and Safety Gear: Keep your child’s car seat and foldable strollers for easy movement. Carry childproofing essentials like corner covers, outlet covers, and cabinet locks.
Tips For Stress-free Travelling
Plan Ahead: Look for easy-to-reach, family and kids-friendly accommodations for stays. Additionally, create an itinerary that is flexible with toilet and meal breaks.
Travel During Sleep Time: Try to plan your travels during your child’s nap or bedtime. They are most likely to doze off during the travel, making the journey easier.
Be Flexible: Don’t panic if things do go as per your itinerary. You may need multiple stoppages or get traffic causing delays. Be open to adjusting your plans according to your child and surroundings.
Get Your Snacks Ready: Keep a range of snacks handy while travelling to avoid hunger-related meltdowns.
Stay Hydrated: Keep an adequate amount of liquids for yourself and your child. Also, consider packing juices your child likes.
Comfortable Clothing: Dress your child in loose, breathable, and comfortable clothes. Make sure their clothes are not making them too hot or cold.
Pack Wisely: Pack items that you need readily in easy-to-access labelled bags and containers.
Preload Your Tablet: Download your child’s favourite audiobooks, videos, and movies on your tablet before you leave the house. Even though the American Academy of Paediatrics limits screen time, you can choose to be flexible when on the go.
Anticipate Meltdowns: Changes can make your child nervous and overwhelmed. Try to prepare your little one for the trip by talking about it, giving them details about the schedule, and how they can behave when you are travelling.
Keep Moving: If your child is asleep while you travel, don’t stop in the middle for restroom and meal breaks or to refill gas unless it is urgent.
Keep an Eye on Motion Sickness: Children are more prone to motion sickness, especially during long-distance travel. Keep spare clothes, paper towels, wet wipes, and candies if your child is prone to vomiting. Also, avoid giving your child any screen time in the vehicle if your child gets nauseous.
Pack All Necessary Documents: Keep your family’s identity cards, passports, vaccination cards, and insurance details handy.
Preparing For Air Travel
Check If Your Child Needs A Seat: According to the Federal Aviation Administration, children below the age of two years do not need a seat and should travel on their parent’s lap as in case of turbulence, babies and toddlers sitting independently may injure themselves. You have to purchase a seat if your child is above the age of two.
Early Boarding: Many airline carriers give preference to families with children to board first. Make use of that whenever at the airport to settle in early.
Carry-On Essentials: Keep a dedicated bag for diapers, a changing mat, wipes, snacks, and extra clothes within your reach on the flight.
Feed While Taking Off and Landing: Whenever a plane takes off or lands, it causes a change in ear pressure that leads to discomfort. Nursing or feeding your baby can help them cope with these pressures.
Be Mindful of the Time Zones: Slowly adjust your child’s schedule in line with the time zone of your travel destination to minimize jetlag.
Pack Some Surprises: Carry new toys or books to give your child when they get restless or cranky during the journey.
Preparing For Road Travel
Keep Entertainment Ready: Carry age-appropriate games, music, nursery rhymes, interactive videos, and audiobooks your child can enjoy while travelling.
Plan For Food And Loo Stops: Halt at interesting rest stops with playgrounds, gardens, shops, and activities for children to keep your child entertained while stopping.
Emergency Kit: Keep a roadside emergency kit with first aid, band aid, prescription medicines, flashlight and tools.
Conclusion
Travelling with your child is fun and exciting if you have everything you need for the journey and at the destination. Accepting that some things may not go as planned will help you set expectations and keep you from feeling disheartened. Ultimately, these journeys should be about making memories, savoring all the precious moments, and watching your little one embrace the wonders of exploring!