July
28

Traveling with babies and toddlers can be a hard challenge no matter where you are headed to; new parents especially find it hard and overwhelming to take care of babies while they travel. Traveling via airplanes can be even more of a hassle for which you need to be duly prepared since there are very limited solutions present on an airplane in case you have a problem.

The first thing is to make and maintain a list of things you will need to take and the preparations that need to be done. It is advisable to try and arrange a non-stop direct flight to your destination, so that your baby will have to go through lesser amount of discomfort. Direct flights allow babies to have more uninterrupted sleep, you will need to install/uninstall the baby car seat only once and the ear pressure during landing and takeoff will have to be endured by the child only once. Secondly, it is imperative to plan ahead for your trip; make sure you have adequate time before the flight date to get together all the required things that you or your baby might possibly need. Planning ahead efficiently will also allow you to get a good night’s sleep before the departure date. This sleep is important to energize you for the long and exhausting trip with your baby since you cannot be expected to get a good nap during the flight.

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Try to maintain the baby’s feeding and sleep schedule throughout the trip. This will help the baby to adjust to the changed environment quickly. If you are a breastfeeding mother, you may want to make sure you are able to breastfeed in public comfortably and regularly enough; it is a good idea to use a nursing top for this purpose. A baby can also be given formula/breast milk feed during takeoff and landing to reduce air pressure; for a toddler or an older child, you can always use cotton plugs or earplug to relieve the pressure. Taking the baby’s car seat with you can be a debatable topic, avoid rental car seats. Your baby is bound to be safer in its own car seat rather than in your arms throughout the flight. It will also assist you in eating food and getting your rest.

Handling a baby car seat is easier if there are two people; before boarding, one can board earlier and install the car seat so that when the other arrives with the baby, you don’t cause any holdup in the passenger line. While installing the car seat, you may need help from a flight attendant since airline seatbelts can be hard to tighten. However, it is a must for you to carry a pram or baby stroller since you cannot possibly carry the baby through the airport, flight terminals etc. without exhausting your arms. Strollers also make connecting flights much easier for parents. At the gate, you can always ask the gate agent to give you a gate check ticket for your stroller. This way you don’t have to handle the stroller through the flight and you can pick it up just after you get off the plane.

Another important asset while traveling with a baby or toddler is that of a carry-on bag that is spacious and can act as a purse, briefcase and diaper bag. A backpack or a large bag with ample pockets and comfortable straps can serve this purpose. Make sure to carry enough baby gear such as diapers, snacks, wipes, a change of clothes for the baby and you, a few disposable feeding supplies like bibs bottles, feeding cups etc. and a few toys to keep the baby entertained through the flight. This multi-purpose bag should also accommodate your flight tickets, passport, identification and any other essential items you may need on board. For toddlers, you can keep coloring books, crayons, toys and even a portable music player if possible. Before boarding the plane, you should try to make your toddler use the airport bathrooms since they are roomier and more comfortable.

Flying with babies and toddler does not remain hard for parents and especially first-time mothers who follow a few of these key points essential to make the trip bearable and comfortable for you and enjoyable for your baby.

You can easily buy baby car seats online through Dependable car seats website.

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June
12

Just because you have a baby doesn’t meant that you should be held captive in your home. It is only natural to want to travel, plan vacations and outings outside the home where you can safely take your baby along. The truth is that although a bit stressful, exposing a child to new environments, people and situations can be rewarding and a much needed break from the routine. You can travel with your baby! All you have to do is follow certain traveling with baby guidelines, make the new experience as relaxing as possible for your baby and stay aware of dangers and hazards.

Take a quick look at this traveling with baby checklist and you will see that you really can plan a vacation with your baby and ensure that he or she remains safe and happy! Remember that it is always better to be safe than sorry and just a little fore thought goes a long way!

The Top 14 Things to Consider When Traveling with Baby

1. Bring your family medical records with you. If you have newborns, chronically ill children or elderly family members make sure you have complete information for them so a new doctor can review them if necessary.
2. Stock a small bag with necessary medications like Advil, Tylenol, decongestants, bulb syringes etc.
3. Make sure that you carry enough prescription medications for the entire length of the trip. May be good idea to bring copies of prescriptions with you in case they are lost and carry these items on your person rather than packed in bags.
4. A well stocked first aid kit is a must have baby safety product. Pack necessities small enough that they will fit in your purse or small bag.
5. If you are leaving the country, invest in travel insurance or if you already have it review the policy.
6. If you are flying and need a flight attendant to heat your milk bottle, make sure you check the temperature before feeding. They may not know what the proper temperature should be.
7. Baby wipes and disinfectant hand wipes are a must have necessity when traveling anywhere. Keep them in your purse; car and anywhere you may be in need of a wick clean up.
8. Keep disposable diaper bags or small trash bags so you can rid yourself of soiled diapers safely and without imposing on other travelers.
9. When flying, make sure you pack enough formula, milk and snacks for your baby as airline food is often unpredictable.
10. When flying, breast or bottle feed your baby on take off and landing to help reduce the pressure on their ears and keep them calm.
11. It is never advisable to fly with a baby while sick. Airline air is notorious for spreading more illnesses. Have a check up before a vacation.
12. Books and magazines are a great way to occupy a weary little traveler.
13. Have children use the restroom before boarding the flight. It is very difficult to fit more than one person in the airline bathrooms and can be hard to change diapers etc.
14. If you are traveling with a bay book the bulkhead seats. These give you more room and offer space enough for a bassinet.

Traveling with Baby in airplane

Be Patient & Calm When Traveling with Your Baby

Certainly your child will react a bit differently when they are not in their regular environment. Give your child some time to adjust and try to ease the transitions as much as possible. In the days leading to your departure, try to think of everything that could happen and plan accordingly. You will probably not need any of these extra things, but if you do – you will be glad you have them. Remain calm and enjoy your vacation. Keep in mind you are making memories with your child.

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