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Baby Travel Tips For Easy Efficient Packing

April 5th, 2010 admin No comments

Getting ready for a trip with your baby can be made a lot easier with some pre-planning. Here are some ideas…

  1. Don’t wait for the last minute. Start preparing to pack a few weeks before you travel. Keep an ongoing list of items to bring, or put items out on a table or chest of drawers as you think of them. Get a free ebook Packing Lists for Baby Travel Here are some item to consider.
    • Diapers- One for each hour you’ll be in transit, plus extras in case of emergencies or delays.
    • Baby blanket- Bring at least one for comfort, shade and warmth.
    • Plastic bags that can be resealed- Pack some medium-sized ones for stashing dirty diapers, clothes and bibs.
    • Diaper rash cream.
    • Baby wipes.
    • Baby bath and lotion.
    • Tissues.
    • Extra soothers.
    • Clothes- One to two outfits per day. Pack cotton layers for traveling.
    • Washable bibs.
    • Bottles.
    • Sun hat and sun screen.
    • Food, formula, water and/or juice- Bring more than you think you’ll need for the trip, as you can’t predict travel delays.
    • Breast pump- For expressing breast milk.
    • Baby carriers- Easy to pack and a great way to reduce the amount that your baby cries during the trip. Studies have shown that babies who were carried in a sling or in their parents’ arms cried less than other babies. It also frees your hands up for other items.
    • Travel bed to keep baby safe and comfy.
    • Baby car seat for safe travel by car, plane, train, or bus.
    • Portable baby stroller.
    • Portable high chair.
  2. Use a baby diaper bag with a waterproof lining and a shoulder strap. Make sure that your diaper bag has lots of compartments for organizing your items.
  3. Pack an extra shirt or top for yourself in your hand luggage in case of accidents.
  4. Prevent leaks by packing medicines and toiletries in re-sealable plastic bags
  5. Bring a changing mat to put under your baby during diaper changes. Better yet use a diaper bag that has a built in changing mat.
  6. Pack an energy-boosting snack handy for yourself.
  7. Bring your camera and plenty of film or digital memory cards.
  8. Pack a clip-on reading light so you can read without disturbing your baby.
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Traveling With a Baby on a Plane

April 5th, 2010 admin No comments

On the plane

Babies under two years still travel free on the lap, though there are rumors that this perk may soon be coming to an end. Most airlines charge a hefty service fee ($100 on United) for overseas flights for the same privilege, of traveling with babies. Before you even consider buying that extra seat until they are over two, remember that the baby will probably be on your lap anyway during the entire flights. So, unless you need an expensive place to keep your unread newspaper and magazines, take advantage of this free ride for as long as possible, while traveling with your baby. Don’t forget the sippee cup, bottle and binkey. If you do, the plane ride will be a descent into hell, because little ears often can not handle take-offs and landings without sucking on something. If mom is there and still nursing, you’re in luck; you can read the paper in peace. If not, you’ll be playing hot potato with the baby for at least a half hour up and a half hour down. We lost the sippee cup one time on the way to the airport and were able to get one at Travelers Aid at the last minute.

One gadget (and we love gadgets) you may want to consider sticking at the bottom of the diaper bag, while traveling with babies, is a water bottle adapter. This small piece of plastic allows you to use a soda or water bottle as a baby bottle and includes an extra nipple. At $.99 on eBay, its value to you, while traveling with babies, as an always prepared dad, would be immeasurable. Read more…

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Traveling With Babies

April 5th, 2010 admin No comments

If you start baby travel slowly and plan wisely, both you and baby will enjoy first-class comfort. Begin with baby steps and you’ll find that soon you and your little one will be able to walk, ride, or fly in the fast lane.

Day Trips

Introduce baby to travel starting with a few day-trips to a local relative or friend. Basic equipment will be a packed diaper bag, a stroller or pram (if you’ll spend some time outdoors), and a car seat. Most modern car seats easily detach and convert into a baby carrier.

Be sure to pack your diaper bag with a diaper for each two hours you intend to be away from home. Pack 2 nipples for each bottle you pack, two to three receiving blankets, and an extra change of clothing for baby and an extra shirt for you. Cut down on diaper bag weight and keep things easy to find by using Ziploc bags to pack extras like nipples, wipes, and pacifiers. Pack one large, empty Ziploc for soiled items. Read more…

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