Travel Baby

The Christmas holiday period is a time when, for millions of families, the daily routine is likely to change, sometimes drastically or sometimes just a little. If you have a new born, or very young, baby in the house, do not believe that they will not be aware of what’s going on just because they are lazing around in their crib sleeping most of the time. They will be aware of differences in their environment, so it is a good idea to think about the well being of the baby in advance, and plan your Christmas period accordingly.

Probably the first sign that something different is going on in the home will be the Christmas decorations and ornaments going up. While the baby may seem oblivious to all commotion and activity as the decorations go up all around, there is a good chance that a baby who has lived in the house for a few months will be very aware of them, even if they cannot focus on the detail of the decorations themselves. This is a good time to get the baby involved in Christmas, right at the start, by letting them lie in the room being decorated while they are awake. Let them watch the rest of the family as they hang the Christmas tree decorations and lights, and all the other ornaments. Once in a while, take over an ornament that is bright and let her see it up close; find some that make a noise, and let her hear the gentle sounds up close. Nothing too noisy, of course, that will scare the baby, just the gentle sounds. Also, pick her up and take her up close to hanging ornaments. That will help the baby feel a part of what is going on, even if they do not have a clue what it is all about.

If your Christmas holiday is being spent at home, then the routine with the baby need not change too much. If you are expecting a lot of guests, though, then it may be rather different, so try not to forget to plan for the baby too. If you are getting caught up in a frenzy of cooking and other preparation in the days before Christmas, and on Christmas morning, then try to involve the baby just a bit, by allowing her to lie in the kitchen with you, or in whatever room the preparation may be going on. Remember, your baby will sense stress and anxiety in the parents, so it is best to allow plenty of time for your preparation so that you are not too rushed and stressed out. Read more…

Travelling with your baby can be a daunting challenge. You may be worried about rude strangers who comment when your baby cries, and whether or not your baby will be able to cope with a longer journey. Don’t worry, it’s not as bad as it may seem. Some children actually enjoy travelling and find the journey soothing!

If you are taking a flight, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, try to be as rested as possible. If you are calm, it will be easier to prepare for any minor issues you might have to deal with.

Experts recommend breast or bottle-feeding during take-off and landing. The reason for this is that it will help with the annoying ear popping many people experience. The sucking and swallowing relieves the pressure that builds up during these stages of the flight.

As said, some children find flying quite soothing. A window seat can be handy to distract a slightly older baby, and it is recommended to bring some toys and treats along, just in case.

If needed, you may be able to walk up and down the aisle to help your baby fall asleep. Other passengers are unlikely to mind this – people tend to be quite understanding and most people love children, and will be sympathetic.

If you are uncertain if it is safe for your baby to fly, please check with your doctor beforehand. It is recommended to wait until your child is at least two to three months old. This will give him time to develop his immune system and for the both of you to settle into a breast or bottle feeding routine. In case of emergencies, younger children may be able to fly, provided they have a clean bill of health. Read more…

Traveling with baby in tow need not be a nightmare. Although, we have
all been on aircraft where there is a fractious baby howling for hours
on end, much to it’s parents embarrassment. Remember most of the people
around you are either parents or grand parents so they are probably
sympathising with you. You can try to minimise the possibility of
problems and help your baby to be happy and comfortable. This will make
the flight better for baby, parents and all others in the vicinity.

Of course there really is not much you can do if a baby is ill, teething or
just plain grumpy other than use whatever product your family
practitioner has prescribed or recommended. But you can try to
minimize the tears. A late flight could mean baby sleeps through the
whole process. Make sure junior is clean, comfortable and well fed
before boarding. Get baby well settled before take off and give him
something to chew so the change in pressure does not hurt his/her ears.
Settle yourself down and relax. Babies pick up on tension. If possible
before your meal see baby has a bottle of milk or juice whatever is
usual before sleep and then get him settled down. Remember to take
plenty of diapers/nappies, wet wipes and something to put the rubbish
in. You don’t want to hand the stewardess a wet diaper or worse!!
Remember favourite toys, teddies or comfort blankets. If your baby
will be quiet sucking a dummy/pacifier then for goodness sake and
everyone else’s let him have one. Now is not the time to worry about
his misshapen teeth. Remember just because you think letting a child
cry is good for him, it is not good for the other passengers nerves or
the happy spirit of the crew. Pick him up or rock him don’t let him
howl, ward off the truly terrible screams early.

At your destination remember babies don’t know where they are or that
this is the happy holiday Daddy has worked and saved for all year. Pack
some familiar things. His own pillow and blanket, familiar toys and
familiar food just in case you can’t buy the usual wherever you end up.
Also this next advice is particularly needed by babies from northern
countries. Sunshine may be a rather unfamiliar thing to junior
especially if you are from the UK. Hats with a neck and eye shade are
practical, plenty of sun screen applied frequently not once a day, and
even when being jiggled up and down in the sea keep at least a t shirt
on him. Babies soon burn and also have trouble with extremes of heat.
They don’t like to lie in the sun baking. A nice shady spot, cotton t
and diapers/nappies and frequent drinks of water. Someone beautiful
waving a fan would be nice too or is that for Daddy?

So you see traveling with baby is not so difficult. Relax and enjoy
the holiday with your little tyrant and have a great time.