So, the baby is finally here, and now you're eager to enjoy family life. And by "enjoy," you mean things like traveling. But traveling with a baby is something you've never done before! And the feedback from your friends who have tried it is mixed… Yet, traveling within France or abroad with a little one is definitely possible. Some couples even fly off to explore the ends of the earth with their babies. Why not you? According to experts, the key to traveling successfully with a baby is "organization."
ARTICLE SUMMARY:
A prerequisite for stress-free travel: an-ti-ci-per
To gain confidence and be ready for anything, practice! Head out first thing in the morning with your baby for a day of adventure, 100% outdoors and without a safety net. No lunch at Grandma's or breaks at a friend's house. To prepare for your first vacation with your baby, there's nothing like an independent outing.
Good advice: travel light at any age
The idea is to have your hands free as much as possible, especially if you're traveling alone with your child. Ultra-lightweight, ultra-compact equipment and travel-sized options are therefore preferable, for both you and your baby.
Timing: we adapt to the baby!
Most children have a little trouble sleeping in unfamiliar surroundings. So your nights on vacation with your baby will probably be a bit fragmented and shortened. But look on the bright side! You'll have plenty of time to enjoy your days and appreciate sunrises and sunsets together.
Travel by car, train, or plane? That is the question.
THE The mode of transport you choose for your holiday with a baby depends largely on your destination and therefore, the length of the journey . However, if you have a choice, each option has its own advantages to consider depending on your needs.
Car journey: a classic and very practical option
For travel within France and other European Union countries, the car remains the most common mode of transport. Convenient, it allows you to leave at the time that suits you best , from make as many stops as you like and Load all your belongings without any hassle . You will need:
- a car seat or infant carrier suitable for your child's age,
- a small changing mat or a bath towel for diaper changes
- Sunshades for a summer trip,
- books and/or CDs to occupy waking hours.
Train travel: No. 1 for saving money
On the train, the Children under 4 years old travel free on their parents' laps . Prefer to maximize your space? Plan ahead (return to point #1) and book a family section, taking advantage of the discounted baby train ticket. You will need:
- a diaper bag,
- a baby carrier or a bassinet,
- a bottle or baby bottle of suitable mineral water, to counteract the effects of air conditioning,
- books or a few toys.
Air travel: one major precaution
Most airlines accept babies very soon after birth. However, it is still recommended to wait until the baby is one to three weeks old before flying with a baby . An essential point to remember: Feed or breastfeed your baby during takeoff and landing to protect their little ears. You will need:
- Toys, cuddly toys, books… to keep your child occupied during the flight, but also beforehand, during the usually long boarding process.
- A diaper bag is recommended, but remember that space on board is quite limited; if you can change the baby beforehand, that's always better.
- a bassinet or cradle sometimes loaned by airlines, especially on long-haul flights.
And how do we organize baby's meals?
- Are you breastfeeding ? You need almost nothing apart from a swaddle that will serve almost every purpose (bib, cuddly toy, but also nursing cover).
- Are you bottle-feeding ? If so, pack a bottle of mineral water suitable for preparing formula, or hot water in a thermos if your child prefers their milk warm. Also, bring as many formula sachets as you'll need for the trip, and perhaps even a can of powdered milk to last the whole vacation. Can't wash the bottle right away? Pack two or three in your bag. And to avoid breaking them, choose the bibROND healthy and unbreakable Elhea!
- Does your baby prefer to drink their milk warm? Discover the TooGo portable bottle warmer ! It only takes 5 minutes to heat milk and water, it has a battery life of 8 to 12 hours and weighs only 390g: everything you need to take it everywhere with you.
- Have you started introducing solid foods ? If you practice For Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) , take some of their favorite foods with you in a Tupperware container, otherwise consider the essential baby food jars, drinkable yogurts and individual compotes.
In general, Always choose bottled mineral water. tap water, especially if you are going abroad, flavors familiar and appreciated by your child rather than culinary discoveries and, for older children, the finger food or individual packages.
Adventurous parents readily admit it, It was when the baby was hungry that they experienced the biggest tantrums . Therefore, traveling with a baby will require you to adhere to regular mealtimes: breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner. You will also need to be flexible regarding the contents of the older children's plates and use all your ingenuity to always have ingredients on hand to prepare the baby's meal.
One last thing: don't miss out on the separate room
Who hasn't been disappointed by a holiday rental that's too small, too noisy, poorly equipped, or badly laid out? Imagine having the same problem with a baby?
- Always opt for a larger home rather than a smaller one.
- Make sure you always have at least one separate room closed off by a door (to safeguard baby's daytime naps and to save your intimate dinners and privacy).
- Make sure that the travel cot fits in the room (request an on-site inspection, some measurements, whether the bed can be moved sideways, whether the door is likely to open and hit the baby's bed…)
- You can also inquire about the presence of shutters and/or curtains and the possibility of renting certain childcare equipment like the bottle warmer , baby monitor or even a travel cot.
"Zen, let's be zen." If there's one motto when you're traveling with a child, especially if it's an infant or if you have several children, it's the Relax ! If he doesn't sleep as well as at home, it's perfectly fine, just as it's fine if he naps in the baby carrier instead of his crib. For older children, the rule of five fruits and vegetables a day can be relaxed, and their outfit should primarily be comfortable and a little less photogenic.In short, Take your time, put things into perspective, and listen to your child . Without a doubt, they will set the pace for this family trip!
