Your first break as a family is a special time, but there’s no denying that it can also be stressful. You want to have a fun and relaxing time, and you want your baby to enjoy herself too.
How can I make my baby comfortable when we’re travelling?
“Dress her in a few soft layers which are easy to put on and take off. A vest and sleepsuit may be more comfortable than trousers or tights and tops, which can bunch up when your baby is sitting still for ages.”
Sophie
“If you’re worried about changing your baby’s nappy on the plane, most have a drop-down changing table in the toilets. Everyone worries about plane travel with a baby but it’s never as bad as you think it will be. When you arrive at your destination you’ll probably wonder what all the fuss is about.”
Michelle
“Take a hand held battery operated fan. It’ll help to keep your baby cool in a stuffy place or car, and babies love the novelty of a light breeze.”
Jenny
How can I keep my baby happy during the journey?
“Do take enough food and drinks in case you are delayed. The hand luggage restrictions on liquids don’t apply to your baby’s food and drink. Even if travelling by car you may be delayed or get stuck in traffic, so make sure you have spare supplies.”
Sue
“Pack a drink of cooled boiled water in your hand luggage if you’re going by plane. Aeroplanes can be very dry and if it’s not time for her feed she may like to sip some water.”
Aisha
“If you’re flying, don’t be afraid to ask the staff for help if you need food or bottles warmed or something from the overhead lockers.”
Simone
“Take a new toy as well as a couple of favourite ones. If you wrap it up too they’ll have the fun of unwrapping it.”
Jenny
“Make sure your baby isn’t too hot or too cold. If she’s in her car seat for ages she may get quite sweaty. Allow extra travelling time so you can stop and take a break every couple of hours. Even if just for a few minutes for a nappy change, she’ll like to stretch and kick her legs.”
Gill
“If you’re on a train or flying, walk about with your baby as much as you can. She’s less likely to get bored and start complaining if you’re pointing out different things to look at.”
Rachel
How can I feed my baby when we’re travelling?
“Breastfeeding on planes is easy but can be a bit cramped. Ask the cabin crew and they may offer you a quiet area or unused seats. Give yourself some privacy with a carefully placed muslin.”
Michelle
“Take the food you knows she likes. Readymade sachets are easy, and try them out before your holiday so you know what she enjoys.”
Lisa
“It can get quite messy trying to spoon feed a baby on board a plane or train. Take a couple of spare muslins to cover you and the seat, and lots of wipes. Remember spare spoons too.”
Michelle
“When we took our son abroad to Turkey, he refused to eat jars of baby food but loved the local fresh bread, fruit and vegetables on our plates. It’s definitely worth trying to introduce your little one to new tastes while you’re away. We discovered that he enjoyed all sorts of food that we would never have tried at home.”
Anna
“We took my daughter to her granddad’s holiday house in Wales when she was just three months old. It was great because she slept in her car seat for most of the journey and was still being exclusively breastfed. So we didn’t have to worry about catering for her. I had to make sure I had plenty of snacks and drinks for me, though.”
Claire
What shouldn’t I travel without?
“I packed a baby sun tent so that every day my daughter could have her nap, even when we were on the beach. It stopped her getting too grumpy.”
Sarah
“I found a fantastic bucket and spade set that had been made for babies. It had no sharp edges, was really cheap and my daughter had hours of fun with it.”
Laura
“If you’re staying in a hotel find out if there is a washing machine available. If so, you won’t need to pack as many clothes for you and your baby.”
Bea
“Don’t pack too many toys if you’re travelling by plane. A few small ones to keep your baby occupied is a good idea, but once you arrive she’ll be far more interested in all the new things around her.”
Louise
Article provided by Baby Center.co.uk