Image source: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Y4veJwodm3o/maxresdefault.jpg
Many parents will tell you the best advice for long distance travel with a baby is: avoid it if at all possible. However, it is not always possible to follow this sage advice. For those times, here are some tips in making travel with baby safe, and as painless as possible. It may even turn out to be fun!
If you have to travel by air, this presents its own set of challenges. Most airlines will allow your baby to travel free when carried by an adult, but it is better to book a seat for your baby if you can afford the extra ticket. That way, baby can ride in an infant car seat, which will make the trip safer if there is turbulence, and the car seat's familiarity can be calming to your child and reduce his or her anxiety about this strange means of traveling. Even if you didn't book an extra seat, bring the car seat. You may be allowed to change seats if there are empty, un-booked seats on the aircraft. If the flight you are on is full, you can always check the car seat at the terminal and pick it up when you arrive.
Be sure to bring your baby stroller. It can be checked in at the terminal, and it will be a valuable thing to have right when you get off the plane. It will make the dash across busy airports a lot more comfortable. It will also give you a place for baby to sit if you stop for a snack at one of the many overpriced airport fast food places.
Bring a bottle for your baby or be prepared to nurse on the plane. Take offs and landings will be more comfortable and less frightening for baby if he or she has something to suck on. This will also help normalize pressure in his or her ears. Have your baby's ears checked by a pediatrician before the trip, if there is an ear infection that isn't showing symptoms yet, it can be incredibly painful for your baby when the air pressure changes during flight. Nasal congestion will have the same effect. A simple rule to remember is that sick babies and airplanes do not mix at all.
Trips by car are a different matter. Although a car trip poses its own challenges, many parents tend to find this an easier way to travel. If traveling by car, you will have to make frequent stops and the trip will take longer than it would if you were not traveling with your baby. The best thing parent can do is to accept the fact that there will be more stops and be sure to plan for it - lack of planning for the extra stops is often causes parents the most stress when traveling.
Babies need the chance to spend time out of the car seat and out of the car. The older your baby is, the less time he or she will want to be strapped into a car seat. A 9 month old child, for example, is used to spending most of his or her day exploring and trying new physical skills. Being confined to a chair for endless hours can feel agonizing to your child. Be sure to stop from time to time and give your baby a breather, and let your child take in things with his or her senses. There are a lot nice rest stops along America's highways and many of them offer marvelous scenery to enjoy.
Although many people have heard the stories of how difficult traveling with a baby can be, don't let these stories stop you from enjoying your time traveling with a baby. Yes, you may have some challenging times during the trip but this is a great opportunity for your to spend quality time with your baby while your child is getting a chance to explore new and exciting territories. Just remember to pack a goodie bag full of snacks and some small toys to keep your child distracted along the way.
