How to Take an Infant on a Trip
Put your worries at ease because bringing baby on a vacation is not difficult. In fact, it may turn out to be the best vacation of your life. Like most things, planning is key to a successful and uneventful vacation. Infants do not like change; therefore, if you plan your travel and sightseeing around her normal, everyday schedule, then both of you will enjoy the time away from home. Start preparing a few weeks ahead of time so when the big day arrives, both of you will be ready to relax and have fun.
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Things You'll Need
- Diaper bag
- Food
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Clothing
- Car seat
- Stroller
- Toys
- Sheets
- Blankets
Instructions
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Make a list and check it twice in the weeks leading up to the vacation. Create a master list of everything the infant will need during the trip, and post it on the refrigerator or another place that is seen often. Revisiting the list will help you remember things you may have forgotten, or help you eliminate the items you do not need. When making the list, go through your everyday schedule and write down what you use.
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Separate the list into mini lists as the time draws near. Make subcategories, such as first aid kit, basic essentials, diaper bag backup and food. This will help you remember missed items in the master list.
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Pack the diaper bag with all the essentials and then double everything inside. While traveling, especially on a plane, you want to prepare for any situation that may occur. These situations include a lost bag and extended layover. Always bring additional food, diapers, wipes and clothing in the diaper bag. In addition, bring large resealable bags to hold messy diapers and clothing that cannot be disposed of on a plane.
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Call ahead to the airline and find out the formula and bottle breastmilk policy. You will want to bring along food for your infant to eat, which typically includes breastmilk or formula, but you will want to know any regulations or stipulations to bringing the food on board. If you are on the road, consider packing a cooler with the formula and breastmilk you will need during the drive.
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Know the airline seating arrangements when flying. Most airlines allow infants and babies under 2 years old to fly in the seat with the parent; however, a long flight may not be ideal for those traveling with an infant. If you plan to purchase a seat for the infant, call ahead to find out what type of infant seat is allowed and if any additional fees are required. In addition, plan to bring a stroller to push through the airport or a front carrier to leave your hands free.
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Keep the infant's schedule once you reach your destination. Rearrange the infants' normal times to the new time zone, if any, and maintain her feeding and napping times. This will help her adjust to a new atmosphere easily.
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Bring something familiar from home for her to sleep with in the playpen or rented crib. This will help calm her while she is in a new environment. Familiar items include her sleeping toy, sheets from her bed and a blanket.
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Tips & Warnings
Locate the local grocery store when you arrive in case you need additional food or formula.
Know the basic layout of the area you are visiting in case of an emergency.
Give the infant a bottle during take-off and landing while flying. This will help keep her ears from popping, which can make her cry.
Bring along a new toy for her to look at during the airplane ride or car ride.
Always hope for the best, but pack for the worst.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
