Parenting Blog

by Paula Heron

Taking a trip with a baby need not to be daunting if you plan in advance what you will need for the journey. Some things are a must, like milk and food, and it is a good idea to pack more of these than you think you’ll need. It is a good idea to have some finger foods to offer the older baby. Here are some more tips:

* Expressed milk if you’re a breastfeeding mom will keep safely for up to a day in a cool bag filled with ice. If your baby is on formula you can either store pre-prepared bottles in the same way or add cooled boiled water to formula you have measured into the bottle for when it’s needed.

* There are now cartons of “ready to drink” formula milk which are perfect for the journey itself. However, you need to check whether these cartons are allowed through security at the airport or into other countries if traveling overseas. Powdered formula in a sealed container is not usually a problem.

* Solid foods can be carried in a cooler, although a better approach maybe to bring foods with you that you will be able to easily organize during the trip. Avocado pears and bananas are good examples, as they can be simply peeled, mashed and served to your baby at room temperature.

* Not all restaurants and fast food places cater for babies so it is a good idea to be prepared by having your own spoons, forks and dishes. A travel feeding chair is worth considering adding to your list of essential items as it makes feeding baby easier no matter where you are. Wipe clean plastic bibs or disposable ones make sense as they help cut down on the amount of laundry!

* Try to plan ahead if you need bottles of milk or baby food warming up. Quite often cabin crew or waiters are busy and can let the food get overheated. Always check the temperature carefully when the food arrives as there is nothing worse than trying to cool down the food quickly when you have a crying, hungry baby!

* Sterilizing baby bottles and dishes and pacifiers when traveling used to be a problem. Nowadays, most retail stores that sell baby equipment have a range of products to make life easier when traveling with a baby including disposable bottle liners and microwave sterilizer bags.

* Obviously you will need enough diapers and scented diaper disposal sacks for your trip. If you are going to a sunny climate don’t forget to keep your baby in the shade whenever possible and to pack adequate sun protection. You should not use sunscreen lotion on babies younger than six months old. A night light is a good idea for those night feeds – especially in an unfamiliar hotel room.

* If baby has a favorite blanket and toy don’t forget to take them with you. They will help baby settle better for sleep whether in a sky cot aboard a plane or as a cover and comfort in his crib at your final destination. Blankets also make great sun shades when baby is out and about in the stroller.

* It is best to dress baby in light layers for the journey as then you can add or remove clothes if the temperature fluctuates. Dressing in layers also means it is easier to take off the top layer if baby spill on his clothes. Don’t forget to include a change of clothes for yourself – babies love to share the mess around!

I used many of these tips myself when I was traveling with my young babies so I know just how much help they can provide. So please use them and enjoy your trip!

Read Also:

• How to Plan the Perfect Nursery
• Seven Tips On Bringing Up Baby
• Advice for New Breastfeeding Mums
• Babysitting Tips for Newbies
• Popular Baby Name Trends in 2009