Travel with your children
Don’t just tell your children about the world. Show them.
Our son will be soon 2 years old. We started traveling with him when he has 9 months old and at this age, he has already traveled to 7 countries. More than 15 flights.
I was never stressed about traveling along with my baby because first of all, I didn’t have an option. I’m breastfeeding him and there was no way that I will travel and leave him with someone else. In plus, I couldn’t and I still can’t imagine traveling to another country for a few days without him.
I believe traveling with infants/toddlers or kids, in general, shouldn’t be considered an act of bravery but normality. Kids are flexible and can get used to the changes if they feel the love, care, and protection of their parents/adults caregivers. Of course, I don’t deny that some precautions should be taken into consideration. It’s better to be prepared than sorry, isn’t it?
We traveled with low-cost companies and only a few times we had checked in luggage. Ain’t impossible to travel with an infant with just a backpack. With a condition: to take only the necessary!
My golden rule is: never take with you something you aren’t sure you need it (don’t say: maybe I will use it!).
The fact that I’m breastfeeding made me have a laid-back attitude because I knew that whatever happens once he is at his mom’s chest everything goes smoothly. At least, this was our case.
Infant packing list
– medicines recommended by the pediatrician (syrup for fever, allergy, nasal aspirator, thermometer, cream for diaper rashes, and if he was following a treatment we would have it along). We didn’t have any problems in taking such items with us in the carry on bag.
– wet wipes: it’s definitely a must when traveling with babies aboard. Airplanes are nasty and it’s always good to wipe down the tray table, armrests, and seat belts.
– diapers and changing blanket,
– a teeth toy: infants are growing teeth and they always want to chew on something,
– a colorful book for small children: when he was awake we had to keep him busy,
– a small blanket: in the airplane, it’s quite cold due to the air conditioning and it’s good to have one because you’ll definitely need it. Even when Adam wasn’t napping I had to cover him.
– food for baby: I used to prepare baby food at home that I put in small jars. It would keep fresh for up to 2 days. Also, fruits: apple, pear, banana, etc.
– his own spoon: it’s so handy to have at hand a spoon and it’s even better to have a spoon that the baby it’s used to.
– water: Adam was eating food so he needed water to drink and we took with us his special cup.
– extra clothes: 2 bodies and 1 pair of pants for each day of travel, few blouses, socks, hat/cap (depending on the season),
– a small hand towel: the airplane napkins aren’t handy when something disastrous happens (vomit, spills).
– ziplock bags: good for holding soiled clothing or diapers, food leftovers, etc.
toddler Packing list
Well, many of the items don’t change. What we now have to add are:
–new small toys. Before traveling we’re buying him some new toys that will grab his attention and keep him busy (at least for a while). When we are on the airplane and see that he is losing his ease, we’re taking out another toy. Think of some small and inexpensive toys (preferably the ones that don’t make any noise. We don’t want to disturb our fellow travelers, isn’t it?). Whenever possible, I’m trying to get him some toys related to the destination we are visiting (for example, reindeer when we traveled to Norway).
– snacks. Adam loves snacking, especially fruits. So I make sure I have some fruits he loves and some cookies/biscuits. When he was younger I used to bake him biscuits at home, sugar-free. Now, if I don’t have time, I get him some biscuits with low amounts of sugar, and seeds.
– drinks. We don’t give him bottled sodas but sometimes when we just leave home, we take with us some orange jus. At least until check-in, he has something fresh and healthy to drink.
– books. We always have to take with us some books he loves and from which I use to tell him stories. We don’t take many, 2 maximum 3 (we take only the small ones).
– crayons and coloring books. Many times, for a few minutes, he likes to draw, so I make sure I have one thin coloring book with us.
Most of the low-cost airline companies allow up to 10 kilos luggage for the babies and believe me it’s enough. However, many times our luggage have Adam’s items too. So, if you don’t fit everything you need for the baby in his own bag, you still can use yours to add some more baby items.
Honestly, my husband’s bag has more items of our son than mine, but well, he doesn’t use creams and the items I always take with me when traveling.
In plus, we always took with us his stroller. It’s a must when traveling! Especially if you like walking a lot. If you use an ergonomic baby holding system it’s even better but Adam didn’t like it so we had to adapt and a stroller it’s also very handy. We have a folding stroller that’s also very light and this is very helpful.
When you travel with children you are giving them something that can never be taken away…experience, exposure, and a way of life. – Pamela T. Chandler
I’ve heard many parents saying that they can’t travel with the baby because he might get sick, may take all kinds of viruses, and bacterias. I believe that kids have to be exposed to different environments to strengthen their immune system. In plus, it’s easy to get sick even while home. So, this shouldn’t be a reason for why not traveling at all when we become parents or why traveling without the baby.
Did Adam get sick when we were traveling? Of course. He got a few times ‘the traveler fever’ as the doctors call it. Quite nasty: fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting. But, we always were prepared and if we didn’t, then we called his pediatrician that recommended us some medicines, and in a few days, he was good.
Yes, there might be a big chance that when traveling the baby can get sick. Well, this can happen to adults too, right? So, instead of being stressed out of what it might happen it’s better to enjoy the trip and if something happens, unfortunately, adapt and see what is to be done.
What’s your opinion about traveling with children?