Traveling With A Baby

Though you may be traveling less frequently once you have a baby till he is a little old, it does not mean that you stop taking holidays because of the little ones. But you will have to make elaborate plans well in advance. Being away from home is a big change in routine for both your baby and you, so you will have to plan ahead, even anticipate problems so that the entire family has a good holiday. Getting advice from parents who have taken their children on holidays is a good idea. Here are a few tips about things that worked for other parents:

• While booking a holiday find out what facilities the tour operator provides. Children who are two years below usual travel free.
• Find out what kind of childcare facilities the operator provides like baby cots, prams, highchairs etc. so that you do not have to carry these things with you.
• Your baby will require a passport.
• Once you decide on the holiday location, consult your doctor about the vaccination your baby requires before you decide the holiday dates. If there are vaccines to be taken then it is best to take them a little before the holiday date. Some vaccines cannot be taken together and may need a few weeks in between. So you will need time to vaccinate your baby.
• The most difficult part of your holiday will be the journey and with a small baby it will not be easy. You should book an air cot well in advance. Get seats that are together so that you have ample space on the flight. Book meals for your children in advance, it would help if they could be served before you are served.
• If you are hiring a car ask the company to provide you with a baby seat so that you don't have to carry one.
• Take toys for the journey old and new ones, so that the baby will be occupied and will not get tired of the journey.
• There could be delays on the way, so you should carry enough snacks for the baby especially drinks. It is better if the snacks don't consist of sticky food, as they are messy.
• It is easier to travel if you are breast-feeding, you don't have to worry about sterilized bottles or clean water to make bottle-feeds.
• Take your baby sling or back carrier it will occupy less space and it will be easy to carry the baby around.
• If you are holidaying in a place where the weather is hot, make sure that you carry sun block for your baby and his skin is delicate and more likely to get sunburns.
• While booking your holiday you can book a hotel that provides childcare facilities such as nannies, crèches etc. You should check them before using them, if you are satisfied with the facilities provided, the ability of the child minder and you think it is appropriate for your age make use of it.