It’s that time of year again when parents pack up the car and head out on their first family vacation. Whether you’re looking to escape winter or just want some time away with your little one, it can be a daunting task figuring out what essential items you need for traveling with a baby. We’ve put together five tips for traveling with a baby that will ensure your vacation goes smoothly!
1) Plan Ahead
It sounds like an obvious one, but planning ahead will help ensure you have all the essentials. You’ll want to make sure you check your destination’s weather before packing any clothing, and if there are specific items that babies can’t eat or drink (such as nuts), then it might be worth bringing a supply. Another tip is to check your destination’s requirements for entering the country, such as a mandatory letter of consent from a parent or guardian.
2) Have a Baby Car Seat
Another essential item for traveling with babies is a car seat. You’ll want to make sure you have the appropriate type of car seat that complies with your destination’s regulations, and also remember to bring along an adapter if needed. This will ensure the baby is strapped in securely when driving on long journeys or when crossing borders.
3) Extra Clothes and Pacifier
One of the most important items to pack for traveling with a baby is extra baby boy clothes! Whether you’re going on a short trip or taking an international flight, it’s always best to have more than enough baby boy clothes in case of accidents. Pack at least one outfit per day, and pack clothes that are easy to access when you have a squirming baby.
It’s been found that pacifiers have a calming effect on babies, so it might be worth packing one as an essential item when traveling with a baby. You’ll also want to make sure you pack plenty of diapers and wipes for your baby’s needs.
4) Bring Travel Bed and Travel Toys
For babies over the age of six months, a travel bed is an essential item when traveling. Babies have smaller necks and are more prone to getting car sickness on long journeys because their heads can bob around in the backseat. A travel bed will help keep them comfortable and happy!
Travel toys are an important essential item when traveling with babies for entertainment purposes. They’ll keep your baby busy during long periods on a car ride or plane! The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that children under 13 years old ride in a car seat whenever they are seated in the car.
5) Bring Diaper Changing Mat
When you’re traveling with a baby, it’s important to have an on-the-go diaper changing mat if the bathroom doesn’t provide one or isn’t sanitary enough. You’ll also want to pack some wipes that are designed for sensitive baby skin.
6) Establish a Bedtime Routine
Before you leave on your first family vacation, it might be worth establishing a bedtime routine for the baby, so they’re well-rested before heading out. You’ll want to make sure that the nap and sleep schedules are consistent with what they usually do at home before leaving for your destination.
Conclusion
Planning ahead, having the right car seat and adapter, packing extra clothes, and a pacifier for entertainment purposes will ensure your first family vacation is an enjoyable one. You’ll want to make sure you establish a bedtime routine before heading out on long journeys, bring travel toys, pack diapers that are designed for sensitive baby skin in case of accidents, and bring a diaper changing mat in case the bathrooms don’t provide one.