How to travel with baby

I have hundred’s of advice & tips, these are some excerpts from my book, “Daddy’s Survival Guide.”

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Travel.

It happens. If your lucky. You will have to start fresh here. Your memories of traveling before kids stops right here, it might get you to the door. Here’s the things you might never think of when you travel, to make everyone’s life a little bit easier. Traveling for business or pleasure What would be the best situation if you will be busy planning a lot of outings and not have a lot of family and friends waiting for you to help you out with your child/children, is bring a sitter.

Now, if that is out of the question, then look in advance to the city you will be going to and check out your baby sitting options. There are many services available just for traveling parents. You need to do this in advance, but it is well worth it to have competent help waiting and available for you once you are there. Ask the people you are going to be staying with if they animals (in case your child has allergies) and also check with hotels to see if they have services for kids.

Air Travel Checklist:

1. You need a car seat. You probably are going to be required to have one on the airplane, unless the baby is under one. Even then, you still need a car seat on the other side.

2. Always inform the travel agent, or ticket agent that you have a baby, or child. They have been asking for birth certificates lately, so make sure you bring it protected.

Baby Gear.

1. Bring enough diapers to at least get you to the destination. Including stop overs. You can never have enough of these.

2. Wipes. For everything, including butts. Cleaning messes on you or baby, faces, and everything in between. A whole package of plastic wrapped wipes. (gives more room for packing).

3. Diaper ointment (I prefer Destine), and travel size baby powder is a must. Baby Anbesol. If your little one is going to be teething, or is.

4. Baby Tylenol. This is my opinion. You can choose your own coarse here, but I have found mothers and fathers a like who have found this to be a pleasant way to relieve the discomfort of take-off. I give the least amount possible right when you first sit down, to let it take effect and I have not had that much problems with ears.

5. If the baby has a cold that is pretty bad, I would hold off the trip a day or two. A couple reasons: Your travel neighbor sitting next to you will not be too pleased with your baby coughing and sneezing next to him. The sinus pressure can be unbearable as you take off. The ears could hurt worse.

6. Snacks. You will have to give snacks, or goodies to your child no matter what age if you are going to want to keep the both of you happy. Four sand which baggies or tupper-wear (takes more space) with crackers, grapes, cheese, whatever your heart desires.

7. Toys that are age appropriate and will keep them busy are a life saver.

8. Extra clothes. Warm sweaters for crazy weather, and cold airplanes. Extra socks, in case you lose one, soft easy to put on shoes. Sweats, or soft pants that are comfortable for long flights, and you can sleep on. The fancy clothes-put them on when you land.

9. Strollers. Now, this depends on a variety of things. We found that light weight umbrella strollers don’t always work the best in the New York streets, but great in Florida. The double stroller was heavy and hardy for long trips and a lot of walking like in Toronto, a little harder in New York. The single stroller that was a little more heavy duty was great in NY but not enough room for stuff in Vegas for example. The age of your child plays a factor of coarse, and you have to make adjustments. You should always have cup holders to make life easier on everyone. Always check your stroller at the gate and have everything pre-packed and easy to remove. It should be tagged from check-in and I like they put it in plastic, so everything stays together. When you collect everything-make sure it’s all together.

10. Travel light in this area, so you are not on the floor of the airplanes holding everyone up while you are looking for ten little toys and things.

11. Prepare to pack up as you know you are going to land. Have everything ready to go, and don’t be surprised if your last off.

12. With a double stroller, baby gear, two babies, two adults, 1 carry-on and a laptop I have timed my husband and I double teaming it at the security gates exactly 9 minutes to totally break down, and get on the other side. So traveling with must necessities will avoid hardship (putting it mildly) later on.

Now your on the plane.

Most people and airline stewards understand if you need to walk the aisles or stand in the back with your child. Stretching your legs is not a bad idea either. Ice chips have been a great distract-er. The bathrooms do have a diaper changing station. Use the bathrooms to change diapers, or the stewards will get irritated with you. Stay calm, and have a sense of humor and you should get thru it. I notice that if I am calm, they are calm. If one thing doesn’t work, then use another, until you find the magic thing that makes them happy.

Getting off the plane.

Most passengers are actually quite helpful. I have made arrangements when I first sit down with the people around me if they want to switch or change seats to make everyone more comfortable. You then have some comradery when things gets noisy and usually the ‘kid-friendly person’ will not mind sitting with you. I have actually had people roll up their sleeves in the past and help me out surprisingly. Including carrying my bags for me, etc. If you are pleasant, and respectful, people will be too. We all just want to land at our destination. Make sure you have everything, and wait at the walkway terminal before leaving and the airport personnel will bring your stroller and car seats.

Traveling by car.

This is a little trickier only because the long distances the child has to stay belted. So, the ideal situation would be to stop every so many hours or miles and have a place to rest, stretch the legs and play or eat. This will avoid a lot of uncomfortable squirming, crying or irritability. So a 13 hr stretch is not the best idea.

Also getting the trip started at night is great because you can buy at least 6-8 hrs of travel time while your little one sleeps.

Gear:

1. It varies a little from the above, and you have adjust to your car size.

2. A cooler is a great idea to have behind the passenger front seat so it is easy access from the driver and the passenger for cold drinks, water, snacks, and goodies.

3. Bring DVD’s if you have a DVD player, and plenty of c.d.’s for you and the kids.

4. Coloring books, crayons, books, magazines are a must. A little camera for them if they are old enough is great to take pictures while you drive. Maybe a journal for the older kids. Oh, we cannot forget I Pods, mp3 players and whatever toy that suits your fancy.

5. Pillows, blankets, flip-flop slippers for quick runs to the bathroom, a sweater or jacket.

6. Flashlights, batteries, flares, and a first-aid kit, maps, cell phone, chargers, triple A card, and your GPS if you have one.

HERE’S WHAT’S COMING:

1. • What do you really need to bring baby home

   • Dangers of baby sitters

   • Advice on planning for baby

   • Stresses on marriage from kids, how to overcome

   • Dangers in public