When it comes to traveling with a baby, considerable planning comes into play. Remember, children have a short attention span. Thus, keeping them glued to the seat for the whole journey can be quite a bad idea, and quite frankly not possible, especially with long-distance travel. They tend to become extraordinarily fussy and irritable. How then do you ensure you have a smooth trip? Below are the top essentials you shouldn’t miss when traveling with your child.
Toys are a Lifesaver
Toys will help keep your baby preoccupied when playing with them. It helps them lose focus that the trip could be taking too long then they expected. An exciting choice can be their favorite toy. Do they love holding on to their Mickey Mouse toy? Carry it with you. You can also carry different varieties to keep them busy. Your baby plays with one toy for too long and gets bored, thus becoming annoying. If your child is a pre-teen or teen, you can carry exciting books that will engross their mind.
Window Shades
Children do not respond well to a lot of sunlight, especially if they want to nap. Additionally, it can make it too hot for them, making them extremely irritable. Remember, a child’s temperature regulation is different from that of an adult. In such a scenario, ensure you have window shades to shield them from the light. You can also have car window curtains that you can easily pull through when traveling.
Snacks are a Definite Plan
Think of the many times your child asks for food or snacks, even when at home. It doesn’t change when traveling. They will still ask for snacks, and possibly all the more.
Carry goodies they can snack on and drinks too. You can also include a cooler and warmer if need be. If your baby is still young, kindly ensure to have their baby food. A travel sterilizer, baby bottles and cleaners, and formula milk are a lifesaver for infants. The baby food, such as a puree or cereal, should be something they are accustomed to feeding while at home.
Baby Clothes and Essentials
Ensure you have a change of baby clothes in case they soil themselves. You can include nappies, diapers, baby wipes, blankets, shawls, feeders, and even a changing mat. Not to forget, baby oil is also vital. For diapers, the pull-up set is the right choice. Additionally, your travel pack should include a baby carrier, baby crib, pacifier, and even a travel stroller. You can also get a bassinet from an online store, which is also essential when your child is small for the crib. Sometimes, children may experience motion sickness when traveling. Ensure you have a disposable bag or even a bucket that you can quickly reach out to when need be.
Car Seat
Not to forget, a car seat is a must-have. Never travel without strapping your child to the car seat, then buckling up the car seat belt. It helps keep your baby safe should anything go wrong.
Sometimes, a child traveling might refuse to relieve themselves anywhere but to a- you guessed it right, a potty. Thus, carry with you a portable potty to give you a smooth journey. Furthermore, a portable high chair for feeding your baby is also a great idea.
Their Music is Everything
Keep baby music close to you. You can have CDs, DVDs, or even their iPad. Music has a soothing effect, especially on infants and toddlers. Your child’s headphones will also come in handy.
First Aid Kit
Accidents are sometimes bound to happen, even to the most careful person. It can be a sting, fall creating a twist, sprain, and even bruise. Having a first aid kit will help you attend to your child should the need arise. You can include disinfectant, wire gauze, cotton wool, pain relievers, antibiotics, and even a pair of scissors. Should the worst happen, you will avoid getting into a frenzy as you have adequate preparation.
A change in environment can also affect your child; thus, carrying cough drops, cold medicine, and antihistamines would do you right. Also, remember to pack a thermometer, insect bite cream, and even sunscreen. Most importantly, be keen to associate their essentials with what will help them follow their routine in the closest way possible. In this way, they won’t even realize when you get to your destination.
Armed with the above essentials, you can be sure traveling with your baby will become more bearable. However, even after doing everything right, sometimes, your child may still become fussy. In such scenarios, you need one essential aspect- patience. Yes, loads of it.