When you add a newborn or toddler into the mix, it becomes a whole new level of stress for parents.
Taking some extra care when preparing to travel during the holidays will make the process a whole lot easier, leaving parents heading to their gatherings this weekend a little more jolly.
We put together out favorite travel tips for parents to help even brand new parents conquer holiday travel like a pro.
Car trips are boring and your baby thinks so too. If you have a long car trip ahead, plan on spending some time in the back seat hanging out with your baby. Pack a separate bag with all the essentials to keep them right within reach and you’ll be prepared for any disaster. Read stories, sing songs and play with toys to keep your baby entertained. Traveling in the evening when your little one is usually winding down to sleep will be a whole lot easier. Your baby will sleep the whole way and arrive to your destination sleeping or well rested, recipe for peaceful holiday travel.
Traveling stresses your baby out. Plan for some meltdowns and make sure you allow some extra time to soothe your baby if they start feeling fussy. If you’re traveling to a holiday party, find out ahead of time if there’s a quiet area for naps, breastfeeding and a calming time out when your baby becomes overly stimulated. Some of the signs of this stress are excessive blinking, sweating, increased or erratic breathing, crying, and constant changes in facial expressions. Your baby might become overstimulated in airports, train stations or on long car trips. Keeping a careful eye out for signs your baby needs a break will stop a tantrum before it begins.
Airports are difficult for grown ups to navigate, and is completely overwhelming for babies. Pack prepared but as simply as possible. Keep baby essentials in your carry on bag in front of your seat, to keep them quickly accessible. To prepare for cabin pressure changes that can be painful or confusing for your baby, feed your baby or offer them a pacifier to suck on. Luckily many airlines offer priority boarding to parents traveling with babies, helping you get on and off the plane faster. Check with your airline and TSA before you leave about their liquids policy if you’re packing pumped breast milk and baby food.
Take your time and give yourself the opportunity to relax throughout your journey. If parents are more relaxed while they travel, the kids will be more calm too!
Remember to stay positive, go with the flow and focus on spending quality time with your family and friends.