Vacation Travel Tips - With Infants and Toddlers

Summer-Time = Vacation Time...   Tips for Traveling with Your Young Children

It’s  summer time. For infants, vacations are just around the corner. You may be wondering if it’s okay for your infant to travel with you. The simple fact is, these days babies travel from the very beginning. It’s probably a good idea to start bringing the baby out in a crowd after the first 6-8 weeks of life. I personally carried my newborn in a babypurse (what I called it) after the second week (I had to pick up my daughter from her school in Maitland).  Up until the age of 8 weeks, pediatricians worry about fevers, even as low as 100.3F. Any infection can spread very quickly. During this time, too, your baby will receive the first set of vaccines.

Traveling by car:

Traveling by motor vehicle is probably the easiest to negotiate with a toddler or new baby. You control your trip and also what you decide you need to take along, without restrictions. Stop often to feed and change the children. Make sure that the car is not overheated. Always check that the seat belts in the car seats are comfortable.  Play music, sing and talk a lot :o)  Take along a travel dvd player, dvds and some books for the toddlers.

Traveling by plane:

Many babies travel on planes these days. Notify the airline before your trip that you’ll be traveling with young children. Some of the airlines may offer special accommodations. Call the airline ahead of time and find out if you may be seated in the bulkhead area as there is more space provided.  We traveled to Madrid with our 10 month old and she was able to sleep comfortably on a blanket on the floor (as bad as that sounds, she slept 9 hours).
In most cases, you can take liquid formula, however, they test the liquid when you go through security...while you're taking off your shoes and removing your infant from the stroller.  I believe a baby sling would be more suitable.  If for some reason, bringing liquid formula is not allowed, bring formula in powder form and buy bottled water after you’ve passed security. It may not be possible to bring expressed breast milk in bottles. In this case, the baby can either drink formula that you prepare or you’ll breastfeed on the plane. It’s not advisable to keep the baby in your lap. Some airlines will allow a car seat. Your carry on luggage should include everything your children will need for that period of time.  However, pack extra EVERYTHING, just in case a problem arises; delayed or even cancelled flights can be a nightmare otherwise.  
 
When the plane takes off and lands, there’ll be a change in the pressure. Breast feed or give the baby a bottle of formula to ease the ear discomfort.  Toddlers find lollipops helpful.  Try to find some that are a bit sour so they swallow often.

***Find out if you need a separate passport for the baby or toddler well before you travel so there are no surprises when you arrive at the airport for your trip. Before you travel, please remember to check a few items:

• Clothing: Always bring many changes of clothing and dress the children in layers. It could easily be hot outside while the air conditioning is blasting inside.
 • Diapers: Make sure you have enough diapers, wet cloths, a changing mat, and diaper rash cream.  Be prepared to have to change a diaper or two while in your seat.  It takes practice, but it can be done with ease and disgression.
 • Bring formula (powder) and buy bottled water after the security check.
 • A small cooler (they look similar to lunch bags)
 • Baby food, finger foods and snacks
 • Sunscreen lotion: For children over age 3 months.
 • Medication for fever reduction: You should have this with you just in case.
 • Antihistamines: This is to be used in case of an allergy.
 • Any medication or device that the baby may use on a regular basis must be carried.
 • Toys, books, small dvd player and movies: Hopefully, these will help to keep the older children busy.
 • A baby carrier
 • A portable stroller, car seat, and portable crib should be checked.

At the hotel:
You need not travel with a travel crib.  The hotel should have one that meets FDA standards for safety. However, always call beforehand to be sure.  If they do provide a crib, they should also provide fitted sheets (but bring one from home just in case). Ask for a room with a refrigerator or a room that can accommodate one to store milk or formula. Ask the hotel to supply you with a local pediatrician’s name and contact information, in case of emergency. Watch your baby in the hotel room as you would at home. For toddlers, make sure the room is baby-proofed as much as possible.  Bring along a few outlet covers if you have enough room after packing 1000 items :o)

Have a safe trip. Stay healthy and have fun.  And remember, should you want a babysitter in while on vacation-whether you're traveling to Orlando or nationwide, call SeekingSitters 888-41-SITTERS (888-417-4883).