Traveling With A Baby For Long Distances

Traveling long distances with a baby is very stressful for many parents. Today, we want to share great tips to make traveling more comfortable for all your family.

The idea of traveling long distances with a baby can cause a lot of anxiety for parents, and no wonder: traveling with a baby is not easy, whatever the mode of travel. However, that is not impossible.

With this in mind, we would now like to give a few tips to help make traveling with your baby a little more enjoyable. So take it easy and keep reading!

Traveling long distances with a baby

Traveling by plane with a baby requires planning in advance

To make traveling with your baby as comfortable as possible, a little advance preparation is required. After all, traveling is also about preparation and planning (although we do understand that not everything can always be controlled, especially with children).

When planning a trip, consider the following factors: the baby’s age and mode of travel. It may seem strange, but these two things will help you plan your trip.

Let’s now look at a few tips for traveling with your baby!

1. Where does the baby sleep during the trip?

When traveling by plane, it is possible to book a baby cot for a baby of a certain age. This depends on the age of the baby as well as the airline.

Book it well in advance as it cannot be given at the last minute. Visit the airline’s website for age requirements and booking instructions for cots.

If you are not eligible for a cot, the baby should sleep in your arms unless you are willing to pay extra (50-100% of the normal price for a ticket) for your own seat for the baby next to you.

If you decide to keep your baby in your arms throughout the flight, bring an ergonomic pillow around your neck for a little rest.

2. Long-distance travel with a baby: baby food

A breastfed baby does not need special food to take with him on a trip

Breastfed babies are easy as they do not need to be provided with any special food. If you instead use bottle feeding, put milk powder in the bottle in advance and ask the flight attendant for water when you start feeding your baby. Most flights also provide milk in small portions.

Baby food jars are allowed on flights, so bring a few.

3. You will need one extra suitcase and diaper bag

You will need to bring enough diapers into the diaper bag for the entire flight and a few extra ones. Also include a baby blanket and at least two change of clothes in your luggage. Just in case, bring one change of clothes for yourself as well.

Also, remember baby wipes, and bring any baby medications and a thermometer just in case. Baby food, a bottle of water and a toy to entertain a child should also be in hand luggage.

Another tip: pack at least two large plastic bags in your luggage in case your clothes get stained. You can put dirty clothes in the bags until you get there.

4. Clothes during the trip

When traveling with a baby, it is important that both you and your baby feel comfortable. So forget unnecessarily fashionable and compliant clothes and let your baby travel in casual pajamas.

Dress your child in layers so you can easily add or subtract clothes as needed. Keep the blanket nearby as it sometimes gets very cool in the cabin.

5. It is normal for a baby to cry a little during the trip

It is not worth stressing about your baby crying during the trip

Babies cry, nothing can be done about it. So don’t stress.

Forget the fierce fellow passengers sitting in the back and stay calm. Gently try to calm the baby. Focus on your child and what is most necessary for him or her at that moment.

6. The pacifier prevents ear pain

Let your baby suck your breast, baby bottle or pacifier during ascent and descent as it will reduce pain in your ears. If you are feeding your baby a baby bottle, keep the bottle ready for these moments.

Traveling with a baby by car for long distances

Traveling with a baby is easier if the baby is sleeping

The biggest advantage of traveling by road (especially in your own car) is that you can control the pace of the trip. Plus, you can control the temperature and take as many breaks as you need. When traveling with your own car, it is therefore much easier to invest in your own and your family’s comfort.

1. Choose the best time

Travel by car preferably while the baby is sleeping. That way, you don’t have to worry about your baby crying, for example.

If you don’t mind driving at night, it’s a great time.

2. Make sure your baby has a comfortable seat

The car seat needs to be adapted to the baby’s age and size. Before you travel, make sure it is properly set up and comfortable for your baby. Make sure that the seat belt is also correctly positioned.

3. Take as many breaks as needed

Traveling with a baby in your own car is the easiest way to travel

Assess when the child is hungry, and try to schedule stop breaks for those moments so that the child can get out of the seat for a moment, be allowed to eat, and be in his arms. Remember that it is not recommended to keep a child in the seat for too long at a time.

4. Carry a spare tire and change of clothes

Just like when traveling by plane, it is necessary to bring enough clothes and diapers to your car. While it might be easier to stop to buy them when needed, it’s not the most pleasant situation you’ll have to have with your baby.

Also carry a spare tire in case of a tire puncture.

5. Traveling with a baby: comfortable clothes

Comfortable clothing is important when traveling so that the baby is good to have. Avoid wool and coats that are thick or too thin. Keep in mind that your baby may get too hot or cold, or the belt may rub off their skin uncomfortably.

Traveling with a baby for long distances requires patience and careful planning both before and during the trip. Take it easy and enjoy the trip by staying positive: traveling with your baby is sure to be easier than you think!