Parenting for Beginners

Author: David Cummings

Whether you’re planning a trip to the grandparents’ house or a family vacation, many parents think traveling with an infant will be difficult. Though there may be some challenges along the way, traveling with your baby can be less stressful with pre-trip planning and considering a few extra items. There are a few simple tips to make traveling with your child safe, and as low-stress as possible. You might actually enjoy your time away!

Traveling by air can present its own challenges. Most airlines will allow your baby to travel free when carried by an adult, but it is better to book a seat for your baby if you can afford the extra ticket. That way, baby can ride in an infant car seat, which will make the trip safer if there is turbulence, and the car seat’s familiarity can be calming to your child and reduce his or her anxiety about this strange means of traveling. Even if you didn’t book an extra seat, bring the car seat. You may be allowed to change seats if there are empty, un-booked seats on the aircraft. If the flight you are on is full, you can always check the car seat at the terminal and pick it up when you arrive.

Be sure to bring your baby stroller. It can be checked in at the terminal, and it will be a valuable thing to have right when you get off the plane. It will make the dash across busy airports a lot more comfortable. It will also give you a place for baby to sit if you stop for a snack at one of the many overpriced airport fast food places.

Bring a bottle for your baby or be prepared to nurse on the plane. Take offs and landings will be more comfortable and less frightening for baby if he or she has something to suck on. This will also help normalize pressure in his or her ears. Have your baby’s ears checked by a pediatrician before the trip, if there is an ear infection that isn’t showing symptoms yet, it can be incredibly painful for your baby when the air pressure changes during flight. Nasal congestion will have the same effect. Remember this simple rule: a sick baby and airplanes do not go together well.

Trips by car are a different matter. Although a car trip poses its own challenges, many parents tend to find this an easier way to travel. If traveling by car, you will have to make frequent stops and the trip will take longer than it would if you were not traveling with your baby. The best thing parent can do is to accept the fact that there will be more stops and be sure to plan for it – lack of planning for the extra stops is often causes parents the most stress when traveling.

Infants need some time outside of the car and away from the car seat. The older your baby is, the less time he or she will want to be strapped into a car seat. A 9 month old child, for example, is used to spending most of his or her day exploring and trying new physical skills. Being confined to a chair for endless hours can feel agonizing to your child. Be sure to stop from time to time and give your baby a breather, and let your child take in things with his or her senses. There are a lot nice rest stops along America’s highways and many of them offer marvelous scenery to enjoy.

Although many people have heard the stories of how difficult traveling with a baby can be, don’t let these stories stop you from enjoying your time traveling with a baby. Yes, you may have some challenging times during the trip but this is a great opportunity for your to spend quality time with your baby while your child is getting a chance to explore new and exciting territories. But, before you leave your house, don’t forget to pack a small bag of toys and snacks to keep your infant entertained on the ride.

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David Cummings is a devoted parent and husband and a regular author on many family topics. He is devoted to helping parents build better family time together and to ensuring a brighter future for all children through his contributions to children-oriented organizations. David is also the General Manager for Bustling Baby, LLC – a company that knows the business of parenting and offers a wide variety of products to make family travel easier, such as the Eurostar Travel System by Safety 1st

About the Author: David Cummings is an expert author and General Manager of Bustling Baby, LLC. He is devoted to helping parents build better family time and to ensuring a brighter future for all children through his contributions to children-based organizations.
http://www.BustlingBaby.com