If you are traveling with small kids, be it your own or someone else’s, you need to prepare well. Failure to prepare can make traveling with a child very difficult, particularly if they’re very young and have never traveled far from home before. You need to consider not only their comfort, but also the comfort of the people sitting around you. It’s particularly annoying to have an unhappy child screaming in someone’s ear during a flight, bus ride, or ferry ride.
This post will tell you how you can effectively prepare for a trip with a child so that your trip is as trouble-free as possible:
Breastfeeding carrier
If your baby is breastfeeding then you need to bring an appropriate carrier for him. It’s unlikely that anyone you share an airplane with will object to your breastfeeding, but airplanes can be very uncomfortable and awkward for breastfeeding. A special baby carrier for breastfeeding will make it easier for your child to suckle, in addition to covering your chest. Turbulence is also sometimes experienced on planes, in which case a nursing carrier will keep your baby pressed against your chest, so you do not have to worry about dropping them or spilling your milk anywhere. If you are feeding your child using formula, then a carrier is still necessary, for his comfort.
Warm Blanket
Planes, boats, and trains can all get very cold, depending on when you are traveling, so ensure you bring a blanket for your child. Most young kids don’t cope well with cold temperatures. If you expose them for a long time, they can get sick. Similarly, if it is going to be very hot where you are traveling, then do not overdress your child and maybe consider bringing along a portable fan, so you can fan it if it starts to get too hot. Make sure they’re dressed appropriately.
Bring food
If you’re going to be traveling for a long period of time (i.e. a few hours or more), then ensure you bring food for your child in case they are not any longer breastfeeding. While most airlines, ships and trains have food carts, the food sold in them is commonly not appropriate for youngsters. Make sure you take your child’s normal food with him. If they’re large enough to eat a sandwich, then make them a filling lunch, but ensure you include lots of fruit, so they get five servings a day. Don’t let your child’s regular schedule get messed up by traveling.
Disturbance
The main reason why many kids start crying and disturbing others while traveling is because there are not any distractions on the ship or plane to keep them calm. It’s a good idea to bring some distractions so you do not have to worry about your child making a scene. If your child is old enough to use electronic devices, then you can download their favourite shows onto the device and place it in front of them to watch anytime they freak out. Some airlines even have television screens built into the seat headrests, which you can use.
Travel insurance
Whenever you are traveling anywhere irrespective of whether it’s with your kids or alone, you should ensure that you have travel insurance. A travel insurance policy will make sure that if there are delays with your flights, problems, or injuries sustained abroad, you are all covered financially. Travel insurance policies are generally very affordable and you only need to make a one-time payment. Depending on where you live in the world, your government may have paid for an insurance plan for you, such as a UK EHIC card.
Stuffed Animals
Lastly, bring your child’s stuffed animal or whatever make them feel comfy. Bringing whatever makes your child feel more comfy will make the trip much less stressful for them. It’s important to minimise your child’s stress level as much as possible so they do not panic on the plane and disturb others, and so they feel comfy. Your child’s comfort should be one of your main concerns. After coming back from your trip, ensure you thoroughly clean anything that was brought on board, because airplanes are giant petri dishes.
If you and your young kids are traveling, preparation is key. Failure to prepare can result in your child feeling very uncomfortable, which is never a good thing. This post’s advice is certain to make your next trip overseas with your little yet one more manageable and a lot less stressful, so take each point seriously.
