Travel

Dr Ken Law
8:31 pm

Travelling With a Baby Over Christmas

Travelling over the holidays can be stressful, but it can prove even more difficult with a baby. Here are some tips to help you have a stress-free Christmas holiday:  Be prepared Whether you are flying or doing a road trip to see family interstate, make a list in advance of everything you generally use on a daily basis and pack everything ready. Make sure you leave a well packed nappy bag out for inside the car or on the flight with nappies, change of clothes, pre-filled water bottles (if using formula and flying – the airlines should allow you to take it on board – check with your airline), emergency dummy, snacks and food if bub is on solids, baby toys, wipes, and muslin cloths to name a few things.  Invest in a cheap pushchair If flying a lot of parents often put their main pram/stroller on with cases and then buy a cheap foldable pushchair (around $25 in shops such as Target) to push bub around whilst in the airport and getting to the airport lounge (depending on age of your baby). Some airlines even have them on hand for you to use theirs. One less thing to worry about.  Travel as light as possible With smart thinking you can reduce the amount of things you need for a trip. For example check with the hotel you are staying at whether they have bassinets or portacots available as that could be one less thing you need to worry about when travelling – don’t forget sheets though. If flying check with your airline whether you can book a bassinet/cot for your baby. Be mindful that with some airlines depending on the number of babies and their ages you may not always get an allocation.   Safety Checks If going on a road trip a first aid kit is handy as is taking some baby Panadol with you just in case of a fever on the way*. Check your baby’s car seat is fitted properly, and consider window shades to ensure your baby doesn’t get exposed to too much sun. *always […]

Travelling With Your Baby

For many people, the idea of travelling with their new baby can be very daunting and the thought of it puts some people off even considering it. Here are some things to consider when travelling with your baby. Flying with your baby Babies are able to travel on planes from a very early age but it is always best to check with the airline you are travelling what their individual requirements are. There are usually baby bassinets available on the plane but be aware that often airlines won’t allocate one until you have booked your tickets and have a name for your baby.  Furthermore, allocation is not always guaranteed as it comes down to the ages of the babies and how many are on board. One advantage to travelling with a baby is that you pay 10% of your fare for your baby (for international flights), and so it is very cost effective to travel with them at this age. For domestic flights in Australia, infants below the age of 2 travel for free! Young babies can also make easier travellers than older more inquisitive babies, but be mindful if your baby has a particular condition which might make things difficult. Consider buying a cheap pushchair to use in the airport once you have put your main stroller in the hold. Also consider if you are going to a country where you aren’t sure what food your baby can eat, it might be wise to take a small number of ready-made food pouches to help get you through, such as Bellamy’s Organic or Organic Bubs. Driving with your baby If you have a baby that is good in the car then a road trip might be the perfect getaway for you, as you might find they sleep for much of the journey giving you some downtime in the car. Be mindful of feeding and it might be good to map out some stops along the way if you are going a long distance to ensure that baby gets fed regularly and gets some fresh air. Make sure you take plenty […]

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