Baby Friendly Travel
Preparing and Planning Tips for Your Family Vacation
by Sarah Jio
abies and travel. It might sound like an oxymoron, or just a really bad idea, but don’t give up on your dream of New York, Mexico, or even Paris just because little Aidan or Olivia has entered your life. Experts and veteran parents alike promise that with a little preparation and planning, your trip can be memorable and – surprise – fun!
Just be sure you travel with the right expectations when you go, says Deborah Roth Ledley, Ph.D., a psychologist and the author of the forthcoming book Becoming a Calm Mom: How to Manage Stress and Enjoy the First Year of Motherhood.
“Pre-baby, vacation meant rest and relaxation,” she says. “Post baby vacation? Let’s face it,” she explains, “you’re not going to be kicking up your feet the whole time with a Mai Tai in hand. Rather than feeling disappointed by this change, parents should recognize that even meals and playground visits can be exciting experiences in a new city or country.”
BEFORE YOU GO
Whether you’re staying at a resort or a mountain cabin, it’s best to do some advance preparation to ensure that the accommodations will be safe and comfortable for your child.
Some parents have found luck with a new niche of services, such as
VacationBaby.com,
BabiesTravelLite.com, and
BabysAway.com. These companies will send all the baby gear you could possibly need (swings, bouncer chairs, high chairs, etc.) directly to your vacation destination.
Here’s a checklist to use when you book your stay:
Safety Will the room be babyproofed upon arrival? Some hotel chains and resorts will childproof rooms upon request. If not, and especially if your child is crawling, bring spare electrical outlet covers. If you’re traveling internationally, bring a roll of masking tape, which can be used to cover outlets and keep drawers shut. Also, think about other safety precautions during your stay. Hotel bed frames are notoriously sharp, so cover with extra sheets or blankets if necessary, and be sure to do a thorough inspection of the floor. You never know what surprises – pills, bottle caps, coins, and other baby hazards – might be lurking on the floor.
See also: Child Safety 101 for more childproofing travel tips Where to Sleep Ask to reserve a crib and inquire about bedding (it may or may not be included). If a crib isn’t available, consider purchasing a portable travel crib, such as a
Pack N Play, which can be checked with your bags on the airplane.
Family Friendly See if the facility where you’re staying has a “family wing.” Oftentimes resorts block off a group of rooms on lower levels where it’s easier to unload and load. In addition, when your baby wakes up crying several times during the night, you’ll be less likely to anger your neighbors.
