Babycation!

Traveling and vacationing with your baby is so amazing. 

My intention of writing this blog is firstly to break all the myths created by many of us on traveling with a baby and secondly share our experience for your preparation in order to make it a great travel experience for the family. People often say that traveling with a baby is painful and not enjoyable. The biggest myth is that the Parents feel ‘they don’t go on a vacation and they are just taking care of their baby in a different city/country’. The problem is even bigger when they start comparing this vacation with their previous vacations as a couple. Of course with the family things change however, there is still a lot of fun parents and the child can have on their vacation. First and foremost, as a family one needs to think that the time is different now and appreciate it. This will help you plan very well for your ‘babycation’. Secondly, mother and father have an equal responsibility and a role to play in making things very easy. And last but not the least, take this as an opportunity to build a stronger bond with your child and create some amazing lifelong memories. Your child also gets to experience a variety of food & climate conditions which helps in building the immunity and make your child stronger. Our daughter has traveled to 7 countries in her first year. It has been such an amazing year. We are truly grateful. We have made many mistakes and have learnt with time and experience. I hope that the following points will be helpful for all new as well as experienced parents. You may chose to do or follow whatever you are comfortable with and it will make a difference.

The First Flight: The good news is that your child will fly free for the first two years. Utilize that money in a comfortable stay and anything else that you would like to do for your child. The first flight fear is natural and it is OK to have some. It will only help you prepare well. When you book your flight tickets make sure you call the airlines customer service or send an email requesting for an infant friendly seat with bassinet (in-flight cot). While a few airlines like Emirates automatically book the same for you still, do not hesitate to contact your airlines in advance. In more than 15 flights with our child, we have always sat on the front row of economy with comfortable leg room and bassinet facility. It will be great to see your child sleep calmly in the bassinet and then you can sit back, relax, have a drink or watch a movie. You also get priority for check-in and immigration in most countries. Please do not hesitate to ask for assistance if you want to. If it took a couple of hours for this process in the past, it will only be a few minutes now. Babies don't get cranky in the flight if you keep them engaged for the time they are up. Do it as you like it. As good parents, eating your meal one by one is helpful and the crew is always kind.

The Baby Bag: Invest in a good baby bag which can help you keep all essentials you need such as diapers, wipes, bibs, pacifier, changing sheet, spare clothes, water sipper, baby food, small toys, books, sanitizer, medicines, baby toiletries and sunscreen lotion. Don’t use an ordinary bag and please get a specialized baby bag pack with sections for everything .You will understand its value once you use it. You can carry as much food for your child in the flight as you want to, there are no checking woes. 

The Baby Carrier: I personally rate this as the most important investment. Just because you’re travelling with your baby doesn’t mean you don’t get to see the sights of Rome! An ergonomic baby carrier is a must have and you will have fun carrying your child around everywhere while saving your back. In order to get your child used to it, you have to use it and use it again. Babies have more fun in the carrier and are far more relaxed than anywhere else. Most importantly, it will keep you close to your child and build that special bond. Investing 100-150 USD in a baby carrier is absolutely worth it. You will never regret.

The Baby Stroller: Let’s not beat around the bush here – after a day of sightseeing, even the most robust little one will want to have a nap. Make your lives easier by taking your stroller and packing it in a handy stroller cover to ensure it stays clean and protected. Invest in a sturdy stroller that has adjustable positions, shopping basket, comfortable belts, sipper holder etc. There are lightweight travel friendly strollers available and are compact as well. You can take them in the flight cabin which ensures good handling and less wear & tear.

The Baby Monitor: We use a baby monitor at home to watch her sleep and manage the chores at the same time. We make sure to carry it on all our vacations in order to chill and have our own little time. While your baby takes a nap, you can enjoy a drink or two in the balcony or in the garden. In our last vacation, the bar with open sitting was just 50 meters away from our room. We could sit for a while everyday and also watch & stay alert on the time she is up.

Babycation do’s and don’ts : 

• Dedicate one suitcase for your child and carry books, toys along with clothes, accessories and diapers.
• Prepare a checklist to avoid any last minute rush.
• Arrive timely at the airport and make your child experience the environment. 
• Carry baby food and baby friendly natural/organic munchies.
• Avoid junk food and prefer fresh fruits.
• Make your child eat what you eat once 6 months +
• Flexibility is the key in your vacation plans and things to do so, avoid booking any timed events and go as per your child’s routine.
• Choose a hotel with 24 hour room service.
• Breastfeed or give anything to munch during take-off and landing.
• Relax, enjoy together and you will be looking forward to more.