Your Baby's First Holiday-Part I

Travelling with your baby can turn into the most wonderful experience or it can be the worst nightmare. If you want some time for you and your spouse, leave the baby behind with someone you trust but if you want the trip to go the family way, take the baby along. And now that it is your baby’s first ever trip and you want to get everything right. So do all the preparations and do not leave anything to chance.

THE DESTINATION
Make sure you choose a baby-friendly destination. Check special facilities like babysitters with hotels in the area. Remember to keep track of what the weather is predicted to be during your visit and carry appropriate clothing.

PACKING
It is important to travel light, even when babies are involved. The more the luggage is heavier, the more chances of you getting frazzled and making the experience unpleasant for yourself and others, including the baby.
Think practical and think light. Make a checklist of the things that your baby needs on the trip before you actually start packing. Always keep a baby bag with the immediate essentials at hand. Baby packing should include baby couple of changes of clothes, bibs, hand towels, a wrap or two, wipes, diapers, changing mat, hand sanitizer (very useful), moisturizer, talcum, soap, medicines, a couple of toys to keep the little one distracted during the long drive/ flight, boiled water and food. Carry along your baby’s portable stroller if possible to make the trip more comfortable. Keep a couple of wraps or blankets and some woollies, no matter what the weather.

MEDICINES
Discuss with your pediatrician about your travel plans and make a note of any precautions you need to take and the medicines you need to carry. Do take along paracetamol syrup, nasal drops, nasal decongestant, colic syrup, and antiseptic cream for any cuts or burns. Keep your doctor’s contact number on your cell phone and also write it down in your diary.

THE DIAPERS
Disposable diapers are a must for vacations. It also helps to keep plastic sachets to dispose off the soiled ones. There are special diaper disposal bags that ensure an odor-free and sanitary experience. Take enough baby wipes to keep the diapers company as wipes are always handy for cleaning up all kinds of messes. Don’t take a giant diaper pack, as many places have that and by carrying extras you will only add load to your luggage.

FOOD
If your child is six months and younger or older and not weaned off yet, you will be obviously looking at breastfeeding through the trip. If you’re not comfortable about feeding the baby in public spaces, a workable option is to express your milk into bottles. If you’re okay with nursing the child in public, make sure you wear loose tops, nursing bras and carry a shawl or a dupatta to make things more discreet. And if your baby is six months to one year old, it makes sense to keep some fresh fruits, like bananas, papaya and cheeku, that you can easily mash and feed your baby wherever you are. Make sure you carry enough stock of the baby cereal. Carrying boiled and cooled water in a flask is necessary.