THE ACCESSORIES
Take favorite toys, books and/or pillow or object that helps the little one get comfortable through the trip, since the barrage of new sensations, constant movement, strange faces and smells might make the baby uncomfortable. It’s best to carry very few toys, only the ones your child is very attached to.

THE ROUTE WAY
Most parents believe that getting there is half the battle won. Having a baby on board has its own share of nervous moments.

Air
Remember, your baby must be at least a week old to fly on any airline. Children travel free below the age of two on most airlines. Check with the airlines you are flying, if they allow the use of infant car-seat. If they do, that or taking your baby’s carrying basket is the next-best options.  Ear-ache is a common complaint during flight take off and/or initial descent. Do remember that a cold can increase your baby’s chances of ear-ache. Consult your pediatrician before you set off on your trip, in case your child does have a cold, if you can administer an infant pain reliever or decongestant or whether it’s best to just postpone the flight. Flight induced earache in infants can be countered by either crying or feeding. Crying opens up the airways between the ear and throat and thus helps equalize the pressure. Apart from any physical discomfort that your baby might have, be prepared for general crankiness and impatience at being in a closed environment for longer than they are used to. Distract them with their toys; show them the view through the window.

Rail
The best bit about travelling by train is safer and there is more room for you and the baby to move about, compared to a flight. Make sure you always hold onto your baby while on the train; never leave the baby without a support on the train seat. A sudden jolt can be dangerous and there are no seat belts on trains to avert accidents.

Road
A road trip can be a bit uncomfortable for the little one, if it’s more than an hour long. Make sure you use a car seat for your child. You can tie some toys to the seat to keep baby happy. Protect your child from the harsh sunlight by make the child wear a sun hat or use a car window shade on the side baby’s sitting on. Take breaks often as constant travelling can drain both you and the baby. Keep wet towels or wipes to keep your baby’s face and hands clean and dry.

RELAX
Loosen up and forget about all your worries till you get back. The whole point behind your trip is to introduce your baby to the world, sit back and share their wonder. A stressed out parent can only mean an antsy baby since they are quick to pick up on any kind of negative vibes. Enjoy the moment and return with beautiful memories of your travels with the little one.