Thanksgiving is almost here! How time flies! As the big day approaches, you’re going to have to think about how you ate going to travel with your little one to visit friends and family. Well, here are a few tips for traveling with a baby this Thanksgiving.
1. Make Sure You Have All The Essential Baby Gear
If there is any baby gear that you don’t want to travel with, call your host and confirm that they have them on hand. This includes everything from sleep areas to play areas to other essentials like bathing gear and nightlights.
Next, pack your diaper bag with everything you cannot live without. This means diapers, wipes, extra clothes, snacks, blankets, toys, and pacifiers. You can pack things like breast pumps, sleep sacks, feeding bottles, and medical supplies in a separate suitcase.
2. Leave Early
When you have a baby, a three-hour drive needs an extra two hours of preparation. You should also account for diaper changes and snack pit stops. Plan to either leave early or head out a day or two before Thanksgiving.
3. Consider The Weather
November is a cold month. Depending on where you are, it could even snow on Thanksgiving. Therefore, you want to pack different layers of baby clothes, including warm sleepers, shirts, and jackets.
4. Pack Light
The lighter you pack the easier life will be for you. No need to pack heavy baby gear you’ll probably never get to use. You also need to think about how mobile you’re going to have to be. For example, if you have a flight, several trains, and a taxi ride to get to your destination, packing several suitcases worth of stuff would make for an exhausting journey.
5. Don’t Check Your Carry-On Bag
Pack your little one’s essentials in a diaper bag. Then, if you are flying to your destination, don’t check this bag. If your luggage gets lost unexpectedly, at least you’ll have all the essentials you need for your baby’s comfort.
6. Check That It’s Safe To Travel With Your Baby
Some airlines only permit travel with an infant that’s at least two days old. Others set the limit at two weeks. Most doctors recommend waiting for at least a month. Some parents choose to wait until the baby is at least 3-6 months old. Driving is always a great safe backup means of travel with very young babies.
7. Wear Your Baby
Wearing your baby is easier than pushing a stroller. It is easier to move around and navigate stairs. Plus, your little one will be a lot more comfortable. Whenever you can, wearing your baby should be your go-to option.
8. Bring Along Some Special Items
Pack that special binkie or their favorite toy. Babies love familiarity. It can help to calm them down when they are feeling overstimulated.
9. Stick To A Schedule
Whenever possible, try to maintain the same schedule your little one has at home. Sticking to their usual feeding habits and napping schedules will give them the security they need to adjust to new environments.
10. Avoid Traveling On The Busiest Days
Traveling on a crowd-free day is ideal especially if you’re planning on using a plane or train, but it might not be that easy with your work schedule. If possible, avoid traveling on the day before Thanksgiving when using these means of transport - this is when airports and train stations will be at their busiest. If you have no choice, your best option may be to drive to your destination where possible.
Final Thoughts
The truth is, traveling with a baby is not easy. However, with the tips and tricks outlined here, it should be something that is within your reach this Thanksgiving. Good luck!
