Traveling with Baby

 Stress-Free Summer Family Traveling

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 08/09/2010 - 11:05 

Here are a few tips that I learned that might make this year's summer travels, and maybe any travels, a little less stressful on the family:

•Think disposable bibs, but don't throw them out on one use. Re-use those puppies! I mean, that's what wipes are for, right?

•Also, don't forget those (the wipes!) Wipers are MUST haves on the road, on the plane, bus, or any other mode of transport. They're good for almost any mess, big or small.

•You want to have diapers on hand for baby, but don't go all crazy and bring the whole box like I did! If you run out, remember kids all around the world use diapers, so don't be afraid to pop into your favorite store to buy some extras (I do have to admit that I totally have cloth diaper envy because I tried it, and I failed miserably at it, so if you use cloth, you're AWESOME, but I don't have much expertise in that area.) For me, the plus side of having cloth diapers that I never used, is that they are so handy in keeping baby's butt dry, and good at being distinguishable from other towels.

•Did you know that thoroughly drying your baby's after a bath or diaper change can help prevent diaper rash? It's true!

•If you want to avoid baby getting a diaper rash all together during summer travel, be sure to use Dr. Smith's Diaper Ointment during each change because it really does work. I think the tube is the best for traveling, and can help keep the moisture out if you can't complete a thorough drying after cleaning baby.

•Don't forget the sunglasses! Great way to keep baby from having sun in the eyes. I like to constantly tell my daughter how beautiful and pretty she is in them, and she will keep them on forever.

•Toys, Snacks, and water! Having to entertain a small child for long periods can be hard, so take along baby's favorite toys, but only 3, tops. You don't want to constantly be stopping for snacks, and traveling gives minimal options for healthy eating, so take a long a few things that you are certain your child will eat that are not perishable. Water is good to have on hand, but don't take the whole case! Plus, you might want cold water in some cases to cool down faster, so don't be afraid to stop every now and then and get some cold water.

•Sippy cups, and bottles; don't take ALL of them, but take about 3 or 4, and some soap to wash them out. I've found great steaming/sterilizing bags for a microwave; good for traveling and most convenience stores have them, if desperately needed.

•Take enough breaks! If you're road tripping during the day, babies can have lots of energy, and certainly do NOT like to be tied up for long periods of time. The water breaks may be a good way to get baby's legs stretched out.

•Travel at night. (Mostly if you are driving.) It might not always work, because I know my husband had a hard time with it once (I attribute that to Mommy not being there,) but it's worked really well before. It can be very hot during the day, especially in Texas, and choosing to travel at night saves your vehicle from potentially overheating, along with the rest of the family. Travels at night can also save you some sanity from having to entertain a baby that is strapped down, because there will definitely be snoozing going on.