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Wellness Tips for Travelling with a Baby

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Travelling with a baby presents both challenges and excitement, but with proper preparation and guidance, it can become a fulfilling adventure for both parent and child. From finding ways to keep them entertained during flights to prioritizing their safety and comfort throughout the trip, here are some helpful suggestions to maximize your experience when traveling with your baby or toddler.

1. Opt for baby and toddler friendly accommodation:
It’s all in the planning… When booking accommodation for your family trip, look for baby-friendly options that provide amenities such as cribs, baby bath seats, and childproofing. Staying in a baby-friendly environment can make bedtime and bath time routines easier and more familiar for your little one. Ensure your baby's safety during transfers and when travelling abroad by using a car seat on flights or in rental cars, baby-proofing hotel rooms, and keeping a close eye on them in crowded places.
2. Snacks and entertainment for the flight:
To ease the challenges of long flights for both you and your little one, packing ample healthy snacks and entertainment is essential. Ensure a variety of easy-to-eat, non-messy, nutritious snacks like sliced fruits, crackers, and cheese sticks are on hand. Additionally, don't forget to include their beloved toys, books, and simple activities and games to keep them engaged and content throughout the flight.

3. Packing light for the flight

Travelling light is key, especially when you have a baby or toddler in tow. Opt for compact, lightweight baby gear and bring only the essentials to simplify navigating airports and boarding flights. If your airline permits, bringing a stroller on board can be a lifesaver, sparing your back from carrying everything. A reliable travel stroller can transform your holiday experience with your baby. It offers a convenient way to transport your little one while exploring new destinations, providing a comfortable resting spot when needed. The Inglesina Quid²weighing just 5.9kg and boasting ultra-compactness, ensures maximum comfort for your child. Its front suspension makes manoeuvering through crowded airports and busy streets a breeze, relieving parents of unnecessary strain. With this exceptional travel pushchair, embark on your holiday adventures with confidence, knowing your baby is safe, comfortable, and ready to enjoy every moment.

4. Create a baby essentials travel kit

Besides snacks and entertainment, create a kit with baby essentials like nappies, wipes, nappy cream, and a travel changing mat. Having these items readily accessible will make changes and mess clean-ups a breeze, whether you're on a plane or exploring a new city.
5. Dress baby comfortably for travel
Opt for soft, breathable clothing for your baby during travel. Dress them in layers so you can adjust their clothing according to temperature changes in different environments. Additionally, bring along a lightweight blanket for extra warmth or to shield them from drafts.

6. Plan rest breaks

If you're travelling by car, plan regular rest stops to give your baby a chance to stretch, feed, and have a nappy change. This will help prevent them from getting too fussy during long drives and make the journey more comfortable for everyone. If you are on long journeys, make sure you break at least every 2 hours, and use a reclining car seat such as the Inglesina Darwin Infant Recline car seat, which enables your baby to lie in a reclined position throughout the journey.
7. Keeping baby happy during take-off and landing
Babies can experience discomfort during take-off and landing due to changes in air pressure, which can lead to ear pain. To help alleviate this discomfort, it's beneficial to feed your baby or offer them a pacifier to suck on during these phases of the flight. Encouraging swallowing can effectively equalize the pressure in their ears, minimizing any potential discomfort they may feel and ensuring a more pleasant travel experience for everyone.
8. Staying Hydrated
Whether you're taking to the skies on a flight or venturing out on the road to explore a new destination, maintaining proper hydration is crucial for both you and your baby. Remember to pack an ample supply of water to ensure hydration throughout your journey. If you're breastfeeding, offering frequent feeds is essential to keep both you and your little one hydrated and comfortable. For older babies, bringing along a spill-proof sippy cup can be a convenient way to provide hydration while on the go, ensuring they stay refreshed and content throughout the day.
9. Ask for help
Don't hesitate to ask for help or seek support from fellow travellers, hotel staff, or family members. Many people are understanding and willing to lend a hand when they see a parent traveling with a baby. Accepting assistance can ease some of the stress and make your journey more enjoyable.
10. Keeping Baby Safe
in the Sun
Shielding your baby from the sun's harmful rays is paramount, particularly in sunny climates. The Inglesina Quid² travel stroller is equipped for such conditions, featuring a spacious UPF50 extendable hood that provides excellent protection. Additionally, its hood incorporates a mesh insert, facilitating airflow to keep your little one cool and comfortable in warmer weather. To enhance sun protection, consider using an extra sun cover, which can be purchased separately, to shield your baby from direct sunlight. Attaching a fan to the pushchair can further aid in keeping them comfortable by providing a gentle breeze. It's crucial to minimise sun exposure, especially between 11 am and 3 pm when UV rays are at their strongest. Opting for shaded areas and dressing your baby in lightweight, protective clothing can also help mitigate sun-related risks during your travels
11. Maintaining
Routine
Travelling often disrupts a baby's routine, but there are strategies you can use to help them adjust to their new surroundings. Endeavour to maintain their usual sleep and feeding schedule, even if it entails tweaking your itinerary. Bringing familiar items like their special blanket or cuddly toy can instill a sense of familiarity and security in unfamiliar environments—just ensure you don't misplace them! While consistency is key, be ready to be flexible to unforeseen circumstances. Flexibility is essential when travelling with a baby, so embrace spontaneity and be willing to adapt your plans as necessary to cater to your little one's needs.
12. Dealing with Jet Lag and Time Differences
Dealing with jet lag can be daunting and challenging for both you and your baby, especially on trips spanning multiple time zones. To mitigate its impact, gradually shift your baby's sleep and meal routines to match the local time at your destination. Encourage ample outdoor activities during daylight to help regulate your baby's internal clock, facilitating improved sleep patterns at night. Additionally, maintain consistency in bedtime rituals, such as soothing baths, a baby massage or bedtime stories, to promote relaxation and a smoother transition to the new time zone.
13. Sleeping
and Nap Times
Ensuring your baby's comfort during travel is vital for their overall wellbeing, particularly when it comes to sleep. Packing familiar bedding or a portable crib provides a cosy sleeping space, promoting better rest. Maintaining their regular bedtime routine, complete with familiar rituals like story-time and dimming lights,, helps signal that it's time for sleep, aiding in a smoother transition. When on the move, the Inglesina Quid² is a reliable choice, offering optimal comfort with its adjustable reclining backrest, facilitating the ideal sleeping position for your little one.
14. Capture family memories
Remember to capture precious moments along the way. Take plenty of photos and videos to document your baby's first travel experiences. These memories will be cherished for years to come and serve as a reminder of the incredible adventures you shared as a family. By incorporating some or all of these travel and wellness tips into your travel plans, you can help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience for both you and your baby. With careful preparation, a positive can-do-this attitude and a little flexibility, traveling with a baby can be an enriching experience that strengthens bonds and creates lifelong memories. Safe travels!

Midwife & Expert Led

Senior midwife, founder of Let’s Talk Birth & Baby and the face behind Instagram’s The Honest Midwife.