[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The first holiday with a baby can be daunting. Should you bring a dummy? Will their ears be OK on the flight? How will they handle jetlag? How will you?
Philips Avent Ambassador Liz Wilkes has travelled with babies. Here she gives us some baby holiday tips, from experience, that will make your trip a lot easier.
Take the stress out of holidays with these top tips from Philips Avent. Picture: Philips Avent
Create a sanctuary
New research from Philips Avent shows breastfeeding mums are under more pressure than ever before. Take that pressure off when travelling by creating a low-fuss, chilled out zone in your accommodation. This area is somewhere where you can relax with your baby for feeding or bonding, without distractions and external stimulation. A special place for mum and bub to relax.
Get napping
Travelling can be a confusing time for a baby especially if time zones have been crossed. Holidays are all about relaxing, so whilst some holidays can be all-systems-go it is important that both mum and baby get adequate rest and get the most out of their time away.
Stick to your routine as much as possible while travelling. Picture: Philips Avent
Stick to your rituals
Try to stick to your home routines as much as possible no matter your location, especially around nap and sleep times. If you bathe baby before bed continue to do so, if you nap together mid-morning/afternoon also try to keep this up. By keeping to your routines, your baby will adjust faster to a foreign environment and the holiday can be enjoyed by all.
Pack strategically
When travelling with a baby – be it in a car, train or plane – you have to make sure that you have what you need to make sure every feed or change of nappy is as seamless as possible. Not only for the baby and for yourself but also for your fellow travellers.
The best way to combat this is to ensure that the high use items such as nappies, wipes, a change of clothes, breast pumps (I recommend the Philips Avent Comfort Single Pump), bottles and favourite toys are at the top of your bag, it is all about easy access to ensure your trip is smooth sailing.
A dummy will make flights a lot easier. Picture: Philips Avent
Carry-on considerations
You probably think you need a million and one things. Our tip is to write a list. Your carry on will depend on the length of time you spend in a plane.
I always suggest packing a pacifier in case bub isn’t hungry for the take-off and landing. Try one of Avent’s soothers, it has a finger-shaped opening on the front and lets the baby enjoy the natural comfort of mums finger as well as stimulating the action of sucking, which should increase your baby’s chances of a pain-free flight.
Need more baby holiday tips? Read these:
Best strollers for families who love to travel
How to take a baby passport photo
Baby-friendly tropical resort holidays
Mountain Buggy Bagrider reviewed by a mum
Big changes to international flights you need to know[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]