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Essentials for Traveling with Baby
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For many people the thought of traveling with a baby is the stuff that nightmares are made of. However, with some thoughtful planning, and the right baby gear it can be a great experience. The key to a successful trip is to view the space in your luggage as the most expensive real estate in the world. It is really tempting to pack everything the baby owns, but trust me, hauling all of it is frustrating and you won't use half of it. Below is a list of the essentials you will need, and important features to look for when shopping.
Diaper Bags
You'll need two, one regular size large diaper bag, and one huge weekender diaper bag. Why two? First, once you get to your destination you won't want to be lugging the weekender diaper bag around all day. Second, it is much more organized if you are not trying to stuff everything in one bag. When shopping for travel diaper bags look for a large interior with organizational pockets, and large easy access outer pockets for small toys and books. Also, at least one of you bags should have places for a bottle or sippy cup on the outside. No more digging around for those while your thirsty child is screaming. I like a separate pocket on the back for a changing pad, wipes and one diaper. This makes quick changes on the go easy.
Most of us already have a favorite large diaper bag in our stash, but you might not have ever thought about a weekender diaper bag. My favorite weekender bag is Skip Hops' Duo Double Diaper bag. It is high quality, well organized, huge, and easily attaches to almost any stroller. At $80 it can be a bit steep for some. For around $30-$40 Eddie Bauer makes a good-sized Maxi bag and some large backpack style diaper bags. If you are looking for a backpack Columbia's Baby Backpack is a great choice. It has a side entry zipper that allows you to access items at the bottom without dragging everything else out from the top.
Pack only two changes of clothes in your diaper bag. Put the rest of baby's clothing in your suitcase. You'll need the extra room in the diaper bags for diapers, wipes, drinks, blankets, snacks, toys and books.
Shop Ski Hop Duo Double Diaper Bag
Shop Eddie Bauer Maxi Bag
Shop Columbia Baby Backpack
Car Seat Carriers and Accessories
If you are traveling by car you can skip this section, because you will simply use your regular car seat. However, if you'll be traveling on an airplane, what to do with your bulky car seat is a big issue. You may be trying to save money by not purchasing a separate seat for a child under two. Nonetheless, you'll probably need a car seat once you get where you are going.
One great way to haul your car seat around the airport, and protect it from the rough luggage handlers is to us a carrying bag. There are many bags on the market, and choosing one depends on the features that best fit your needs. Most models either have wheels for pulling or straps for carrying like a backpack. I prefer the back pack style, because I'm usually using one hand to push the stroller and one hand to pull my luggage behind me. If you go with this option make sure the one you choose has thick padded straps for comfort. If you choose one on wheels check to make sure they are sturdy and will roll smoothly. Also, be sure to measure your car seat and check the dimensions of the bag. Better yet, take your car seat into the store and try it out if possible. The bags are bulky, but you can also pack a blanket, coats, or other lightweight bulky items on top of the car seat.
If you have an older baby who can face forward, and is at least 34 inches tall you can use a portable car seat. Eddie Bauer makes a great travel car seat that folds up, and can fit in your luggage. It is basically just a backing and a 5-point harness. I wouldn't use it for long trips or in icy weather, but it is great for short trips at grandma's house or rides in taxies. At around $39 it is moderately priced.
Strollers
You may be tempted to travel with a cheap $25 umbrella stroller because they are lightweight and small. However, they get caught up in every bump or crack on the ground. Not to mention they leave your child's head at a perfect height to be hit with the purses and packages of passersby. Instead, invest in an everyday stroller that has features that are good for traveling. Some important features to look for are one-handed fold/unfold, standing upright on its own, and a generous basket. You'll also want it to hold your infant car seat, be compact/lightweight, and be easy to push. In this category the Inglesina Zippy is by far the best stroller on the market. It is expensive at around $300, but it is the best stroller for travel, and one of the best for daily use. You will definitely get your money's worth. If this is too expensive for you, there are many other good choices for around $100.
Shop for Inglesina Zippys
Baby Beds & Blankets
Unless you're visiting a close relative who bought a crib, chances are you'll need a safe place for your baby to sleep. If you have a young infant you can use a travel bed, Moses basket, or a high-end stroller carrycot. Most travel beds are simple padded rectangles, and some you can place between you and your partner in a bed. They may offer more comfort and room than a Moses basket or carry cot. I'd reserve the last two for infants less than 3 months.
If you have an older baby a Pack N' Play or a Kidco Peapod Travel Bed is perfect. A Pack N' Play can double as a safe place for baby to play. Also, some models come with a bassinette and changing station all folded up into a relatively small carrying case. Plus, chances are you already own one. If not they run anywhere from $50-$150 depending on the features. The major drawback of a Pack N' Play is that it can be heavy, and bulky to carry. It probably isn't the best idea for plain travel. The Pea Pod is a little tent with an air mattress inside. It is great for camping or the beach as it can be used outside to keep the bugs, wind and sun off your baby. It folds up into a small circular carrying bag that fits in a large suitcase. It is quick and easy to set up, and very light to carry. At around $60 it seems expensive, but if you travel often it is a good buy. They even make a larger one for around $85 that your child could use for a much longer. You can get extra mileage out of it by using the tent at your local park.
What ever travel bed you choose make sure to get your child used to it before you leave. Start with nap times and try a couple of nights leading up to your trip. Also, sleep with the bedding for a few nights so it will smell like home. Being in a new place, and probably off a schedule is hard enough. Your baby won't sleep well if you wait until you travel to introduce him to a new bed.
Even if you have a bed where you're going, you'll want to have a blanket on hand for the ride. I strongly suggest the Secure2Me clip on blanket. It is large enough to use as a changing mat or clean place for baby to play, but it will fold nicely in your diaper bag. Each corner has a baby safe clip that secures it to car seats, strollers and almost any thing. It also can be used as a nursing blanket for privacy. $40 may seem like a lot for a blanket, but the convenience of the clips makes it worth the money. The clips really work well to keep it where you want it, and baby will not be able to push it off on the ground.
Shop for Pack n' Plays
Shop for Kid Co Peapod Tent
Shop for Secure2Me clip on blanket
Entertainment
You will defiantly want to take some toys along to pass the time. The best advice I have is invest in a portable DVD player and some preschool movies. Now I know that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no TV for children under two. However, I bet not many of them have been on a long flight or car trip with a baby or young toddler. You can pick a good one up for around $150-$200, and a decent one for around $120. Look for a battery life of at least 4 hours, and read user reviews on line before you buy.
Other than that, your child's favorite small toys and books will keep him smiling. I'd advise against anything that makes lots of noise or plays obnoxious songs. Also, I like to pick the toys that I know my child likes and put them away one or two weeks before hand so she'll be excited to play with them again. This coupled with a couple new books always keeps my daughter happy and entertained on long flights.
Safety
I bet you have your baby's space at home baby proofed to the highest degree. It is important that your baby's environment stays just as safe on the road. To this end be sure to bring a couple of packs of electrical outlet covers, tapestry cord covers, and a doorknob cover for the bathroom. Also, when staying at a hotel, crawl around the room and remove anything that is not safe for baby. This could include anything form plastic covered cups to pens to dangling coffee pot cords. No matter where you stay, you'll sleep better knowing that your baby is as safe as they can be.
Bottom Line
Traveling with a baby can be easy and fun if you have the right gear. If you don't have some of the gear mentioned above, and you don't have the money to purchase new things try looking into second hand shops. Also, borrowing from you friends and family can be a good way to go. Lastly, many hotels often have cribs and bedding that you can request for your room. Most importantly, be sure to pack a large dose of patience and a great since of humor. These will make even the worst delays and tantrums seem small.
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