Travelling with babies – the surprise
It is a constant amazement to most new parents how a tiny baby can take up so much space.
When you add travelling with a baby into the equation, whether it is a two week summer vacation or a weekend away, just the thought of what you might need to take can bring you out in a cold sweat.
What do you really need to take and what can you possibly do without?
The trick is of course to think ahead. Be organised and plan ahead for different eventualities and potential problems.
When travelling with babies you need to plan, plan, plan
Planning will save you time in the long run. Take time to find out as much as you can about where you are staying.
- Are there steps to negotiate?
- Is your destination child and baby friendly?
Finding out potential pitfalls before you arrive at your destination will give you the opportunity to find ways you can work around any challenges you may face when you arrive.
Practice
Have you practiced assembling or dismantling any baby equipment you have purchased for your trip?
Watching one young family trying to dismantle their travel buggy in the departure lounge while everyone else was boarding the plane was great entertainment for all of us passengers but highly stressful for the family in question.
We sat next to them on the plane and admitted it was the first time they had to dismantle the buggy they had specifically bought for their plane journey. They were delightful and fully aware of the entertainment they were providing.
Allow extra time for yourself
Babies are time consuming little beings. Don’t let that result in you missing out on your own personal organisation for your trip away.
Think about what you will need to take for the trip to go with a swing. Focusing all the time on planning for baby and suddenly finding that you have not got your own wardrobe /makeup / suncream sorted out for the holiday is easily done.
Don’t sweat the small stuff
There is a strong possibility that you might just forget something. Remember most things can be sourced easily from most places so don’t let something that is irritating but not catastrophic put you in a bad mood.
Travel Documentation
Small stuff does not include your travel documentation. Please do not leave it until the last minute to dig out your travel documentation, passport and driving license
Passports can no longer be issued on the same day in the UK, even if you spend a day queuing at the Passport Office. We know of two people (without babies), who have been caught out by this and had to cancel their holiday.
Infographic – travelling with babies
The following infographic, “Top tips on travelling with babies” has lots of useful information with things you need to consider. and is great to use as a prompt when you embark on your first voyage with baby. 
Travelling With Babies by Wooden Toy Shop
