They told you, you will have to stop traveling when you have a baby. But guess what? That doesn’t have to be the case.
Having a baby doesn’t mean putting an end to adventure. In fact, it can be the start of a new chapter of exploration and discovery.
Last year, a Singaporean mum based in London, Cam Khalid, and her husband ventured off to Northern Cyprus with their six-month-old baby. This year, Allie D’Almo also took her son to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand when he was halfway through his first year.
You see, parents usually travel when their children are six months old. That is because traveling with a six-month-old isn’t hard. The key to a smooth and enjoyable journey is preparing beforehand.
Here are some tips that can make traveling with your six-month-old a breeze.
#1 Pack Smart, Not Heavy
We get it—your baby seems to need everything under the sun. That might tempt you to pack everything. But overpacking won’t do any good. It will only lead to excess baggage.
When traveling with a six-month-old baby, less is more. Focus only on the essentials. Be totally realistic as to how many diapers and wipes you will need. Put only that number of diapers and wipes in your backpack. Then, add a few extras.
Pack a bunch of outfits, but not so much that they take up a major chunk of space in your duffle bag. Stick to a few versatile options that can be mixed and matched. Make sure all outfits are easy to clean.
Don’t forget the must-haves like comfort items—a favorite blanket or pacifier—that will help soothe your little one.
#2 Keep Baby’s Meals Handy
Your little one is just six months old. Expect to feed them every five to six hours a day.
If you breastfeed your infant, get a lightweight nursing cover or scarf. That will allow you to feed your child in privacy in public. But if your child is bottle-fed, pack pre-measured formula in stackable containers. Or carry pre-mixed bottles, just enough for the journey.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says you can introduce solid food around six months of age. If your baby has started solids, make sure you carry pouches of pureed food.
Make it a point to prepare solid foods at home. Avoid buying packaged foods. Research has found that top baby food products contain heavy metals. It has sparked panic among parents and swathes of lawsuits as well.
The claims are not baseless. A congressional inquiry, TorHoerman Law reports, discovered that four major infant food producers intentionally marketed food having high quantities of hazardous metals.
Major brands, like Gerber, Plum Organics, Sprout Organic Foods, and Earth’s Best Organic (Hain Celestial Group), are named in the toxic baby food lawsuit. Testings found mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic at alarmingly high levels. That could have disastrous repercussions for children who consume those items.
Even at low levels, these metals can affect the brain development of children, leading to behavioral issues like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD.
#3 Stick to Your Baby’s Routine (But Stay Flexible)
Maintaining your little one’s routine will provide a sense of familiarity, which is key to keeping them calm.
Try keeping your baby’s nap times, feeding schedules, and bedtime routines consistent. If your baby is used to a specific bedtime routine, like a story or a lullaby, try to replicate that in your new environment. That will make settling down easier in an unfamiliar place.
Travel often comes with unexpected delays or changes. Stay flexible, regardless. Maybe naptime doesn’t happen exactly on schedule, or a feeding has to be done in a new spot. Don’t stress if things aren’t perfect; focus on keeping the overall rhythm.
#4 Pack a First-Aid Travel Kit
Babies can be unpredictable. You must stay prepared for minor bumps, fevers, or tummy troubles.
A first-aid travel kit for your baby is a must-have for peace of mind while traveling. Some basic things your baby’s first-aid kit should contain, according to Children’s Hospital Colorado, are infant acetaminophen, nasal aspirator, bandages and antibiotic ointment, and gas drops.
If your baby has any allergies, ensure you have the necessary medications on hand.
The thought of traveling with your six-month-old baby might overwhelm you. But it isn’t as stressful as it appears to be. Just a little preparation will set you up for smoother travels.
Remember, things won’t always go according to plan, and that’s okay. Whether it’s a flight to a new destination or a road trip to visit family, these trips are opportunities to bond as a family. Therefore, take it easy and prepare as best you can. You will have an enjoyable experience when you embrace the adventure and go with the flow.
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