A couple of decades ago, pediatricians advised traveling with a child only after he was 3 years old. In our time, experts recommend waiting until the age of two. However, many modern mothers have long been successfully traveling abroad with babies. In this article, we will tell you how to plan the perfect trip with a small child.
Planning a trip with a baby: what you need to know when traveling with children, life hacks
Naturally, traveling with a one-month-old baby is different from relaxing with an already grown toddler. As a rule, trips with babies are comfortable, because babies sleep most of the time. A one-year-old toddler is already more difficult to keep in place, he stubbornly studies the world and shows his curiosity.
Why travel with small children? Firstly, parents take a break from everyday life. A positive emotional climate in the family is important for the child. Secondly, the sea air, walking on the sand is useful for the baby. Pebbles and shells will help develop fine motor skills, and swimming in salt water is an excellent tempering procedure.
However, it should be remembered that traveling with a child under one year old always carries various risks and inconveniences. Changing climate and time zone is a big stress for a child. In addition, babies often get tired from traveling, there is a risk of heat stroke on vacation, sunburn. During the journey, children come into contact with a large number of people who can be sources of viruses.
IMPORTANT! Do not choose exotic countries for traveling with a baby. Before going on vacation, study the epidemiological situation of the country you are going to visit.
What transport to choose for travel? When choosing a country for a holiday, it is important to remember that long flights with transfers and long trips by car are harmful to babies. In addition, the child will not be able to appreciate the sights yet. Therefore, it is better to choose the nearest beach resorts with a mild climate for families with babies.
When traveling with a child, it is important to avoid significant climate changes and sudden changes in time zones. Preferably sandy or sandy-pebble beaches with a smooth entrance to the sea. The most popular places for families with babies:
- Bulgaria;
- Greece;
- Turkey;
- Spain;
- Montenegro;
- Italy and others.
For babies, travel by plane or car is ideal. Each the family chooses transport based on the possibilities of the family budget and personal wishes. Services railway will cost less, but the trip will be long. Airlines will help you quickly and comfortably get to your destination, but you will have to fork out for speed.
When traveling by car, you yourself plan the route and time of departure, but the trip on such transport is tiring, especially for a driver who has no one to replace him. Toddlers often get sick in the car, they get tired of being in a confined space for a long time and the vibration of the wheels. Older children find it difficult to sit still, but frequent stops and entertaining games on the trip smooth out the situation.
IMPORTANT! When traveling on an airplane with a baby, choose seats by the window. In the event of turbulence, baggage from the shelves may fall onto people sitting at the aisle.
What to take on a trip with a baby: tips
It is better to pack your bags in advance so that you do not forget anything in a hurry. When planning a trip with a child, you should minimize the possible risks and prepare to collect the necessary things meticulously and carefully. What to take for the baby on vacation?
- : antihistamines; medicines for temperature, for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, for sore throats, for coughs; nasal drops; dressing materials; antiseptics; drugs for intestinal colic; antibiotics; painkillers; preparations for burns and insect bites; ear and eye drops, thermometer, etc.
, containers, thermos with hot water, bottles, etc.
IMPORTANT! Going on a trip, be sure to take out medical insurance!
Often, even with a strong desire, it is difficult for parents to decide on a vacation with baby. When weighing the pros and cons, it is important to remember that there are not only risks and some inconveniences when traveling with babies, but there are many devices that provide a comfortable pastime. BUT proper preparation traveling with a baby is the key to a successful vacation.
Paradoxically, but children in the first year of life endure long trips more easily and cause less trouble to parents than older babies.
Traveling with a baby is not as dangerous or difficult as some parents imagine. The main thing is to conduct the right organization, take into account the advice of people who have gone through this, have experience. They have something to tell.
Babies before they can walk are less of a problem than babies who can walk on their own. They sleep the lion's share of the time, even on walks.
For a baby, the most important thing is mother and milk. This is the main condition for the well-being of the baby and the pleasant rest of the parents.
- Consult with a travel specialist;
- Decide on the list of necessary medications for infants;
- Take out insurance, you may not need it, but it is better to have a guarantee of quality service if you are going to another country.
- Choice of vacation spot. Children under three years of age are not recommended a sharp change in climate and change of time zones. Give preference to places and countries with similar climates;
- When choosing another country, stop not at exotic countries, but at civilized ones. This will reduce the risk of getting any infection and increase the chance of providing qualified assistance;
- Traveling with a small child to the sea or to cities with a minimum load of tourists and attractions is preferable;
Leave such cities as Paris, Rome and the like for later. Long walks on excursions will be tiring for you and for the baby.
- If you choose a place of temporary residence, give preference to the city center, then you will be able to get to the sights you are interested in without spending a lot of time and effort;
Otherwise, by the time you get to the right place, it will be time to return.
- Take care of the vehicle for the baby. It can be a folding stroller, sling, "kangaroo";
The choice of stroller is carried out depending on the age and physiological abilities of the baby. The stroller should be comfortable for sleeping if the baby falls asleep during the walk.
- Development of a travel route to the destination and means of transportation.
Transport
You can travel by plane, train, bus or car.
- Traveling by car has a number of positive aspects for traveling: you can stop at any time and take a walk, feed the baby. Make sure you have a comfortable seat. There should be a sun shade on the side of the chair attachment;
- If you choose between train and bus, it is more convenient to travel by train. More space, you can walk with the baby, sleep comfortably;
By the way! Don't forget to use the maternity and baby rest areas while traveling.
- When planning a flight, give preference to direct tours and short distances. A direct flight may be more expensive, but this is your vacation and your child's. In flight, the baby is fastened with an additional belt.
You may need information from the article on what to do if your child is afraid to fly on a plane >>>
What not to forget to take on the road
For babies
It is better to know what to take on a trip with a child. Both baby and parents need comfort.
- For a baby, it is advisable to equip a bag or suitcase separately. So that, if necessary, do not interrupt a bunch of children's things along with yours;
- It is desirable that the bag has several compartments, so it is easier to arrange things for their intended purpose and it will be easier to use them if necessary;
From practice: there are things that are taken just in case. Keep them separate from what you need.
- Take care of the wardrobe for the baby. Consider the climate of the place of rest. If it is cool or changeable, stock up on enough necessary warm clothes;
- When traveling to the sea, the baby should have several hats;
- From toys it is better to take oversized and beloved ones. You don’t need a lot, a few for periodic replacement, so as not to get bored;
- If possible, get new toys so that the baby takes longer to get acquainted;
- If the baby is potty trained, you need to take him (by the way, read the article How to potty train a child?>>>).
Baby over a year old
Traveling with a child who is 1 year old requires supplementary meals. In addition to milk, the infant's diet already contains complementary foods.
- Take care of the supply of food on the road. It is better to purchase a cooler bag for food safety;
- Calculate the required number of diapers and disposable diapers. Collect baby care products;
- Think over the first-aid kit on a trip with a child as much as possible. If necessary, consult your doctor. The dosage for infants should be known in advance. Ideally, you won't need it, but it's better to be prepared for anything! Pick up:
- remedy for teething (read the article Gels for teething >>>);
- thermometer;
- remedies for sweating (if a trip to a hot climate is planned);
- antihistamines;
- means for lowering the temperature (syrup or candles);
- drugs for problems with the intestines;
- eye drops, nasal, ear;
- cotton wool, bandage;
- protective equipment against insects and after bites.
The baby should have an individual first aid kit. If you are traveling by plane, take the necessary medicines for the duration of the flight. Put the rest of the drugs in your baby's luggage. It is important to have sun protection.
It will also be useful to read the information in the article First aid kit for a newborn >>>.
Things for mom
- Choose your own wardrobe for the duration of the trip as comfortable as possible. Make a choice in favor of things in which you can easily feed your baby;
- Important comfortable shoes, if the child is going to be worn in a sling, it is better without laces, since it will be problematic to bend over.
Necessarily! Pick up medicines: painkillers, in case of intestinal poisoning and based on the characteristics of your health. Since many medicines are prohibited for mother with HS.
The documents
Separately, have passports, birth certificate, insurance, Required documents when traveling abroad.
Important! If the baby is traveling with one parent, you must have a power of attorney from the other parent, certified by a notary.
For baby and mother
- Required number of change diapers, several disposable diapers, wet wipes, bottled water;
- Mom needs to have a changeable jacket or T-shirt if milk leaks;
- The same set is necessary to have when walking, on excursions.
Stay at a holiday destination
Traveling with a one-year-old child will not be overshadowed if you try to maintain the usual daily routine of the baby.
- Do not change your usual diet, carefully introduce exotic foods into your diet;
Remember! Everything you eat will be reflected in the baby. Why in an unfamiliar place do you have problems with allergies or disruption of the intestines of your baby?
- If your baby receives additional foods, ask if he will be provided with such food at the place of stay;
- Use his usual food, do not experiment. The food should be familiar to the baby.
The appearance of a new family member is not a reason to turn yourself into "recluses". Although such trips are fundamentally different from past trips together. It will be a little more difficult, but don't be afraid! The main thing is the right attitude, preparation and good mood!
Breastfeeding and the young age of the baby is not a reason to refuse to travel. To avoid trouble during the trip, you should carefully prepare for the process, collect the necessary things and develop a route taking into account several nuances.
Interestingly, children in the first year of life tolerate the road better than older babies. They sleep most of the time on the road, and newborns do not get motion sickness in transport. Plus, when the baby is full breastfeeding. Babies need their mother and mother's milk to be around. Then he will be full and calm. Therefore, traveling with a baby with the right organization will be easier than you expect.
Let the baby not remember the trip to the sea or abroad, but he will always be with his mother. And this is a guarantee of peace and well-being of the child. In addition, a trip with a baby will help to establish contact between mother and newborn.
15 rules for traveling with a baby
- Before the trip, be sure to consult with the pediatrician if the baby has any contraindications. Be sure to take out high-quality medical insurance for the child and, if necessary, get vaccinated;
- Pediatricians do not recommend a sharp change in climate and time zones for children under three years old. Choose places with similar weather conditions and preferably in the same climate zone;
- If you live in cold regions and travel to the sea, do it during the cool season.
- Go to a civilized country to minimize the risk of catching an infection or disease. In addition, it is important that qualified medical care be provided in the country;
- The best choice would be a trip to the sea or to cities with a small amount of attractions with a compact location. Please note that walking with a baby around the city for long distances is tiring and not always realistic. Remember that the child regularly needs to change diapers and feed;
- For hiking and excursions, use special devices for carrying children (carriers, slings, backpacks, etc.);
- Carefully select the wardrobe of mother and child. For mom, things should be comfortable. It is important that a woman can easily feed her baby without changing clothes and unnecessary movements. For the baby, take clothes for various occasions, because the weather can change dramatically;
- Take the child's favorite toys, if necessary, they will occupy and calm the baby. You can take new toys, which will take more time to learn;
- Plan your route carefully. Read reviews, find out about places, if there is a room for mom and baby, playgrounds, etc. Plan a route with stops so that you have the opportunity to feed and change clothes, and when traveling a long distance - take a walk and breathe fresh air;
- Relax in the mother and baby room. There are similar facilities in modern airports and railway stations. Don't be afraid to ask for help;
- Try not to change the habitual nutrition of a nursing mother when breastfeeding. Remember that new and exotic food can cause stool disorders, allergies, poisoning and other negative consequences in the baby. Read more about the principles of nutrition during breastfeeding;
- Watch your child's diet. Due to the trip, the intensity of attachment and feeding may change from the usual. However, pediatricians recommend maintaining the diet that the baby is used to;
- Try to keep the sleep and walk habitual for the baby;
- Do not take perishable foodstuffs if it is not possible to comply with storage conditions on the road. If necessary, take a refrigerator-carrier;
- Be sure to take a thermometer, medicinal and protective (from bites, ultraviolet radiation, etc.) means on the road.
What to take with you: things and documents
When traveling, do not forget to take the necessary documents, including a passport, birth certificate, tickets and medical insurance. If you are traveling abroad, you will need to obtain a separate passport for your child. However, even if the baby has a foreign passport, be sure to take a birth certificate too!
To travel to countries with a visa regime, you need to obtain a visa for the child. Please note that in order to travel abroad a child accompanied by only one parent, you need a certified power of attorney for consent from the second parent. If the baby is traveling with other relatives, a power of attorney from both parents is required.
When traveling with a baby, diapers, wet wipes and a bottle of water will always come in handy. In addition, breast wipes and a change of jacket will come in handy if milk suddenly leaks. All of the above things should always be taken with you on a trip, on excursions and walks, to the sea and the beach. To make it comfortable to carry things, use a backpack or a shoulder bag.
The sling and “kangaroo” will replace the stroller, make walking around the city and feeding during the trip easier. However, please note that if you are carrying your baby in a carrier, it is better to use shoes without laces and additional fasteners, since it is difficult to bend over with a sling.
If the child is already receiving supplementary food, take jars of vegetable or fruit puree, dairy products, cereals and everything that the baby is already used to and eats with pleasure. Food should be familiar and familiar. Please note that when traveling by plane, due to pressure differences, baby food jars can explode, and yogurt or cottage cheese can swell. But the quality of food will not suffer.
Don't forget your travel first aid kit. Below are lists of things you need to take on a trip with a baby, as well as medicines that will come in handy on such a trip.
List of necessary things and medicines
| Things | first aid kit |
| Required documents | Bandage or gauze |
| Pampers with stock | Cotton and cotton swabs |
| Disposable waterproof diapers for changing diapers during the trip | Adhesive plaster |
| Wet and dry wipes | Thermometer |
| Powdered milk formulas, if the baby is on mixed or artificial feeding | Hydrogen peroxide 3% for the treatment of wounds and bruises, scratches and abrasions, to stop bleeding |
| A thermos with hot water to dilute the mixture if there is no access to boiling water (a thermos is useful in the car, but there is no need for boiling water on the train) | Anti-allergic drugs for babies (drops or gel Fenistil - from 1 month, Zirtek drops - from six months) |
| Baby food if the baby is receiving complementary foods | Means for healing wounds, remedies for burns (Panthenol, creams with sea buckthorn oil, Rescuer - for minor burns, etc.) |
| Toys and other entertainment (puzzles, books, etc.) | Antipyretics (candles and syrups containing paracetamol, Nurofen is a more powerful remedy) |
| A backpack or a handy bag to always have the right things with you | Zelenka for the treatment of wounds and insect bites |
| Sling or kangaroo | Syrups for coughs and sore throats |
| If you plan to take a stroller, it is better to choose a folding one. | in case of indigestion and in case of poisoning |
| Drinking water | If a child's first teeth are cut, special anesthetic gels will come in handy (Holisal, Baby Doctor, etc.) |
| Soother on a chain, teethers (if teething) | Regidron for diarrhea and vomiting and other remedies for diarrhea |
| Warm blanket and pillow (airplane blankets are dusty) | Nasal drops, eye and ear drops as needed |
| Own bedding if you are traveling on a train, so as not to pick up an infection and other diseases | (Espumizan drops - from the 1st day, Plantex - from 2 weeks, etc.) |
| Empty bags for dirty clothes and dishes | sun protection |
| Comfortable clothes and shoes for baby and mother | Remedies for mosquito and other insect bites |
Features of the trip depending on the type of transport
Transport plays an important role in travel. If you are planning a long-distance or international trip, an airplane is the way to go. Choose tours that do not require a long flight and, if possible, without transfers. A direct flight will cost more, but it will save your nerves, time, good health and mood. Get ready for flight delays!
When traveling by plane, be sure to feed your baby before takeoff. Take the necessary things for the baby on board hand luggage. This will also help if the luggage is suddenly lost. If possible, choose a seat on the plane near the window, then during feeding the legs will be turned to the window, which will not cause concern to the neighbors. During the flight, the child is fastened with an additional belt to the adult's seat belt.
If you have a choice, go by bus or train, choose the second option. This is a comfortable mode of transport where you can lie down and walk. In addition, the train always has access to boiled water. To be comfortable when traveling by train, take seats on the bottom shelf.
Traveling by car has its advantages even when traveling long distances. You can stop at a convenient moment, select the appropriate schedule and adapt to the baby's regimen. On a long trip by car, you can always stop and spend the night in comfortable conditions or just take a walk, breathe fresh air.
The trip by car is better to start in the morning. Calculate the path so that the beginning of the road falls on the baby's sleep. A good time to travel by car is after the first feeding.
Many parents believe that they should go on a long journey with a child only after he turns 3 years old. But the baby is ready for outdoor activities outside the city from the age of 3 months. By this time, he is no longer as weak and vulnerable as it might seem at first glance, and endures the road even easier than grown children.
Choosing the right place for traveling with a child will allow you to spend this time with maximum benefit and convenience. When going on vacation with small children, it is better not to save money and buy an all-inclusive tour. This will help to avoid many household problems during the holidays.
The best time to travel is during the off-season. During this period, the resorts are not crowded with people, they are more calm and comfortable. You just need to take into account the temperature of the water in the sea and weather conditions that are warm enough for children to swim, walk and enjoy their vacation.
Exotic countries located in a different climate zone are not recommended for family trips with children under 3 years old. You need to choose a quiet place with good environmental conditions and affordable medical care.
Accommodations
When traveling with a child, you should remember that children need special conditions for living. The room must have a crib for a baby, a bath, a sterilizer for nipples and bottles, a refrigerator, and special detergents.
Acclimatization
Family holidays with children must be 3 weeks or more. Some time (8-10 days) will be required for the adaptation of the baby. A short trip can disrupt this process, and this will lead to undesirable consequences for a child.
most comfortable and fast way for a family vacation trip, an airplane flight is considered. When traveling with a small child, it is recommended to choose resorts with a direct, short-term flight.
Travel costs - fares
Airplane tickets for children under 16 are several times cheaper than for adults. There are 2 child rates:
- The infant fare is for babies aged 0 to 2 years. It is 10% of the total fare. There is no separate place for a child, he rides in the arms of adult family members.
- Tariff Child (children). Applies to children 2-11 years old. This fare is 50-75% of the cost of an adult ticket. A small passenger is provided with a separate seat. Baggage check-in - according to the standard for adults.
Documents required when traveling abroad
For children under the age of 16, the following list of documents should be prepared:
- Birth certificate.
- Notarized permission from the parents (or one of them) for the child to travel abroad (in the case when the child travels alone).
- Visa (if necessary).
- Children's travel document.
Air travel: flight planning
Traveling with a baby on an airplane is an exciting and at the same time extraordinary event. In order to avoid stress, unwanted reactions, parents should carefully plan the trip.
It is preferable to fly on a less crowded flight. In this case, the child can get a separate seat even without buying an adult ticket. Choose morning flights. Children will be calmer and spend time in a good mood. At the same time, it is advisable to fly with babies at night. They will sleep all the way and will easily endure the plane trip.
When planning an active holiday with children, parents should provide for everything that a child may need during a trip. Our guide will help you navigate this.
Medications
The first aid kit for a child includes the following medications:
- Antivirals
- Diarrhea medicine
- Antibacterial and antiallergic drugs
- Antipyretics (nurofen, paracetamol)
- Ointment, gels for bruises, abrasions, cuts
- Sunscreen
Clothing and food
The child should be dressed according to the season, in light clothing without chafing seams. It is necessary to take interchangeable sets of things for yourself and for the child.
On planes, they offer a special menu for children. It is ordered when purchasing tickets. It is also recommended to take bottles of boiled water, infant formula, juice or compote, cookies, and lollipops with you on the road. Put all the products in a separate bag and warn the airport staff about it during the baggage inspection.
Toys
When planning a trip with a baby, you should purchase new toys, funny books, magnets, rattles, multi-colored pens in advance. They will allow you to entertain the baby on the road and forget about the long journey. You need to take with you the most favorite soft toys that he is used to.
Rubber and inflatable balls will be a good fun for a child during a trip to rest with children at sea. If you are going to a sandy beach, then you need to purchase a sandbox kit. A handbag or a small backpack will make the little traveler very happy. In them he will be able to put all his "luggage".
An inflatable pool is useful when the sea water is not warm enough for swimming. Water in such a device heats up quickly. The kid will be able to splash in the pool all day long, play with waterfowl toys, launch paper boats.
Keep a special diary for the duration of your trip. In it, you can make sketches of the brightest events of your trip with children, sign them, paste photos and postcards.
Portable cradles and strollers
Carry cots, car seats and universal strollers are usually included in special systems for family trips abroad. These devices make travel much easier. A lightweight stroller for walking will be an indispensable tool for babies who can sit. And for babies, carry cradles are suitable, which can easily fit both in the trunk of a car and in the luggage compartment of an airplane.
Winter travel with children
Kids love winter very much, despite its cold, snowfall and frost. Therefore, a trip to winter resorts will be perceived by them with no less enthusiasm than a summer tour.
Holidays with children in winter may include a visit to the northern countries, Santa's homeland. It will be remembered by little adventurers for life. In European countries, Christmas holidays are very fun, in compliance with the old folk traditions. Winter holidays with children in these places include an extensive entertainment program. Children can visit the Arctic Zoo, Dolphinarium, amusement parks and museums, see historical sights.
Ski resorts attract with an abundance of well-equipped slopes different category complexity suitable for both adults and children. Sledding outside the city, dog sledding and snowmobiling delight children of all ages.
A few years ago, holidays with children abroad were considered quite expensive and inaccessible pleasure. But at the moment the situation is radically changing for the better. Now almost every family can afford a trip with a child to the sea, in foreign countries. High quality service, optimal climatic conditions and compliance with the main rules guarantee an unforgettable and healthy vacation for both adults and the youngest travelers.
Earlier, Sergey and I often heard: “Of course, it’s good for you, but then, when there are children” ... and then blah blah blah, a lot of different arguments why after the birth of a child we are no longer destined to leave the house.
That day has come, Sophia has appeared, and naturally we were worried - when will we be able to resume travel and how everything will be now.
I found out about the minimum age for children to travel and it turned out that most airlines take passengers older than 7 days on board.
I would also like to hear the opinion of pediatricians. They almost unanimously repeat - from three months.
Starting from the age of one month, we went with Sophia every month or two. Our first big journey began when she was three months old - we went to Thailand.
In this article I will write the features of our trips depending on the age of the child. Perhaps this will help someone decide when it is already possible to hit the road with the baby.
Traveling with a child under one year old causes the most fears and doubts. Especially the grandmothers. But perhaps this is the most light children's travel age.
This is especially true for babies up to six months. The child sleeps a lot, for now he only needs parents from entertainment, if the baby is breastfed, then everything is simple. Children from six months to a year are also good companions, in any case, so far accommodating.
Of course, traveling with a one-month-old baby and with a one-year-old are two big differences. Therefore, further about the experience of our trips by months.
Traveling with a one month old baby
At this age, we managed to travel with Sofia only by car. But often children at this age fly on an airplane.
Probably, these are the most trouble-free passengers - they mostly sleep. Sling and breast-feeding make these trips perfect.
Although, of course, in hindsight, everything seems much easier than at the moment when you are just about to go somewhere more or less far away with your child for the first time.
It is difficult even purely psychologically, especially if you have to fly. Here, being a mom-dad is not quite used to being, and suddenly you go out with the baby almost in outer space- taxi, airport with a bunch of people, then the plane, hotels. Viruses, people sneezing and unsanitary conditions are everywhere.
I can reassure you: it will seem like this at three months, and at six months, and at nine months. Gradually you get used to it and relax a little, but the first time is always difficult.
As for the car, it's easier here. You are alone in it, no one around sneezes or coughs. But a car means choosing the right car seat.
If you plan to travel long distances, and especially if the child is small, at the age of one month it is better to use a carrycot. Such a chair is very similar to a cradle from a stroller, but is fixed in the car, and inside this cradle the child lies horizontally, secured with seat belts.
And on the road there is a very great temptation to take the child in your arms while driving. Including because at the age of one month, children on HB eat for a very long time, sometimes for 40 minutes, until lactation is established. Moreover, at this time the child is a quiet and comfortable passenger.
In theory, this is the time to stop. And for safety reasons, and so that later such a problem as the need to accustom the child to a car seat does not arise later. In theory, yes.
Traveling with a 3 month old baby
At the age of three months, Sofia flew for the first time by plane; we traveled to Asia with transfers for almost 12 hours.
As a result, this trip was easier than 600 km. by car in 1 month. The plane vibrates much less and does not shake like a car, which makes the child much more comfortable.
There was nothing complicated about this flight. We decided to fly at night, and as we hoped, Sophia slept most of the way.
The most difficult question here again is what to carry the child in, because not all airlines on board provide a special cradle for newborns.
S7, which we flew to Hong Kong, does not provide a cradle, but allows you to take a carrier on board. In any civilized world, a carrier that just sits on the lap of the parents for the entire flight is wildness.
We flew from Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur already in a human way, with this very cradle. Of course, it’s easier, you don’t need to keep the child in your arms all the time, but we flew during the day and Sofia didn’t sleep most of the way.
In my opinion, the ideal flight at this age looks like this: short, lasting up to 4 hours, should be daytime, if you need to fly for a long time (7-8 hours), then it is better to fly at night. And if at night, then with a cradle provided by the airline.
Many are afraid of acclimatization. Sophia, if she had one (we moved from autumn Russia to Thailand), we did not notice. In October, it was still cloudy and rainy in Krabi, the air temperature was about 30.
I didn’t understand… Acquaintance with the still gloomy sea.
Since such small children quickly overheat, air conditioning is key when moving to the tropics. Of course, you don’t need to turn it on to the fullest, as Asians love, so in a taxi it makes sense to ask him to turn it down if it’s cold.
But to live in a room with a fan, as we used to live, with such a small child, we definitely would not. Prickly heat on the skin is just one of the troubles with overheating.
Many people think that traveling with children of this age is only a whim of parents and even, in a sense, selfishness, because the baby is not able to see, appreciate and remember anything.
From my own experience, I can confidently say that this is not the case. Here in the photo is absolutely happy three-month-old Sofia, who was happy every time she saw banana leaves in the hotel garden and heard cicadas.
On a journey, in favorable conditions, next to parents who are well, the baby will be well for sure.
As early as three months, we traveled several times with the child by car, 200-300 kilometers a day, once 700. In order for the child to worry less on the road, the key here is again the presence of a good car seat, which at least dampens vibration a little.
We came to Thailand unprepared and did not know that it would not be easy to buy a car seat in Krabi. And therefore, for the first time, we went from Krabi to Phuket with the usual carrying. If you are going to Asia, then remember that
Traveling with a 4 month old baby
At this age, we traveled from Thai Krabi to the island of Lanta and to Malaysia, to Penang. On the day we got a decent distance - 500 kilometers. We already had a car seat then (the only option that we could buy in Krabi).
The trip "there" was remembered as difficult. Sophia was worried and periodically began to cry. The worst part was that we couldn't figure out why.
It is understandable, when everything around is changing and it is not possible to more or less clearly observe the daily routine, it is sometimes difficult to understand the cause of the child's discomfort. Hot? Cold? Wants to sleep? Eat? Tired? Too loud? Wet diaper?
During that trip, we made a bunch of conclusions that I wrote. All subsequent trips, we adhered to them and it was as hard as the first time it was gone.
On the way from Lanta. On a ferryboat.
From the main - stop at least once every two hours and stop immediately if the child is clearly tired and very worried.
Many write that it is extremely easy to travel with a very small child, but it seems to me that at that age they either did not go, or they forgot everything.
In any case, I can say that now, when Sophia is a year and two months away by car, it is much easier for us to travel far than in 3-4 months. Of course, she is curious about everything and does not sit still, this is a separate problem of this age, but traveling with an incomprehensible-why-sobbing-child is also not very fun.
Dad: it was worth it to go here! Sofia: sights sometimes have to be seen like this, sleeping. On Pananga.
Traveling with a 5 month old baby
Gradually, the child becomes interested in everything around, regardless of whether it is a fire hydrant or a beautiful flower on a tree.
During this period, I personally began to leave the feeling of guilt that we were taking a helpless little bag to no one knows where. On the contrary, the idea that “all this is not in vain” began to grow stronger every day.
When a child in admiration examines some tropical tree - "beautiful tree!" or seriously contemplates the sunset directly from the sea, all doubts fall away.
Traveling with a 6 month old baby
At six months, we drove the car, as before, sometimes for a long time. No special conclusions were made during this period for themselves.
Traveling with a 9 month old baby
In nine months we had three flights. Of course, flying at this age is not the same as at three. In addition to the increased activity of the child, we are faced with the fact that most children at this age are experiencing a period of distrust or fear of strangers.
This fear manifests itself in 8 out of 10 children when stranger comes too close - the child may become nervous and cry.
On an airplane, strangers are like olives in a jar. And we managed to notice a pattern: if the third seat next to us is free, then flying is much easier and calmer.
The period of incredulity passed with Sophia by the year. Now, on the contrary, she wants to communicate with everyone, especially with children, but adults are also suitable. So it's purely age-related and passes without a trace.
But if you find yourself on an airplane, bus, etc. during this period, and you see empty seats, but not next to you, ask the stewardess to transfer a person - everyone, including the surrounding passengers, will only be calmer from this.
Traveling with a 1 year old
A child after a year becomes smart and curious. And also sociable. This has its pros and cons.
With a child, you need to walk a lot and show him everything, but time on the road flies faster. A child is more willing to communicate with strangers, which means that you can find a nanny right on the plane, for example, in a nearby seat. And sometimes it comes in very handy.
After a year, the child sleeps less, and most often during the day he has only one dream, two or three hours. A backpack or sling is no longer very suitable for sleeping - you need a crib or, at worst, a stroller. So all excursions and movements have to be planned taking into account this daytime sleep.
But at this age, children admire literally everything new. Cows in the village, soap in the hotel - it doesn't matter, there can be any reason for joy. Trains, trams, beaches and picnics are all great and fun.
And looking at the world through the eyes of a child, you yourself see that the world is very personal. You look at some even quite familiar things in a new way.
And children at this age absorb everything like a sponge (remember the wonderful book "After three it's too late"?). It seems to me that by starting to travel with a child at this age, you get a chance to raise a real cosmopolitan.
Benefits of traveling with babies
First, when traveling with a baby, you still have relative control over your freedom. The baby does not yet have his own opinion where to go and what to do.
With small children, people go to the mountains (not extreme, of course), and to museums. Such freedom will not last long. But when planning a trip with a baby, you should not develop a too active program either.
Secondly, by starting to ride early, you are guaranteed to adjust and adapt to the moment when the child grows up and it becomes more difficult to ride.
Thirdly, you will look at the world in a new way, because absolutely everything seems wonderful to children by the year.
Fourth, travel is still inexpensive because a child under two years of age does not need a separate plane ticket.
It seems to me that although parents sometimes have a hard time traveling with young children, there is actually a lot of positive and fun in it.