Buckle up, folks! We're about to embark on an adventure that involves cute little humans, unpredictable situations, and a whole lot of love. Yes, we're talking about traveling with babies! It's like joining a circus, but instead of juggling balls, you're juggling diaper bags, toys, and the occasional baby meltdown. Fear not fellow parents, in this blog, we'll share some tips and tricks to help you navigate the chaotic world of baby travel. Oh, and we've got a secret weapon up our sleeves so make sure you don’t miss it!
1. Pack Smart, Pack Light (Just Kidding!):
When it comes to packing for your baby, throw the idea of "traveling light" out the window. Pack as if you're heading into a wilderness expedition because let's face it, babies come with a lot of baggage. Diapers, wipes, extra clothes (for both baby and you, in case of epic spit-up incidents), snacks, toys, and more snacks. It's like carrying a mini convenience store on your back. Embrace the chaos and just be glad you're not getting charged for excess baggage! Extra Tip : plan their outfits and roll them together - that way when you’re at your destination you don’t need to think about their outfit for that day and anyone can grab an outfit to help out.
2. Embrace the Art of Distraction (Also Known as Baby Magic):
When you're stuck in a confined space with a baby, distraction is your best friend. Bring out the big guns – the toys that light up, sing, and dance. (Don’t worry about the people next to you, they’ve most likely been here before too!) Heck, even a sock puppet might do the trick. Just make sure you have a variety of distractions up your sleeve because babies have the attention span of a goldfish on a sugar rush. And remember, timing is key. Whip out a new toy just when you sense a meltdown brewing, and you'll witness the magic of a baby's smile replacing the impending tantrum.
3. Your Secret Weapon - The Baby Beedz Pacifier Clip
Now, let's talk about the superhero of baby travel accessories – the pacifier clip. This little gem will revolutionize your life (and prevent pacifier-induced meltdowns). Clip one end to your baby's pacifier, teether, or favorite toy and the other end to their clothing or stroller. Gone are the days of pacifiers taking solo adventures to the land of lost things. No more crawling on airport floors or fishing pacifiers out from under airplane seats. The pacifier clip keeps things firmly attached, like a baby-sized bungee cord for their precious possessions. It's like having a personal assistant to handle pacifier security. Genius!
4. Laugh, Laugh, and Laugh Some More
Traveling with babies is a wild ride filled with unexpected moments and hilarious memories. Embrace the chaos, laugh at the messes, and cherish the precious moments that make it all worthwhile. From epic blowouts at the most inconvenient times to adorable babbling that makes strangers smile, these experiences will become the legends you recount around the dinner table for years to come. Let the absurdity of it all sink in and find humor in the messiness of life with a tiny human in tow.
5. People love babies!
Ever been in the mall or at a restaurant and get constantly stopped to be told how cute your baby is? Use that to your advantage. People love babies and (most) want to help! The cabin crew are generally amazing so don’t be afraid to ask for help. They’ll hold little one while you go to the toilet that you’ve been holding in for the last 3 hours. They’ll walk them up and down the aisle when they need a distraction or you need to get the snacks for your older kid. I’ve even seen them on occasion take them into the cockpit to meet the pilots and see all the pretty buttons and lights! You may also find a gem of a passenger sitting nearby who offers help. If you’re not comfortable passing your baby over or they’ll only settle with you, you can ask them to order you a drink, grab a bottle from your bag or help them entertain while little one stays on your lap.
6. Board like a boss
If you’re lucky enough to be traveling with a partner, friend or family member, plan your boarding process. What works for us; hubby gets on when the family boarding is called (or at earliest possible time) with stroller, hand luggage and anything else he can physically carry (this includes bigger kids if you have them). Myself and baby (and diaper bag in case of any last minute shenanigans) get on as late as possible. That way, when you get on, everything is in its place, everyone is sat down out of your way and you can get yourself and baby settled nice and quickly just before take off. Extra Tip : If you travel often, invest in a cabin approved stroller (you can find cheaper ones too) so you can keep little one in the stroller in the airport and as soon as you land.
Traveling with babies is like embarking on a comedy adventure. It may not always go according to plan and you'll undoubtedly face some challenges along the way but the joy and love that come with it make every moment worth it. Remember to pack like a pro (or at least try to), master the art of distraction and accept help from others. And of course, don't forget your secret weapon, the pacifier clip. With a touch of humor and a sprinkle of baby magic, you'll not only survive but thrive during your travels with your little bundle of joy.
So, buckle up, parents! Get ready to embrace the chaos, laugh at the unexpected, and create memories that will make you smile for a lifetime. And when the going gets tough, just remember that you're not alone in this hilarious journey called parenting. Safe travels and may your adventures be filled with laughter and love. Bon voyage!