There’s no place like home for the holidays–but getting there can be stressful, especially if you have a new baby in tow. You can’t plan for everything, but following these tips for holiday travel with baby should help you get to your destination safe, sound, and ready to celebrate.
Give Yourself Extra Travel Time
As a newborn photographer, I always make sure we have lots of wiggle room during a session. Why? Unexpected diaper changes, needing to soothe or feed a crying baby–it all takes time! The same thing applies to travel. Give yourself a buffer, and you and baby will both be much happier.
Think About Space
Baby doesn’t take up much room–but their gear does! Prioritize the essentials, and consider what you might be able to buy or rent when you get there. (For example, it can be much more efficient to pack diapers just for the travel portion of your trip and plan to buy more when you arrive at your destination than to take up half your luggage space with diapers and wipes).
Pack More Clothes Than You Think You’ll Need
Babies are adorable, but frequent messes are part of that cute little package. Pack a few more clothes than you think you’ll need–for both of you! (A couple of plastic bags to hold dirty laundry won’t take up much space and can come in very handy too.)
Bring Snacks and Drinks
Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, you don’t want to do it hungry. Pack a few snacks for yourself and make sure you have plenty of formula or breast milk for the little one. Traveling with an infant means you can take more liquid on a plane than is normally allowed, though they may have to undergo additional screening. Just keep all those liquids together to make things go quickly and smoothly during check-in.
And a First Aid Kit
Having baby pain reliever, gas drops, a thermometer, and a few other essentials on hand can make holiday travel with baby safer and easier. Baby is comfortable, you have peace of mind, and you don’t have to go hunting down a pharmacy in an unfamiliar city.
Breathe
Holiday travel with baby is not easy, so give yourself the gift of grace while you do it. It’s okay to forget something, it’s okay that you didn’t quite stick to your baby’s schedule, it’s okay that you don’t feel put together. You’re traveling with a baby–which means you’re brave, confident, and awesome, even if you don’t feel that way!
Don’t Forget Your Camera!
You didn’t think I’d miss that one, did you? As a photographer, nobody knows the importance of capturing memories better than I do. Even if it’s just the built-in camera on your cell phone, make sure you take pictures and document the journey! Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
Happy Holidays, and safe travels!