For those of us currently planning an Easter break with your baby in tow, there’s a thing or two we need to know. First, the whole definition of “holiday” is altered for us now. Now, there’s fewer of the lazy days by the pool, less sleeping in, and often times less sleeping at ALL.
But for us new mums, there is a whole new raft of joys to be had—seeing our babies delight in the sea, new sights, and sounds, having time together as a family without clock-watching or the pressure of a strict routine to adhere to. I was really surprised when I found our first trip as a threesome, and indeed every trip since, very relaxing and full of lovely memories. It might be down to these fantastic essentials in part, so here are 6 ways we make traveling with our toddler easier—here’s hoping you can use these tips to make your own life on the road (or in the air!) headache-free.
1. We streamlined our pram. We had conveniently JUST traded in our whopping great big pram/tank in for a McClaren Quest stroller (£195), which packs down into a very slim, portable luggage. String the buggy with travel tags and an eye-catching ribbon so you’ll find it in among 100 other buggies on the luggage carousel.
2. We come armed with apps. If you have a tablet, consider downloading some children’s apps or a kids’ TV show. I know, I know—TV is bad for kids, etc., but so is being chucked out of a plane window by a disgruntled businessman with a migraine. In an ideal world your baby will be duly occupied by books, but a tin can with wings is not an ideal world. And books are so heavy.
3. Toys, snacks, toys, snacks, toys… We bought a bunch of Happyland figurines (£8) and wrapped them up individually, and that bought us ages of quiet time. And snacks, snacks, snacks. Bearing in mind, though, that the officials at security may ask you to open certain baby food containers and try the contents to show they’re not in any way dodgy. I will therefore never take a carrot and butternut squash puree on a flight with me again. Stagger both snacks and toys so you don’t run out with four hours of airtime to go.
4. We opt for apartments instead of hotels. We have started eschewing hotels for apartments booked via AirBnB. It not only means you can prepare food for your baby but also that you get the space to enjoy yourself after hours. You can usually request a cot be provided, but I’d recommend the Baby Bjorn Travel Cot (£199.95)—light, portable, and seemingly very comfortable.
5. We keep our trips well lit. Take a plug-in night light (£9.99), just so you can avoid stubbing every single toe when you’re checking on Junior. Just don’t forget the adaptor.
6. TOP TIP: We take oats in our luggage. You can thicken fruit puree or make porridge, so if your child finds the local food a bit tricky, there’s something familiar to cook up.
image: Jared Alden / Getty
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