Travelling with your child
Going away with your child gives you the opportunity to spend time with your family and enjoy their company. To make your trip a success, good preparation and organisation are essential.
Packing for your child
Don’t bring along your child’s entire wardrobe! Take only the essential items: clothes suited to the weather of the place you’re going to, toiletries, nappies, wet wipes and maybe a favourite toy or picture book.
As baby equipment (collapsible cot, pram, etc.) can be bulky, leave them behind if you can hire them at your destination. Some hotel chains provide everything for their little guests, so do enquire before you leave.
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Tips for a stress-free journey
If you leave with nothing else but nappies and enough food, then you have the essentials! A well-fed child is a calm child, so make sure you feed her before leaving. And travelling at night will avoid multiple toilet stops and other disruptions.
When driving, you can easily change your child and heat her meal. Nevertheless, always keep food, a small cover and security blanket close at hand. Remember to give your child something to drink regularly and make frequent stops along the way.
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Driving to your destination: safety first
In the car, parents often find it difficult to resist the urge to hold their little one in their arms. However, it’s vital for your child’s safety to seat her in a safety-approved baby car seat suitable for her size and weight. If your child is not able to sit upright, choose a seat that faces away from the front. For older children, harness seats are recommended, but make sure you attach the seat correctly and secure your child properly.
Finding space for storing luggage can often cause a headache. Even if the boot is full, it’s a good idea to keep the back shelf of the car completely free.
Leave just after you have fed your child or at night so that she can sleep and you can avoid traffic jams.
If travelling in the daytime, attach sun visors to the windows. On the road, make stops as often as possible and give your child lots of fluids. And never leave her alone in the car, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
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