Tips for Traveling with Infants
Accessories, toys, hotels and childproofing on the road with small children
Jun 30, 2006
While on the road with our ten-month-old daughter, we gathered valuable experience about travelling with infants in general. Here are some further hot tips for you.
TIP: On a city trip, book a centrally located hotel, so you can interrupt your sightseeing several times a day to return to your room, where he can crawl around and eat without distractions. Especially if the infant is not yet walking securely, the usually high-traffic and thus filthy lobbies of museums, city streets and parks, and restaurants and cafes are not suitable play areas.
TIP: Let your hotel know that you are arriving with an infant who will crawl or toddle along and ask them to childproof your room as best as possible. Many places will gladly do this for you.
TIP: An older infant has a lot of energy and needs to do something (preferably not kicking the seat in front of them). Time your excursions (and, if possible, her naps) so that she can crawl or toddle around where it is possible and safe (if not clean), like at airport gates or in waiting halls, or when that bus finally makes a pit stop. Make sure to bring that extra pair of pants and socks, because those places may look clean...
TIP: When it isn't possible to let him crawl, like on a bus and train, have plenty of toys to keep him occupied, and stock up on songs and clapping games.
TIP: Before the trip, buy a small toy that will grab her attention because of its novelty.
TIP: It also helps to bring a small portable child seat, which straps onto about any chair. If the seat next to you on is empty, the seat will hold her in place much better than the adult seatbelt will (but check the bus or airline's policy on infant seat belts). It makes feeding in hotel rooms, on the bus and plane, and in restaurants much easier. You will also prevent your little one from associating food with Mama's lap!
Related article:
Tips on air travel with infants
