As a first time Mama, thinking about travelling (especially overseas) can be scary! We booked a trip to the U.S. just two weeks before we were due to leave. I searched the internet for the best tips and tricks for managing with a bubba. And guess what? It was totally fine! A few months later I even booked an overseas trip to Australia ONE HOUR before I had to leave. Piece of cake right?!
ONE. Plan the pieces of luggage carefully.
Think about how many things you’ll have to carry in your arms. When travelling alone with a baby (or multiple children) this is VERY important. I find that a pram, a suitcase and a backpack is enough to manage!
TWO. Backpack. Essential.
Get a cute one from Kmart for $20! A drink bottle pocket on the side is a bonus too. You want all hands on deck at all times. When packing my backpack, I like to have about 8 nappies, a change of clothes for baby, a spare top for me, a few snacks and your standard essentials. Extra room in your bag is a must have incase you buy something or remove an item of clothing.
THREE. Keep hydrated!
Speaking of drink bottles, make sure you bring one! If you’re travelling overseas you can fill it up once you go through security. If you’re breastfeeding you’ll want to stay well hydrated and have plenty of snacks. The last thing you want is for your supply to drop and your baby to by grumpy.
FOUR. Help those little ears.
Breastfeeding or offering a dummy on take off and landing can help with baby’s ears. Buuuut in saying that, I’ve done a heap of flights with babes where I haven’t done that too and they’ve been fine.
FIVE. Be prepared with outfit changes.
Pack plenty of spare outfits in your backpack, plus a spare top for you. Poo explosions are almost a given on a plane. On a flight back from Sydney my baby needed a whole change of outfit, and left me with poop all over my jeans. Cool mate.
SIX. Gate check your pram if you’ve got a long wait at the airport.
You can take your pram right to the gate! Just double check with your airline when you check in. And DO NOT use that pram as a dumping ground. Everything has to come off/out of the pram when you go through security. #learntthatthehardway
SEVEN. Accept help.
Accept help from strangers, especially if you’re travelling alone with kids. Carrying a bag, yes please! Flight attendant holding the baby while you use the loo? Great! Practice saying YES peeps.
EIGHT. Carry the babe handsfree.
Front packs are awesome. I prefer a structured one that’s quick and easy to get on and off. Sometimes you can wear baby through security, sometimes you can’t. I used a stretchy wrap whilst travelling once and OMG, nightmare. We need ease of use people.
NINE. Bring a little bag.
A little clutch that you can wear around your wrist is super handy for boarding passes, phone, passports, etc.
TEN. Borrow or buy a travel bag for your stroller.
Pram travel bags are great! They protect it from getting damaged, plus you can stuff a lot of extra things in there too. I can fit our pram, and carrycot in ours. Its a bit of a beast but protects it so much!
ELEVEN. Make baby’s bed cosy.
Bring something familiar from home for sleeping like a cot sheet or blanket. E has just grown out of this travel bassinet but its been ah-mazing! I’ve also taken our pram carrycot before too!
TWELVE. Hide in the bathroom.
If baby is used to their own space, find somewhere seperate for them at the hotel too. I usually opt for the bathroom, but have also used a wardrobe (with the door open of course).
THIRTEEN. Get the bassinet.
Book the bassinet seat on long haul flights. Even if you don’t use it you’ll have way more space.
FOURTEEN. Relax!
Don’t have any expectations. If you need to breastfeed for 3 whole hours to keep that baby happy then go for gold! Make sure they get some sleep (whatever way works) and are well fed and everyone will be fine! My husband always tells me that I don’t know the future, which I don’t. Just roll with it. Chill when you can and you’ll be a-ok!
