Traveling with Children

Very often, mums forget that the journey is as much of an adventure as the destination itself. As such, it will be fun to vary the mode of transportation sometimes to give your children wider exposure to the world of travel. Many airlines, coach and train services offer discounted rates for family travel. After all, children below two years of age usually get to travel for free! Whatever your transportation, preparation is again vital.

Here are some travel tips to ensure you have a great time wherever you are traveling with children:

• Wear loose-fitting clothes that make it easier to breastfeed or special clothes meant for breastfeeding mothers.

• Bring a bottle of drinking water unless you plan to buy drinks along the way.

• Always leave home early so that you do not stress yourself and your baby out with last-minute rushing.

• Make the baby sling your best companion during your baby's first year. A sling allows your baby to snuggle close to you while you have both hands free to do other things.

• Opt to travel during off-peak hours or months to avoid heavy traffic and crowds.

• Plan some entertainment along the way, such as a sing-along CD or a favorite toy. You can also wrap some small surprise packages to be opened by your child one by one.

• Check out the location of public toilets when you are planning for the trip.

• Change your baby's nappy just before the journey begins to minimize the frequency of nappy changes.

• Be among the last to board to minimize the time spent waiting for the vehicle to start moving.

• If you are familiar with your baby's sleeping schedule, time it so that the traveling time coincides with his nap time. That will help him arrive refreshed and happy!

• Bring a mobile phone to call friends or your family in case you need help.

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