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Handy Tips To Ease The Stress Of Travelling With A Baby

Handy Tips To Ease The Stress Of Travelling With A Baby
Flying with baby
Matt Carr via Getty Images
Flying with baby

Travel, though wonderful, is often exhausting. Thanks to Australia's unique place in the world we're more often than not a few time zones away from many destinations, so long haul flights are the norm.

Add to that the stress of flying with a baby and it's almost enough to not bother going anywhere. Though admitting defeat is no fun for anyone. After all, travel broadens our horizons both physically and metaphorically and educates us in a way that classrooms can't.

Luckily there are some clever travel tweaks you can make to lessen the stress of traveling with bub.

Booking your seat well in advance will ensure you get the most suitable spot on the aircraft. Let the airline know that you will be traveling with a baby and ask if they can seat you in the nominated area. Or, opt for the back of the plane where the bathrooms are. Down the back you're also less likely to disrupt other passengers which may alleviate some anxiety.

Poor little bubs are unable to clear their ears on their own, so feeding during takeoff and landing can help as swallowing can help ease the pressure.

Unless the baby is sleeping, try and keep them moving and give them room to kick their legs where possible.

If travelling by train, research to route in advance and opt for the most direct route so as to avoid trying to change platforms with bags and a pram or stroller.

And speaking of a pram, ask yourself if you really need one. Could you get by with a foldable chair or body pouch? If so, go for it.

If you're driving to our holiday location ensure that bub is sheltered from the sun with a removable window shade. Try and plan the drive around already existing sleep patterns and your life will be that much easier.

Lastly, keep in mind that when travelling with kids that the unexpected will inevitably happen. Don't forget baby wipes, spare clothes, medication and snacks. Snacks are often the answer.

Infographic by the team at Wimdu

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