It can be daunting packing your little bundle for journeys to far-away lands, but this mum says the younger they are, the easier it is. Here’s her tips…
Olivia was just five weeks old when she set sail, or at least boarded the plane, with her mum, Elodie, for her first overseas adventure. Sydney resident Elodie was heading back to her native French Island to introduce the new addition, Olivia, to the grandparents and family.
Here’s her personal experience for mums about to take on a big overseas adventure with a wee bubba….
0-3 MONTHS
They don’t get jetlag
Olivia was just five weeks old when we travelled overseas on a 20 hour journey, on three different planes and airports each way – and amazingly it went without a hitch. Young babies wake every four hours then fall asleep again, so it’s easy for them to avoid jetlag. Every night and day is the same based on a four hour cycle!
They have a first class plane bed for free!
Newborns fit into a plane cradle easily, which frees your arms and your knees to rest unrestricted. But the cradles are small, so as soon as baby grows, they are too big for them and then they are reserved to your lap!
There’s no need to entertain them
Newborns don’t have a great deal of ‘wake time’, and when they are awake, they are happy just looking around them and having cuddles, which makes travelling with baby a breeze.
They are light!
Invest in a baby carrier to make carrying baby easier and keep your hands free for handling luggage, passport, tickets, eating, bathroom stops etc. Yes, you will learn the art of going to the toilet with a sleeping baby strapped to your chest without waking him!
Olivia, 8 weeks old, on her first overseas holiday with mum, Elodie.
3-9 MONTHS
They may turn into a grumpy, tired bear…
“I found this age started to get a bit trickier. Babies are at an age were they are aware of their environment – they understand the difference from night and day, start to sleep through the night or have reduced night feeds. This basically means that the new routine that has cost you blood, sweat and tears to install, is very likely to go out of the window. Jet lag, a change of bed and sleeping arrangements, relatives over stimulating them and not respecting your routine may also impact. Do your best but don’t get too stressed out as these are all very common experiences for young babies. They’ll re-adapt later…
They need entertaining…
Pack a new toys, which will keep them entertained for longer that the ones they already know, as well as some of their favourites for familiarity. Avoid noisy toys, and you’ll avoid nasty looks for co-passengers! I was caught with the noisy toys on a plane journey and the reception was not great…
They may be teething…
Teething can cause baby a lot of tears, pain and general grumpiness. Pack a good supply of teethers and rusks and don’t forget baby pain relief or medicine if required.
“Do they have The Wiggles? I’m not into this newspaper…!” Olivia, 8 months travelling by plane from Sydney to Melbourne.
Olivia, 8 months old on a plane from Sydney to Melbourne over the Christmas break.
9 to 12 MONTHS
You may need help…
I found this age was definitely harder than younger ages. Baby starts to be on the move – crawling, pulling themselves up on things and walking – which makes it harder to stay still on the plane. And they are heavier to carry! If you can avoid travelling on your own with baby, try do – a second pair of hands will be helpful!
Written by Elodie Feat. Elodie is the owner of The Candy Shop.
What are some of your tips for travelling with a baby? Tell us below!…
