Our expert night nanny team assembled some of our tried + true ways to help make travel, whether in the air or on the road, easier any time of year but especially during one of the busiest times.
1. Feeding Frenzy
If you are traveling by plane, look for departure times that are close to your baby’s feeding schedule. Drinking a bottle, or sucking on a pacifier during both take off and landing can help ease the discomfort of pressure changes. If you have an older child, lollipops can do the trick!
2. Takeoff Toys
It can be challenging to occupy any child in a plane or car for long periods of time. There are several compact, easy to travel toys that can help pass the time. This montessori teether is a great way to work on both motor skills and ease teething discomforts. It’s also great for a wide age range and can be used for both babies and toddlers. After you’ve wiped down surfaces like the fold-down table on the plane, introduce this wonder wheel that activates both touch and sound with varying textures and noisemakers. Finally, a simple roll of painter’s tape is a budget-friendly and fun activity. Tear off different lengths of tape and show baby how to pull and reapply over and over again!
3. Destination Dreamland
Once you arrive at your destination, you may be sharing a hotel room or other close quarters with baby. Our team, of course, advocates for ideal sleep conditions for both you and baby. We love the slumber pod, which creates a blackout environment, and it even has pockets for a monitor and fan. Don’t forget a sound machine to help create a sound barrier, as well. Hatch makes this easy with their hatch-go, or pack your full-size machine to continue using your customized settings.
No matter your route or destination, remember to give both yourself and baby some grace through travel days + at your final destination. Schedules help everyone, but allow some leeway and watch for your baby’s cues for sleep or hunger. And before you hit the door, check your diaper bag for plenty of diapers, wipes, hand sanitizer, and Clorox wipes!
Follow along with us @indynightnanny.
Follow along with us @indynightnanny.