Lesson 1: Traveling with Babies
For the purposes of this course, a baby is defined as a child that is not yet walking. Children of this age are extremely dependent upon their parents. Babies generally wear diapers and may not yet be eating regular food.
Nonetheless, traveling with a baby is most like traveling alone or with your significant other, plus a large diaper bag. Most babies usually travel quite well, as they tend to sleep while in motion.
Furthermore, if you place your baby in a baby backpack or front carrier your adventures are not limited to stroller accessible locations. This means that you and your significant other can sightsee, hike, or walk the museums to your heart's content. Just remember to keep your diaper bag or backpack filled with ample supplies of diapers, wipes, bottles, blankets, and extra baby clothing. Also be sure that baby doesn't get sunburnt, overheated, cold, or wet.
Transportation
I traveled quite extensively when my children were babies. Quite early on my children learned that a car ride of more than a half an hour meant naptime. The slight rocking motion of the car just seemed to naturally put them to sleep. Therefore, my babies slept most of the time during car trips. For even long trips, I just made sure my babies were fed and dry during regular roadside stops. The slight rocking motion is also apparent during bus, boat, and train rides.
For sightseeing, hikes, and walks I had a baby backpack. The motion of my walking again tended to put my baby to sleep. In fact, often when my babies wouldn't sleep at home, I would simply take them for a walk.
When looking for baby backpacks, try to get one that puts your baby in front. In this way, your baby gets your warmth and can hear your heartbeat. You can also see and talk to your baby for added comfort. Furthermore, you can easily carry a backpack filled with all your diaper bag needs in addition to a front baby carrier and still have your hands free.
Babies may or may not sleep soundly on airplanes. Some babies find the airplane motion soothing and some babies find it more difficult to sleep on airplanes. Make sure your baby is fed and dry. Bring a favorite blanket or toy to comfort and entertain your baby. Also make sure your baby does not have any ear infections. Air flight can further inflame ear troubles. In fact, air travel with an ear infection, even in adults, is not recommended.
On most airlines, babies two weeks to two years old fly free with a paid adult fare. Usually, the child is expected to sit on a parent's lap. However, if the seat beside you is empty, you can usually sit your baby in the empty seat. Some travel experts suggest reserving a window or an aisle seat for yourself, hinting that the middle seat will more likely be empty for your baby. Discounts on a second seat for your baby are generally 50% for domestic flights and 10% for international flights.
