It's never too early to start exploring the world with your little one. More than 60% of families regularly travel with children under five years old. However, heading out on an adventure with a newborn comes with a loaded itinerary and requires careful planning. Dreading an impending day out with your bundle of joy? We've put together an indispensable guide of all the essentials you'll need to nip that travel anxiety in the bud.
Changing Bag Staples
Let's start with the obvious. Younger babies can require as many as 12 changes every day. Whether you're heading out on a day trip or planning a long-overdue holiday, a fully-stocked changing bag is a must. Make sure you've got enough nappies to get you through the day and can dispose of used ones with your nappy bag brand of choice. A changing mat, baby wipes and nappy rash cream are also a must. Pack a change of clothes so you have something to fall back on in the event of an accident. A spare baby grow is also handy to have if your child is struggling to sleep soundly.
It's not just those changing emergencies you need to be ready for. Younger babies need to be fed regularly. While a settled sleep schedule can give you some grace here, you may need to feed your child as often as once every two hours. If you're breastfeeding, pump ahead of time and make sure you've stocked your bag with enough milk before you can express again. Even if you have pumped before venturing out, breast pads are always worth having to hand. Mealtimes can be messy at the best of times. To make your life easier, pack a few extra bibs and muslin to keep on top of all those spills.
Be Ready for Any Weather
No matter what time of year it is or how reliable a weather forecast seems, you need to be prepared for every eventuality. If you're setting off in the height of summer, you'll need to think carefully when packing kit for your baby. While light clothing will keep your little one cool, they'll still need a warm layer to take the chill off if the temperature changes. You also need to protect that sensitive skin. When choosing a sunscreen, go for something with an SPF50+ rating. If you're going to the beach, make sure you're choosing a water-resistant product and reapplying regularly.
Essential Kit for Longer Trips
Planning on being away from home for more than a day? If you've scheduled a weekend trip, make sure you've got enough food for 48 hours. You can always buy more when you arrive at your destination, but up your stocks if you'll be staying somewhere rural with limited access to shops. Younger children tend to require more outfits than a typical outfit. Accommodation with laundry facilities can lighten the load here, but it's always best to pack more than you think you'll need. Finally, don't forget about toiletries. Nail clippers, ointment, baby lotion and shampoo are all must-haves. Be meticulous when it comes to checking these before you leave. If you forget something important, you don't want to use a fragrance-heavy product on delicate skin.
