It’s easy to put off travel when you have a little baby, but these days it’s really become inevitable at least every once in a while; even if it’s only the occasional long weekend to the coast. Some of us are more adventurous and pack the kids up overseas as soon as it’s safe to do so. Whatever you do, you need to plan way ahead, get organised and get the packing down to a fine art before you venture out the door. 

Here are some simple suggestions and travel tips to make your travels easier for the whole family.

Passport
If you intend to travel overseas fairly often or at least once a year, it’s a good idea to organise your new baby’s passport soon after they are born. That way there won’t be a mad rush a week or so before you depart when you remember that you don’t have one. 

Inoculations and medications
Planning ahead for these is really important. You will need to arrange to have all necessary inoculations well in advance of your departure date. And if your children take any medication, ensure that you have enough for the whole time that you will be away. Make sure that you take all medications with you on the plane; and for peace of mind, carry a letter from your doctor verifying the need for the medication as some countries have restrictions on certain medications. Check with the relevant consulate or airline to find out more about any restrictions. 

Travel insurance
If it’s a week in Queensland or a nearby Pacific island, you’ll be really pleased that you spent the small amount on travel insurance if something does go wrong. Travel insurance will cover you for medical bills, if your baggage gets lost, flights are delayed, or for theft. You can buy this from your travel agent or airline.  Some credit cards offer free travel insurance and very competitive prices are also available online. If you are going overseas it’s a must, because of the high cost of emergency medical attention. Don’t leave home without it. 

Flying with babies
When you book your flight, check to see that you will get a seat with a bassinet.  There are only a few of these on each plane so be sure to insist that you need one, and book it early. 

Make sure you order the right food if your baby eats solids. Baby or child meals are available. Babies get baby food in jars and children get a child-size portion of more solid food. The best bet is to fully explore the options when you book with the travel agent or airline. Airlines do not carry baby formula and can’t guarantee that your preferred brand of food will be on board, so if your baby prefers a certain brand then make sure to take it with you on the flight.

Resist bringing loads of toys with you, particularly on board, as they get lost under seats or down aisles. The flight attendants will give your child a child’s bag (unless they are very tiny) and you can always improvise with what’s available on board. Remember it’s all new to your baby, so they’ll be fascinated by what’s around them. 

When flying with a little baby make sure to breastfeed or bottle feed them, or give them a dummy if you use one, on takeoff and arrival, as it reduces the pressure on their eardrums. 

Availability of baby products
Make sure you research what will be available at the other end when you arrive. If you have a fussy eater who will eat only a few types of bottled baby food, be sure to bring enough with you unless you can guarantee you can obtain it at your destination. On the other hand, if your baby eats anything it should be easy to get a range of food wherever you are. 

Stock up on nappies and wipes. If you like a particular brand then bring what you need for the entire trip. This will leave stacks of room in your bag for any purchases you may make while away.

First aid kit
Wherever you go, this is a really important item to pack as well, as your baby could suddenly get a temperature or hurt itself. You should include the following items:

• a thermometer that works
• pain relief such as Baby Panadol or Baby Nurofen, and an eyedropper to dispense it
• band-aids and sterilizing lotion or powder
• mosquito repellant (some brands make a slightly less potent variety for young children) and anti-itch cream (essential if you are going somewhere tropical or hot)
• make sure you bring any special medications that your baby may need, such as Ventolin and a spacer for asthma, or for any allergies - even if they haven’t had an attack for some time. You may not be able to get them at your destination and it’s better for peace of mind.

This is an excerpt from the “Working Mother’s Survival Guide” by  Melissa Doyle & Jo Scard, published by Allen & Unwin, and available in all good bookstores, RRP $29.95