There seem to be a million things to prepare when taking your little one for their first family travel adventure. But there are a few basic things both parents and baby can “practice” before embarking on a first holiday trip.
Practice these 6 habits for a successful first family holiday:
1. Sitting down for meals
Regularly dining out in cafes or restaurants from early months will give you a massive advantage. Your baby will be used to eating outside and being able to happily sit 30 minutes or more for a meal will enable you to recharge during a trip. When they are a bit bigger, being able to sit on an Ikea chair is an International skill! The Ikea Antilop chair is commonly used by restaurants in many places we have been like Australia, Germany, China, UK and a few in Thailand and Indonesia. It is very easy to clean and indestructible we ended up getting rid of our original (and more expensive) high chair 😅
2. Happy to sit in stroller
Make sure your bub is comfortable sitting in the stroller. While baby carriers are useful, stroller gives your back a good rest. If your baby can happily nap for a good hour or two in his/her stroller, that’s a real bonus! If you are planning to use a different stroller whilst traveling, introduce it a few weeks before leaving.
3. Start introducing them to foreign food
4. Establish regular sleep habit
Baby with enough sleep will more likely to be an easy baby, also this will help you plan your flight – whether to fly during the day or night. If needed, adjust sleep time slightly close to first family holiday date. For example if you are leaving on earlier flight, start going to bed a bit earlier from a few days prior. (See 3 Baby Sleeping Tips while Travelling)
5. Regularly leave the house
Little ones who spend much of the week at home will experience massive change if all of the sudden they go out everyday for 6-8 hours per day. In the weeks leading to the trip, regularly leave the house to visit playgrounds, zoo, shops or have a long walk at a local park. Riding on local train or buses will also help introduce them to what’s about to come.
6. Travel locally before heading overseas
If you are nervous and overwhelmed by a visit abroad, consider a weekend road trip getaway as a test run. This will also help you practice packing choices and figure out daily routines. If you need extra packing tips visit Checklists section of our website.
Though you cant really practice flights, you can be well prepared for it. Check out our long flights article. If it is your baby’s first flight consider getting a white noise machine. It gives similar noise to flying in an airplane
Do not overthink! Just do your research, choose your destination, choose a travel date and go on your first family holiday ✈
