When my daughter was seven months old, my husband and I took her across the country on a red-eye, followed by two weeks of road tripping and camping. We purposefully booked a night flight, thinking she’d sleep through the whole thing and we’d arrive at our destination ready to hit the road. Instead, she stayed awake the entire time, refused to fall asleep once we landed, and left us with literal red eyes and terrified of what lay ahead of us. It ended up being an incredible trip, but we’ve learned a thing or two since then, and it has made our subsequent trips much smoother. Here’s what has helped us travel with a baby in the past:
Let Go of Expectations
Try to stick to any home routines wherever possible, such as bedtimes or mealtimes. Other than that, just go with the flow.
Adjust Ahead of Time
If you’re going somewhere with a significant time difference, begin adjusting a few weeks ahead of time by staying up an hour or two later, or rising an hour or two earlier.
All About Baby Carriers for Nature Adventures
If You’re Flying, Relax.
Have you seen those social media posts about the moms who have packed ‘apology bags’ for the entire flight? Listen, flying with a baby is stressful enough without worrying about annoying your fellow passengers. Babies cry. If you’re stressing out about annoying everyone else, your baby will pick up on that and it’ll only make things worse. Apologize to your aisle mates if you feel the need, and then do what works to soothe your baby.
Bring the Essentials
Rookie mistake: packing everything and the kitchen sink. You need a good compact stroller, a car seat, a baby carrier, diapers and wipes, clothes, and a few toys. That’s it. You do not need to pack back-up toys for the backup toys. Babies do not need a lot of stuff. Case in point: on that first trip we took, our daughter only wanted to play with the airplane seat belt. Everything else we brought just ended up being extra stuff to carry.
Check with Your Airline
Most airlines allow you to bring a car seat and a stroller in addition to your carry-on (and indeed, a car seat vs. your lap is the safest way to travel). Go for a car seat and stroller adapter (like the chicco car seat adapter), so you aren’t schlepping your baby, your bags, your car seat, and your stroller all around the airport.
Schedule Travel Around Sleep
Okay, so this did not work for us. But we’ve heard from a lot of parents, and it’s definitely worth a shot. Giving your baby a cozy place to sleep is key. Changing baby into their pajamas and giving them their special blanket just might encourage them to drift off...if you’re lucky, for the entire flight.
Plan Feedings For Flight
Holding off on the breast or bottle until take-off or landing will help baby’s ears adjust. Just like a stick of gum helps you, nursing will help your baby.
Don’t Plan Too Much
Whatever you have planned, remember that babies have their own agenda, and sometimes it’s you that needs to adjust. If you cram a ton into your vacation and leave little room for downtime, your baby will be exhausted and things will quickly unravel. Just relax, plan what works, and enjoy yourself. Afterall, that’s what vacation is all about.
Exploring Nature with a Baby Carrier
Ideal Spots for a Nature Walk with Baby
- Parks and Gardens: Great for leisurely walks and picnics.
- Nature Trails and Forests: Perfect for more adventurous outings.
- Beaches and Lakesides: Wonderful for enjoying the water and sand, with the right carrier.
Activity Ideas
- Hiking: Enjoy a scenic hike with a hiking baby carrier that offers support and storage.
- Bird Watching: Use your carrier to keep your baby close while you explore and observe wildlife.
- Picnics: A carrier can free up your hands, making it easier to carry picnic supplies.
Advantages of Using Strollers for Nature Adventures
While baby carriers are fantastic for mobility and closeness, depending on the adventure of choice you might want to be a stroller along too.
There are a LOT of baby stroller options on the market. So we understand how confusing it can be to choose the one that’s right for your family. Not only are there a variety of brands, but a variety of strollers that serve different purposes.
There are a few types of strollers on the market:
- Full-sized stroller: This is typically the stroller parents thing of buying for all its versatility.
- Lightweight or umbrella stroller:These compact strollers are perfect for on-the-go adventures.
- Jogging stroller: Designed for parents who want to combine fitness with outdoor adventures.
- Double stroller: Designed for parents with multiple kids, especially twins.
- Car seat carrier: These strollers connect to a specific car seat. We don't typically recommend these as they can be unsafe for baby and uncomfortable for parents who are pushing.
Learn more about the types of strollers and which one would be best for you.
Benefits of Bringing a Stroller
- Storage Space for Gear: Ample room for carrying all your essentials like a diaper bag, beach toys and more.
- Shade and Weather Protection: Built-in canopies to shield your baby from the sun when they are lounging.
- Options: If you have more than one kid, you can stroll with one and carry the other. Or, if you’re getting warm or your little one is getting fussy, you can switch up their position from stroller to carrier or vice versa.
Safety Tips for Strollers
- Ensure your stroller is in good working condition. Make sure buckles are still buckling and that there are no rips or holes that could compromise your baby’s safety.
- Use sunshades or bug nets to protect your little one’s skin.
- Securing the baby properly: always buckle up your baby for safety even if you think they are old enough to go without the buckle.
Combining Baby Carriers and Strollers
For the ultimate flexibility, consider using both a baby carrier and a stroller on your outings.
Combining both options allows you to adapt to different situations. Use the carrier for more rugged trails and switch to the stroller for smoother paths or when your baby needs a nap.
Transition Tips
- Smooth Transitions: Plan stops where you can easily switch from carrier to stroller.
- Pack Light: Only bring essentials to make transitions easier.
Tips for a Successful Adventure
Planning Ahead
- Route Planning: Choose baby-friendly trails and parks. Check local mom groups or outdoor groups and get recommendations for the best outings for kids.
- Check Weather Conditions: Avoid extreme heat or unpredictable weather. Even with our most breathable carriers, when it’s hot, it’s hot. And having two bodies against each other in the heat will be naturally hot and sticky already.
- Packing Checklist: Include diapers, snacks, water, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. These all-position carriers have storage pockets where you can fit some of the items easily!
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Pack healthy snacks to keep energy levels up and bring plenty of water for both you and baby.
Summer adventures with your baby are a wonderful way to create lasting memories and enjoy the beauty of nature together. From baby carriers to strollers, Ergobaby products are designed to provide comfort and ease for both you and your little one. So, gear up, get outside, and explore the world with your baby by your side.
Ready to embark on your own summer adventures? Check out Ergobaby’s range of baby carriers and strollers to find the perfect match for your family’s needs. Visit our website today and start planning your next outdoor excursion!