A Guide To Travelling With A Baby

No matter whether you're planning on travelling abroad or are looking for helpful travel solutions to keep your little one comfortable as they journey between A and B, this handy guide is sure to lend a helping hand.

From travel cots to car seats, changing mats to comfortable bedding, here at The Range we've got just what any parent needs to help make travelling with their newborn or toddler that little bit easier.

Keeping Baby Comfortable

With travel cots acting as great replacements whilst travelling, you can be sure your little one gets a peaceful nights rest in style. Perfect for adding a little more warmth atop their bedding, blankets are sure to help soothe and are great for locking in the heat whilst in the car or onboard an airplane.

If travelling by car, then specially designed seats are sure to help keep your newborn as comfortable as possible whilst transitioning from point A to point B. As your youngster grows, adjustable seats are sure to come in handy. Still looking for a little more peace of mind whilst travelling? If so, then pillows are perfect for installing into any existing vehicle.

Keeping Baby Entertained

Perfect for playing with either whilst in the car, on the plane, or even whilst travelling via train, entertaining toys are great for preventing fidgeting and restlessness.

If you're looking for a fun and engaging way to help keep them entertained back at the hotel or whilst visiting friends and family members, then activity centres provide hours of endless entertainment. Designed with their sensory development in mind, and being lightweight and compact enough to carry whilst on-the-go, such products are great for playtimes whilst travelling.

After something to help them drift off to sleep? If so, then mobiles are perfect for attaching to travel cots or bedroom walls to help soothe them into a soft nights sleep whilst away from home.

Tips For Car Journeys

If you're planning on tackling a lengthy car journey with your little one, then here are a few things to consider:

Consider Driving At Night - A great way to avoid spending time stuck in traffic jams, driving at night might also be a more practical way of working around your little one's sleeping pattern. Although they may be ready-to-go once you arrive at your destination, it's also paramount that you monitor the amount of time that they're physically in their seat too.
Planning Comfort Stops and Breaks - Planning frequent rest stops is another important factor to consider when travelling with your baby. No matter whether it's a toilet stop, a food stop, or simply just a break to stretch their legs, be sure to plan your breaks around their sleeping patterns or on how long they've been in their car seat for.
Prepare The Car Beforehand - From car shades to drinking bottles, making sure your car is well-equipped to deal with an array of scenarios before you go is another important factor to consider. It's also important to make sure you're prepared for all possible outcomes, so equip your car with a first aid kit, a torch, a spare headlight, a warm blanket, and even practical repair items.
Time Your Journey Right - Routine is key! Another way to help journeys run a little smoother is to work around their daily routine. If they normally have a bath in the evenings, then plan on travelling after that. That way, parents could cover a few miles whilst their little one drifts and dozes off in the back.

Tips For Flying

Looking at travelling a little further afield or even abroad? If so, flying with a toddler or newborn needn't be overly stressful when the following suggestions are considered:

Feed Baby During Take-Off and Landing - The change in air pressure from ascending and descending will often leave your little one in a little discomfort with popping ears, so it might be worth considering feeding them during this process. As they swallow, their ears will remain open, in turn helping to reduce any potential discomfort.
Consider Boarding Early - With most airlines offering early boarding for those travelling with small children, it's important to consider this option carefully. For some, it might be a great option for avoiding the mad rush and cramped conditions of trying to find your seat, but it can lead to additional waiting in your seat whilst everyone else boards.
Convenient Travel Gear Is Best - Once you've checked what items can be checked-in and what items can be carried onboard, it's best you travel as light but practically as possible. Easy-to-fold strollers and spacious changing bags are specially designed to help make caring for your little one whilst on the go that little bit easier - especially when flying!
Don't Forget The Toys! - To help keep baby entertained for longer, make sure to pack an array of toys and games that they love. Rattles such as the Activity Deer are sure to impress, whilst book might also be great for helping get them off to sleep.