A mom’s travel diary
Day 1
Baby can’t sleep in an unfamiliar room
—Tired—
Day 2
Carrying a toddler in one hand and a baby in the other
—Exhausted—
Day 3
Having the time of your trip when baby insists on their unshakable nap time
—Sweating—
Day 4
Baby turns out to be a total people person
—Running around—
Day 5
Baby refuses packed meals and picnics
—Crying—
Day 6
Sleeper train, heading home lying down
—Peaceful—
*This diary is an exclusive original. Coincidences are purely coincidental.
Traveling with a baby brings so many worries. Don’t worry though. Parents who have already planned a Dragon Boat Festival getaway might want to check out these little tips—they could make your journey much easier.
Top Worry #1:
Baby’s unshakable “nap time”
No matter how tightly packed the tour group’s schedule is, or how much fun you’re having, once nap time rolls around, they’ll immediately drift off to sleep. What can you do?
Solution 1: The stroller to the rescue
A stroller is undoubtedly like a portable little bed. With it, your baby can sleep anytime, anywhere, and mom doesn’t have to cut the trip short because the baby needs a nap.
Some moms prefer to bring an umbrella stroller while traveling. It’s compact, but usually only allows the baby to sit, not lie down.
So it’s recommended to carry a stroller that allows your baby to lie down whenever possible during your trip.
Solution 2: Be a “Kangaroo Mom”
Essentials: Baby sling or carrier
Carry your baby with you while sightseeing. If you’re not used to using a sling or carrier on a daily basis, it’s best to do a few “practice runs” before your trip.
Gradually find the most comfortable carrying posture for both your baby and yourself through trial and error.
Solution 3: Drive yourself — your baby’s “mobile nest”
Road trips are a great option for traveling with a baby. On one hand, they offer more flexible scheduling. More importantly, a car provides ample space to store all of your baby’s essential gear.
If you’re traveling to a distant destination, you can rent a car at your destination.
Solution 4: Book a hotel near the attraction in advance
If the purpose of your trip isn’t sightseeing but relaxation — such as unwinding by the seaside or enjoying a spa retreat —
then consider staying at a hotel closest to the attraction. This way, you can take your baby straight back to the room after nap time, or take turns caring for the baby with other family members.
Hotels closest to attractions are often more expensive and in high demand, so be sure to book well in advance~
Top Trouble Two:
Baby meals!! Meals!! Meals!!
When you’re out and about, adults can be more flexible with food — indulging when conditions allow or making do when they don’t. But babies can’t handle such “upheaval.” They need regular meals and balanced nutrition, which can be quite a challenge for moms on the go.
Solution 1: Breastfeeding — your portable personal kitchen
The advantages of breastfeeding become especially clear while traveling. It’s fresh, convenient, hygienic, and can be done anytime.
Just set up a baby restaurant with a bench and a nursing cover, and quickly replenish those nutrients.
To ensure an adequate milk supply, breastfeeding moms should also try to maintain regular eating habits while traveling. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle and stay hydrated.
Solution 2: Source “supplies” locally
Unless you’re venturing into the depths of a primeval forest, formula can usually be purchased locally — or ordered online with delivery in half a day.
If you need to temporarily switch to another brand of formula, moms should be cautious and let the baby try it in small amounts first, as many babies need time to adjust to new formula.
Solution 3: Bring along a “three meals a day” schedule
Try not to disrupt your baby’s regular meal routine during your trip. When planning your daily sightseeing schedule, aim to arrange meals around your baby’s usual feeding times.
Many moms think it’s okay to skip schedules for a few days while traveling, not realizing how detrimental this can be to their baby’s health.
Babies eat small amounts frequently without long breaks between meals, leaving no time for their stomachs to empty and rest, which can easily lead to gastrointestinal issues. Add in the fatigue of travel and weakened immunity, and illness can easily follow.
Top Trouble Three:
Your baby struggles to sleep in an unfamiliar environment
Unfamiliar hotel surroundings, a full day of activities, and an overload of new and exciting stimuli… these are all culprits that leave your baby overstimulated and wide awake. Yet, the exhausted mom just wishes this energetic little troublemaker would fall asleep quickly, so they can recharge for tomorrow’s jam-packed agenda.
Solution 1: Prepare a portable crib
Portable cribs allow your baby to sleep in their own little bed anytime. You’ll need to start getting your baby gradually accustomed to sleeping in a portable crib about a week before the trip.
If bringing a small crib isn’t convenient, familiar items like your baby’s sleeping bag, small blanket, pajamas, or favorite stuffed animal can help them feel secure in an unfamiliar environment.
Solution 2: Don’t change the “bedtime routine”
Travel brings many changes to your baby’s life, and these changes can make them feel tense and stressed.
Sticking to their familiar “bedtime routine” during this time will help them feel safe and relaxed, which can make it easier for them to fall asleep. This could include activities like listening to a story or playing an interactive game with mom before bed.
Top Four Concerns:
Packing and setting up the hotel room
Traveling with a baby means you can no longer collapse into bed as soon as you reach the hotel. As a mom, you’ll need the endurance of an ironman and the speed of a superhero to quickly create a comfortable “home” for your baby in an unfamiliar place.
Solution 1:
Small details to ease your baby’s fear of unfamiliar environments
Bring along photos of your baby or a family portrait when traveling. Place them on the bedside table as soon as you arrive at the hotel.
Don’t underestimate this small photo—it creates a familiar and cozy family atmosphere that can comfort your baby’s fears.
Choose an item that your baby is most familiar with, loves the most, or cares about the most, and make sure it only brings back happy memories.
Solution 2: Don’t hesitate—start right away!
It’s best to unpack as soon as you get back to the hotel. Once you start resting, it can be hard to muster the energy to do these tasks.
If you’re really tired, start by organizing just the essentials you’ll need right away—like your baby’s bathrobe or formula for dinner.
Get up early the next day and finish your unpacking before your baby wakes up. Remember, without your little cutie around, you’ll be much more efficient.