Have Baby Will Travel

July/August 2007 Issue

 

Planning your summer adventure involves packing all the modern day mom’s essentials. Sun hats, soothers, bottle warmers and bumbos.

 You know what you need for grocery store strolls, play dates and picnics, but traveling away from home for a vacation involves some special safety considerations. Children are natural explorers and when they are in a new environment they may be overwhelmed with excitement.  

Here are a few mom-tested-tips to give you some parental piece of mind: 

• Whether you are staying at a hotel or even grandma’s house pack a few supplies to “baby proof” your destination. Outlet covers and cabinet locks don’t take up a lot of room in your suitcase but will prevent you little one from exploring in some of the unsafe areas of a new location.

 

• Make sure you sweetie has a safe place to sleep while she is away from home. Don’t assume your destination is decked out like your nursery at home. Most hotels offer compact cribs but a private vacation rental my only you offer a playpen circa 1970. Inquire before you arrive about sleeping arrangements for your baby.

 

• Most parents cringe at the thought of using a harness in public to restrain their toddlers wandering tendencies. But, there are some super-modern electronic versions that are less invasive. Some models operate with a receiver that clips on to the child’s shoe and a control unit that you can carry. If the child wanders too far away, the receiver beeps letting you know where you child is.

 

• Keep a current photo of your child in your purse of diaper bag. Make color copies of a recent photo of your child and give one to each member in your party to carry. In the event that your child gets ‘lost’ you can instantly show people who to look for. A picture is worth a thousand words- especially when you are in a panic!

Make the most of your little one’s inquisitive nature. Show them the sights and sounds of a new destination while keeping them safe and sound!