Some babies and toddlers enjoy rocking in the car, but there are plenty of children who find traveling stressful. If we are traveling to the seaside or a distant part of the country, it is worth preparing a travel plan with stops and consciously packing the food.

 

The most important thing to know when traveling with children

Children need a schedule and structure even while traveling. If possible, start the journey after a hearty breakfast and well-rested, and ensure regular stops so that the children can run around and stretch. We can even include small sightseeing walks and programs, thus creating many shared experiences during the trip.

Another very important rule is not to change the times and ways of meals during the trip from the usual! Offer the children breast milk, fruit, or other usual food at the usual times - and if possible, do not eat in the car. During the trip and vacation, avoid introducing new food groups even if we are in an active complementary feeding period, and always check the drinkability of the available tap water.

 

What you will definitely need when traveling with a baby

Parents know that whether we travel for three days or three weeks, we will need a lot of stuff. However, many make the mistake of placing the tools to be used during the trip in suitcases or the roof rack, making access difficult when needed. Think ahead, make a separate list, and keep the tools needed during the trip within reach in the passenger compartment!

What we need to pack when traveling with a baby largely depends on the age of the child(ren).

- For babies under 4 months, we may need diaper cream, cloth and disposable diapers or washable diapers, wet wipes, pacifiers, teething rings or teething chains, baby carriers, and lots of water for the mother to ensure daily water consumption and always have enough breast milk available. For formula-fed babies, we also need boiled water in a thermos or bottle warmer, bottles, and pre-measured formula.

- Between 4-6 months, in addition to the above, we need some snacks that we can give to the baby for the already replaced meals. The simplest is to buy jarred baby food for the trip, but homemade, non-refrigerated treats can also be packed in the snack box. Sliced soft fruits, steamed vegetables, puffed rice slices, or homemade baby biscuits are always handy for the trip. Since the baby's attention is more lively at this age, don't forget to bring some small toys and rattles. It is also worth learning a few nursery rhymes or children's songs, as the little ones will definitely enjoy the shared singing and extra pampering.

- After 6 months, in addition to the change of clothes, sweat pads, and other useful tools, make sure to bring teething relief tools, as well as baby books and other small toys that provide entertainment.

- For toddlers, plan extra playtime or at least rest breaks combined with running around. We can help our child a lot by keeping the usual schedule and giving them space and time to move.

 

 

Ideas for Moms: What Should the Baby Eat on the Go?

For longer trips, it's worth preparing convenient, easy-to-store, substantial treats for the whole family. Below, I've gathered the best baby-friendly travel snacks for you, so it's not such a difficult task anymore. (The list can naturally be expanded and varied according to the family's preferences and tastes.)
 

What should go in the travel package?

- Raw, soft vegetable slices and rings;

- Fruit wedges and slices;

- Steamed vegetables broken into florets, sticks, or slices;

- Dips that don't require refrigeration (e.g., chickpea cream, ajvar, etc.);

- Vegetable patties;

- Baby biscuits, baby snacks;

- Puffed grain slices;

- Store-bought fruit purees without added sugar, raw fruit slices, jarred fruit purees, or baby foods;

- Salads that don't require refrigeration (e.g., barley, millet, couscous salad, mixed vegetable salad, etc.)

- Water, water, water!

Contrary to popular belief and general practice, babies and children do not need sugary fruit juices, chips, chocolate bars, and other classic travel snacks. In fact, let's set a good example and not overdo it with caffeinated drinks, sweets, and other snacks ourselves! This way, we can be not only credible parents but also healthier adults.