The holidays are here, and for many families this means vacations and breaks from your child’s typical routine. This can be a special time to have new experiences and create new memories, but it can also be stressful for young children who rely on the predictability of their daily routines and home environment. Luckily, there are several ways to ensure that a trip or break can be fun and relaxing for you and your child.

Follow us for our 3 part travel series: Traveling With Your Baby, Traveling With Your Toddler, and Traveling Without Your Child.

Traveling With Your Baby 0 -12 months (part 1 of 3, parts 2 and 3 to follow)

• Start small – If this is your first time traveling with your baby, consider a short getaway that does not involve long travel times and/or demanding schedules. Weekend trips to visit friends or family or car travel can be ideal to practice being away from home and provide a necessary break from your daily routine.
• Pack all the necessary food, bottles, diapers and equipment (books and toys) that comfort your baby and your family
• If your baby sleeps in a crib, check that your accommodations include a crib for your baby and consider bringing his/her own bedding or something familiar to his/her sleep environment.
• Try to adhere to important routine and schedules when planning your itinerary (feeding, naps, sleep, playtime). This predictability will be comforting to your baby and will help ease the transition back to your home.
• Allow flexibility if your child has a reaction to the different environment and routines of your trip. Your child may need more emotional support and physical closeness to tolerate the newness of your vacation. (For example, babies who typically sleep alone might feel uncomfortable in a portable crib and may only sleep in bed with the parent.) This is perfectly normal and routines can be regained when you return home. There will be an adjustment period, but it will not be a permanent change.