I am always inspired by other parents that travel with their kids. But sometimes that first trip with baby can be a bit intimidating and overwhelming. In order to help our readers get more comfortable with travelling for baby’s first trip – I figured some other family’s “real life” experiences would be helpful to provide you some different viewpoints, thoughts and experiences taking baby on their first trip. So I turned the questions over to our readers to get answers from them to provide you some guidance.
This is the first post in the Baby’s First Trip series! #babysfirsttrip
Family Info: Kim (mom), Greg (dad) & Baby Emerson (7 months)
Where did you go and what was the purpose of your travel?
We travelled to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada to visit Greg’s family. Specifically to surprise his sister for her 40th birthday!
What was the best and/or worst part of the flight?
The best part of the flight was that it was a 2 hour direct flight. We specifically booked those flights because they were direct. It was also the perfect amount of time for Emerson to sleep between take off and landing! The worst part of the flight was the temperature on the plane before taking off. When you are holding a baby in your lap it got extremely warm for all of us. I would also suggest getting a seat close to the front to avoid the wait when getting offer plane. By that point, Emerson was getting a little antsy.
What was the easiest thing that you least expected while travelling with baby?
I didn’t know what to expect about any of it so I can honestly say that the whole experience was easier than I expected. Right from checking in his car seat, to boarding the plane, to arriving at our destination. I found the airlines, especially WestJet, to be very accommodating and helpful. It was great to find out that you can take you stroller with you through the airport and they will check it for you as you enter the plane and have it waiting for you when you get off. Also very good that they allow you to check 2 pieces for the baby (car seat, playpen, etc) free of charge. They also allowed us to take formula and homemade baby food through security which was perfect as we made sure to feed Emerson right before the flight so he would sleep.
What was the most challenging part of travelling with baby?
We found the most challenging part traveling with Emerson to be the time change. Although it was only a 2 hour difference, he stayed on Regina (home) time which made for some early mornings for Greg and I. However, next time we travel we will probably keep Emerson on Regina time as there will be no transitioning when we get back home (depending on the time change of course and how long we are away)
What is the best thing you brought for baby (or parent) on the trip?
Because we were staying with family and they already had most of the essentials (playpen, larger stroller, toys) I think the best things we brought for Emerson on the trip was his car seat and base (we had the use of his brothers car so it made it easy and convenient for us). Also instead of taking his big stroller we just took his umbrella stroller which was a lot easier to take through the airport and security. We also didn’t over pack our carry on with stuff for him. Just his favorite blanky and a few of his favorite, smaller toys.
Based on your first experience travelling with baby, are you ready to book another trip or are you going to wait a bit? Where do you think you will go?
We are definitely ready to book another trip with Emerson. This trip seemed fairly easy and enjoyable. Although it does help that we have a pretty well behaved baby! But I think traveling a short distance for only a few days, as well as staying with family, was the perfect introduction to traveling with an infant. We didn’t have to take much for Emerson such as a playpen and a bunch of toys because our family had all of that stuff at their home. I am sure there would be a bit more stress and difficulty had we needed to travel with those things.
We will probably head back to British Columbia for our next trip with him but perhaps stay for a longer period. Not sure that I want to take Emerson to some place like Mexico quite yet or someplace with a longer flight. Maybe in a few years when he can focus on a movie or something to keep him distracted during a longer flight.
Do you think you will travel more or less after having a baby? Why do you feel that way?
I think we will still travel as much as we did before we had Emerson. Not that we do a lot of traveling, but I don’t believe having a little one is a reason to travel less. It’s definitely one thing I wish my family could have done more of when I was little.
What would be your one piece of advice to new parents about travelling with an infant?
Direct flights when possible and try to time your feeding and naps with the flight. Makes for a quiet, easy flight! Oh and don’t over pack, only take the essentials.
Do you think the memories of this first trip will be constantly retold for him to learn about as he gets older?
Absolutely. Not only was it his first trip but it was also a special occasion, surprising his Aunty Nikkie. Emerson also seemed to thoroughly enjoy being there. He was an extremely happy boy who had the giggles all weekend long!
What was the most memorable part of the trip with baby?
I think the most memorable part of the trip was seeing how happy Emerson was as soon as we got to his uncle Brad’s house. They were puppy sitting a golden lab and Emerson would not stop laughing at the dog from the minute we walked in the door. It was so great to see him adjust to a new environment so well!
Thank you to Kim for graciously sharing her travel insight and Emerson’s first travel experiences. It is fantastic for all our readers to hear other parents views about #babysfirsttrip to help other families get out and explore the world!
Would you like to be part of an upcoming post in this series to share your Baby’s First Trip? Contact us at [email protected], we would love to hear from you and share your story with our readers!
Leave a Reply