Some useful tips.. maybe!

Last week was my hectic week where so many things to do in so little time. Having my cousin from London gave me time for mind therapy by chit chat most of the time with her for what had happen in our family lately and gossip bla bla bla… hehe.. kind of therapy..huh? She was back to London last Thursday and hopefully we’ll meet again end of this year in London Insya Allah. Good to see Farrel was so easy to get along with new people.

Recently, I did receive an email from new friend asking me tips for travelling with baby. Yeah.. whether flying or driving or going on short or long trip, travelling with baby provides a certain challenge. Unlike in Malaysia, we rarely see new born baby travel for long distance but the scenario is normal in foreign country. First time we travel with Farrel was 30 days after he was born, I still in ‘prohibited period’. Huhu.. We cruised to Paris by TGV (train) which took about 5 hours to the destination. With a strong determination and spirit, my hubby and I took risk brought Farrel to Paris for his passport application. One of the big challenges was when we had to carry Farrel and his stroller scaling up and down metro station stairs. I give 2 out of 5 stars for Paris transportation accommodation where almost all metro station not equipped with lift or escalator and the train itself really horrible. Huh.. thinking of that time drive me to smile wondering where I got the strength to go through all the hardship. Syukur Alhamdulillah... Despite all the difficulty we had in Paris, we still had a spirit for the next trip to Marrakech when Farrel was 2 months old. Stay in Riad (guest house) which essentially prohibited for baby and kid, compelled us to wander around ‘Souk’(famous market in Marrakech) till midnight so that Farrel was already sleep when we back to Riad to avoid him making noise which could disturb other guest. Fortunately the ‘Souk’ was happening till midnight and we most enjoyed that, though it’s so creepy walking down the street on the way back to our Riad. Experience staying in Riad was the best part of this trip where it promises you the real environment of Maroc home-like. However, because of the ambience of Marrakech which dusty and crowded with people compelled us to use sling instead of stroller for Farrel’s safety.

When it comes to family travel, our mantra is: Play it safe! Travelling with baby can be fun with well and proper preparation. Here I would like to share my experience and maybe some tips which are useful when travel with baby.

1) Stroller and sling – find the quality stroller/sling. The best choice is to get a lightweight umbrella stroller which will make easier to carry. Always remember that many destinations aren’t stroller-friendly so sling would be the alternative. For my case when travel to Marrakech, the stroller is more trouble than it’s worth. Still, MacLaren is our choice as it certainly lightweight and comfortable.

2) Diaper Bag –Stock your bag with plenty of diapers, even if you don’t think you will need them all. You never know when your flight might be delayed.Of course versatile wipes is our choice, not only to clean baby bottom but are great for cleaning hands, faces and even blotting stains and spills.Don’t forget to bring the plastic for disposing of dirty diapers or storing wet clothes.

Bring rash cream to avoid diaper rash spoil your trip. Carry a small tube of cream or ointment to baby’s discomfort. Need to prepare extra clothing which useful when accidents happen.

3) Entertainment – Take a rest and entertain your baby when he start get boring by getting him out from stroller for a while and play with him for keeping your little one happy and calm.

4) First Aid Kit – It’s better to ask for doctor’s prescription. Some country (ex Third World Country) requires other vaccination.

5) Foods/Drinks – Feed your baby before get into train or place that inconvenient for breastfeeding. Metro station always be my favourite place to breastfeed my baby. When travelling by air, feed your baby on take-off and landing to ease ear pain. It’s important to drink a lot if you are breastfeeding.

Basically, we have to study our destination before we do the preparation so that everything will be easier for you and your baby. Hurm… Next week we will fly back to Malaysia, can’t imagine 12 hours in flight with our little one Farrel. Hopefully he will stay calm during the time and he wouldn’t throw his tantrum in the flight which will disturb other passengers. Please behave yerr sayanggg…