8 clever tips for travelling with a child

Soon, the holidays! We're counting down the days, we know it, we can feel it, it's going to be great… The only cloud on the horizon, before arriving at our happy destination and enjoying relaxing and fun family moments, is… the dreaded journey. By train, car, or plane, these endless hours, when it would be best if your little one sat calmly and quietly, are often the source of much anxiety. The super moms at Milk Away have compiled their tips and tricks to help you avoid a waking nightmare. 

First and foremost, it seems important to remember that a child is a child. If it feels long for you, it will feel (even) longer for them. Furthermore, managing emotions (whether positive or negative) isn't always easy for young children – and that's perfectly normal! – so it's important to keep this in mind and not put too much pressure on yourself. Joy, excitement, fatigue, and boredom don't always mix well… but that's life. Of course, we recommend doing your best to manage the little one, but let's be realistic and keep things in perspective: there will always be some grumpy old person ready to give you a dirty look every time your child dares to breathe.

In short, we do our best and keep smiling (that's often what throws unpleasant people, or more commonly known as pains in the ass, off their game).

Whatever the case, no matter where you go and what means of transport you use, remember that traveling with a baby or toddler requires preparation for their comfort as well as yours.

1. Contact the transport company

Whether traveling by train or plane, inquire about the planned travel arrangements. Do you need a specific seat? Is it provided? Is a children's meal available? Do you need to reserve it? Are games or activities planned? Ask all your questions in advance so you can best prepare for the journey. If possible, when booking tickets, try to secure convenient seats at the very front or back, together, and with direct aisle access so you don't have to bother a stranger every time your child needs to use the restroom or stretch their legs. 

2. Be well organized

Don't laugh… it seems obvious, but with the 10,000 things to think about when packing for a child, you might easily forget the essentials. Are your official documents in order? Do you need a passport, an ESTA, a Covid test? Do you need to notify your bank and your hospital insurance in advance? Are you sure your child is covered? And what about repatriation? All these administrative joys are often a drain on your energy, but if you have the slightest problem abroad, you'll be glad you thought of everything before leaving! And don't forget to pack your little one's health record for better monitoring, just in case.

3. Explain the journey

It sounds silly, but it can really make the trip easier. A few days before departure, explain  Tell the child where you're going, how the journey will go, and what you're going to do. The unknown is always a little scary for everyone. Talking is the best way for a child to understand what's going to happen, anticipate the sensations they'll feel, realize where they're going, who they'll be with, and why. It's important to be calm and patient during the journey. After all, you make up a family.  For a team, communication is key. Also, don't forget that the flight takes place after several hours spent at the airport, in the noise and bustle of the corridors, with queues and sometimes stressful security checks.

4. Pack comfortable and easy-to-wear clothing

And let's be clear: this applies to adults and children alike! Traveling with a child can be quite a challenge, right from the moment you arrive at the train station or airport. Little humans are easily distracted, they run everywhere, they don't always follow the right people, they take the wrong aisles—in short, choose an outfit that allows you to sprint, easily carry your child, and bend down to pick up anything they haven't intentionally dropped on the floor, under, or between the seats, etc. Another recommendation that applies to the whole family: avoid wearing white, beige, or other light colors so you don't end up looking like a patchwork quilt by the time you arrive. Even for us adults, eating neatly on public transport isn't always easy; there are turbulence, braking, and cramped spaces that restrict our movement. We opt for the simplest possible breastfeeding experience with suitable clothing. The essentials to take everywhere with you, no matter the destination: the grey or black In Mum We Trust tank top , paired with its ultra-comfortable Who Run The World? MUMS hoodie . Combined with shorts or leggings, it's the light and easy outfit that blends style and breastfeeding, anywhere, anytime!

Beyond aesthetics, for the kids, think about practical outfits so you can change them in a flash. Also essential: one or more spare outfits, little socks, a sweater or shawl to keep them warm, even if you're going somewhere sunny, because air conditioning can be deceptive. And what's worse than the journey? A sick child upon arrival and the first few days of vacation spent stressing out.

5. Bring something to keep him/her easily occupied

Even if you've followed our advice, don't pull out a hundred-piece puzzle or a board game with pieces the size of your pinky fingernail. Even if you love a challenge... Stick to tried-and-true favorites: a story box ( Lunii , Faba , etc.) or a music box (and don't forget the headphones, because the kids can listen to the same nursery rhyme on repeat. It might relax them, but it'll drive you and your neighbors crazy!), children's podcasts like those by Auden and Bestiole (France Inter), interactive games, erasable drawing tablets, magic coloring books with water pens, magnetic games, figurines of characters or animals, or game boards with a fixed pen and dice. Do some research; it's worth it, trust us!

6. Remember to stock up on supplies

What's more annoying than a child—or an adult, for that matter—with a serious case of hunger pangs? Nothing! To avoid a tantrum, make sure you have something on hand to satisfy those little hunger pangs. The simplest solution: breastfeed if you're breastfeeding (so consider wearing Milk Away clothing for comfort, style, and efficiency). Besides providing nourishment, breastfeeding effectively reduces ear discomfort during takeoff and landing. Yet another proof—if any were needed—that breastfeeding has it all! Otherwise, don't forget your equipment for expressing milk, a bottle, a cooler bag for travel, baby food, fruit purees and snacks (we have a crush on the Sienna & Friends brand), water or your milk in a bottle (it goes through security without a problem), in short, things that are easy to carry and store.

7. Bring a mini first-aid kit

Imagine that during a journey of several hours, you might develop a stomach bug or motion sickness… what a joke! Remember to pack something to soothe fever, cough, vomiting, and diarrhea in your carry-on. And pray you don't need it! 

8. Separate your belongings 

Avoid the frustration of having to unpack and rummage through all your carry-on luggage because you can't remember where you put the pacifier and cuddly toy. It's the kind of request that's best met quickly; "Wait 2 minutes, I'll look for it" is interpreted as "Just two more hours and I'll have found it," which can simultaneously provoke screams and an uncontrolled outpouring of tears... and snot. Ideally, you should have a bag containing only the child's essentials (pacifier and cuddly toy, but also everything needed for diaper changes), as well as their toys, clothes, medication, etc. A great tip: mini suitcases featuring their favorite heroes and heroines or animals, which the kids can sit on and thus remain within your visual control.

Another tip, 100% inspired by experience: to easily navigate airports, train stations, and other super crowded places with a group of children, we highly recommend bringing an ultra-lightweight, super-foldable stroller that fits in your carry-on luggage, like the Babyzen Yoyo, which folds into a backpack , or the Cybex Eezy Twist S+2, which was a gift for Milk Away's first anniversary (yes, we're like that, we love to spoil you!). Another practical option to avoid constantly chasing after the little ones is to get an adaptable baby carrier like Love Radius , which offers slings and carriers suitable for newborns as well as older children.

With all this in mind, the trip should be a breeze! No, we're kidding, but let's just say these tried and tested tips should make your life much easier. 

You're welcome, kisses and happy holidays!

#inmumwetrust #familytrip #breastfeedingonthego #whoruntheworldmums

Photo credit: Unsplash - Lucas Favre