Traveling with Your Baby

You can make a holiday visit much more pleasant for yourself, your baby, and your hosts or guests by taking a moment to go over this list, which represents a broad range of ideas for venturing out with infants through toddlers.

• Keep extra diapers, a change of clothes and some snacks in your car at all times.

• Take toys and a blanket that your baby is familiar with.

• For longer trips, take a new toy to hold your baby's interest.

• Attach toys to the car seat or stroller with plastic chains (never ropes or string) so the child can retrieve toys themselves.

• Play music that is soothing or that your baby will enjoy while on the road.

• Pack familiar foods and snacks that your baby enjoys.

• If you put bottles or baby food in the refrigerator where you're visiting, place the car keys in with them. You will be reminded of those items when you can't find your car keys.

• The more relaxed and comfortable you are in the surroundings you're visiting, the more comfortable your baby will be with the whole idea. They can sense if you are on edge and act or act out accordingly.

• Depending upon the age of your child, you may want to prepare them for visitors in advance by talking with them about what is going to happen during the visit. Show photographs of visitors or let them talk to your guests on the phone before they arrive.

• Don't force socialization if your baby is uncomfortable or behaving shyly. Take cues from your child. Allow your child some time to get used to visitors before assuming your baby wishes to be held by them. Explain to your guest that the baby may need a little time to feel comfortable.

• Place guests' handbags up high and out of reach.

• Give guests a quick rundown of your baby's activity level (what your baby can do and can't do) so they may help watch for potential hazards. It's easy to get distracted while entertaining so extra eyes are always welcomed.

• Allow your toddler to select the toys they wish share with visiting children. Select shared toys ahead of time and then put all others where they are inaccessible to young guests. This keeps the room mess to a minimum, causes fewer territorial squabbles and in the end your child will feel less invaded and more willing to share during the next visit. Children need to become comfortable with the idea of another child "playing with" their toy, that it doesn't mean that they will "take home" their toy. Allow for the difficulty many children have with the concept of sharing.

• Compliment your child for sharing toys with other children. (Even if it didn't go perfectly.) It's a skill that must be learned. Begin the practice of praise early on and do it often. Positive reinforcement will encourage sharing.

• Check for access to stairways, balconies or decks, fireplaces, windows that open at the bottom, electrical outlets and lamp cords that can be pulled.

• Check that medicines and cleaning products are stored out of reach.

• Carry some strong rubber bands and loop them around cupboard knobs to keep your baby from opening them.

• Carry a doorknob cover if your child has become fascinated with trying to open the door.

• Cords to blinds should be out of reach.

• Small items such as knick-knacks should be moved out of harms way.

• Pet food, water dishes and litter boxes should be out of reach. Check Pet or Doggie Doors for potential hazards like stairs on the outside.

• Check for house plants that are poisonous or that can be dangerous to your baby like Poinsettias. Many common house plants can make your baby very sick if the leaves are eaten.

• Watch for sharp corners on furniture and glass tables where the glass is not attached to the base.

• Check borrowed or old cribs for lose hardware or slats that are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. Check to see if the mattress fits snugly into the frame. Make sure the sides are functional and secure. Be sure that the bedding fits snugly over the mattress. Look around where the crib is placed for hazards within your baby's reach.

• If there are young children in the home watch for toys with small pieces.

• Take a favorite blanket or a familiar crib item so your baby will be comfortable in new surroundings.

• Check the room for potential hazards like curtain cords, electrical outlets, lamp, hair dryer and coffee maker cords.

• Be sure sliding glass doors are locked and can't be opened.

• Check cribs for lose hardware or slats that are more than 2 3/8 inches apart. Check to see if the mattress fits snugly into the frame. Make sure the sides are functional and secure. Be sure that the bedding fits snugly over the mattress.

• Look around where the crib is placed for hazards within your baby's reach. Do not use a crib that was manufactured before 1980.

• Young infants can sleep comfortably in a dresser drawer that has been removed from the dresser and placed on the floor. In a pinch it can work fine.

• Take a break. Most resorts have child care available so take a little time and enjoy each other without your baby. Have them take the baby out for a walk while you get a massage or enjoy the pool. You can also make plans for child care and go out to dinner after your baby is asleep for the night.

• Provide a neck rest for your baby so that sleeping in the car seat is more comfortable.

• Dress your baby comfortably. If arriving late in the evening, dress your baby in pajamas.

• Stop every couple of hours for a short break - feeding, changing or walking around.

• Keep a toy bag in your car to pull out toys while driving and while visiting.

• Limit carry-on items, you have the baby, diaper bag and the car seat already.

• Dress your baby comfortably. If you want your baby in a special outfit to see Grandma, you can change your baby into it at the end of the flight.

• When you reserve your seats try for bulkhead seats (right behind first-class) there is more leg room and it's easier to get in and out to attend to your baby.

• Properly restrain your child. The airline can tell you what you'll need.

• Take care and be sure that your baby has something to suck on during take-off and landings, so the pressure doesn't build up and cause ear pain.

• If your child is congested, check with your pediatrician before flying.