Whether you are booked into a luxurious ski holiday in the Alps or planning to hit some iconic destinations during the colder winter months, it does not mean that bringing along the baby will cause all kinds of challenges. While there is little that can be done for the usual traveler’s woes, such as lines at airports or a fussy baby during a flight, there are many tips we can offer to make packing for and traveling with a baby in the winter season a bit easier and more enjoyable.
Think About Getting Out
When you are traveling with a baby, especially in the winter season, it can become difficult to see the sights if you are also worried about taking a baby into the cold. The good news is that there are many simple solutions that can ensure you and the baby get outside to see the sights, take in the scenery and enjoy all the things you hoped to see.
One of the smartest investments is a rain cover stroller. Not as large as the average stroller, it will ensure that the baby remains dry and warm at all times, and fold up and pack so much easier than you might have yet to experience where strollers are concerned.
When planning to be out and about, keep in mind that parents, adults and older kids get to stay warm by moving about. Little ones may struggle with the cold, so invest in a footed snowsuit that ensures they have plenty of cozy warmth that is without any drafty breezes or areas that get cold, such as gaps between boots and the cuffs of their pants.
With that in mind, also consider investing in a “puffer” jacket. Typically very light in weight, they allow kids to move easily while offering amazing warmth thanks to the high-tech filling. A great idea is to find one with a fleece lining that will only enhance the child’s level of optimal coziness. If your little one is very young, there are sleeping-bag styled baby bags that work like puffer coats, but with a sealed bottom for guaranteed warmth. These fit beautifully inside a stroller and can keep an infant warm even if the outdoor temperatures are extremely cold.
A good hat and set of mittens are imperative for winter travel, and you may want to bring spare mittens as kids are great at taking them off and “depositing” them without parents noticing.
As for the clothing a child will need when traveling in the winter season, consider the infant versions of long johns made with high tech materials that keep their little legs warm and yet allow them freedom of movement. Worn beneath pants or even skirts or dresses, they ensure a child’s comfort. Long sleeved “onesies” are ideal for the winter traveling baby as well. They work as the best layering pieces but can also be part of the outfit when inside. They wash easily and don’t break the bank if they need to be discarded after the oh-so-common traveling accidents.
Beyond the Gear
Another important thing to keep in mind when traveling with a baby during the winter months is the simple fact that dehydration happens. Just as adults and older kids get dry skin and suffer chapping and chafing. Bring your baby’s best lotion, and be sure that it is one that they have used in the past. You don’t want adverse reactions or irritated skin while on holiday.
Keep in mind that everyone – including kids become much hungrier as they fight the cold weather and that they will need more fluid. Be sure to have an ample supply of drinks and snacks, including warm bottles or thermoses of formulas or milk and your child’s favorite snacks and finger foods to keep them happy and content in even the coldest weather.