Travel & Leisure

Wednesday November 11, 2009

Useful pointers

HERE are some pointers when travelling with babies and older children.

1. Infants

When travelling with children, be sure to pack enough snacks and water.

> Babies sleep a lot and are easily entertained. They can sleep in strollers, which means portability. Utensils and baby bottles need sterilisation, at least until the child is six months old. Another concern is whether they have finished their main immunisations.

> Babies cannot tell you if they feel hot, cold or have stomach aches, so parents have to be more alert.

> Sleeping, feeding and changing routines have to be met. Sleeping throughout the night may not be achievable yet.

> You will need lots more luggage.

2. Crawlers (age below 1)

> Need to keep constant watch on them.

> Children this age need more entertaining.

> They get dirty more often and tend to put things into their mouths.

> Crawlers still need their naps.

3. Toddlers (age 1-3)

> Have lots of energy, move fast, show temper tantrums and need proper bed and bedtime.

> They sleep better at night, and might still nap in the afternoon, so bring a stroller.

> At this age, they are inquisitive, fun, and enjoy simple things like fountains or running in the park.

> From one year old, they can drink pasteurised cows' milk.

4. Preschool and above

> From age four, travelling becomes much easier as they are more willing to listen to reasoning and are usually over the tantrum age.

> Travelling to more adventurous places is feasible.

> You can keep them entertained with simple games and story-telling. Plan with them and include their likes and dislikes.

> Kids this age can get bored easily so you have to be creative.

5. Teenagers

> Able to entertain themselves but want to go their own way and do their own things.

> Itinerary will revolve heavily around what they want to do daily and it's a lot about compromising with them.

Tips for a great trip

> Accept that your pace and schedule will be much slower when travelling with children. Be flexible with your itinerary.

> Be mindful that holidays can be tiring for children. Include nap time and slower-paced activity daily or plan driving to coincide with nap time to make sure they get some rest.

> Create a child-friendly itinerary. Children love parks, playgrounds, places with animals and anything to do with water like swimming pools, boat rides or waterfalls.

> Allow children to experience things in their own way and engage in activities that interest them.

> Talk and listen to the children. Involve them in the planning of day-to-day activities. Plan some indoor activities for those rainy days.

> Make time for treats and always have some snacks with you.

> Bring a changing mat for children yet to be toilet-trained.

> Take turns with your spouse to take care of the children so each parent can do something on their own without the kids.

Source: Lonely Planet: Travel With Children