Released on: 13 April 2017
If you’re travelling with your baby or toddler this Easter by train, plane or automobile, the following tips from NCT might get things off to a flying start but can’t guarantee plain sailing.
- Avoid setting off when your child is too full of food or you may be cleaning up vomit on the hard shoulder
- A crying baby on a long car journey can be really stressful, so try to time your journey around your baby’s nap times
- Think about the things you may need, such as drinks, snacks and favourite toys, and essentials like nappies, wipes and a change of clothes for any potential accidents.
- Feeding a baby or getting your child to suck something as the plane takes off will help ease the pressure on their ears.
- Don’t offer all their toys at once. Rationing them can help break up the journey. You could even wrap them up as little presents to increase the fun.
- Try to avoid rush hour when travelling by train and think about which stations have lifts for pushchairs (you can usually find this information online).
- When you get off a train or tube, make sure children are strapped in and watch out for the gaps. It’s can be safer and easier to get off backwards and don’t be embarrassed about asking for help.
- Before you fly check your airline’s policy on prams and strollers
- Slings can be especially useful if you’re on foot, or travelling to places where you’re unsure about buggy access. If you’re flying, a sling means you’re hands-free for pulling or lifting bags.
- Take some spare clothes for yourself as well as your child so you’re prepared if you both end up covered in sick or poo
- If your little one is used to sleeping in the dark take a blackout blind with you to help your chances of getting a good night’s sleep
- And finally, ask your friends to share their tips before you go.
Sarah McMullen, Head of Knowledge, NCT, said:
“If you are going away this Easter with kids you might face a bit of chaos but a little preparation and a few tricks up your sleeve can help your holiday go more smoothly. Have a look at our website for tips and hope for fair wind.
“Things don’t always go according to plan, of course. I didn’t think my twin girls suffered from travel sickness until a family holiday took us over high passes in the Lake District. Then there was the unmistakable sound of projectile vomiting and the car got covered in sick. Thank goodness for a towel, wipes and change of clothes for the babies but, alas, I didn’t have a change of clothes for myself…”
Happy holiday!
