Travelling with an infant / toddler

 

As summer vacation approaches, many of us are eagerly planning our travels, whether it's embarking on adventurous treks, visiting sacred pilgrimage sites, or simply indulging in a relaxing staycation at a favourite destination. However, for those journeying with infants, ensuring a memorable and comfortable trip requires careful preparation. Infants and toddlers are prone to expressing their needs through crying, which can disrupt the enjoyment of adults. To ensure a harmonious journey, it's essential to pack a few key items. Cotton proves invaluable, particularly during air travel, where changes in air pressure can cause discomfort in children's ears. Placing cotton in their ears can alleviate this pressure and prevent discomfort. For toddlers, having candies on hand can provide quick relief if tears arise, offering a sweet distraction. Additionally, packing small toys, such as their favorites, can effectively stave off crankiness and keep little ones entertained throughout the journey. Providing ample milk, juice, and crushed fruits ensures that nutritional needs are met for infants who have begun eating solids. Essential items like diapers, basic medicines, and wipes should also be packed to handle any unforeseen situations. Hygiene is paramount, so carrying sanitizer, cloth wipes, and a baby blanket ensures cleanliness and comfort for both baby and caregiver. A traveling-friendly stroller and baby carrier are indispensable for exploring while keeping the little one safe and secure. By organizing these items in a well-equipped diaper bag, travelers can embark on their journey with confidence, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for the entire family.

 Summary of the list 

1. Cotton for plugging in the ears

2. Favourite Toy 

3. Powder Milk 

4. Juice 

5. Crushed Fruits

6. Wipes

7. Sanitizer

8.Cloth wipes

9.Baby blanket

10. Stroller - light weight

11. Sling / baby carrier

Walking with my 15 months old

My 15 months old has just started walking, holding my finger. There is a retail shop about 1/2 K.M from our residence, where we go walking regularly. I walk with him at his pace. It is not right to say that he walks with me as it is me who matches steps and pace with him. It is amazing to enjoy every moment with him, when he asks to go for a walk by symbolically bringing his shoes and giving them to me. He keeps his small feet on the ground and walks like a penguin with hands spread on both the sides for balance. When we go out he holds my hand and I walk baby steps with him. When he walks he is tumbling and falling down at times, then gets up again and starts walking. He wants to touch the dogs on the way. He follows the animals - cows/dogs coming on the way.

                He is fascinated by the plants and flowers and touches the plants and the leaves and flowers. He again steps forward and again stops for another plant on the way and also tries to pluck the leaves/flowers.

                He sees everybody around on the way, passes his sweet smile even to strangers who smile back. But if somebody tries to touch him he cries a lot with as if he is a touch me not and does not want to be physically contacted. These walks will be memories etched in my mind for posterity and will give me smile in the future when I think of our time spent together.