The first time my son crossed the Atlantic he was eight months old. I was nervous. Like any anxious parent, I searched through the Internet for all the "travel with kids" advice. You know, like have them nurse or drink their bottle during take-off and landing so their ears don't hurt; make sure they have lots of fluids (and you lots of diapers); try to get them to rest as much as possible (yeah, right) and above all, don't forget to take care of yourself too! Well, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my little guy absolutely loved flying, slept through most of the eight and one-half hour journey and never once cried from ear pain. But, you know, I was lucky. Traveling with babies is an adventure in itself and good planning, common sense (and a lot of luck) will go a long way. So if you find yourself in need of a vacation just when you thought life couldn't be more complicated, rest assured, it is possible to travel and vacation with a little one, or two, or three....
First things first. You've got to prepare. I mean down to the last details. And the first thing to do is check with your pediatrician to see if she feels travel is right for your child. The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota advises that it is safe for newborns to fly, although they warn that infants should be at least two weeks old before they are exposed to re-circulated cabin air. (Mothers may not feel much like traveling during this time either).
Second, carefully consider just where you want to go and what type of vacation might work out the easiest for you. Emphasize easiest. This is not the time to make your grand trip to the Eiffel tower or to scuba dive off of Tahiti. Pick someplace that offers you either an all-inclusive experience (with nannies and children's events) or if you are exhausted like me when you have an infant in tow, a quiet place to simply sit and relax for a few days. Take a look around and see if someplace in your own region could offer you the getaway you're looking for. If not, then consider going somewhere you have either been before or where you are familiar with the territory. Or go and stay near or with friends or relatives. They can be of great support while you are dealing with a new little one.
Bob and Liz Dickson, owners of The Shallows Resort in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin (located in Door County) have seen generations of families come through their family-centered resort. The resort, which sits on 375 feet of shoreline on Green Bay, is a perfect retreat for parents with infants or small children.
"We're quiet, off the beaten track," says Bob, "but we're also just five minutes from a grocery store for those last minute diaper runs."
Quiet is a premium for parents with infants. There's nothing like trying to get your baby to sleep with a rowdy party in the unit next door. At the Shallows, families can choose from motel room units, cottages to actual three-bedroom homes for rent. Having a home-like atmosphere can go a long way to helping your little one relax and settle into a routine while you are away from home. It also offers you more privacy and the chance to not have to worry about the neighbors when the baby fusses all evening. (Oh yeah, we've all had THAT experience!)
The Shallows offer families a heated pool (there's also a beach), and has wooden play sets, children's bikes, cribs and hi-chairs available. They do not have a resident nanny, but are more than happy to arrange childcare with advance notice.
"Parents can come here and relax. There's plenty for dads to do - fishing, rowboats, kayaks, tennis. We're on the Door County Bike Trail and within four miles of four top golf courses," Bob says.
The resort is only three miles to Egg Harbor, where moms can find antique shops, boutiques and some very unique gift stores. Parents can also feel comfortable taking an evening out for fine dining or local art and theater knowing they are near their children.
"You can get away from it all here but still be close to everything," says Bob. That's a real advantage for those with infants. Nearby amenities and attractions mean you can go shopping for a while, but be close enough to get back to your cabin for the baby's nap (or yours!).
The Shallows is known for its gorgeous sunset views. Families can enjoy a quiet evening around a bonfire and gaze at the stars above the lake. There's no rush, no crowds and no schedule. The point being that simplicity and planning is key to a wonderful experience when you have a baby along.
If you do end up planning to travel out of the country, make sure you ask your physician about infectious disease risk and any immunizations you and your baby might need. Wherever you go, plan to take some basic medications: an anti-diarrheal for the grown ups, acetaminophen, hydrocortisone cream for insect bites, drops for infant gas and Benadryl for any allergic emergencies. (Note: ask your doctor about what is safe to give your baby.) Don't forget baby lotion, diaper cream, sunscreen and bug lotion. If you're nursing, remember that it's generally okay for you to continue nursing even if you should get sick, but you might want to buy a small can of powdered formula and a bottle just in case. It's always a good idea to boil any water that a newborn will drink, even if you think the water is safe.
If you'll be driving, you want to make sure you plan and take plenty of rest stops. Little ones need to stretch and sitting in a car seat for hours is hard on those little legs, especially if you're not old enough to wiggle much. You also need to watch out for cold drafts from the air conditioner and too much heat and glare coming through the window. A blanket and a window sun shield are wise. Bring some soothing music along and if your baby is old enough, some hand-held toys. If you're bottle feeding, a thermos with warm water makes mixing powder formula easy. If possible, have an adult sit next to baby so that he can hold your hand and see you, and always have infants less than one year in a rear-facing car seat - never in the front seat!
It is possible to have a wonderful vacation with baby. You'll just need to remember to limit yourself to basic expectations for what you want your vacation to accomplish. This is a time for rest, for being together as a family, for learning new routines and schedules. Be gentle with yourself and don't micro-manage each other. Mothers need some time alone, and its okay for new dads to go off for a morning of golf too. Agree in advance to help each other get the taste of rest and relaxation that you each long for. Hint: if you go at this vacation as partners and not competitors, you're sure to have fun!