travelling with a baby

How thrill can that be? :p

it's already 16th day puasa! my little family will be heading up north for the first raya (dad's side) and later, like the previous years (exceptionally last year, the first time raya at MIL's) we'll all geared up towards east cost (mom's side - oghe kelate) the next day..can u just imagine the dreadful journey am about to embark? albeit the heavy festive traffic, jammed, queeing, hassle in R&R, like all alarmingly not to give in, can adam behold of it? can he stays put? can he behave thru out the journey? this is my very main concerned for now, i'm afraid.

When adam was practically young (i mean newborn - he's just still a baby for sake! haha) - things work out within split seconds! take a suitcase-full of equipment just to visit the supermarket - the thought of travelling any further can be a bit intimidating!

prior to this, we did manage successfully make our way all down to south. without any pit stop! it was night travelling. wearily, that was 3 months ago, when adam was 4 months old! mind you, he was less handful, during the time. plus, i dun need to prepare food for him, since he has not started solid, and also, those were the times he favor sleeps rather than any other things! unlike now, where he found out the exploration in car are pretty much exhilarating! he have this fondness to the gear, click on and click off on the radio button, and even find it super excited to meniarap in the car! he now has a wavelength of all his own. mommy'll definitely go head-ache + back-ache. but for sure, on top of that, mommy love you most cheeky-boy! despite for all, i know ur growing by leaps and bounds.

i did some reading on net to help ease the becoming painstaking which are among others:

Food and comfort

• If you're not breastfeeding, ready-to-use formula is the most convenient thing to bring for your baby. Or just make a few bottles of formula at home to bring along.

• Bring only as much baby food as you'll need for the journey. You can always buy more once you reach your destination. (Exception: If you're traveling internationally or to a place where it might be tough to find what you need, it may be less of a headache to pack a full supply of food.)

• Also helpful during meals: A bib that's large enough to cover most of your child's outfit, has a plastic or waterproof coating that allows it to be easily wiped off and reused, and can be folded or rolled for easy packing.

• Bring enough diapers for the trip (or enough to last until you reach your destination and can buy more), bags for dirty diapers, and diaper-rash lotion. Diaper covers provide added insurance against leaks.

• Pack at least one extra set of clothes for yourself and your chlid that's easily accessible (for instance, in your carry-on bag). You never know when a diaper leak, spit-up, or other mess might render an outfit unwearable.

Entertainment

• Take along a goody bag containing a few of your child's favorite toys, plus some surprises. Possibilities include musical toys, board books, empty containers, nesting toys, and hand puppets. Playthings that will hold your child's attention the longest are your best bets.

Travel gear

• Stick a travel-friendly changing pad in your diaper bag for use in public or airplane bathrooms.

• Stash some large, resealable plastic bags in your car trunk or diaper bag. They're a simple solution for the temporary storage of messy items like dirty diapers, bibs, and wet bathing suits.

• If you need both a car seat and stroller for your trip and your child is still small enough for an infant car seat (around 20 or 22 pounds maximum, depending on the seat), a stroller or stroller frame that will carry the car seat cuts down on the gear you have to lug, as well as the hassle of getting in and out of cars and airplanes. It also allows you to move your sleeping babe from the car to the restaurant without disturbing his slumber.

and also, according to here, travelling at night is often the best option, as he is more likely to sleep until you've arrived! Some babies, though, seem to spring into action the moment the engine stops - if your baby is one of them, you could find yourself trying to persuade him to go back to sleep in the middle of the night ... when you're worn out from the journey!

The other consideration with night-time driving is that it may not always suit the driver (must make sure ayah have his best co-driver), particularly after a day at work. For safety's sake, anyone considering driving overnight should get plenty of rest beforehand.

and now, am scratching my head to think of those things to bring back for raya, name it be all - brg2 adam will take up half of the car! plus his strollers and all! mommy must think of a way to conjure the limited available space. somehow, in spite of the best efforts, car journeys with baby can have their stressful moments. all i need to do, is to keep calm and, never let baby distract. If, whenever adam needs attention, will definately pull over and take a break.the safety and that of my baby is paramount.

all i hope, the long journey will sail smooth back and forth for us :)

pix source: google