Tag: mom travel blogger
Travelling During Pregnancy
Travelling during pregnancy is considered safe during the 2nd trimester and of course, depending upon person to person and circumstances. I was more active during my first pregnancy but didn’t get the chance to travel except alone from Mumbai to Guwahati to my parent`s home for delivery.
During my 2nd pregnancy, my health was not in great condition. We had plans to travel to Bali during my son’s summer vacation,(during my 2nd trimester) but had to drop it as I was not in a position to travel long distances. But we managed to travel to our hometown and a few short trips by road in and around Guwahati. The places we visited are Shillong, Samdrup Jongkhar(in Bhutan) and Chandubi Lake.
Here I have mentioned some essential points to keep in mind when travelling during pregnancy:
1) Listen to your body when travelling during pregnancy.
You only know whether you can travel or not and by which mode of transport. Travel isn’t recommended for those with high-risk pregnancy conditions
2) Wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
Feeling comfortable in your clothes should be your priority. There are many sites and shops available nowadays for maternity wear. Wear comfortable shoes, especially which can be removed easily
3) Take your medicines and food on time.
Don’t try to postpone your mealtime.
4) Keep some snacks and a water bottle with you all the time.
Keeping something to eat like fruits, dry fruits, homemade sandwiches or roti will always come in handy. On one of my trips we had plans to have our lunch at the destination, and reaching the place would take some 1 hour. And I started feeling hungry. Luckily I was carrying a few bananas with me.
5) If you have one more child, it is always preferable to carry a car seat.
If they have the habit of travelling in your lap, explain to them before commencing the journey why you can’t take them in your lap anymore. Invest in a good car seat.
6) Plan ahead.
Always tell your practitioner about your travel plans before booking your tickets. Since I travelled by air both times I asked my doctor to give me in writing that I am fit to travel
7) Take your time.
Don’t rush. It is advisable to leave home early if you need to catch a train or plane as running up is not a good idea and you might need to take little rest in between.
8) If travelling by air, check with the airlines if they have any policies.
9) Move your legs around or take short breaks.
Take a stroll up to the cabin every once in a while of travelling by air. Or short breaks if you are travelling by car.
10) Wear your seat belt all the time.
It is always advisable to wear seatbelts all the time to avoid any kinds of sudden jerks.
Every person’s requirement is different. Please share if there is anything else you want to add.
You can also read: Road trips with a baby and toddler in India
Kids packing list: For one day outing.
Duration: 7-8 hours.
Toddler`s age: 2.5 yrs – 4 years
Going out with your toddler for a full day or half day also requires planning and packing your bag accordingly. Keeping a checklist of items on what to pack will make packing hassle-free. I prefer to pack my bag a day earlier or the first thing in the morning, to avoid the last-minute rush. Kids’ packing list differs from person to person. A packing list for the day might be different from one for a road trip or when travelling by flight or train. But there are a few things which you will always require no matter where you go.
Check here for Road trips with a baby and toddler in India
2 things to keep in mind before packing kids’ bags are:
1. The Destination:
If you have not been to the place do try to find out about the place. Are you going to a friend’s or relative’s place or for a fun outing, to attend some event, going out shopping, or going to the beach? One needs to pack your kid’s bag accordingly.
2. The Bag:
What type of bag to carry? A large tote bag, diaper bag, or two separate bags, one for your toddler and one for yourself. I prefer to carry one large bag which will fit everything, instead of two separate bags. Have a look at Tote bags: tote bags and diaper bag
Kids packing list: Checklist of items to carry
1. Clothes:
Always carry an extra set of clothes keeping in mind the weather conditions and the destination. 2-3 hand towels or cloth- napkins/paper napkins or wet- wipes. Buy wipes here: wipes
2. Water:
I always prefer to carry water from home. I found this leak-proof water bottle very handy. This insulated water bottle can be used to store hot/ warm water and it will be very useful during winters.
3. Food:
Even if your child is big enough to eat outside food, do carry some snacks with you because you never know when they will feel hungry or in case they refuse to have the food served at the venue. Snacks like protein biscuits, dry fruits, cakes can be easily carried in a small container with lids. And they easily fit into your bags also. Have a look at containers with lid: Tupperware Tropical Plastic Container Set, 230ml, Set of 2, Multicolour
4. Diapers:
Carry a few diapers if your little one is still using one. My son was well potty trained by 18 months, so I didn’t carry any diapers. I made him eat papaya in the morning and he cleared his bowel very leaving the house( I was so relaxed). One can even carry this portable baby child potty urinal emergency toilet. This will fit into a large tote bag.
5. Toys:
Carry one or two small toys in case they get bored or you are stuck in traffic.
Other Essentials to include in kid`s packing list
These are some other essentials that you might require: Face Cream, Mosquito repellent, Umbrella, Hand sanitizer, Mask and Trash bag
Also read: Monsoon Care For Children and New and Expected Moms