🌟 Travelling with Baby: Essential Must-Haves 🌟

Whenever we leave our home, and I am stressing about things I potentially forgot to pack, my husband always says, "For as long as I have the two of you and we all have passports, we are good. We can get the rest at the destination." I partially agree. But… Travelling with a baby does require a certain level of preparation.

See below for some of our must-haves that I always pack for Alice.🧳

1. Owlet Smart Sock 🧦: Owlet become an essential part of our routine, whether we're at home or on the go. I know that some parents may not consider this accessory important, but for me, it's a must-have. Despite its price tag, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again. The original reason behind our purchase was to ease our worries about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). While we know it can't prevent it, it provides valuable peace of mind by alerting us if something is amiss, allowing us to take prompt action.

Our Owlet has alerted us twice. The first time, when Alice was just a few days old, it detected low oxygen levels in the middle of the night. I immediately picked her up, and she was fine. The second time was during our trip to Slovakia when her heart rate spiked to over 220. The Owlet's notifications have been a lifeline, reassuring us that we're not just overreacting to a crying baby but responding to genuine concerns about her health.

With its accompanying app, we can monitor Alice's oxygen levels and heart rate in real-time, even when we're not in the same room. It allows me to check on her without interrupting our time with loved ones.

2. Wireless Headphones 🎧: They've been a game-changer for us, especially during those long flights with Alice. We downloaded some of her favourite videos onto our phones, and let me tell you, it worked wonders! Our flights were 6 hours long, and unfortunately, Wizzair doesn't provide any in-flight entertainment. But with these headphones, Alice was happily immersed in her favourite songs and videos, making the journey much more enjoyable for all of us.

We purchased Bandou headphones. But to be honest, there was a small hiccup. The headband was a bit too big for Alice at first, and we considered returning them. But since they were from Canada, returning the item would've cost us almost as much as the headphones themselves! Thankfully, Grandma came to the rescue and adjusted them to fit Alice perfectly. (I know that Bandou’s released a new version that's stretchy, so that might be worth checking out).

On our previous trip to Italy, we used Alpine Muffy baby ear defenders to protect Alice from the loud noises, as we didn't have the wireless headphones yet. They worked like a charm, and Alice didn't mind wearing them throughout the flight. But as she grew bigger on our second trip, she started getting irritated by them and would take them off. That's when we decided to try wireless headphones, and they've been a hit ever since.

3. Baby Carrier: Our Ergobaby carrier has been a travel staple. Perfect for sightseeing in places where a stroller isn't practical. If you read my post about holiday in Italy, I did mention that taking a pushchair to Venice is not too much of a good idea and carrier came in handy. Alice also prefers to sleep in the baby carrier, and we also take it on board with us for longer flights in case Alice is uneasy. We did not need to use it on a plane yet. One thing I must say is that Ergobaby did not fit well when Alice was a tiny baby and therefore, we were using a different carrier. Again, we do not have the newest version of the carrier and therefore with the new version it might be a different story.👶

4. Portable UV Sterilizer: This little gem has been a game-changer for us. Especially if you love sterilizers as much as I do. It's crucial to sterilize baby’s things every day, at least for the first 6 months. After that, a weekly sterilization should suffice until the baby is at least 12 months old. (At least that's what professionals say). Alice is now just over 7 months, and I still swear by it. We recently invested in a portable UV sterilizer, and it's been a lifesaver. No more hunting for microwaves in hotel lobbies! It's easy to pack, and ensures peace of mind wherever we go.🔆

5. Lightweight Pushchair: While we adore our fancy pram, for travel, we opted for a lightweight pushchair. Our Lejoux pushchair has been fantastic. It's compact, easy to maneuver, and comes with handy extras like a raincoat and mosquito net. Its foldable design ensures hassle-free storage in our car or hotel room. With its easy-to-grab handle, pulling it along while folded is effortless. Plus, with the added cover, we can stash some extra toys and jumpers, saving valuable space in our hand luggage. However, one small downside is that the roof doesn't go down low enough to provide ample shade from the sun. To remedy this, we purchased a sun umbrella, but adjusting it to the sun's position can be a bit of a hassle.☀️

6. Calpol 💊: A travel essential for us. Dealing with a feverish baby in the middle of the night with no relief in sight is every parent's nightmare. One particular incident during our last trip to Slovakia highlighted its importance. Alice woke up in the middle of the night with a high fever and a rapid heartbeat, leaving us understandably concerned. She also lost her voice, adding to our worry. With Alice's health our top priority and our upcoming journey to Abu Dhabi and the Maldives on the horizon, we decided to consult a doctor to ensure she was fit to continue the adventure. The doctor reassured us that Alice was okay but prescribed a syrup for her throat and recommended an inhalation session.

7. Travel Toys:

Suction cup spinner toys have been a hit with Alice, providing entertainment both on planes and in cars. Another travel essential for us is Ewan the Dream Sheep. We have the deluxe version, and let me tell you, it's an absolute star. Not only does it automatically turn on when Alice starts crying, but it has also soothed her on many occasions during those restless nights. It's become a comforting companion for Alice, and she loves cuddling up to it. Ewan helps create a sense of familiarity and routine, whether we're at home or away. Additionally, we always make sure to pack some books for Alice. I'm a big fan of books for kids, and they entertain Alice incredibly well. And of course, her beloved Bunny (comfort blanket) is never left behind.

With these essentials in tow, travelling with Alice has been a breeze. While every journey comes with its surprises, having these items on hand has made navigating the ups and downs of travel with a baby much more manageable.

Happy travels!🚀