Having a child entails a lot of responsibilities. Parents are also concerned about the necessity of traveling in between. But if the trip is carefully planned, it could be a great time for both the parents and the baby. But first and foremost, ask yourself, “Is your infant ready to ride on a train or not?” With some preparation, you can make your infant’s first overnight train travel a good memory.
When you travel by plane, you have to get a medical clearance and be a certain age, but there are no such rules when you travel by train. So it is up to every parent to determine if they can travel by train with their newborn baby or not.
Tips To Prepare For Your Infant’s First Overnight Train Travel
If you plan it right, traveling with a baby can be one of the most relaxing and fun things you can do. There are various ways you could plan a trip: by road, train, bus, car, or airplane. Today, we shall share with you some key points to keep in mind while traveling with your infant by train:
1. Plan Your Trip And Purchase Your Tickets Ahead Of Time
Getting your favorite seat, berth, or compartment can be a very tricky thing, especially in India, where trains are always fully booked. If you plan your trip and purchase your train tickets in advance, you will almost certainly get your preferred seats, ensuring that your journey is comfortable and meets your needs.
2. Select A Short, Direct Route
Traveling with a baby can be tiring for both the baby and the parents. This is why it is important to select the most direct route possible for your journey. Having an easy schedule will allow you to relax and refresh while on the train.
3. Keep Your Schedule Relaxed
Generally, people tend to overbook themselves while traveling. People select many things to do at once in a very short span of time. This makes them tired, and with a baby, you need to be in the best shape possible, right? So, keep your schedule relaxed, with time to unwind and rejoice.
4. Carry Medical Necessities Along
While planning for your trip, always check if your baby’s vaccinations are up to date and discuss with your child’s pediatrician in case any special medicines are required for the trip. You should ideally discuss the place of a visit, weather conditions, and other factors with the doctor. This helps to understand the type of emergency medicines you can carry along for yourself and the baby. It is a good practice to keep your doctor’s contact information and emergency numbers handy while traveling.
5. Time Your Travel As Per The Baby’s Schedule
We all know that babies have erratic schedules until they are a year old. However, keeping track of the baby’s routine and planning the train journey around it will help you make the travel easier. You can book tickets for a night’s journey so that your baby can sleep through it, in case it’s a 6–8-hour journey. Small changes in schedules can have a huge impact on how the baby reacts to the world outside the home.
6. Pack Baby Clothes Separately
Pack a separate bag for baby clothes, necessary items, and diaper changes within reach. For cold weather, you should have enough clothes and a warm blanket. Carry an extra bag to keep soiled clothes separate.
7. Pack Cleaning Supplies And Disposal Bags
Babies are adorable, but they are also messy and unpredictable. This is why you should pack lots of baby wipes, a bottle of hand sanitizer, and diaper disposal bags to clean up any mess your little one makes. Maintaining hygiene is very important when traveling with an infant.
8. Carry Along Baby Favorites
All babies have a favorite toy, charm, or stuffed plaything. You should carry at least a few of them to keep your baby engaged and busy at all times. Sometimes, these toys can prove to be a distraction when babies are cranky!
9. Keep Yourself And The Baby Well-Fed
The journey can be tiring and lead to irritability for babies and parents alike. This is why it is critical to keep yourself and the baby hydrated and fed while traveling. This will make sure you and the infant are fully satisfied and can enjoy the journey. A happy tummy equals a happy journey!
10. Wear Comfortable Clothes
This applies to both the baby and the parents. You will be carrying baggage, an infant, and traveling in a train for hours, and things may get quite uncomfortable at times. To keep from getting tired, you and your baby should wear clothes that are easy to move in and make your bodies feel good. Pick up a pair of loose pajamas and a T-shirt and make your baby wear soft and breathable clothes so that she can go sleeping in them too!
There is no reason for parents to fear their infant’s first overnight train travel. A baby can add an extra fun element to the journey with its oodles of cuteness and giggles. All you need to do is plan ahead; discuss the plan with your doctor, and get the go-ahead. We can assure you, everything will be fine and on track. So go ahead and start planning, you can thank us later!
