Summer is nearly here! The season traditionally brings opportunity for family holidays, celebrations and travel. This can be an exciting time, but many parents become increasingly anxious as the time for travel grows closer and closer! Travel with children can be just as nerve-wracking as a trip to a dentist. Our mind’s eye envisions toddler tantrums, restless nights and the possibility of lost children!
‘Babes in Arms’ have a few tips on how to make travel with children easier….follow the lead of parents all over the world, leave behind the stroller, and pack a baby carrier instead!
Whether it is to the mountains for a day trip or interstate for the school holidays, baby carriers and slings allow freedom and mobility for travelling parents, and closeness and security for children. They give total freedom of movement, making holidays easy for families to enjoy.
Don’t get caught out visiting a waterfall that doesn’t have a pram friendly path to it, or a beach that is just calling for a quick stroll, but has sand that is too deep for your stroller’s tyres. Holidays don’t come around often enough to miss the special places you stumble on, and may never return to again. A baby carrier close at hand in your vehicle or suitcase will give you the freedom to get to the places you won’t want to miss.
Babywearing not only offers parents functional benefits, keeping hands free to better juggle luggage, tickets and passports, but also offers emotional support for kids on the move. Within the safe embrace of a parent’s arms, Babywearing provides a familiar place from which babies can view their new environment. Keeping our little ones close also allays our fears of ‘losing’ them in strange places! Babywearing can help a baby or toddler to fall sleep, feed easily and feel calm albeit in a new environment. Having a child who is happy and content sure makes travel easier.
Dr William Sears M.D and Martha Sears R.N (www.askdrsears.com) have been studying how baby wearing improves behaviour. “Parents would come into our office exclaiming, ‘As long as we wear our baby he’s content.’ Research has validated this parental observation: Babies who are carried more cry less.”
Before you set off, it is essential that you use a sling or carrier that you are already familiar with – you need to be comfortable and able to use the system you have. Understanding the features and available carry positions of your chosen sling or carrier will prevent flustered moments. Be aware of your carrier’s ability to be worn for the length of time you require it comfortably! Can you feed your bub whilst babywearing with your choice? Can baby comfortably sleep in the carrier? Is sitting down going to be an issue? Think through your choice.
Plan ahead so that you are not standing in a line at the airport, train station or bus depot at your child’s normal nap or sleep time. If this is unavoidable, using a baby carrier to keep your child close will help settle them if restless. A worn baby is safe, secure and happy, so transitioning (changing environments or going from wakefulness to sleep) is easier.
We hope this summer brings you and your family many wonderful memory-making adventures whether it be by the sea, in the bush or simply lounging by the local pool.
Want to win $100?
Babes in Arms will be running a Blog competition over the next two months. The winner will receive a $100 voucher to use at www.babesinarms.com.au For your chance to win, submit a short travel blog about your travel adventures with babywearing using one of our slings or carriers. Check out our range at www.babesinarms.com.au. Please include a photo(s) with your travel blog and post it on our Facebook Fan Page Wall OR email it to community@babesinarms.com.au – Happy Blogging!
ERGObaby Carrier
* Perfect from birth to preschool * 3 carry positions (front, back + hip) *Great for long carry periods
Breeze Baby
* Made from silky breathable mesh * Keeps baby and parent cool * Wear in and out of water
Peanut Shell
* Quick and easy to use * Beautiful range of fashionable prints * Lightweight and compact
Conditions of entry:
1. Entries are open to all FANS of our Facebook and Twitter sites
2. Entries are open to Australian and NZ residents ONLY ALL babywearers – no borders with this competition!
3. Blog entry to consist of 25 words or more
4. Photo to accompany entry which illustrates blog post
5. By submitting your article you agree to the use of entry as a post on our
blog.babesinarms.com.au page and/or on our Facebook site
6. Entries will be selected on November 30 and notified via email/Facebook
7. Total value of prize is $100 voucher for babesinarms.com.au site
8. Entries MUST directly refer to the use of one of our baby slings / carriers found at www.babesinarms.com.au
9. Entries that are written solely for the promotion of goods and services unrelated to
Babes In Arms will be deemed ineligible and deleted
10. We will not sell, loan or give your entry or details to anyone outside Babes in Arms.
