Tale of The Traveling Toddler!

'No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow' - Lin Yutang

Traveling for us is like living a book in a practical sense. Since conceiving our baby girl we knew that we would just have to inculcate the passion of travel in her no matter what, as my hubby and I are avid travelers.

We weren't really sure how easy or difficult the travels are going to be with the child in tow. But, believe me, it was a waltz because the baby took to traveling as if it came naturally to her. Having said that, I want to mention, we do pat our backs because we started the practice of using a car seat, pram, high chair et al, early in her life…. and thank heavens for that.

Travel makes the child adapt culture change, makes him/her awareness of a different society. You spend more time as family rather than being busy in your daily routine. Traveling gives a gives children an opportunity to interact with other kids from other culture, they tend to pick up new sets of words, signs, explore new modes of transport, music, city, art food… the list is endless.

We are a family of avid readers as well; I believe one has to experience what one reads in the books and traveling is exactly what you need. We have tried different modes of transport, bus, tram, planes, taxi, cruise..... Each experience has it's pros and cons but at the end of the day it's the satisfaction of the journey that really matters.

Being a Mamma on the move, I have a few travel tips for you’ll out there:

If your child does not eat outside food, make sure you carry food from home. I suggest you should start making the child taste a little of the different cuisines that you try. Obviously it goes without say that food should be age appropriate. When you let your little one eat different food, even the fussiest eaters might just surprise you. This coming from a mum of an almost 2 year old is a lot.
Make sure you always carry their toys, books, munchies, water, milk, juice, their favorite blankie, pacifier etc. You also need to have adequate change of clothes, diapers as well as warm clothes with you.
DO NOT… DO NOT… DO NOT plan a hectic schedule while traveling. Our motto always is to be a traveler and not a tourist, this works perfect when you have a child traveler. Enjoy the moments of the place. Do see the touristy places, keeping the schedule of your child in mind.
Do a thorough baby food search before you travel to any place anywhere in the world.
Make sure to visit the places where your child would enjoy the most like zoo, aquarium, circus, museums. (As I write, our daughter is on her first trip to Sweden, she loves street songs so on days I'm running out of ideas and need a breather, I just put her in the pram and take her for a stroll in the central district where you have lots of people playing melodious music :))
Always make sure you be specific when you make bookings in a hotel, like early check ins, late check outs, crib in the room, extra blankets, any special food/drink request, etc.
When you are with your child, you will be given a special treatment at many places. Don’t shy away and take full advantage of the opportunity given, you do not want to wait in long queues, waiting areas and make your child cranky.
Now with information in our hands thanks to Internet, check out the weather situation and the recommendations about clothes to carry.
If the places are pram-friendly, please take it to your advantage, till the time your child can sit in one.

Never say never until you take the child on one trip at least. Yup as new parents we all have the jitters and imagine the worst but give it a try and you won’t regret it.

Anuttara Bailur turns 2 on 27 march 2013. Her map is getting quite busy with travel to over 4 countries, 20 cities and counting :) There is so much for my child to explore and I just want to do my bit to help her along :)

Padmini A. Bailur is a travel buff and a fun loving Stay At Home mommie of an almost 2 year old daughter, based in Bangalore. She calls herself a voracious passionate, determined, extremely talkative and also a very good listener.

And we leave you with links to posts on Momaboard 's Top 5 Family Friendly (read kid friendly) Destinations for holiday: