Let’s start from the beginning. Is traveling with a baby a good idea?
Travel’ and ‘Baby’ – do these words go together? Well, if you asked this question even a decade ago, it would definitely have been a big NO! However, in this day and age, we have a new generation of parents – the Millennials. And now, as the first set of parents trying to break through the shackles of traditional mindset of parenthood and all the rules around it, traveling with a baby has almost become a norm. Yet, many still wonder, with so much to worry about when taking an infant out into the big world, is it really worth it? Is traveling with a baby a good idea?
Well, the short answer? YES! Absolutely! Take it from a parent whose little princess of nearly two years, has already travelled to 6 countries.
Our princess, let’s call her Little A, took her first domestic flight when she was just 72 days old (just over 2 months) and she celebrated her 4-month milestone in her first trip abroad. While it may raise many eyebrows, we are glad we took the road not taken and literally set out on an adventure as a young family. Let me tell you why I would do it over again, a million times, and why you should definitely consider it too!
Make your Family Bonds Stronger through Travel
When you’re out on a vacation with a new-born, infant, or toddler, you come across many moments of fight-or-flight. It may be as trivial as losing a sock or bootie when out on the road to as scary as the baby catching a cold (or worse). It might sprout the doubt in your mind, is it really possible, is traveling with a baby a good idea.
While both these scenarios were true stories for us, we found an unusual strength and spirit of teamwork between us during tough times. We worked like thread work, in complete synch, moving beyond gender roles, helping and supporting each other. We took turns to do everything – whether changing diapers, putting her to sleep, or clicking photos with a landmark! As our baby grew, we saw how she imbibed the spirit of kinship and lent a hand whenever needed.
Recently, an article by Prof. Dr. Torsten Widmann (Head of Leisure Industry Studies, Member of the Local Senate, Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg Ravensburg) also mentioned that with Millennial and Gen Z parents, traditional values such as family are once again gaining importance, where travel becomes a key bonding reason.
Travel Makes your Baby Resilient
This became a reality for us so organically, we almost didn’t realize it. Initially, we would wonder and ask each other, is traveling with a baby is a good idea, but slowly, the doubts changed to confidence.
Whether it was the sweltering humidity of Ile Le Cerfs of Mauritius or the icy winds of Himalayas in India, Little A endured it all. What we loved the most was the twinkle in her eyes when exploring, even when she was facing uncomfortable situations. She learnt to adjust and relax anywhere… she could nap on the road, play in a hotel lobby, or feed in a train. Come rain or shine, she was able to simply stay put. We feel so proud to foresee how resilient she is going to become in the future!
Travel Improves Cognitive and Social Skills in your Baby
Contrary to popular belief, children are smarter and more porous intellectually, than we give them due credit. We have ourselves been surprised with Little A so many times at her logical reasoning and solution-oriented approach to problems, however small they might be.
One example is about an evening in December, 2023. Feeling cold in her slacks, she grabbed a pair of jeans and came to Dad. She was 19 months old, and hadn’t learnt to speak yet. Yet, she could fully express her need, along with her solution to the problem at hand.
She started to wave, smile, and clap before she even turned 10 months old! She was a delight to be around, and quickly gained a reputation of being ‘such a jolly baby!’. Whether shaking a leg to beats, pointing to colours, or identifying familiar faces, she became a mini human even when she was technically only an infant.
We used to keep thinking and asking ourselves – is it even worth it? Is traveling with a baby a good idea? However, when her Paediatrician happily informed us that she was hitting her milestones before the usual timelines, we knew we were on the right path to bring her up.
Create a Global Citizen From the Start
This comes as a given result of travel. We have always been humbled by the beauty of the world, marvelled at the diversity of cultures, and awed at the beauty of nature. Little A has carried the legacy and from such an early age, is aware of the world and respects its diversity. Additionally, with her being exposed to various cultures, climates, and cuisines from an early age, we have seen an innate sense of acceptance and tolerance developing in her personality.
We aimed to steer away from creating a frog in a well, but in the process, we have not just started creating a global citizen, but also a human filled with humanity (perhaps a rare find nowadays). Now, when we socialize with kids of Little A’s age, we clearly see the stark difference between them and her. With practice, you can do it too!
Travel Relieves Parental Stress
Well, I saved the best for the last. It’s undeniable how overwhelming, exhausting, and plain stressful parenting can be. While it’s your duty to stand by, raise and protect, and care for your child, you should never forget that you cannot pour from an empty cup. Unless you feel fulfilled, you will never be able to pass on the calm to your children. If you are unsure and keep asking yourself – Is traveling with a baby a good idea? Do know this, you are the best parent to your baby, doing the best you can, and you definitely deserve to travel and enjoy life too!
Traveling with your Baby is a GREAT Idea!
There are a lot of gifts you will give your baby throughout their lifetime, but the gift of experiences through travels is surely one of the best! Travelling has always been our love language, even during our courtship days, and our heart soars to see Little A turning into a passionate hodophile as well. With all the research, checklists, and cold feet aside, we are really glad that we took this decision to never stop traveling.
If you’re still here, I know you love it too. You should no longer ask – Is traveling with a baby a good idea – just pack that bag and set out for an adventure with your little one!
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