Why — and How — I Spent My Maternity Leave Traveling With a Newborn and a 6-year-old

Why Travel With a Newborn?

Let's be honest, the initial reaction from most people was disbelief. "You're going traveling... with a newborn?!" Yes, I was. Here's why:

• A Change of Scenery: After the intense physical and emotional experience of childbirth, I desperately needed a change of scenery. Staring at the same four walls of my house felt suffocating. Travel, even just a short trip, offered a fresh perspective and a much-needed mental reset.
• Making Memories: I wanted to create lasting memories with both my children. While my newborn wouldn't remember the trips, my 6-year-old certainly would. It was an opportunity for sibling bonding and family adventures.
• Flexibility of Newborn Life: Counterintuitive as it sounds, newborns are actually quite portable. They sleep a lot, eat on demand (breastfeeding or bottle feeding makes it easy), and don't require much in the way of entertainment. This inherent flexibility made traveling feel surprisingly manageable.
• Utilizing the Leave: Maternity leave is a precious time. I wanted to make the most of it by experiencing new things and expanding our horizons, rather than just staying home.

It wasn't about glamorous vacations. It was about exploring local areas, visiting family, and experiencing life outside our usual routine. It was about creating a different kind of bonding experience.

The Destinations

Our travels weren't all international adventures. In fact, most were relatively short trips within driving distance. Here's a sampling of where we went and why:

How We Made It Work: Practical Tips for Traveling With a Newborn and a Young Child

Okay, so the "why" is covered. Now for the "how." Here are the strategies I employed to keep everyone (including myself) happy and relatively sane:

• Embrace Slow Travel: This is crucial. Forget about rushing from place to place and packing your itinerary. Prioritize downtime and flexibility. Leave plenty of room for naps, feedings, and unexpected meltdowns.
• Strategic Packing: Pack light, but smart. Focus on essentials and consider using a travel crib or bassinet that's easy to set up and take down. Make sure the 6-year-old also helps in packing his stuff, encouraging him to be an active participant of travel.
• Babywearing is Your Best Friend: A good baby carrier allows you to keep your newborn close while keeping your hands free to manage luggage or wrangle your older child.
• Snacks, Snacks, Snacks: This applies to both kids and adults. Pack plenty of healthy snacks to stave off hunger-induced crankiness.
• Plan Around Nap Schedules: Attempt to align travel times with the baby's nap schedule. If possible, drive during naptime so the little one sleeps through a good portion of the journey.
• Divide and Conquer: If you're traveling with a partner, split up responsibilities. One person can focus on the baby while the other entertains the older child.
• Be Prepared for Anything: Pack a well-stocked diaper bag with extra diapers, wipes, changes of clothes, and any necessary medications. Also, consider the baby's comfort and health and be ready with essentials like rash creams, pain relievers, and sunscreens.
• Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help: People are generally sympathetic to parents with young children. Don't hesitate to ask for help with luggage or a door, especially during travel.
• Lower Your Expectations: This is perhaps the most important tip of all. Things will inevitably go wrong. Embrace the chaos, laugh at the mishaps, and remember that you're making memories, even if they're not always picture-perfect.

The Takeaway

Traveling with a newborn and a young child is not for the faint of heart. It requires patience, planning, and a healthy dose of humor. However, it's also incredibly rewarding. It allowed me to bond with my children in new and meaningful ways, experience the world from a different perspective, and create memories that will last a lifetime. If you're considering taking the plunge, I say go for it! Just be prepared to embrace the adventure, imperfections and all.