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With the summer holidays rapidly approaching, wouldn't it be nice to load up the mini-van and hit the road for a little R&R;? Darn tootin' it would. What's that? You've got a baby?
You can travel WITH the baby!
Sure it requires a little more preparation. Sure it means that you'll have to cart 7,000 items across the country. Sure it means that you'll probably sleep even less than you did at home. But it sure beats sitting at home all summer watching "X-Files" re-runs.
When flying, cost isn't so much of a factor, since most airlines offer free travel for so-called "lap babies." This applies for kids up to two years of age. After that, you wouldn't want the kid in your lap anyway. The flight time isn't as bad as you'd imagine. The thing to remember is to nurse the child upon take-off and landing. The baby's sucking tends to counteract the earaches from changes in air pressure.
Another piece of advice: Keep the stroller until you get to the gate. If you're at a huge airport, you'll be glad you've got that stroller. Check everything else. That's the car seat, that's the Pack-n-Play, that's the suitcase full of toys. Yes, baggage claim is an unspeakable nightmare, but well worth it. A word on car seats: Car rental companies have them, but they usually suck, so be prepared.
Rather drive? Diaper changing is impossible in a moving vehicle. I must admit, we tried the feeding thing. Works fine with a bottle. Not so fine with spoon feeding.
If it's anywhere close to a ten-hour trip, you probably want to get a motel. You also probably want to PLAN the exact motel you'll be staying in. I probably sound like my Dad (see prior article), but reservations are the best defense against driving from motel to motel on a rainy night with a screaming baby in the back seat.
With the motel, request a crib beforehand and most will accommodate. If you've got the dough, request a suite. Unless your kid's used to it, sleeping in the same room as Mom and Dad is a recipe for multiple wake-ups.
All of these logistics might seem like a pain in the butt — and they are — but how else will you get those great video moments in exotic locations? Come on.
Charles Marrelli will be driving the family to Hutchinson, Kansas this summer for family reunion.
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