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One
of the mistakes that new mothers make is that
they stay at home all day. After consulting your
pediatrician, you should move out. Taking the
baby out helps you, as well as the baby.
After
you finish the tasks of getting the baby dressed,
fed and diapered, you should be ready to push
the stroller, which is a good exercise for you
and enjoyable for the baby. Even a 10 minute outing
would be good for both of you.
It
is very necessary to plan a trip. There are some
suggestions for traveling with a young baby :
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Be
flexible: Traveling with babies is a wonderful
experience if one goes with the flow. |
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Pick
a baby friendly destination: Stay
with family or stay in hotels that are
baby friendly. Stay in hotels which provide
baby meals. |
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Take
medical precautions: Check with the
doctor that the baby’s immunization are
up-to-date. Schedule a check up before taking
a trip. If a baby takes medication, be sure
to have enough stock for the trip. Be sure
to know the safe dosage according to the
baby’s age. |
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Safety
inside the car: A car seat for the
baby would be an ideal choice, to keep him
safe inside the car while traveling. |
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Pack wisely: Always carry a changing bag. It should be light weight.
It should contain wipes, bottles, diapers,
a light pull over, some empty disposable
bags, a light blanket and a pair of socks.
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Bring
water and plenty of snacks :
Always carry a water bottle and a bag
of snacks. Always carry bananas, biscuits,
small juice cartons and some whole grain
cereal. If you travel by air, it is dehydrating,
so offer a lot of liquids to the baby.
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Plan
frequent breaks :
Since
babies become restless sitting in car seats
for very long stretches, while taking stops,
take the baby out for some fresh air. |
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Time
the trip: The time of the journey
is very important. One has to manipulate
the timing tactfully without disturbing
the baby’s routine. If the baby has taken
a nap, he could stay awake a couple of hours
past his usual bedtime. |
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Do
not rock the boat: Avoid unnecessary
changes just before making a trip. Do not
try weaning the baby. Do not introduce solids.
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Contents
of a Diaper Bag
To
go out with your baby, all you need is a bag called
the Diaper Bag. We have given below the likely
contents of a diaper bag. As you become aware
of your baby’s habits you will modify what you
carry in the Diaper Bag.
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Disposable diapers.
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Changing pad.
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Baby wipes.
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Petroleum jelly / ointment.
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Bag for dirty diapers / dirty clothes.
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A spare outfit for the baby.
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A spare outfit for yourself.
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A bib.
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Some toys for the baby.
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Bottle and formula powder, if bottle-fed.
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Some snacks, if the baby is eating solids.
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Your
pediatrician's phone number.
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