Over the last few months I have taken a few trips with my daughter Brighton and bringing my baby carrier has been a lifesaver!
I was incredibly nervous about traveling with an infant, especially since one of the trips involved flying to our destination. I solicited a lot of advice from other parents on what would be best – using my stroller or my baby carrier – and almost all agreed that wearing my baby whether in the airport or while at my destination would be easiest. They were right!
On our first trip, where we traveled by air, I wore Brighton through the airport and security, which gave me the opportunity to easily place all my items, including my shoes, and the lightweight stroller I wanted to gate check, through the x-ray machine. I took my Ergobaby Carrier off at the last second as I walked through the metal detector with her and then strapped her back in once I was done. Wearing her through the airport, which can be an overwhelming site for an infant, was the right decision – she was warm, close to me and it kept her calm.
On our second trip, where we traveled by car, I wore Brighton whenever we ventured out for the day. The city we visited had a lot of narrow sidewalks and streets and wearing her was much easier than pushing a stroller; plus as we popped into stores and sat down for lunch, I didn’t have to worry about storing the stroller or leaving it outside if needed.
My top reasons you should absolutely bring your baby carrier while traveling:
1. The ability to be hands free! Whether trying to get through airport security or simply buying a latte, the ability to have both your hands free is a huge benefit!
2. No bulky stroller to push, carry or stow away. Both trips were to cities I was not totally familiar with and I wasn’t sure what the streets, shops or restaurants would be like. Pushing a stroller up a steep hill, across a cobblestone street or even through a crowd would have been stressful, so wearing my baby made spending the day or evening with friends very easy.
3. Keeping baby close. Although Brighton is incredibly easygoing, I felt more comfortable having her close in an unknown environment. She was totally content in the carrier and it was easy for her to take a quick nap as well.
My baby carrier will come with us on every vacation and trip going forward. It truly was a lifesaver!
What are your other travel essentials when traveling with baby?
Kara Motts is a wife, first time mom and writer who works in corporate America during the day. She blogs about family, marriage, friends, faith, parenthood and adoption at www.lovemattandkara.com.
