Traveling with infants needn’t be viewed with trepidation. Yes, there are more factors to consider when Baby is part of the expedition. But Family Travel Forum, a membership newsletter whose motto is “Have kids, still travel,” considers any journey with an infant an adventure, rather than a hardship. In its September/October issue, the newsletter, itself a growing 2-year-old, compiled age-specific tips to help parents make more-informed travel decisions. Here, in condensed form, are some of Family Travel Forum’s “Baby Adventurers” tips:
Newborns: Won’t complain as long as you’re together. They defeat jet lag by sleeping when they want, but you’ll be beat. Get local medical references. Bring port-a-crib and favorite blanket.
3-6 months: The age for long flights, classy hotels and elegant restaurants (before the dinner crowd arrives). Your good napper is not yet a big crawler, so travel is pretty easy. Give them things to hold, and watch what they put in their mouths.
6-12 months: Travel is harder but more fun. Your bubbly traveling companion sits up, makes new friends easily. A time for parks, duck ponds, teething toys, baby-proofing hotel rooms and brief outings in a stroller.
12-18 months: Travel is harder because your new walker needs to run around. A fussy child will surprise you by discovering new foods, toys, ways to play. Bring a harness for mornings and a stroller for afternoons.
18-24 months: Toddlers with minds of their own may seem more in command than in tow. Great time for staying around the resort: convenient for naps, and room service when everyone’s grumpy. Let them play and sleep in a collapsible play tent.
Copies of Family Travel Forum’s 12-page, September/October newsletter are $5.95. Annual dues, $48. (888-383-6786; or at www.familytravelforum.com)