So in my past life I loved to travel. The journey and discovery of new places and cultures intrigued me. I was lucky enough to live overseas for 2 years and do lots of travelling in that time. Since getting back from living abroad my travel opportunities have not been as frequent as I would have liked but these are the sacrifices you make when starting a new life and family. My mother, Master Menzies and I recently went on a trip to Townsville to visit my grandmother. The time there is a whole other post in itself, which I will get around writing when I become far more clever with the english language.

Travelling on a plane with a near 7 month old baby wasn’t exactly something I was looking forward to. People are rude when travelling, airports are a cess pool of agitated people all with the same goal – get there first no matter the consequences. Add a baby to the mix of that, and it could be the recipe for one of the most stressful events of your life. But, Master Menzies was on his best behaviour on the flight there and on the way back. Charming everyone with his cute smile that lights up his whole face and sleeping on the plane.

But the trip didn’t start as well as I had hoped for. After choosing the perfect outfit to travel, that would adapt to the cold climate of Melbourne and the warm climate of Townsville, Mr Menzies got Master Menzies out of the car and said “he’s either really sweaty or he has wet through his nappy”. Unfortunately the position the car seat had put the nappy in meant that the poo explosion totally missed the nappy and Mr Menzies had his hand over a major mess. So after a lightning fast change of clothes in the boot of the car, Master Menzies was in his carrier and we were on our way to check-in. I have travelled a lot, having lived in London for 2 years and travelling through Europe, I have been to a lot of airports. Never once did I realise just how many people travel with infants and the amount of baby carriers there are. We have the Ergo 360 and it saved my life travelling and transporting baby and luggage, I recommend to everyone that you travel with a carrier. One family I saw had a tribe of kids with mums, dads, aunts, uncles and grandparents in tow. One of the mums had a fold up travel stroller, which as we were in line, wouldn’t fold up. Her family left her there, struggling with a pram that wouldn’t fold, dragging along her child who only wanted his mummy. Seriously people, stop and help your family, especially the stressed out mummy and child! Some tips I have for travelling with babies.

1. Take lots of things for them to do

2. Try and travel during sleep times

3. If flying feed them or give them something to chew on take off and landing

4. If you can try flying with another adult so the baby can have a choice of ‘laps’

5. Be careful when hiring a car, make sure it is big enough and if you need a car seat, that it is installed correctly.