Stress-free traveling

• Make your trip on a day with no likelihood of traffic jams.
• Start at a time when the baby is tired and will most likely fall asleep.
• Change diapers and feed the baby before you head off.
• Provide sun protection in your car, e.g. put a towel or sun protection film on the car window. Be careful with air-conditioning: babies cool quicker than adults. Make sure that your baby is not sitting in the draught when the window is open.
• Take a half-hour break at least every 2 hours.
• Don’t forget to pack enough drinks.
• Keep the food in an easily accessible place and in a cooling bag, but do not keep it too cool. Remember to bring towels, wet wipes/napkins, waste bags.
• Always keep babies belted in a child seat suitable for their age whilst driving.

By train

• Book your tickets in time (3 months earlier) so you can reserve a seat in a parent-and-child compartment. Here you will have special services offered to you by the train staff.
• Check your phone book or the internet for the service hotline of the train operator you plan to use.
• Let the train operator’s courier service pick up any large baggage (call the train operator’s hotline to book this service) and have it delivered right to your holiday resort.
• Intercity trains usually provide spacious toilets with changing tables.

By plane

• Even paediatricians have no reservations against holiday flights.
• With one exception: a cold! The pressure equalization can cause bad earache.
• Ask your flight carrier for a special seat for families with babies. Many airlines provide baby cots and also offer everything you need for changing diapers on board.
• During takeoff and landing, breastfeed your baby or keep your tea bottle or pacifier ready. The swallowing movements help to equalize the pressure. Otherwise your baby will get earache.
• The air inside a plane is dry. Therefore, frequently give your baby something to drink.
• Babies usually fly for free or only pay 10% of the air fare. Therefore, they are usually not entitled to a separate seat.