We love traveling with our baby and now toddler but sometimes this raises an eyebrow. Most commonly we get asked “Why don’t you just wait until they will remember?”. While we understand why some people would want to wait for their children to be older to be travel that is just not our philosophy. So here are our top 7 reasons why your should travel with baby now!
Travel with baby because you won’t get this time back
The early years are such a magical time and your little one is constantly changing, doing new things and learning new things. Who would want to miss this time? Travelling together as a family means you get to be there for all these developments!
Travel with baby because you have time off anyway
Depending on where in the world you off, you get maternity and paternity leave. Now you might not be as adventurous as the Travel Mad Mum Family who travelled for pretty much the duration of Travel Mad Mum’s maternity leave, but there is no reason why you shouldn’t utilise some of your time to take your little one travelling.
Travel with baby because the first thousand days are important
There is a theory known as The First 1,000 Days theory which is widely accepted in the baby development community. Basically it says that a baby’s first thousand days are critical to a baby’s educational and emotional development. When we travel, we are away from the routine of home and work distractions which means we get to concentrate our time on our little one. I like to think that this dedicated time travel affords us helps our little ones development as well as the things she experiences while we are travelling!
Travel with baby because it’s cheap
Any parents will tell you that under twos travel on planes for free. Who wouldn’t want to utilise this!If you want tips for flying and formula feeding check out our guide
Travel with baby because you travel slower
Obviously travel with a baby is at a different pace to when you were footloose and baby free! But to me this is another benefit. Rather than rushing from one place to another ticking everything off your bucket list in one day you get to travel slower and appreciate where you are more. Babies are also great conversation starters. We have never been able to meet as many locals as we have had travelling with a baby.Travel with baby because experiences not things are important
This has been doing the rounds for a while but it is an internet quote that I can get behind – ‘experiences not things’. I don’t think babies need quite as many toys as we throw at them in every day life. I will always prioritise doing something together as a family over material things.
and lastly
Austin
Friday 1st of June 2018
Totally! With a new baby, you'll have time off from work already, your daytime/sleep hours will be thrown off anyways...so jetlag probably won't contribute much. And I love that kids under 2 are free!!! #fearlessfamtrav
Wandermust Mummy
Friday 1st of June 2018
Yes it will be a shock when we have to buy her her own seat
Ian
Sunday 6th of August 2017
Travelling with kids is great! (but don't forget the occasional alone time as well ;))
Ian
Sunday 6th of August 2017
#fearlessfamtrav
susanna
Sunday 6th of August 2017
I'd add - travel with a baby because you can! When they get older and are in school you are restricted to holidays. And then exams get in the way. Go for it now I say!
Wandermust Mummy
Sunday 6th of August 2017
Great point!
Cath - BattleMum
Sunday 6th of August 2017
I agree with all of those reasons. Yes, I understand the argument to wait until they remember it but why should we miss out now as parents. If my husband and I waited we wouldn't have gone to New York last year or be about to go to Yellowstone this month. And besides, our children can always go themselves again when they are older if they want the lasting memories. #fearlessfamtrav
Wandermust Mummy
Sunday 6th of August 2017
Exactly
Amy
Saturday 5th of August 2017
Looks like you have made some amazing memories!