In 2019, my husband Mike and I took our 10-month-old son, Deacon, on a grand European adventure. We visited Ireland, the UK, and France. Friends and family had mixed reactions ahead of our trip: some thought we were crazy for traveling with a baby so young,while others lauded our courage.
Even before Deacon was born, we agreed that parenthood wouldn’t put our travel dreams on hold. We believed in including him in our normal life activities rather than isolating ourselves,as many newborns do. We started small with road trips from our home in San Francisco to visit family in LA when Deacon was two months old, and realized our little guy was a chill traveler: quiet, easily soothed, and happy to nap in his stroller.
When Deacon reached ten months old, we decided on our biggest venture yet: a European vacation! While it required more planning and pacing than pre-baby trips, it became one of our most cherished family experiences.
Preparation was key.We invested in a top-notch european stroller—the Babyzen yoyo—which smoothly navigated cobblestone streets and easily fit into overhead bins. We pre-booked bassinets online for our long-haul flights. We also called ahead to ensure our hotels offered cribs.
Unforeseen challenges arose, like a fried breast pump due to voltage differences in Europe (the pump wasn’t necessary at that stage, but as a first-time mom, I had packed it just in case!). Luckily, Deacon was nursing well and having the best time exploring a new world with us.
Europe felt incredibly welcoming to families compared to our home in the US.We strolled through London’s parks, finding them brimming with young children. Enjoying a pub in Dublin, I didn’t feel out of place with my baby by my side, unlike in the US. Culturally, bringing little ones to public spaces seemed the norm.
Even with its charming architecture, Paris presented some challenges: we clumsily steered Deacon’s diaper changes through narrow bistros and brasseries. Though, our hotel surprised us with a beatiful crib and a teddy bear, emphasizing the overall warmth and inclusiveness we felt during the trip.
Our time in Europe taught us that parenthood didn’t mean sacrificing our travel aspirations.
We learned to adapt while still enjoying all that Europe offered. We’d take turns carrying Deacon in the carrier, allowing the other to savor a moment’s respite in a cafe or museum.
After Europe, we continued our family adventures. We went to Mexico, then on a road trip through the southeastern US. Two years and one more child later, we still prioritize incorporating our little ones into our journey.
We discovered that traveling with young children fosters memories far more meaningful than staying home. It’s amazing to think back on those early memories of mom, Dad, and Deacon exploring europe together!
Traveling with Babies: A Q&A with Family Travel Expert Dr.Emily Johnson
In this exclusive interview, Time.news editor James Anderson speaks with Dr. Emily Johnson, an expert in family travel, as they delve into the experiences of traveling with young children and the implications it has for parents who want to maintain their travel aspirations.
James Anderson: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Johnson. Many parents feel apprehensive about traveling with young children. What insights can you share regarding the experiences of families like the one that ventured to Europe with their ten-month-old son, deacon?
Dr. Emily Johnson: It’s my pleasure, James! Traveling with infants often comes with mixed reactions. Just as with the family you mentioned, some may question the wisdom of such trips, while others view them as brave. The key takeaway is that traveling with babies can indeed be fulfilling and enriching when approached thoughtfully.
James Anderson: The parents discussed how they started with local road trips before embarking on a European adventure. What practical advice do you have for families looking to ease into travel?
Dr. Emily Johnson: Starting small is an excellent approach. Parents should consider local weekend getaways or road trips, which help both the child and parents build comfort with being away from home. It’s also vital to invest in high-quality travel gear—like the Babyzen Yoyo stroller mentioned in your article—which makes navigating new environments much simpler.
James Anderson: The article highlighted the importance of planning. What essential preparations should parents consider before undertaking international travel with infants?
Dr. emily Johnson: Absolutely, preparation is crucial. Parents should research and book family-pleasant accommodations that offer amenities such as cribs. It’s also essential to pre-book any travel necessities—like bassinets on long-haul flights—and familiarize themselves with voltage and plug adapters for essentials, such as breast pumps and other devices.
James Anderson: The traveling family found Europe to be incredibly welcoming compared to their experiences in the US. What cultural differences do you think contribute to this perception?
dr. Emily Johnson: Many European countries embrace family-friendly values more broadly, contributing to a more inclusive atmosphere for parents with young children. Public spaces,restaurants,and attractions in Europe frequently enough accommodate families,which encourages parents to integrate their children into social activities rather than isolating themselves. This inclusivity can certainly enhance the travel experience.
James Anderson: The parents faced challenges, like navigating diaper changes in cramped spaces.How can families effectively manage such hurdles during their travels?
Dr. Emily Johnson: Adaptability is essential. Families should recognize that while some scenarios might be challenging, they can often find creative solutions, like packing a portable changing mat. Embracing the unpredictability of travel with children allows families to build resilience and makes for unforgettable memories.
James anderson: After their European adventure, the family continued traveling and prioritized incorporating their children into their journeys. What long-term benefits do you see for families who travel with young kids?
Dr. Emily Johnson: Traveling with young children fosters deep family bonds and creates early memories that last a lifetime. The skills and experiences they gain—whether it’s cultural exposure or learning adaptability—are invaluable as they grow. In my opinion, families that travel together often develop a sense of adventure and curiosity that benefits everyone involved.
James Anderson: what advice would you give to parents who may still feel apprehensive about taking their children abroad?
Dr. Emily Johnson: I would encourage parents to take the plunge! Plan ahead, choose child-friendly destinations, and keep a flexible itinerary that allows for breaks and leisurely exploration. Remember, traveling with young ones doesn’t have to meen sacrificing your adventures—it opens up a new way of experiencing the world through their eyes.
As our conversation demonstrates,traveling with young children not only enhances family experiences but fosters resilience and joy. with the right approach and mindset, parenthood can seamlessly intertwine with a love for adventure.