Travel with Baby

TRAVEL WITH BABY

4 Ways To Escape With Ease

by Andrea Vance

Having a new baby doesn’t mean that you need to put your travel plans on hold. You can still satisfy your wanderlust with a wee one, you just have to be prepared. Plan ahead and pick family-friendly accommodations, and you’re sure to enjoy your first vacation with baby in tow.

Cruising

Nothing is too far away, and the room is always nearby for nap time. The minimum age to sail aboard most cruise ships is 6 months old. Most kids clubs start at age 3, but babysitting services are often available so you get a break. Most cruise lines do charge full passenger rates for babies, but some do provide discounted rates to 3rd and 4th passengers who are staying in the same cabin. Some cruise lines do not charge the mandatory gratuity for babies and toddlers. Most cruise ships will carry cribs or pack-n-plays, but be sure to call ahead to request one. Disney Cruise Line will actually deliver formula, diapers, and baby food to your cabin so you don’t even have to pack it along!

All-Inclusive Resorts

If you are travelling somewhere warm, the packing can be light! Baby will love the feel of the ocean and sand, and the sound of the wind and waves. You can swim during the day and take naps in the shade. Be sure to travel with any basic medication and supplies you may need, since some destinations may not have these items, including formula, baby Tylenol, diapers, baby sunscreen, etc. Many all-inclusive resorts offer babysitting services, and will likely have a crib or pack-n-play available if you arrange ahead of time. It is a great idea to have a stroller for air travel, since it makes airport transport much easier, plus they’re handy for walks through the resort, too. It’s also a great place for baby to nap in the shade while you sit poolside. Note that many countries do not require a carseat in taxis or buses, and you may not even be able to install one if you bring it. Check ahead to the country or area you are visiting.

Check out resorts like Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit near Puerto Vallarta, which is just a quick 5 hour non-stop flight from Vancouver. They have babysitting, a baby concierge to book everything you need, and organic baby food available for meals. Club Med Cancun Yucatan is also a direct and easy flight from Vancouver, and offers an infant food section at the buffet, and a Petite Club Med where baby can play and nap while you relax.

Camping

The West Coast is known for the outdoors, and outdoor camping adventures are aplenty in our province! Some people may think it’s absurd to take baby camping, but if done right, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. Young babies aren’t even walking yet, so they are ideal candidates for infant carriers (no strollers), breastfeeding (no extra food required!), and lots of nap times. One of the biggest challenges might be diapers, since they are bulky to pack in, and might be heavy and smelly to carry out! Consider hybrid diapers like g-diapers, where the inner liner is compostable.

Bring lots of layers and cover up. Bug spray is only for infants over two months, and mosquito nets may come in handy.

Feeding and sleeping for older babies can be a little more tricky, and you may want to think about items like a light-weight clamp-on high chair that packs down. If you are camping with your vehicle and have a big enough tent, a pack-n-play can help a lot during the day and night. Be sure to bring a basic first aid kit, and all the supplies you need for baby to eat, sleep and play.

Glamping

Aside from the hundreds of camping options in Southern BC, check out the option of booking a yurt for camping with a baby. No need to set up a tent, and many are equipped with beds and electricity which makes things just a little easier.

Just an hour from the city, Fort Camping on Brae Island in Fort Langley is ideal. There are several basic canvas yurts to rent for under $100 per night, each equipped with bunks, a small fridge, electricity and a barbecue and picnic table so you can minimize what you need to bring. There are great walking and biking trails, a convenience store, and a swimming pool open during the summer months. The quaint historical village of Fort Langley is also a short walk away, perfect for a little shopping or lunch.

A little further away, Wya Point Resort near Ucluelet also offers yurts with a little more glam. Starting around $200 per night, these luxury tents include decks with barbecues, french press coffee makers, and fireplaces with direct access to the amazing beaches of the Pacific Rim.

If you want to head south of the border, a few Washington State Parks have yurts or rustic shelters in beautiful forested parks for under $100 per night. Reserve well in advance if you want to grab one, though, as they are very popular.