When my daughter was a baby, we embarked on numerous journeys together. She was adaptable and made the perfect travel companion. So, when my son came along, I expected a similar experience. I was mistaken.
Our first trip with him happened when he was just 3 months old, and it was a disaster. Recovering from my C-section, combined with a cramped airplane aisle and the demands of breastfeeding, turned what should have been an exciting journey into a nightmare. I swore off traveling with my child after that flight from California to Florida, which seemed to stretch endlessly.
But then, a chance to visit Hawaii arose. Even though I had reservations about traveling again, I couldn’t resist the allure of paradise. This time, I had family support, which made all the difference. With their help, I was able to truly enjoy our Hawaiian adventure and rediscover the joys of traveling with a little one.
Many people argue that it’s best to wait until children are older to travel, fearing that the experiences will be wasted on young minds. However, looking back at our Hawaiian trip, my heart fills with warmth. Even though my son was just 4 months old, I cherish those moments—like nursing him while watching the sunrise or capturing his delight when he tasted pineapple for the first time. The joyful images of my 8-year-old daughter and him splashing in the pool are memories I’ll forever treasure.
While he may not remember that trip, I certainly will.
I spoke with several mom friends to understand their perspectives on the value of traveling with young kids. Here’s what they had to say—these insights might just inspire you to book a trip with your little one right away!
1. Broadened Horizons Early On
Both of my kids have become adaptable travelers. Frequent exposure to new environments and people has instilled a natural flexibility in them. It wasn’t something I had to teach; their experiences shaped this trait.
2. A Sense of Independence
Traveling with a small child can feel almost like traveling solo. With a baby in a carrier or stroller, you can manage your plans while keeping them secure and comfortable. As Virginia D. puts it, setting up the baby allows you to enjoy your own itinerary.
3. Zero Expectations from Kids
Young children don’t have opinions about travel plans, making it easier to go with the flow. If you’re looking for a stress-free getaway, taking a little one along is a great idea. You can pack only what’s necessary for them, avoiding the complications of catering to a more opinionated traveler. Natasha N. highlights this advantage perfectly.
4. Foundation for Future Travels
Starting travel early helps children become seasoned travelers as they grow. Aaronica has taken her kids on trips since infancy, and now their adventures are smooth and enjoyable. Similarly, Cam B. found that her children, who began traveling at 3 months, are now far better at it than she is!
5. Boosting Mental Wellness
Traveling with young children also benefits parents’ mental health. Emelia C. has taken her child on trips since he was 4 months old, reporting that getting out of the house was crucial for her mental well-being and helped stave off feelings of depression. Simply changing your environment can work wonders for the mind.
This summer, I took my kids on an intense trip to the East Coast to visit family. It was a challenging journey—just me, two kids, and long hours of travel. Yet, witnessing my 14-month-old’s joy when he met relatives and how keenly he engaged with our experiences made it all worthwhile.
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In summary, traveling with young children, despite the challenges, enriches both their lives and ours. The memories created during these formative years are invaluable, and the benefits often extend far beyond the trip itself.