Taking your 0 to 6 month old baby on a trip will probably be one of the hardest things you’ve ever had to do. Don’t underestimate this! Even when your baby is typically non-fussy, there’s a very strong chance they’re going to object to getting on a plane, being surrounded by crowds, and being in an unfamiliar environment. All of these things can be very scary!
And if you’re on your way to London, you’re going to run into a lot of crowds. That’s why we’ve put together a little guide on taking your infant around the capital of the UK; everyone can have fun when you’ve planned your trip just right.
Image by Timea Kadar on pexels – https://www.pexels.com/@timea-kadar-860778/
Pack Right
Infants have a lot of needs, and you’re going to want to pack with these in mind. Don’t panic though – you can find an easy to follow checklist online. But above all else, make sure you have their favorite toys, something soft to sleep on, a teething ring, and some snacks (depending on the baby’s age).
These items are likely to keep your baby quiet and comfortable during travel, and can be good for distracting them when they’re surrounded by strangers and/or loud noises. Don’t be afraid to use them when you’re seated tightly in a middle plane seat or when you’ve still got hours to go on the train.
Offload as Soon as Possible
Lugging around your infant’s carry seat, travel cot, foldable stroller, diaper bag, and anything else you need to keep them happy is going to get old pretty quickly. You won’t have a spare hand for anything and your back is going to get quite sore at the end of the day. That isn’t fun for anyone!
So once you’re in London, drop as much stuff as possible off at St Pancras luggage storage and then be on your way. You can strap the baby to your front for most of the day, and it won’t be hard to go back and forth if you need to grab something comfortable to put them in.
Take Plenty of Time for Lunch
Lunchtime can take a while when you’re trying to breastfeed or spoon some mashed avocado into an infant’s mouth. If you’re spending the day or the next couple of days in London, make accommodations for this.
Take your time having lunch, and pick spots that are less crowded than the city center. A good couple of hours should do the trick, but don’t be afraid to sit down and relax for a bit longer. You can also take along a breastfeeding cover if that would make you more comfortable.
Remember, you’ve got to eat as well! Taking a baby around a big city like London is going to take a lot of energy, and you’re going to need plenty of good food to refuel.
Book a Sensory Play Class
This is good for those hours in the mid afternoon when your baby is getting a bit bored and grizzly. Look online for sensory play sessions in the area you’re visiting and book a time slot for you and your little one. Use this website to find a good overview of reputable classes currently going on in the London area.
Babies respond very well to different sensations and you’ll use up a lot of grumpy and/or nervous energy through a class like this. It’s also a great way to bond with your baby, if you’re worried they’ve been getting upset during all this time spent traveling.
Visit Free Attractions That Let You Take Your Time
Again, when you’ve got an infant with you, it’s best to take your time and stroll your way around a city like London. That might seem counterproductive in such a fast paced environment, but it’s essential to enjoying your time as a family while you’re visiting.
Plus, there are many free attractions in London that welcome visitors of all ages. Sites like the Natural History Museum and the V&A are two top picks. You can also visit the nearby Science Museum, and there are plenty of child friendly parks in the general vicinity too.
If you want to take a young baby on a trip to London, use these tips to make the process smoother on everyone involved. You want your baby to have a good time, and you definitely want to make some fun memories here; that’s totally possible when you plan your time in the UK’s capital city accordingly!
Feature image by Lucas Favre on unsplash
