Have you ever considered travelling with your baby to a high altitude destination? It can be a great way to introduce your little one to new experiences and cultures, but it’s important to take some extra precautions to keep them safe and healthy. Depending on how young your child is, there are different things you need to take into consideration. Here are some tips for travelling with your baby at altitude.
1. Plan Ahead
Before travelling with your baby at altitude, the first step you should take is to plan. When planning a trip, consider the time of year and the weather conditions in your destination. If it’s winter and snowing or raining, there are likely higher levels of humidity that can cause problems for young infants who still have trouble breathing through their noses.
2. Pack Enough Clothes and Supplies
Make sure to pack enough clothes and supplies for your baby to last between laundry days. It’s also a good idea to buy necessary new supplies such as diapers, wipes or formula before you get on the plane; it may be difficult to find familiar brands in another country. You can get your boys pyjamas ready too and pack a few extra pairs. Also, make sure you bring all of your baby’s medications. You must confirm with your baby’s doctor as some medicines are not safe to take at altitude.
3. Prepare Your Child for Altitude Adjustment
It’s important to help your baby adjust to the altitude in the days leading up to your trip. The best way to do this is by making small changes in their environment, so they are better equipped when you go on vacation. If you are leaving from a low elevation to go on vacation at a high altitude destination, you can start slowly by sleeping in a room with an air pressure that is higher than usual. You can also try introducing dry air into your environment by using a cool-mist vaporiser or humidifier. This will help their passages remain moist and allow for easier breathing during the trip.
4. Monitor Your Baby’s Breathing and Heart Rate
You must also monitor your baby’s breathing and heart rate when you get to your destination because altitude can cause their bodies stress, even if they are healthy. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid breathing or bluish colour around the lips can indicate something wrong. If your baby is ill or has respiratory problems, you should consult your doctor before planning a trip.
5. Plan Time to Acclimate at Your Destination
While travelling with your baby at altitude, it’s important to plan time to acclimate them while you are there. This means giving them some time to adjust to the fresh mountain air, even if they are playing inside.
6. Carry Extra Supplies
While carrying plenty of supplies is important, it’s equally important not to overdo it with your baby at altitude. Travelling with too much baggage can inconvenience you and make it more difficult for babies to move around.
7. Relax and Enjoy Your Vacation
You’ve planned everything out, prepared your baby for the trip, checked the altitude levels in your destination, brought plenty of supplies with you and found ways to acclimate them to the altitude. Now it’s time to sit back and relax! Your baby is likely safe at this point, so enjoy your trip and let go of some of the stress that comes along with travelling.
Conclusion
Travelling with your baby at altitude may be difficult, but it’s important to make sure they are comfortable and safe by following the above tips. Don’t forget to carry extra clothes and boys pyjamas for your baby ahead of the trip.