Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0

As with almost everything else connected with babies, the key to successful traveling with a baby is preparation. Very young babies are the easiest to travel with--they are lightweight, adaptable, and if you are breast-feeding, easy to feed.

HINTS FOR RESTAURANTS:

• Have some toys that are reserved only for restaurants (make sure they are not too noisy).
• Let your older baby play with ice in an unbreakable cup.
• If your are breast-feeding, you can breast-feed most easily in a booth that is out of the main traffic flow.
• Put your baby in the high chair just when the food is served--that will help prevent her from becoming restless in case there is a long wait after you order.
• Unless you want your baby to eat the restaurant's crackers, bring snacks for your baby to eat.
• Feed your baby before you go to the restaurant if possible.
• You may want to take a baby food grinder along to share some of your dinner with your baby.
• Babies generally make a mess--be sure that you clean up before you leave, and that you leave a larger tip than normal for the staff.
• Ask for a table by the window so baby can watch the sights outside.
• Avoid restaurant foods for baby that spoil easily: cold meats, fish, eggs, foods with mayonnaise, etc. Order milk only if it comes in its own container.
• If baby becomes disruptive in the high chair, take her for a stroll outside or to the restrooms or let her have some time on your lap. (This is a last resort, because once on your lap she may not want to go back to the high chair.)