Practical tips for the road - from KOKADIne to KOKADIne

Here comes the fourth and final part of my personal observations about traveling with Junior. He is now 19 months old and has spent about 6 months of his life on the road. I had already traveled to more than 100 countries before he was born and was on the road every day I had off (vacation), semester breaks, semesters abroad and internships abroad, etc. Over time you gain experience and develop individual routines. I incorporated all of this into my travels with my children. For me, being on the road is the most normal thing in the world. Having a child is also the most natural thing in the world once you have taken on the role of mother. So one does not exclude the other and so the maternal and travel instincts & routines combine J!

Being on the move is in our blood

When I arrive in a new country, my first two organizational points on the to-do list are to get cash in local currency (you should have found out the exchange rate in advance!) and a local SIM card (for my dual-SIM smartphone, if roaming outside of the EU). And then we go to the accommodation, get rid of the luggage (if necessary, transfer or rental car organized in advance for child seats, otherwise inform about public transport in advance!). And Junior usually inspects our new (hotel) room right away - or I remove potential sources of danger (put away breakables/upstairs, etc.).

When it comes to tours, I always book the first night and the rest usually from day to day. If possible, I only look at the departure location shortly before I travel home. This way I have a buffer in case something goes wrong on the way there without missing my return flight. For all departure times, especially with the little ones, simply plan a little more buffer - this also applies to buses, trains and planes! When renting a car, transfer shuttle or taxi, child seats are booked in advance if possible. I don't choose the front rows on the bus.

I always felt like my little one enjoyed other people's attention. It didn't take long before he started “flirting” with strangers. When the people around me start to smile, I look at my son, who usually charms those around him with his grin or, more recently, even waves at them. It's just wonderful how children socialize without prejudice. He's not afraid of contact and he hasn't really been a stranger either, since it was normal for him to be around people right from the start. In the Baby Carrier Sitting offers closeness and security to mom and dad and at the same time supports him in exploring his curiosity about the world. People always look at the environment with great interest left and right. And when he's tired, he (usually) just falls asleep. When traveling, I just had the feeling that he needed more sleep to process the impressions of the day. Still nothing unusual for me.

Wearing = closeness and security = security = love = much more

Babies are more adaptable than you think. It's all about the caregivers, especially the mom, and they provide stability. I always found carrying it particularly valuable when I was out and about, as it gave my little one security by being close. Den Flip The advantage of wearing it in front is that eye contact and a smile mutually confirm that everything is okay for my little darling. The Baby Carrier is simply an integrated “cuddle system” and still ensures that your hands are free. In addition, if you carry the child in the front, there is space for a daypack on the back. And here, too, I always take my favorite pieces with me when I'm out and about, which have simply proven themselves. Of course, wearing a belt bag or having your dad with you for your daypack also makes it possible to carry things in the back.

You will always have to demonstrate your talent for improvisation along the way. Firstly, you can't plan everything and secondly, not everything always goes according to plan. But the little ones also demand flexibility from us at home!

The Baby Carrier By the way, it is also an all-rounder in an emergency. An example for me was taxi rides. It was not always possible to organize child seats in taxis and in some countries they were neither mandatory nor common. Our compromise was then that the one with the child in the Baby Carrier sat in the back seat and strapped himself in between his own stomach and the child's stomach while supporting his head with his hand. This is how ours became KOKADI Flip also a few times to the child seat in the car!

If you want to avoid such an improvisation, you should include a child seat without Isofix in your luggage (if necessary, make sure it is approved for airplanes!)! Everyone takes different safety measures and makes decisions not just for themselves but for their child. In everything we do, we must be able to assess potential risks and make appropriate decisions FOR OURSELVES and OUR families. The main thing is that you are aware of your responsibility and make conscious decisions.

Daily life with a baby on the go

Every country has different infrastructure and legislation. Just as it is the case with child seats elsewhere, as it was with us until 25 years ago (child seats only became compulsory in Germany at the beginning of the 1990s), the same applies to everything else.

Many years ago cloth diapers were the norm in Central Europe, but today they are the exception. Which diapers suit you better: try it out! You just have to wash cloth diapers, but you can often find washing machines in holiday apartments and there is usually no shortage of laundromats so you can do your laundry at least once a week. Hotels or holiday resorts often have a guest laundromat for just a few euros!

At least in larger cities, supermarket shelves are usually well stocked with diapers. You can buy diapers almost anywhere, but the quality varies. Here is a selection of my experiences: 

-  Pampers in Spain are called “Dodot” and the tabs are poorly made 

-  Pampers in Russia are scented 

- Pampers in China constantly overflowed us 

- IIn Australia I could only have ordered Pampers by mail order and I personally wasn't completely satisfied with 2 other tested brands

Depending on the duration of the trip, I almost always packed 1 pack of diapers and 1 pack of wet wipes; the rest was then purchased locally.

You can also get complementary foods and milk powder etc. in well-stocked supermarkets around the world. You can often find brands imported from Central Europe, some of which can be worth their weight in gold.

During the supplementary food period (during our Trans-Siberian tour) we initially had glasses with us for a few days and then stocked up on supplementary food for a few days during our 10-week trip in the cities. Always so much depending on when we planned to next get to a larger city with appropriate infrastructure. It's also worth asking the locals about what babies get locally. In Mongolia this was a meat and rice porridge (without vegetables!). A friend of Thailand reported that her little one there enjoyed eating “Baby Thai Soup” every day. If you prefer to prepare complementary foods yourself for your little ones, then you will need more infrastructure, which you have to plan for. There should then be a cooking area in the accommodation!

Look around to see where the nearest supermarket is near your accommodation. Water, diapers and washing powder are hot candidates.

I'm extra careful with tap water. I always bought bottled drinking water, especially for my little one. Mix it both as a drink and with milk powder. Better safe than sorry! A kettle is standard equipment almost everywhere. You can also ask about this when booking accommodation!

If something is missing, you can buy almost everything on the go! Don't pack too much out of panic!! There are babies in other countries too and they usually thrive quite well!

The changing options along the way were mixed. Most of the time you had to improvise and spread a pad somewhere, if necessary on the floor, to change the child. Improvisation talent is always in demand. A piece of clothing often had to serve as a soft base for my son's head. Sometimes it worked on tables, other times on the kitchenette in the holiday apartment or on the bed. And in Australia and South Korea we were totally spoiled because every refreshment stop, every museum and every supermarket had a (sometimes luxurious) changing facility. In Australia there were not only changing stations, but also microwaves and nursing areas...everywhere!! That was very pleasant!

When choosing where to stop, I always looked at the facilities in addition to looking at the price list. Whether there were high chairs, what about hygiene and child-friendly food and whether there were changing rooms... the priorities just change. If it wasn't obvious at first glance, I also asked.

I always keep a few cookies and a straw cup of drinks in my daypack for quick cravings. If you can't or don't want to stop off, it's best to think about organizing food for the day from a supermarket in the morning, depending on your daily program. There was always a place to breastfeed somewhere, sometimes more comfortable and sometimes less comfortable. During the Way of St. James, for example, I sat on a bale of straw to breastfeed because nothing else was available far and wide.

Even if you speak several foreign languages, communication on the go can be a challenge. In China I found this particularly challenging. However, the combination of a local SIM card (for Internet), a pre-installed VPN app and an offline translator app made real communication possible! It's amazing how technology makes everything easier today! The offline maps also help immensely with navigation and avoid being ripped off by taxi drivers, for example. Just take a look at my recommendations for apps for on the go (see part #1 Planning & Preparation) and decide in advance what could help YOU!

The daily routine

If your offspring are happy, you have an “easy life” yourself. That's why it's best not to bring too much unrest into your daily routine! I have always tried to structure my daily routine according to my son's rhythm and preferences regarding eating, sleeping and playing. If he was happy, I was too! I've almost developed a checking eye for the clock. When and how long he sleeps in particular and how long the intervals between his meals are, etc. I did the same to a certain extent at home, but when I was traveling I also had other “critical fixed points” in mind. For example, breastfeeding during passport control is not a practical time. And meals in particular can be steered or brought forward. My little one mostly slept while going for a walk or sightseeing, so I tended to schedule that at his usual bedtime. And I usually timed my meal times with a visit to a café or a picnic in the park. There must also be enough time to play and let off steam. Most of the time this was after dinner. Or for months, their favorite toy while eating was a spoon. Basically, the little ones find everyday objects as toys. With real toys you don't have to take too much precaution, but you can let your creativity run wild. Child-friendly places also offer a few toys. Our little ones discover the world – and this also applies to our (boring) everyday lives. When it came to everyday objects, I only had a look at potential “worst case” scenarios, for example things made of glass that could break in the worst case scenario. Once I didn't know what material a decorative item was made of and tested it myself before giving it to my son. I discovered in time that it was made of glass and, gloriously, cut myself on the shards. Good thing I had tweezers and plasters handy in the first aid kit!

I hide a few (favorite) toys shortly before the trip and then have them ready for my little one on the way. Then it is a tried and tested toy that is interesting again. For me, such toys have to be small and light and can be attached to my backpack with my all-round carabiner. By the way, a carabiner like this is practical for many things (e.g. as a key ring or for attaching dirty shoes to the outside of the backpack).

I'm rather hesitant about pre-booked day trips. I don't want to subject my son to a fixed corset about what time meals and breaks are. So far I have only taken part in (short) guided tours spontaneously and have otherwise organized everything myself, if possible, with rental cars and such. But here too...you know best what works with your little ones and what doesn't. And keep an open mind, preferences can change with age. No two trips are the same. I have already noticed that playgrounds, beaches and parks are very popular. My daily program now includes fewer museum visits and more child-friendly things. But don't go crazy, many sights can easily be made child-friendly. In South Korea, for example, every visit to the palace was, in my son's eyes, a visit to the sandbox. While he played with the sand and pebbles, I was able to admire amazing buildings. There are always compromises somehow!

Wind and weather

The best sun protection is still long-sleeved clothing. In addition to a UV sun hat, I also use a special sunscreen for babies with a high SPF... and sometimes also baby sunglasses. But in ultra-hot temperatures we couldn't avoid wearing short sleeves. However, with a sun hat and sunscreen we are very much behind it. Baby skin tends to be more sensitive, so it's worth paying closer attention. The choice of sunscreen is also a matter of taste. We tested 4 different baby sunscreens and found our favorites. A favorite is a great sunscreen with “travel-friendly” packaging. A second favorite is used at home because the packaging unfortunately tends to break. Try it out...everyone simply has different favorites!

For the beach I had bought special, long-sleeved UV swimwear and bathing shoes. There can always be broken pieces lying around on the beach. Bathing shoes are also non-slip and have also proven useful in open showers when my son wanted to join me in the shower to splash around. The long-sleeved UV swimwear dries quickly, protects from the sun and prevents heat stroke. Whether you wear a swim diaper underneath is a matter of taste and also depends on whether you are in the garden, beach or swimming pool...

When it's colder, I swear by the onion technique (for more on this, see the section #3 Hiking with baby). I also loved a fleece suit for him so much that he ended up getting it in 3 different sizes. Small pack size and big effect! If you prefer to use softshell or wool wool, then that is of course also legitimate! You like to use it at home Gauntlets and if the weather at your destination is comparable, then you can take it with you on the go. Apart from that, I had a jacket extension for my Windstopper jacket, under which he would be kept warm and well protected if necessary.

When traveling in flat areas, an emergency umbrella is difficult due to possible wind. It's really a matter of choosing what to have with you as rain protection in case of an emergency. A professional rain poncho with a very high water column was definitely a tried and tested companion on the Way of St. James. Inquire, get advice from a specialist shop about your plans... and then decide!

Food and drink

I somehow have a soft spot for Muslim countries. The people there are particularly child-friendly. However, if you are still (fully) breastfeeding, it can be quite a cultural challenge there. The USA is also pretty difficult when it comes to breastfeeding. It's best to find out before you leave what is culturally appropriate in your travel destination. And if in doubt, always observe other mothers and simply ask freshly, cheerfully, cheerfully and openly what is customary in the area.

I enjoyed (full) breastfeeding for a long time. It was always available and infinitely convenient on the go. I never had to worry about sterilizing the bottles on the go. And if I knew that there was going to be a border crossing or other inconveniences, I would simply offer my little one the breast shortly beforehand so that we could "get through" the issue at a critical time.

Most countries are much more child-friendly than ours anyway. And if you ask nicely, you can also get hot water for your milk bottle or whatever other little things you need. In my opinion, you actually enjoy a bit of “puppy protection” when you’re out and about with offspring. Since I stopped breastfeeding and started using follow-on milk, I've had to take more into account logistically. I've already filled the bottles with the right amount of milk powder for the plane, so they just need to be filled with hot water. Milk powder is light-sensitive, so the bottle filled with powder remains stored in the backpack until it is needed. Otherwise, of course, the same “rules” with boiling etc. as at home must be followed. To a certain extent you have to rely on a kettle or hot water. Think about your usual daily routine and, if necessary, prepare bottles, milk powder and something to stir accordingly!

When the time for complementary foods is over, eating along becomes exciting. My little one also ate kangaroo burgers with me. Some days he hit it off and other days he was, in my estimation, “on a diet.” But the little ones in particular get what they need. And the cravings are primarily based on what the body is lacking. That's why I see it all as quite sporty when extremes are no longer lasting. From what “comes out” you can tell that everything is normal! Our bodies and our instincts are damn smart and unfortunately we rarely trust them!

In any case, it is important to have enough liquid with you. I always had enough bottled drinking water or bought it in supermarkets, kiosks or cafés if necessary. For emergency cravings on the go, I usually rely on cookies and sometimes squeezes. I already had zipper bags from home for the cookies, which could be used in a variety of ways on the go. But no one knows your child's tastes as well as you. Have a few favorite things with you and, if necessary, consider the perishability and how suitable the respective dish with cutlery is for everyday use, etc. as well as the respective supply situation on site!

Sleep rhythm

My junior is generally an early riser. After getting up, he first has to let off steam. Once the teeth have been brushed, the diapers have been changed and breakfast has been eaten, we set off. Well packed in the Baby Carrier. After a bit of looking around, it's usually time for your first morning nap. Then have lunch at some point and let off steam and then take another nap in the afternoon. Depending on his age, the times and length of his naps vary. However, if possible, I have coordinated walks or car and bus rides with his expected sleep rhythm. The evening before I usually think about the program for the next day, and the order is then improvised by my little one depending on his mood. Walks and breaks are tailored to him and his rhythm.

Long car journeys are always a drama for us. We put them at night. Everything is already packed in the car the evening before. At around 2-3 a.m. (depending on the journey time) we get up and put him in the child seat almost immediately before departure. This way he can go back to sleep and sleep through the journey. I always have one in the car in case of emergency Cuddly towel or one Baby blanket. If it's cold at night, I can cover him with it.

There were rare times when he was tired but too excited to fall asleep. A great trick is to use the headrest Baby Carrier fasten and a burp cloth or Comforter so lay it over it so that it comes out of the Baby Carrier can no longer see out. Falling asleep suddenly happened in no time without any distractions! However, that only worked on the train or plane, where you can move around freely...

The sleep rhythm hardly changed during the trip, apart from longer bedtimes. Only when the time changed to a new country did he digest about 2-3 hours per day. When we flew east, we went to bed quite late on the first day and when it was dark, but we slept longer the first few days. Daylight helped with the transition, which simply happened gradually. We always fully arrived in the new time zone within a maximum of 5 days. The time change towards the west went faster and more smoothly for us. For short vacation trips, I like to choose a travel destination with a maximum time difference of 3 hours, tend to travel east and treat ourselves to an extra time change day at home before everyday life starts again. When my son turned 18 months old in May, we had just returned from South Korea. He even mastered the 7-hour time change in both directions within 1 day. Here we also had a direct flight. Without having to change trains, there was no unnecessary disturbance. By the way: don’t be afraid of long flights! Time passes much faster than you can see.

And since the topic of “sleeping” is really important, a few words about nighttime. Let's put it this way, we don't do any experiments on the go, we stick to the routines from home as much as possible. When he initially slept in my bed at home and was fully breastfed, we of course did the same when we traveled. When he started sleeping in a baby bed at home when he was almost 10 months old, I also booked baby beds on subsequent trips (and this one with one Cuddly towel decorated with scents from home). Sometimes he slept through the night like he would at home, but most of the time he moved into bed with me to cuddle. The latest phase at home is that he needs a big bed to sleep on. The baby bed in the children's room had to make way for a 1.40m bed. Since then, I no longer book a baby bed when I'm traveling, but instead let him sleep in the "family bed". In South Korea I always booked an extra wide bed, and sleeping was almost better than at home. However, even then, I always went to bed early and didn't need a baby monitor or a baby monitor app for my cell phone. Let's see how things go on the next trip!? The motto is: Stay flexible and respect the child's needs! This is my path with my child... listen to yourself, trust your instincts and you will find YOUR individual path! This works very well for us J!

A few final words

Every age has its individual challenges and advantages and disadvantages. I breastfed fully on the first trip (Way of St. James/Spain) and one of the biggest challenges was “putting him down” to take a shower. He was far too eager for physical contact, but he couldn't turn around or sit up himself. On the next trip (Transsib, etc.) he was able to turn around and sit on his own and did a little more independent work. However, I found the procurement of complementary foods quite annoying. On the third trip (Australia) he learned to crawl and was much more independent, but also much more mobile and unpredictable. I also suddenly had to coordinate milk powder and bottles. On the fourth trip (Mauritius) he was able to walk and I traveled with him for the first time when I had already weaned. So during the flights he didn't just fall asleep on his chest. At the same time, it was incredibly cool to just watch him play in the sand on the beach and think “what a big boy!” And on the fifth trip (South Korea) I mainly had to coordinate where I could safely let my “walker” run. That was at attractions and in parks. In traffic and on the way from A to B, he likes to come back to rest Baby Carrier sat and became a satisfied baby. I'm excited to see how the next trips go. And I'm sure that I haven't finished learning yet either!

At our wedding it was “Happy wife, happy life!”…but it can also be applied to the offspring: “Happy parents a happy children!” And if we as parents are already the center of attention for our children at home, we are even more the center of attention when we are out and about. Nervousness can be transferred very quickly; the little ones have really incredible antennae! When in doubt, radiate calm and composure and trust that everything will fall into place, even if things don't go according to plan! Plus...usually the environment is 10x more helpful when you're traveling with a child. I always had the feeling that I had the benefit of “puppy protection” to some extent. And if something needs to be organized, then this is it Baby Carrier Simply worth its weight in gold: it offers closeness and security and gives us space and a few free hands to organize certain things. For me, it's just a jack of all trades to be able to carry my child and have him close to me. Even though I briefly thought that life with children would be over, I now say that it is simply different, but in any case an enrichment. Thanks to our KOKADI Baby Carrier  I always had the feeling that my little one ran along as a matter of course and took part in my life. I was able to gain so many positive experiences and realize that not much has changed when traveling - only that I can now discover the world through my son's eyes! Including some playgrounds and many more personal encounters along the way!

And now enjoy your life, enjoy the precious time with your darlings J! Do what makes you happy! And always remember: "KOKADI connects!" 

Your Verena aka “Mama Weltenstummel”

P.S.: What other ultimate tips for on the go do you have in store?