At a glance
Is it safe to go on an adventure trip with a baby? What do you need to pay particular attention to?
Sofia and Tom travel the world in search of sporting challenges and adventure. They spend most of their time aboard their sailboat Search Projects.
Jack, their baby boy of a few months old, travels with them.
Is it safe to travel like this with a baby?
What do you need to pay particular attention to?
Sofia shares her experience...
"Ever since the day I found out I was pregnant, I wondered how we'd keep travelling and going on adventures with a little one. Is it really that easy and doable?
Babies have a great capacity to adapt
"The younger they are, the easier it is!"
Nature has a way of working things out, because nine months is a perfect amount of time to plan a new life as a family of three. I had time to ask lots of questions to people who are used to travelling with an infant. Throughout my pregnancy, I lived aboard our sailboat Search. In the marinas, as soon as I spotted a pregnant woman or a mother with her children, I'd rush over to strike up a conversation. Their advice and experience reassured me pretty quickly, and their message was often the same: "The younger they are, the easier it is. Don't be afraid to bring them on board from the first few weeks. Babies adapt very well to their parents' lifestyle." No sooner said than done. Jack was born on 26 December, and on 26 January, at barely four weeks old, we brought him aboard our floating home. My doubts and worries vanished the moment I stepped aboard with my baby in my arms. The adventure could continue, and as a family of three, it's even more beautiful!
"Baby on board" ... the sailboat!
The first few days felt completely natural. It's aboard our sailboat that we love to be and watch our son grow up. We can offer him a healthy quality of life, in the open air and in tune with nature. Of course, we have a lot to learn, and our safety margins on board are even bigger than before. We don't want to take any risks. Before every sail, we do the best possible analysis of the weather and sea conditions. We organise the boat so that everyone feels comfortable and safe. That's how we spent over a month sailing between the Canary Islands. Jack even saw his first dolphins during a crossing between the island of El Hierro and La Gomera. A few hours later that same day, he gave us his first smile! We were the happiest parents! I took that as a sign: he's happy on board, the real journey can begin.
Don't hesitate to share your travels with your baby
If you too are passionate about big (or even small) trips, whether at sea, in the mountains or on road trips, your baby will find their place there too. A baby is no excuse to stop you from going. As long as they're with you, they won't be missing out on anything! Sharing adventures with your baby is wonderful. Through their fascinated gaze and insatiable curiosity, we rediscover the little things in life: the beauty of a tree, a bird, a silhouette, the foam of waves crashing on the rocks...
Prevention, tips and tricks
In this article, I'd like to share with you a few practical tips for when you head off on an adventure with your little one:
- Before every trip, I've made a habit of finding out more about our destination (health risks, climate...). Note down useful addresses in case of any problems: hospitals, the numbers of one or two paediatricians, and the address of the Belgian embassy or consulate.
- I make sure to travel well covered with good travel assistance insurance.
- I find out about and take care of (in good time!) travel and identity documents (kids ID, passport and visa if needed...)
- If necessary, I check in with my paediatrician in Belgium (state of health, recommended and compulsory vaccinations, certificates, prescriptions...).
- I also check whether the products I use or might need to use are easy to find locally. For example: a certain powdered milk, specific medication, eco-friendly nappies.
A word about nappies
A quick aside on this topic. We spent a long time discussing nappies. When you live on a boat, how do you find a nappy that's least polluting and comfortable for a baby? I've thought a lot about this, and the answer is that, today, there's still no ideal solution. Reusable nappies quickly become a hassle, and the amount of water used doesn't help solve the problem. And in terms of hygiene, they need to be washed at a very high temperature to eliminate bacteria.
At the moment, so-called "eco-friendly" nappies seem better suited to me. They're made from raw materials sourced sustainably, and 95% of their manufacturing waste is recycled. Finally, there's no trace of potentially toxic substances.
Preparing for the trip
As Jack's vaccinations are up to date, I feel more comfortable taking him with me everywhere.
In his little changing bag, I have a kit with saline solution, painkillers and a thermometer, and in our suitcases a complete first-aid kit suited to little ones. Otherwise, Tom and I have made a habit of travelling light. Now that Jack is here, we try to keep up that philosophy.
By plane
Only bring the bare minimum, especially if you're travelling alone with your baby:
- a practical, lightweight pushchair that folds easily with one hand
- the changing bag with a spare outfit as well as a small pouch where I keep my purse and important papers.
That's enough to get to your destination. Check in bulky suitcases and bags. Airlines are often happy to free up cabin space without charging any extra cost.
Once I'm settled on the plane with Jack on my lap, I feed him during take-off and landing so that he can relieve the pressure in his little ears without even noticing. This avoids the famous crying fits...
At sea
Our sailboat has become our home. We have everything he needs on board, and his belongings follow us wherever we go. We've set up a little hammock so he can rock with the movements of the boat... He loves it!
The most important thing when sailing with a baby is to anticipate the boat's movements. During a crossing, I put Jack in the middle of our bed, wedged between a nursing pillow and other cushions. He has room to turn over and sleep on his tummy if he wants, but he can never fall off the bed. A few months later, we fitted a net along the edge of the bed.
When Jack is awake, I sometimes use a baby carrier that's light and easy to put on. This leaves my arms free to handle sailing or cooking. If the boat is sailing nice and flat, I can put Jack in a chair clipped onto the table with a strap to fasten him in. He can spend a good while there playing while sitting and eating his purées.
In a van or motorhome
Last March and April, we spent two months in a van in the Alps. Tom was training for the Red Bull X-Alps race, which involves crossing the Alps as fast as possible (on foot and by paraglider): over 1,100 km to cover in the mountains.
The challenges of van life are similar to life at sea. Everything must have its place, and you need to get into the habit of tidying up, because things pile up quickly, especially with a baby.
The most important piece of kit is the car seat. I looked for a comfortable seat that suited our plans. When we were on the road, we made sure to stop every 3 hours (at most) to take Jack out of his seat. It's important for their backs not to spend too much time in the same position.
In the mountains
Watch out for lack of oxygen in the air. The higher you go, the lower the pressure and therefore the less oxygen available, and the more your baby will suffer from altitude sickness, which can be dangerous. Talk to your paediatrician first. Tell them about your route and plans, the resort where you'll be staying, and ask them what risks to avoid.
We left Belgium in a VW California. This van is great for road trips. It has a small kitchen with a fridge, a two-burner gas stove and a sink, plenty of storage space, a big bed under the roof, and even a small outdoor shower (handy, especially in summer). We started at altitudes of 1,200 m and, giving Jack time to acclimatise, gradually went up to 1,800 m. As we zigzagged along the mountain paths, I kept an eye on Jack and watched his behaviour.
If you notice unusual behaviour in your baby, stop and go back down quickly. Give them fluids and some fresh air until they're back to their usual behaviour.
Conclusion
Beyond the memories, it's a wonderful gift to include your baby in your travels. You'll discover a stimulated, alert baby. Their curiosity will grow, and they'll feel at ease in any situation.
Babies also have their own rhythms. Jack takes three naps a day, and whether he's aboard our sailboat, in the car, in his dad's arms or in his pushchair, he's got into the habit of falling asleep anywhere, and thanks to that, he can get the sleep he needs.
His point of reference? It's us. He knows that wherever he goes, we're with him. We live our nomadic life very well, and that's the key to success. If we feel good, Jack will feel good too.
Today Jack is six months old and has already travelled to eight countries.
If you're the anxious type, even in the comfort of your own home, your baby will be too. They're like sponges, absorbing your state of mind. So don't be afraid to do what excites you and makes you happy! Your baby will be the first to benefit.
Have a good trip!
Sofia »
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Photos © Tom de Dorlodot
