Make travel toddler-friendly: Tips from jetsetter mom Georgina Wilson
An eye wear business, a restaurant chain, and a blue-eyed baby boy are just some of the things that keeps model Georgina Wilson busy these days.
But the "It Girl" said she has no plans to let go of her jetsetting and career-driven lifestyle anytime soon.
"I bring him anywhere. I think that will make him stronger growing up. I think that's probably my mothering style," Georgina told reporters on the sidelines of her endorsement gig.
Georgina's husband, British businessman Arthur Burnand, is based in Shanghai. He either flies to their family home in Manila or Georgina and Archie jet off to China every weekend.
Aside from China, Georgina brought her baby to the United States, Europe, and more recently, to New Zealand when they attended Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff's destination wedding.
Georgina said traveling with a baby may seem daunting but the trip is just a breeze when you come prepared for the challenge.
Here are some of Georgina's tips on how to make traveling with a baby fun and easy.
1. PACK WISELY
Georgina said she makes sure that the carry-on baggage will have everything the baby needs while in transit.
Among Georgina's baby bag must-haves are "diapers, wet wipes, bottles, formula, and a change of clothes."
"When I'm traveling I don't bring so much stuff (for me) kasi 'yung mga gamit ni Arch is what I focus on," she said.
"Just come prepared like have your bag ready with everything," Georgina said.
Bringing a lot of bottles may take up luggage space, but it also has its perks.
"For new moms having lots and lots of bottles is great because you don't have to sterilize (while abroad)," she said.
2. FIND A LIGHTWEIGHT STROLLER
Walking in foreign cities will be more pleasant for all members of the family if the baby can just relax in a stroller in the airport and during tours.
Georgina said she opts for lightweight options that can be easily stowed in an airplane's overhead compartment.
"When you're traveling with a kid you have to be really efficient.
It (stroller) has to be simple and it has to be straightforward," she said.
It (stroller) has to be simple and it has to be straightforward," she said.
3. PLAY ON THE PLANE
While some parents prefer to have their babies sleeping on the plane, Georgina said interacting with her son keeps him from wailing and throwing tantrums during the flight.
"You'll be surprised because babies are so happy on the plane. He wants to run up the aisle. He wants to talk to our seatmate. We have so much fun on the plane," Georgina said.
4. DO NOT WORRY
At 11-months, Archie has already waded in the waters of Palawan, strolled in Paris, climbed the Great Wall of China, hiked in New Zealand, and braved winter and skiing in Japan.
This was all possible as Georgina feels comfortable letting her son experience new things.
"Don't be scared because the baby is so much more resilient than you give it credit for," she said.
The 31-year old mom said she also prefers to travel without a nanny.
"Take all the help around you but it's so important to bond with your child. It's awesome to have help, but sometimes when you have help, you cop out," she said.
If you have too much on your hands - when changing diapers or making some formula milk for the child - do not hesitate to ask for help from those around.
"You can always ask for a hand. People are so willing to help with babies," Georgina said.
5. ENJOY YOUR TRIP
Georgina said local and foreign travels are welcome breaks from her responsibilities as a businesswoman and a model.
She said spending quality time with the family should always be the priority in every trip.
"Up to now I don't bring a yaya when I travel because that's my opportunity to get to know him. I'm a working mom so every hour with him is precious," Georgina said.
"Life is so busy that every moment counts, every moment is so precious. I'm just enjoying my time with Arch at the moment," she said.
