Travelling with children can be stressful, especially on long road trips or if you’re stuck in an airport. I’ve travelled long distances with my daughters since they were six weeks old and we have certainly had our fair share of meltdowns – admittedly, I’ve had my moments too – but it never ceases to amaze me that at least one fellow passenger comments every time about how relaxed we all seem to be. But with help from experts like Dr. Pamela Smith, ND and lifestyle and wellness expert and nutrition coach, Michal Ofer, and the Moms at Calmmother I know we’re in good hands.

Here are our top six tips to help make traveling with children stress-free regardless of whether you’re on a road trip or an airplane with a newborn or a five year old (or both!).

Watching your little one progress from crawling to walking is a milestone to be celebrated.  The world suddenly opens up and within it are a plethora of things to grab, climb on and stick in your mouth!  Toddlers are naturally curious, adventurous and depending on their age, can be a little bit sneaky.  In other words, this is not the time to let up on childproofing your home!  The older children get the higher they can climb to reach the things they want to get their hands on.

The period after delivery is often considered the “fourth trimester”, lasting between 30 days and three months. There are a number of changes that occur in a woman’s body during this time including many hormones fluctuations, including estrogen levels dropping approximately 300%. This hormonal shift generally takes an average of 10 days to balance out.  With the hormone changes that occur post-pregnancy coupled with sleep deprivation, adapting to the demands of a newborn, and so many other requirements, it is normal for a new mom or even a seasoned mom to have multiple changes in mood over the course of a day. After the much anticipated arrival of the new baby and the excitement of birth, it may come as a surprise for new moms to experience emotions such as sadness and anxiety. 

Here are five general recommendations for treating low mood after delivery: 
 

As a naturopathic physician, I use herbs as medicine in a variety of ways, for example: to boost the immune system, ease an upset stomach, reduce stress, and to provide essential nutrients. Teas have been consumed safely in many cultures for thousands of years; however, whenever possible avoid using herbs in this way during your first trimester unless prescribed by your healthcare provider. If you are trying a tea for the first time or it is in your first trimester, start by using a small amount of the herb (1 tsp or less per cup of hot water) or by only steeping a tea bag for 10 minutes or less. It is important to make sure you are purchasing herbs and teas from trusted reliable sources to avoid adulteration and contamination. Because you are unique, it is hard to predict if an adverse reaction to a herb will occur, so as always please consult your healthcare provider when considering your favourite tea while pregnant. If you are not sure, it is probably safest to just avoid it. 

Below are the top 10 teas I typically recommend to my pregnant patients – here’s the same information in a chart if you prefer the format – these teas are generally considered safe during pregnancy.