Our Incredible Adventure: Traveling to Mongolia with a Lap Child

Embarking on our first international journey with a lap child was, admittedly, a source of considerable apprehension. The thought of managing long flights, new environments, and a baby’s unpredictable schedule on my own for our trip to Mongolia felt like a monumental task. However, I am thrilled to report that my worries were completely unfounded! Our little one, Grant, proved to be an absolute natural, truly a born traveler who made the entire experience not just manageable, but incredibly joyful and memorable.

We successfully made it to Mongolia and, just as importantly, back again, creating a treasure trove of cherished memories. This adventure, though it unfolded a couple of months ago, remains vivid in my mind, prompting me to share our story and the practical insights we gained. This post isn’t just a travelogue; it’s a testament to the resilience of little travelers and the simple strategies that can turn potential travel woes into delightful family experiences.

Smooth Skies: Flying Internationally with a Baby

One of my biggest concerns revolved around the flight itself. Would Grant be fussy? Would he cry non-stop? To my immense relief and surprise, he was an absolute dream. He spent the majority of our long-haul flight sound asleep, making the journey incredibly easy for both of us. And no, I didn’t resort to any medication to sedate him! It seems he inherited his mama’s knack for sleeping soundly on airplanes, adapting to the hum and gentle motion of the cabin with impressive ease. His peaceful slumber allowed me moments of rest and significantly reduced the stress I had anticipated.

My preparation mantra for the trip was “hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.” This philosophy guided my packing and planning, especially concerning Grant’s comfort and well-being. Following his pediatrician’s advice, I even packed a small amount of Benadryl. The recommendation was that in the rare event Grant struggled immensely to fall asleep and risked becoming overtired and distressed, a small, approved dose could help him rest. Fortunately, we never had to use it, a testament to his adaptability and calm demeanor.

A Game-Changer: The SkyBaby Travel Mattress

Among all the items I packed, one product stood out as an absolute lifesaver: the incredible SkyBaby travel mattress. I discovered it on Amazon just four days before our departure, a last-minute impulse purchase that I now consider one of the best investments I’ve ever made for travel. This ingenious mattress transformed Grant’s sleeping experience on the plane, offering him a much more comfortable and secure space than simply lying on my lap.

The SkyBaby mattress didn’t just benefit Grant; it revolutionized my flight experience too. It provided me with the freedom to move both of my arms, eliminating the constant worry of accidentally dropping him if I dozed off. I could enjoy my meals, read a book, or even catch a brief nap myself, knowing he was safely nestled and comfortable beside me. It’s a simple yet incredibly effective solution for parents traveling with lap infants, significantly enhancing comfort and peace of mind. I wholeheartedly recommend it to any parent contemplating international travel with a little one.

Adjusting to Mongolia: Beating Jet Lag with a Toddler

Upon our arrival in beautiful Mongolia, the inevitable challenge of jet lag quickly presented itself. For the first few days, Grant was on a new schedule, waking up enthusiastically at 4 or 5 AM, bright-eyed and ready to play. While this early start certainly tested my own sleep deprivation, his energy was infectious. Again, we were incredibly lucky: within just three days, Grant’s resilient little body had fully adjusted. He seamlessly transitioned back into his usual routine of two naps a day and a regular bedtime. I was genuinely impressed by his ability to adapt so quickly to the significant time difference.

Witnessing him so happy and comfortable in my home country filled me with indescribable relief and joy. Seeing him embrace the new surroundings, interact with our extended family, and simply thrive was truly heartwarming. He reveled in the company of his grandparents, aunties, and cousins, absorbing every moment of their affection and attention. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of family bonds and the unique experience of connecting generations across continents.

Grant’s Mongolian Discoveries: Family, Food, and Fun in Erdenet

Grant quickly became the star of the family, particularly captivated by his grandma’s cooking. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen him eat so much or with such gusto! He devoured everything put in front of him, which, if I’m being honest, made me briefly wonder if I wasn’t feeding him enough back home. But truly, it was a joy to see him enjoy the traditional flavors and generous portions prepared with so much love. This cultural immersion through food was a delightful aspect of his trip.

Beyond the warmth of family, Grant also got to explore my hometown, Erdenet. Erdenet is a city I hold dear to my heart – clean, beautiful, and vibrant with color. It was a wonderful experience to share this special place with him, seeing it anew through his curious eyes. We took strolls through its streets, admired its unique architecture, and absorbed the local atmosphere, creating new memories in a place filled with my own childhood nostalgia.

Playgrounds in Erdenet became another favorite haunt. Grant loved interacting with other children, though his primary interest always gravitated towards anything round – cars, tires, balls, you name it! It was fascinating to watch him engage with his peers, even with language barriers, demonstrating the universal language of play. These simple moments of joy on local playgrounds truly underscored the magic of childhood, no matter where you are in the world.

And here’s another activity that absolutely captivated him: gazing out from the fourth-floor balcony. He would sit there, little feet dangling through the safety slit, utterly mesmerized by the cars passing by below. It was a simple pleasure, but one that provided endless fascination, offering a unique perspective of urban life in Erdenet. These quiet moments of observation were as precious as the boisterous playtimes.

Grant also firmly believes he’s a big boy, ready for big-boy (or in this case, big-girl) bikes! His attempts to ride were hilarious, a perfect blend of determination and endearing clumsiness. These moments, captured on camera, are now cherished family memories, reminding us of his burgeoning independence and adventurous spirit.

However, without a doubt, the absolute highlight of his trip was playing with his cousins. The joy radiating from him when he was surrounded by his young relatives was palpable. Their shared laughter, playful antics, and the sheer delight of connection were simply too cute for words. These interactions formed the core of his Mongolian experience, forging bonds that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

Bittersweet Farewells and the Journey Home

Saying goodbye to grandma, grandpa, aunties, and cousins was truly bittersweet. While our hearts were full of the love and memories we had created, the longing for daddy grew stronger with each passing day. The journey home, though tinged with sadness at leaving family, was filled with excitement to reunite our little family unit.

On our way back, Grant continued to surprise us with his adventurous palate. At the Tokyo airport, he showed more interest in my ramen noodles than his own plate of pork gyoza. Who knew our little globetrotter would develop such a sophisticated taste for international cuisine at such a young age? It was a delightful reminder of how travel broadens horizons, even for the smallest members of the family.

And yes, that essential beauty sleep remained a priority! You can see the SkyBaby travel mattress once again proving its worth, providing a cozy haven for naps on the return flight. It truly was the best purchase for infant travel. To top it all off, we were incredibly lucky on our way back to find an empty seat next to us, offering extra space and comfort for Grant to stretch out and play a little. It was the perfect end to an amazing trip!

Seriously, traveling to Mongolia with Grant was an absolute blast. It defied all my initial fears and proved to be an incredibly rewarding experience. I eagerly anticipate many more family adventures and international trips in the future!

If you’re considering traveling with a toddler and have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments section below. I’ll be more than happy to share further insights and advise you based on our firsthand experiences. Happy travels!