Traveling with a Baby

Who else is overwhelmed when it comes to traveling with a baby? For me, it seems like such a daunting event. I dread it! There are so many things to plan, remember, and consider. Honestly, after waking up twice during the night to a screaming baby, there is no doubt that I will end up forgetting something. After several trips with a baby, I've figured out a few things that can help your next family vacation a little less hectic and a little more peaceful.

1.       Plan ahead. I start making a pack list a few days (sometimes a week) before we head out of town. This helps give me time to plan what all we will need and make sure we bring our complete list of necessities. A packing list will make the actual packing process much easier and less time consuming. Write out what you will be doing each day so that you can plan outfits and gear appropriately. I even organize our packing list by person in the family (Mom, Dad, Baby) and then by categories (clothes, toiletries, medicine, gear, etc.). I never leave the house without our portable chargers and our baby’s sound machine. The last thing you want is for your Ipad to be dead when you could really use Micky Mouse Club House to occupy your little one and give you some free time. A sound machine ensures that your baby will sleep well while he/she is in unfamiliar territory!

2.       Make a home away from home. When you arrive to your destination, try to set up as similar to your home as possible. Set up the pack-in-play or crib for a sleep area. Lay out some toys and a blanket for a play area. Put the diapers, wipes, and diaper creams all by a changing pad for a changing station. Lastly, pick an area to keep all feeding supplies like bottles, pumping parts, and formula (close to a sink is always a good option). Getting everything organized and in its place as soon as possible will help decrease stress when bed time comes around and help you enjoy your vacation!

3.       Stick to your schedule. My son thrives on a schedule. If he gets off his schedule he tends to be cranky and doesn’t sleep well that night (which is no fun for any of us). When traveling, try to stick to your typical schedule as much as possible. This might mean finding a unique place to breast feed, having an early dinner, or planning activities around nap time. If traveling in the car, try to leave when it is nap time to help get the trip started off on the right foot. Keeping nap time in check is important, but not all babies like to nap in an unfamiliar crib. Once you are on vacation, try planning a walk during nap time if your baby likes to sleep in the stroller. My son is a fan of the ErgoBaby baby carrier which works great for staying on the go! Keeping the same bath and bedtime routine will also help your little one feel like they are at home. It can be difficult to maintain a schedule when you want to go and do all fun vacation activities, but in the end, it is worth it to keep you and your baby happy!

4.       Take turns being on duty. If your baby does like to nap in the hotel crib or is having a particularly fussy afternoon, take turns being with him or her in your hotel room. This works really well if you have other family members traveling with you. Grandparents and aunts will typically love to take a shift watching your baby while you enjoy a few moments of baby-free vacation time! So, don’t be afraid to ask them for help.

So, next time you are getting ready for a family vacation just remember: plan ahead, pack your essentials, keep a schedule intact, and don’t forget to enjoy yourself too!

Safe travels! - Margaret