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Listen, I'm a pretty go-with-the-flow Ma but trips can be a lot. On our last trip, I learned A TON about what you need when traveling with a baby. I wish I'd had this list before I left and wasn't so stressed!
Now that I'm back, this is my best advice:
DO
NOT
STRESS!
Babe may sleep less on this trip and they might even eat less. I stressed. the. entire. time. Her first flight was for my sister's 30th birthday and our friends were wondering why I was going crazy! We started hikes at nap time (she napped on the walk), we did car naps when she really wasn't havin' it, we skipped meals (but kept up with breastfeeding), our “night time routine” was wonky. It was allll over the place. And when we got home? She dropped right back into her schedule. ENJOY YOUR VACATION! Babies are adaptable. WE are adaptable.
That being said, there were a few minor tweaks I would have made to make things a bit easier. That's what this blog is about.
This blog is all about what you need when traveling with a baby to be stress-free (or at least less stressed).
Get your packing checklist here
What you need for Sleep when traveling with a baby:
1. California Beach Co
(EXTRA 10% off whatever sale they're running with HeyShayla)
I would honestly recommend California Beach Co. 10/10 over a pack and play. It is light, has a strap to carry, and sets up and takes down SO FAST (here's a 1 min video showing it). I lay with her and nurse her to sleep so it's easy for us. The top is not all open like a pack and play so it might be a bit trickier getting babe in and out… but I think the rest of the convenience is worth it.
2. Sound machine
Ah, hello! How can you NOT travel with a sound machine?! This is the one we use. I sent it in my checked bag because the plane is it's own sound machine. However, when we went to a friend's house I forgot to bring it so one that's more transportable one like this may have been better.
3. Remember your Monitor + cords when traveling with your baby!
It's vacation! This means we're likely putting babe down and then going to hang out with our partner or friends. You want to make sure you have a way to make sure the kids are good. Don't forget your monitor or the charging cords!
4. Warm and cool pjs/sleep sack
You just never know. You go to Mexico and the rooms are freezing. You're out in the mountains and the wood burning stove keeps things nice and toasty. Pack one of each so babe is comfortable.
5. Get a duplicate of favorite blanket / stuffed animal
Ours doesn't have a blanket or a stuffed animal but I was told to order a second and bring it with you!
6. Trash bags (and tape) for the windows
If your baby needs to sleep, they will sleep. Mine fell asleep on a hike and we even did a car ride to get her some zzzz's. Did I feel TERRIBLE that she was missing a nap?! YES! Poor girl. Did she just want to party the whole time? Also yes.
That being said, at home we keep the room pretty dark so I wish I'd brought some black out shades or even easier (and smaller) some trash bags and tape for the windows.
On Instagram, I asked moms their “MUST HAVES” on trips with baby and this was what they had to say:
What you need to bring for your baby to Eat!
1. Traveling highchair
We didn't bring anything. I just assumed she'd sit on my lap and we'd be good to go. Well, I didn't realize how much she plays with her food in her highchair. I was paranoid that the food would stain my friend's cloth chairs (I later put a towel down… maybe add that to your list!). We tried eating on the floor with a paper plate, we tried eating on the counter. She did best on my hip but eventually, I just made sure she was getting water and we focused on breastfeeding.
AFTERWARDS, I found a few solutions:
First, if you're staying at a hotel or resort ask them if they have one to use… typically they do.
Second, you may be able to RENT a highchair at your destination. Because every destination will have a different distributor just google “baby gear rental X city”.
Third, this seat that straps to a countertop with a tray (probably not a table).
Lastly, this one, which I think I love because it folds up small for traveling but you can also use it for picnics in the backyard, camping, etc.
Get your packing checklist here
2. Meals/snacks ready upon arrival when traveling with a baby
Just grab something so your babe has something to eat upon arrival. I'm talking a box of mac and cheese, some oranges, whatever. Yes we can breastfeed or bottle but I always like to make sure she gets to eat a bit more during the day.
If you're just starting purees this is super helpful for keeping it more clean than a spoon (plus then you don't need to bring the spoon)
3. Sippy cup/ bottle
This almost feels silly to recommend, but it is a checklist of things you need after all! Do not forget the bottle or sippy cup (this one is my FAVORITE) she started using it at 9 months and it does not leak… unless she throws it off her high chair. If you don't have an easy way to wash them or will be using more than water. I'd recommend bringing a few.
What you need for the Sun when traveling with a baby:
1. One-piece swimming suit
A friend of mine gave me this little tip. She said a one-piece swimming suit is where it's at! That they had both for her son and they kept reusing the one piece. She said the two-piece kept separating and exposing his little belly. She said it wasn't worth the hassle.
2. Swim diapers
For the diaper, we just used one of our reusable diapers, but this is another option (even made by a cloth diaper brand!).
3. Hat or sunglasses for protection from the sun
If you plan on being by water, remember that the water will reflect the sun into your baby's face. Make sure you grab a sun hat and/or some sunnies. I think with younger babies, sunglasses are easier than a hat.
We snagged a hat with a chin strap, which is perfect for the wind and for a baby who can easily yank it off!
4. Floaty with shade
Either a baby life jacket or floaty with some shade while they're in the pool. Obviously, someone will always be right there with them, but these things are a must for safety! There are also bracelets that sound when they get wet if you wanted to go the extra mile (or frequently go to a lake or pool)
5. Long sleeve lightweight clothing
When we travel with a baby to a different place… say someplace that is sunnier than home, we want to make sure we keep them covered! We went on a hike and I was super glad that I had a breathable long sleeve shirt for my daughter. I wanted to protect her from the without overheating her.
6. Baby sunscreen
So we have the umbrella, we have the longs sleeve swimming suit and the hat (or we opt out of a few of these things) we still want to make sure their fresh little skin isn't getting too much sun! (We're crazy as moms). Don't forget the baby sunscreen!
7. Stroller fan when traveling to a warm place with your baby
If you're going to be out in hot weather for an extended time, a stroller fan might not be a bad idea! At the beach, in the stroller or car seat, or even at night if it's super hot.
8. Pop and play
I recommended the California Beach Co. as a place for them to sleep, it also makes an incredible place to get babe some shade while playing! I recommend this because its so easy to travel with.
(HEYSHAYLA gives you an extra 10% off on any sale they're running)
Cloth diapers and Elimination Communication: we didn't do it when we traveled with our baby.
We cloth diaper and I have two posts about it. One about how we do it 80% of the time and the other is an update with what changed when we added solids. But on this trip, we left the cloth diapers at home! Well, that's not true, we brought two for swimming!
Elimination Communication or Potty Training for Infants I brought a seat for the adult potty but she didn't do much of it. Again, I wasn't too worried, she picked it back up when we got home!
I hope you found this blog helpful! Over all have fun and try not to stress too much!
xo Shay
xo Shay