Traveling with Baby - and keeping your sanity!

I'm sure there are alot of Mamas out there that have traveled way more then us, but I still wanted to share our traveling experiences with the parents that are nervous to travel with little ones. Having a baby is no reason not to take day trips, long weekends or even cross-country excursions. In fact, I think it is easier to travel with a baby then a toddler!



Waiting to board the plane


One of the easiest ways to keep the trip cheap and stress-free is to Breastfeed! Baby is satisfied, Mom and Dad are less stressed, no need to carry bottles and formula and Baby will get those awesome immunities from the breastmilk to help fight off any colds.

For trips that required plane rides, we found it much easier to bring enough diapers, wipes and snacks for the plane ride, but then purchase those items once we arrived at our destination. That way we did not have to carry-on or pack a huge amount of stuff. We also did not pack shampoo or soap. We just went to the local health food store and picked up a small container of castile soap - gentle enough for baby, can be used on hair and body and you can even wash clothes and dishes with it.

If you are staying in once location for a few days and you can find one, a hotel room with a kitchen is sooo worth it! We stayed in one of these for over a week and saved a ton of money by not eating out and eating healthier food. Next time, I will bring the blender - Seriously! At the end of that trip, we were desperate for a green smoothie!

Snag stuff from the hotel. It's ok...that's why its there! In the morning, we would grab a bunch of bananas, apples, plain yogurt, oatmeal, and peanut butter & honey packets. Then we would have little snacks throughout the day. You can pick up or even bring (its so light!) a bag of Quonia Flakes. These cook up like instant oatmeal. Add in some honey, cinnamon, raisins and bananas from the Breakfast Buffet and you got a healthy, filling meal that your kids will enjoy too!

If you are staying with someone at their house, or in a hotel for more then a few days, consider bringing less clothes and doing laundry a few times throughout the trip. You will save space when packing, and maybe can get all the family's clothes in one suitcase (like we do!). Only one bag check fee and less hassle. Most hotels have a laundry area and laundry-mats can be a "fun" outing for the kids.

We have always rented the carseats with the rental car. You save on buying an extra seat on the plane and lugging that heavy carseat through the airport.



Sightseeing in St. Augustine at 2 months



Bring a soft carrier or sling, even you plan on bringing your stroller. It's nice to have options, and this makes it very easy when exploring a place that strollers just don't belong (hiking, beach, medieval castles and most of Europe!).

For babies and toddlers, bringing a few familiar things from home can be comforting (books, special toys, DVD's). Bedtime can be tough, so a special blanket or lovey can help. If you already co-sleep, like we do, this will be a much easier transition. I have found exploring the hotel can be fun for a toddler and something special to add to the trip. Create a vacation "routine" and sticking some of your regular at-home routines can keep kids calm because there is consistency. Nolan loved helping with the clothes at the laundromat, pushing the elevator buttons, looking for our "new car" in the parking lot, and saying "HI" to the front-desk staff every time we passed by.

Do your homework. Find out where the health food store, laundromat, library, parks, storytimes, kids playgroups or kids yoga, malls and kid-friendly places are ahead of time. This helps when you need to get something fast or prevent a melt-down!!

This is a great post: 10 Benefits to Breastfeed during the Holidays. Also applies to anytime traveling.

And most important....Remember to BREATHE!! and LAUGH!