Baby Can Travel: Part 1 - The Basics
- Sarah Keith
- Apr 22, 2019
- 4 min read
Summer is coming and with it, lots of travel plans. Traveling with an infant or young toddler doesn't have to be a challenge, but it does require some planning! This week I am sharing THREE big blog posts full of specific tips and tricks for traveling with babies under one in tow. Today's post is general travel tips including packing hacks and travel day schedule tips. Later this week I will be sharing a blog specific for traveling by plane and another with details on road tripping with baby.
Step 1: Packing Hacks
1. Make a List: Take the time to sit down and think about everything your baby needs from the time they wake up to the time they go to sleep. While some things might be obvious, others are easily forgotten! Taking the time to make a list that coincides with your baby's normal routine will make this process easy.
2. Stay Organized: Especially if you are flying, make sure you are making smart choices about what gets packed where. Your carry on should include things like: Change of clothes (for EVERYONE), layers of clothing, diapers, wipes, snacks, all feeding equipment, toys, blankets, baby sling or carrier, and any sleeping necessities.Use packing cubes or large Ziploc bags to bundle baby clothes together and keep outfits (and accessories) organized.
3. Don't Over Pack: If it's something you buy regularly, buy it on arrival if possible. This means: diapers, wipes, formula, some snacks/baby foods. Pack enough to get you through the first 2 days, but buy the rest on location. This saves you room in the luggage, and makes for less to lug around on travel day.
4. Plan For SOME Things, but Not EVERYTHING: It's a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected. Bringing clothes for different weather or medicine for a variety of needs are great ideas. Just don't feel like you need to be prepared for every unpredictable situation. Pro Tip: Grab an all in one first aid/grooming kit so you have all your bases covered in one easy to pack item.
5. Do Your Research: If you are staying at a hotel or rental home- find out what baby items are available for rent or free as part of your stay. Skipping the pack and play and travel high chair can save you a ton of room! If you are staying with friends or relatives- ask them to reach out in their church or other groups for people willing to loan items out. You can also search social media for a moms group in the area and ask for items to borrow there! Pro Tip: Bring your own sheet and seat cover from home so cleanliness is not an issue!
Step 2: Travel Day
1. Start on Schedule: If at ALL possible, keep your babies morning routine in tact. Starting the day the way they are used to will go a long way in keeping baby happy through the traveling. If you do need to wake baby earlier than usual- attempt a quick feeding and car seat transfer (skip getting dressed in those cute travel clothes for now, and try to extend nighttime sleep by offering a half feed and popping baby in the car seat).
2. Be Flexible: Travel day is the exception to the rule of sticking to the schedule. Naps may happen early or late- and that's OK, for today. This doesn't mean you can't attempt to stick to the schedule. Making a conscious effort to be aware of the clock and set baby up for an on the go nap is a great way to get through travel day chaos. Pro Tip: prepare for this part by trying out some "on the go naps" a week before your trip (not the days before- you don't want to get too off schedule before travel!). Try an afternoon nap in a car seat covered with a muslin blanket while out and about or baby wearing while you get some things done around the house. This is especially important if baby typically only naps in their crib.
3. Bring Some Surprises: No matter how you are traveling, baby will want to be entertained! Grabbing some new, inexpensive toys (in addition to your baby's favorites) will make the day more exciting. Pick up some new teethers, rattles, or interactive (but quiet!) toys to introduce throughout the trip and keep baby happy. If you have older kids- you can even wrap these items up to make it more exciting!
4. Aim For an On Time Bedtime: Even if you are changing time zones, aim for the bedtime you use at home according to the clock in your new location. That might mean putting your baby down for the night at what would be 5 PM home time- that's OK! You want to start the second day as close to on schedule as possible- so adjusting bedtime is the best way to go. If you need to add, or remove a nap for that day- that's OK too. Keep an eye on waketime and make sure you are not overextending baby.
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