On the Road: Two Adults & A Baby- My Learned Travel Tips
Traveling with a baby can be pretty daunting. Pre-Covid, Ry and I were at the airport almost weekly, so while we’ve both gotten pretty good at it ourselves, having another addition (with SO MANY THINGS), felt a little overwhelming to take on.
First things first- we’ve truly learned with each trip and experience. We’ve messed up, I’ve cried, and we’ve taken our normally laid-back little guy for granted in not being as prepared as we needed to be for one flight. It wasn’t fun haha. So, better to go in with the attitude of being easy on yourself, and trying to laugh through the tough times.
A few helpful tips that some amazing moms have passed on to me before embarking on that first trip with your little one. Would love to hear yours – we may do another international trip at the start of the year, and keep going back and forth on it.
1) PUPPY PADS!
Yes, puppy pads – my sister-in-law, Kate, passed this on to me and we’re so grateful. We pack a bunch in our luggage and diaper bag, and this way you can lay these out on the changing tables, in the plane bathrooms, and not have your baby or your stuff, touch any surface. Then when you’re through changing, you can wrap everything up in it and toss- very simple game changer!
2) PACI CLIPS
Our first trip with Colt B., I forgot these and was constantly fishing for his. Once we got them, you can easily clip on to the car seat/stroller and have peace of mind.
3) CHANGE OF OUTFITS
I recommend always having two changes for your baby in the diaper bag, as well as a change for yourself while traveling. Let’s just say I learned this the hard way….
4) MONITORS
Always, always remember the monitors. We also forgot one of two of these on a trip and it sucked having to keep checking on him, as we didn’t want to wake him up unnecessarily.
5) DISTRACTIONS, DISTRACTIONS, DISTRACTIONS
Going forward, I always try to make sure that I have a full bottle on hand for the flight. I also pack some toys, books and his favorite whale so he has on hand.
6) THE DOONA
My girlfriends were so incredible to get this for us and it has proven to be the most efficient travel stroller. It collapses with one push of a button and can work in any car, Uber, taxi etc. when it compresses. It also fits down the aisle of the plane, if you happen to have an extra seat, but I would also suggest purchasing the protective bag, so it doesn’t get dirty underneath the plane.
I know the time is coming soon for when we will need to travel with his car seat, but milking this one as much as possible.
7) BACKPACK
The more hands you have available, the better! I tried to bring my normal work bag and his diaper bag and another fun bag on the plane for one trip, and it was a disaster. Ryan just looked at me struggling and was like, “Never Again.” I still haven’t found one that I love yet, but in the process of looking for one!
GODSPEED AND WHEEL’S UP!