Traveling with infants can be stressful. After having many successful journeys with my twins, I’ve come up with 10 important tips that has helped me dominate traveling.
Tip 1: Stop and breathe.
It is very easy to get stressed thinking of everything you have to do and take. So take it one step at a time and plan accordingly. Start by making a check list of what you need to do and go from there. What helps me is keeping in track with one subject until I’m completely done with it and then going on to the next.
Tip 2: Only take what you absolutely need.
I work for the airline industry and I’ve manage to pack my stuff with the twin’s stuff in a carry on luggage and a backpack. Sounds crazy but its doable, specially if your vaca is just for a week (my scenario). If your trip is longer, I’d limit to just a check in bag and the diaper bag, thats it!
Example: If I’m traveling for 5 days to a resort, I pack 10 outfits for myself and each baby. My outfits consist of dresses and light weight clothing. The babies have about 8 onesies, 2 shirts, a pair of pants each, and a blanket for the plane ride. I love onesies because not only is it an easy outfit it also takes up less space. Any extra space I have, I use for formula, diapers, and 2 pairs of sandals for myself.
Mama tip: If by some reason you need clean baby clothes, its so easy to wash it in the sink that its not a major problem. Some resorts and hotels even have laundry rooms. Trust me less is more!
Tip 3: Arrive atleast 2 hours early for your flight.
When traveling with infants, TSA can be a pain. Have your baby water bottles, breast milk, and liquid foods accessible so that when they pull your bag for testing they dont have to dig through your bag. You can click here for TSA guidelines regarding baby food.
Tip 4: Board first
Most airlines allow passenger traveling with children to pre-board. This will give you time to break down your stroller, store your carry on items, and comfortably take your seat without an angry mob behind you. Again the less you have, the easier this entire process will be and the less you have to carry on board.
Mama tip: Leave that bag of toys home! I see so many moms struggle with excess weight while boarding. It’s more than likely that your child will only play with one or two of those items while on vacation. Besides kids, especially babies, find entertainment in anyyything.
Tip 5: Book your get away car before arriving
Theres nothing worst than arriving to your location and having a mob of foreign taxi drivers trying to bribe you while you’re baby is crying. Save yourself the chaos and book the ride to your stay before landing at the airport.
Tip 6: Be aware of your baby basics availability.
If you are traveling for a long time, make sure that your destination has the basic baby things your child needs. Most locations will, but if you’re traveling to the middle of the jungle, make sure there’s some type of market with simple amenities like diapers & formula. If it does not show up in your google search, plan to pack those items and add an extra pack incase you extend or miss your flight.
Tip 7. You can rent baby gear!
Many people dont know this but if you need to, you can rent carseats with your rental. There’s also many companies dedicated to renting other baby gear like strollers. Google your destination and see if that option is available so that you don’t have to travel with one.
Tip 8. Ask for a crib
Many hotels and resorts have cribs at no extra charge. Feel free to note that down in the special request area of your reservation. In previous experiences, I’ve also received a room with a sofa bed low to the floor which worked out just fine with pillows around the babies.
Tip 9. Carry a first aid kit
Its better to be safe than sorry. Make sure you have a small pouch with emergency items such as thermometer, baby medicine, and nose suckers. It sucks to have a sick baby on vacation but it happens.
Most important Tip #10. Relax!
Your’re on vacation, leave the micromanaging at home and enjoy your surroundings.