Tips For Traveling With Kids And Baby
I know how exciting but also overwhelming deciding to take a family trip with babies and children in general can be. Now just take a deep breathe and slowly go through this post. These are some packing and travel tips that have helped make packing and flying with our growing family a much smoother experience.
PREPARATION IS KEY
As you go through a mental list of the things you will need to pack and still need to buy, write it down! I can’t stress this enough. There’s so much going through your mind that just as quickly as you think about something you absolutely need, you might forget about it.
Take a few minutes and create an actual list of things you need to pack and things you need to buy. Then check off as you go. Mom brain is real so as tedious as it may sound, I promise it will save you more time than standing in front of your suitcase going through a mental list, hoping you have everything you need.
I’ll mention some as I continue but here’s a more detailed view into Baby Vacation: Must-Haves which can help you in creating your packing list.
PACKING CUBES
This is the first time I pack with packing cubes and I don’t plan on ever traveling without them again! These packing dividers are so simple but amazing at keeping everything organized and super easy to find.
Let me warn you though, after packing with these I’m pretty sure there is no going back!
STROLLER & BABY CARRIER
A light weight stroller and/or baby carrier (if you enjoy carrying baby) are must-haves to make your life easier on vacation. Especially when you have other kids to cater to, luggage to carry and documents to fill out in the airport; you want your hands as free as possible.
We decided to just take the stroller with us on our most recent family vacation but we have the Lillebaby carrier and love that it’s comfortable for both hubby and I to use and our babies never had any issues with it.
SNACKS
Anything that will keep your kids happy is a must. Last thing you want on a flight is a cranky toddler all because he’s bored and has nothing to snack on. Pack at least one of their favorite snacks like Goldfish, pretzels or cookies so they can enjoy while hopefully quietly watching a movie.
HEADPHONES
Talking about movies, don’t forget their headphones. If your kids are taking a tablet, also make sure it’s charged and charger is packed.
BLANKET & TOY
Planes are usually a bit on the colder side so I always make sure to pack a lightweight blanket for each of the kids and I have them pick out a plush or toy they want to take on the plane. Not only do they get super cozy while watching their movie but they usually end up falling asleep which is a bigger win because they’re nice and rested once we land.
BACKPACK
The snacks, headphones, blanket and toy that I mentioned above, I always have the kids pack in their own backpack. Not only do they feel super grown up about taking their own bag but it’s also takes away the stress of me having to go through my own bag looking for what they want.
BABY/KIDS CARE KIT
Easily accessible to you in the plane, make sure to pack baby/children’s Tylenol ( and/or Motrin) because you just never know. Of course don’t forget your everyday essentials like wipes, diapers and a changing pad to make things easier for you in case of a random diaper change.
A good thing to know if you’re a pumping mom is that in your carry-on bag you are only allowed a suitable amount for the trip.
For a more detailed list of “first aid kit” essentials when traveling with kids check out Packing Tips: Traveling With Toddlers.
BOOK WISELY
When booking family vacations we always make sure it’s family-friendly. Fun and entertaining for us but where I know the kids will also have a great time. We just recently got back from Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana and as it was just as amazing for us as it was for the kids.
Taking the time to book wisely and make sure you will all have a good time on vacation will obviously make it that much more enjoyable.
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENT
This tip is something we usually don’t think about before heading off to our first family vacation and it’s making sure you have explained sleeping arrangement to the hotel/resort.
Do not assume that because you listed a baby in the guest list, you will automatically have a crib placed in your bedroom. Being prepared ahead of time is everything and the last thing you want is to arrive to an uncomfortable sleeping situation because you didn’t explain your needs beforehand.
Hope these help make traveling with kids a lot less stressful and so much more enjoyable!
You may also enjoy: Vacation With Baby: Must-Haves and Toddler Girl Swimwear 2021.
