5 Tips for Traveling with Babies and Toddlers

Posted on 01/05/2017

Over the past year, my husband and I have traveled to 8 states and 3 countries with our 1 1/2 year old little boy. We have taken road trips, stayed in all inclusive resorts and taken a cruise. Needless to say, it has become a little easier each trip we take. I wanted to share a few tips and tricks we have learned along the way.

#1. Don't skip out on nap time.

It's easy to want to plan a whole day of sightseeing or to keep as busy as you can, but if you want to actually enjoy your trip, make sure the baby gets the naps that he or she is used too. An hour or two of down time will help recharge yours and the little ones batteries and will keep smiles on all the faces for those photos.

#2. Always pack more diapers than you need.

We recently discovered that very few airports sell diapers. Thankfully, I am the over packer that I am and we haven't ran into this problem, but I can't imagine having to go through an already stressful travel day and needing to find a diaper ASAP.

#3. Never, ever, ever check your stroller at check-in.

When traveling alone with my baby for the first time, I thought I would make things easier by wearing a baby carrier with him in it and just taking a rolling suitcase for my carry on and his backpack diaper bag. This was a mistake. It was also the only time I have traveled with my child and had my flights be delayed for over 5 hours with standing room only at the gate and then later canceled completely. My back was killing me and he was burning up. Not a very pleasant day.

#4. Get out and try new things.

Some people are scared to leave the country and to leave their comfort zone when it comes to their babies. I can be a little over protective and had my doubts at times, but once we did it and we watched him try new foods and run straight for the ocean without looking back, and meet new people, we realized it was the perfect learning opportunity for him. Seeing him experience new things has been the highlight of parenthood for us.

#5. Be Prepared.

Sure you know to pack their favorite toys and now to over pack diapers in your carry on, but be prepared for things to change. You may not get to dine out at our favorite restaurant due to the little one being exhausted and you may not get to snorkel for an entire afternoon. I don't like to plan exursions ahead of time because of this. Just take it easy, go with the flow and be prepared to have some of the best memories.

Traveling with our child has brought us the greatest joy. Is it worth a stressful few hours on a plane? Absolutely. The memories and adventures you are teaching your child can be life changing for both them and you.