I remember the first time my husband and I traveled with Payton; we drove two hours away to visit my grandmother for the 4th of July. You’d have thought we were moving. Everything came with us; the baby bath tub, bouncy seat, entertainment mat, and port-a-crib…need I say more. I honestly thought I needed it all to take care of my baby.
More recently we went on another trip, this trip involved flying from California to Iowa. I mentioned before that I was a planner; well I am also a thrifty person and could not bring myself to pay extra to check suitcases through. I worked and worked until I packed everything for my husband, Payton, and I in two carry on suitcases. My husband thought I was crazy. Although I did better about packing what we realistically needed, I know I can still improve.
Things I learned on this past trip.
- When purchasing plane tickets for you, your husband, and baby (if traveling as a lap child) book the isle and window seat. The middle seats are usually the last to be taken, giving you a better chance at having a seat for the baby too. Even if someone does book the seat between you and your travel partner the chances are they will swap you for either the isle or the window seat.
- Take advantage of the local Walmart or Target. Only take as many diapers, baby food, etc. as you need to get you through until you can get to the store. I packed diapers, wipes, and food for the whole trip. I regretted as soon as I had to take all the baby food out at the airport to be checked. Save yourself the trouble.
- Did you know most hotels have play yards or portable cribs? Nice! Make sure they give you a sheet to cover the pad.
- Bathing a baby in a hotel. You surprisingly don’t need a baby bath tub! Lay them on a hand towel, fill tub with water only until it barely touches your baby’s ear and wash away. You can also do this in a shower with no tub by stopping the drain with a wash cloth or hand towel. Who knew?
- You don’t need to take a lot of toys. With the new environment Payton hardly played with the toys I brought, she was more interested in the new people and surroundings. I would say that whatever toys you normally carry in your diaper back is plenty. Maybe bring a baby book.
I am sure that I will continue to learn what we “really” need while traveling as Payton gets older and as we have more kids.
I would love to hear things that others have learned while traveling with infants, make a comment. :o)
I used that towel in the bathtub trick on our trips to Disneyland. Works great! Also, bring a stroller cover for when it rains...we didn't have one and it would've been soo nice. She still stayed dry, don't worry. Give up on a "regular" schedule, let the baby make the schedule, he or she will let you know when they're tired or hungry or overstimulated. :-)
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