Tips for Traveling With an Infant

Recently we traveled as a family of 3 for the first time up to Greenport, New York, which is about 110 miles from our home. I will preface this by saying that I am in no way an expert when it comes to traveling, babies or traveling with babies, but maybe I can help a new mom out who has yet to travel further than the grocery store with their baby.

I have to tell you guys, I was beyond nervous to leave our “home base” because of the “what ifs.” I knew that the bandaid had to be ripped off because traveling is such a huge part of who we are, and getting used to this was necessary for us all.

I will say that I am an over-packer by nature. How am I supposed to know what the weather will be like, or what shoes I’ll want to wear with the dress I’m undecided on? Needless to say – packing for our 5 month old wasn’t going to be easy.

So here are some Tips between things I did right and wrong!

1. Make a list of everything you need, have your spouse review it and tape it to your door and be SPECIFIC. I had my “breast pump” on my list, and it was packed, but the flanges were left sitting on my dry rack in the kitchen when we were 20 minutes out because I pumped right before we left. It was super frustrating having to go back, but I had a feeling we were going to forget something.
2. Pack a bag, and a “in the car travel bag” – I found that having a bag of things I could easily reach for if needed was nice, as opposed to having to dig through a legit bag of everything. We had a few toys, bottles, an extra outfit etc. for those “just in case” moments, where I could diffuse a situation without us having to stop.
3. Regardless of season, make your baby wear a onesie and pants. We had a catastrophic blow out (of course right?), and because he was wearing a romper style onesie, we got poop sludge all over him and the carseat. It was a legit nightmare. Pants would have held it in better for sure.
4. Pack food for YOU, especially if you or your baby have food allergies/sensitivities. You might have a plan for when/where you would like to stop, but I can almost guarantee that your baby will change your plans! Pack plenty of snacks, water, and a light meal “in case” things change. 
5. Pack your Sound Machine. I know this sounds excessive, but you don’t know what kind of noise will be at your hotel, or any noise you might make using the bathroom, TV etc.
6. If you use bottles, bring a small thing of Dish Soap and a small brush so you have something to clean them with in the sink.
7. Try to pick a hotel property that offers a continental breakfast – this isn’t a deal breaker, but it’s certainly nice to have accessible caffeine and a bite to eat depending on what the morning throws at you!
8. Try a carrier! I personally love my Wildbird and Ergo Baby Carrier for different reasons. I find myself not wanting to lug a stroller around sometimes and if I want Jack to either get tired and pay attention to “stuff” or get sleepy and take a nap facing me, carriers come in handy a lot of the time! I definitely recommend trying them out with your little one before you take a trip!

I hope you ladies found that helpful!!! Again, this was just a small road trip – but if I can help anyone, I’m happy to do it!

Now for you experienced Mom’s who have flown with your baby —- please drop your advice or help in the comments below, because that will be next on our agenda!!!