Top 10 Must-Haves for Traveling with Babies During the Holidays.
We’re wrapping up the year, which means Christmas is swiftly approaching. My family and I are overjoyed as we prepare to celebrate the holidays with our newest addition, Chaplin. Not only have our traditions and plans changed, but this year my Christmas wish-list was slightly different from previous years. Over the past 8 months, I have researched and tested all things ‘mom’. My knowledge has expanded, and I have compiled a list of absolute must-haves! For the expectant parents unsure of where to start, the seasoned momma’s who are always looking to try something new, or those hopeful to start a family in the coming year, this is for you! Here are my absolute must-haves broken down into ten essential categories with special focus on traveling with littles
Our sweet boy just turned eight-months old and has already been on six flights, traveled to nine different states, and visited both Disney parks in North America. While some are far more experienced at this age, we feel as if we have gotten a significant amount of travel under our belts in a short amount of time. We have had several trials and errors, faced those dreadful “oh no” moments, and have worked to ensure that we learn/take something new from each experience to better the next. If you know me personally, you know that I am a Type-A person. I tend to over-plan, over pack, and over analyze in most situations, travel is no exception. Prior to taking Chaplin to Disney World in July of this year, shortly after he turned 3 months old, we were in the dark on what to expect/pack/plan for when it came to traveling with a little one. I am by no means an expert, but want to share with you some helpful tips and products that I cannot leave home without. Whether heading to the grocery store or flying across the country, these products are essential to making life easier!
1. The Right Diaper Bag
While there are hundreds of brands, styles, and features one could choose for a diaper bag, my top pick is the Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack. Praised for their sleek look, this brand is commended for functionality and high-quality products. This specific bag complies with airline requirements and qualifies as a personal item. With its large capacity, machine-washable/removable changing mat, and water resistant interior/exterior, this bag is sure to fit all your needs and make travel a breeze!
2. The ULTIMATE Travel Car Seat/Stroller
When looking for the perfect “ride” for your little one, one can become easily overwhelmed with the amount of information and choices. If you are looking for the best stroller/car seat combo, look no further! Known for its user-friendly nature, and numerous modes of use, the Evenflo Shift Dualride is sure to check all your boxes. Differing from the popular Doona stroller, the Evenflo Shyft Dualride allows parents to detach the stroller wheels with the touch of a button. Its one-step conversion from car seat to stroller allows parents to adapt in any and all situations making airports, Ubers/Lyfts, and foot-travel worry-free.
3. The Cover
If you’re like me, you like to have all your boxes checked. One travel essential that I swear by is a stroller cover. My personal favorite is the 5-in-1 Milk Snob cover. Its multifunctional use covers all the bases. Available in the sweetest designs, these covers can be used as a cover for your car seat cover, shopping cart, high chair, infant swing, or while nursing!
4. The Sleep Aids
After a long travel day, a good-night's sleep is needed to gear up for new discoveries! The utilization of a sleep-sack and sound machine is crucial for our little family. HALO’s non-weighted sleep sack acts as a swaddle/blanket, while complying with AAP’s safe-sleep recommendations! If by chance your family’s adventure is not on Disney Cruise Line, you will not have the opportunity to be swayed to sleep by the rocking ocean BUT you can be lulled by the sounds of crashing waves with the Hatch Rest Go Portable Sound Machine for Babies. Complete with 10 sleep sounds, this portable machine is a nighttime staple that travels with you!
5. The Mind Eraser
With on-the-move little ones, long flights and car rides can pose a challenge. It is pertinent that you allow your little ones to stretch, roll, and move around throughout your travel days. I always travel with some form of mat or blanket to have a clean, safe space for Chaplin to play on. Regardless of if you are at the airport, in your hotel, or stopping for a potty break, a foldable/ machine washable playmat will quickly become your life saver. Not only does this mat give your child space and the ability to freely move while assuring that germs are not a factor, but it is travel-friendly as it is easy to be stowed and cleaned!
6. The Back Savers
Having a child over the 99th percentile in height who does not slack in the weight department is not for the weak. Extended park visits and long days at port have the potential to cause little ones to fuss if they’re restricted to stroller use and can easily tire parents who are forced to carry their kiddos. It is for these reasons that I highly recommend utilizing carriers. My absolute life-savers are the Ergobaby Omni 360 and Tushbaby. From running errands at home to park open/close, these are two things we cannot go without!
7. The Babysitter
Let’s face it, all parents dread that first flight with their kids. The number of “what ifs,” and the thought of numerous people eyeing you while your child screams can cause anxiety before your trip even begins. Preparedness is key, and planning to occupy your littles is a simple, but can’t miss task. Busy boards are one of our favs but they are not travel-friendly. Quiet books are all the fun of a busy board but the silent, on-the-go version!
8. The Sound Buffers
One of the most common concerns I hear from parents looking to travel is baby’s ears on flights and during nighttime shows. One of the first items I put on my registry were baby ear muffs. These adjustable, no pressure headphones allow your entire family from the tiniest baby to the oldest grandparent to enjoy fireworks, busy-events at home, and have a stress-free flight!
9. The Hungry Baby
No matter if you’re breast-feeding, bottle-feeding, or working on baby-led weaning we’ve got you covered! My go-to bottle brand is Phillips Avent due to their easy to clean design and seamless transition from breast to bottle. With bottles comes the need for proper cleaning and not all hotels accommodate such needs. It is for this reason that I never travel without my on-the-go bottle brush and dish-drainer.
If you are on the solids journey like us, you know that meals outside the home can be a fight at times. Trying to keep your area clean while giving your child the ability to try new things usually aren’t two things that happen simultaneously. This is why I recommend the Moss & Fawn Forage Feeder. We have chosen to integrate baby-led weaning and this forage feeder was used to first introduce solids to Chaplin. While he has graduated from purees and his first foods, we still use this while traveling to limit messes. It also allows us to expand our options when steaming, preparing, or cutting foods in specific ways is not achievable while away from home!
10. The CAN'T go without
One item that I never leave my house without is my stroller caddy. From the day Chaplin was born I had a list of essential items that I was adamant to keep on/near me at all times. I swear by this item and the contents within so much so that it is now my go-to baby shower gift. This is your all-in-one, everything you need to survive item that I cannot stress to moms enough.
What’s in my caddy?
• Philips Avent Bottles
• Philips Avent Pacifiers
• Munchkin Mini Portable UV Sterilizer
• Huggies Diapers
• Pampers Sensitive Wipes
• Lysol/Clorox Wipes
• Sensitive Wet Ones Wipes
• Pacifier wipes (for in a pinch situations)
• Hand Sanitizer
• Medication Box (for mom and dad)
• Lysol Spray
• Hand Lotion
• Munchkin Arm and Hammer Diaper Bags
• A teether/small toy
Traveling with littles can be rough, but I have found that these items lighten the load significantly. If you plan on traveling out of town, out of state, or out of the country, I highly recommend considering looking into some of these items before embarking on your next adventure. I have provided a link below to all the products mentioned to make browsing easier! Get your personalized quote, you too can roam stress-free with your tiny travelers.
