Sevengrams has always been a space for both recipes and stories from our travels. I have fallen seriously behind on journaling travel over the past several years (Patagonian honeymoon, Spain, Norway, Italy), but we most definitely have not stopped exploring and adventuring (apart from all the canceled itineraries due to Covid — Japan, US road trip, NYC, Turkey and Israel, Jasper and Banff - sigh).
Since E’s arrival, we have made every effort to maintain our love of travel, and share the joy of it with him. He’s approaching 18 months and has already been on several plane rides, road trips and even a few train trips. He's also dealt with his fair share of jet lag, broken hotel sleeps and vacay illness. Along the way, we’ve learned a lot about traveling with a baby (now toddler), and though none of it is revolutionary, I thought it would be nice to have it all live in this space.
GEAR //
A travel car seat is a nice to have, as you don't need to stress about renting one, or having yours from home be lost or damaged. We bought the Cosco one as it's light, not bulky and easy to install with a seatbelt.
We loved having a carrier with us in the airport -- it made for easy, hands free boarding.
A travel stroller is also a nice to have. It's smaller, lighter, and more easily transportable. If you can swing it, get a stroller caddy too.
Bring along a small tap egg nightlight -- it's really handy when you need to keep space dark for babe and hotel lighting isn’t optimal.
Infant tub - we didn’t have one and the sink baths weren’t E’s favourite. If I could do it over, I'd bring along an inflatable/foldable one.
If your diaper bag isn't super comfortable to wear as a backpack, look into getting a different one for travel. You'll be hauling that thing A LOT.
A cooler bag that packs flat is nice to have -- adult snacks, baby bottles, toddler snacks/meals.
Only pack a few toys. There are a lot of non toy things that can entertain babe.
Suction toys are a nice to have for plane/car windows. We liked the Hape rattle ones.
Get yourself a few soother clips for toys on the go. This ensures you won't loose toys on the plane or restaurant floors.
An on-the-go clip sound machine (that doesn’t rely on wifi) is a must.
Once babe is eating solids, you’ll likely need a travel high chair. Most restaurants have them, but hotel rooms do not. The summer pop up one is convenient as it can sit on the floor, but several people swear by the ones that hang off the table ledge.
For bottles, and later for silicone dishes, having a travel brush, drying rack and scent free dish soap is nice to have.
TRAVEL DAYS //
Dress babe in a two way zipper footed sleeper. Easiest for changes and then you don’t have to worry about socks and shoes.
Pack a change of adult clothes for airplane. Spills, spit up and blow outs are all bound to happen.
Pack several changes of clothes for babe; assume your baggage will be lost and consider a carry-on just for babe with extras of everything (clothes, diapers, wipes, etc.)
Have some large ziplocks for blow out clothes. Nothing is worse than having all your things smell like poo.
Check out the Mamava app -- it has all the family washrooms and nursing rooms in airports.
Once babe is eating, pack loads of snacks, all in separate containers. Snacks = distractions = happy toddler.
GENERAL TIPS //
Bring diapers and wipes for 3 days, then stock up on arrival. If babe is sensitive to certain brands, bring enough for the whole trip.
Stay somewhere with laundry facilities; babies go through so many clothes.
5-6 months feels like the perfect age for travel — they are curious and awake, have a regular schedule and can nap on the go.
Not required, but staying somewhere with a kitchen is super handy. Gives you more flexibility for meals given the unknowns around babe’s schedule.
Bring a few large reusable bags (such as those from Lululemon). They are really helpful for laundry, groceries, extra stuff, etc.
Similarly, bring a roll of plastic bags. Handy for everything.
European pack-n-plays are a different proportion than those we have at home; no need to bring your own sheet.
Rent the biggest car you can afford. You will never be traveling light again.
Carry 4 clips with you - gives you the ability to use a muslin as a sun shade.
We found zippered pouches really handy for organizing everything. EX: On the go restaurant pouch: silicone bib, smock, suction plate, wipes, plastic bag ; small cloth to drape of your legs if baby is eating on your lap.
Extra set of grandparent hands (or sim) comes in very handy.
Bring along some black garbage bags to put on hotel floor under highchair.
Spend time in baby's room/pack and play the day you arrive. Get them familiar and happy with the space - will hopefully lead to a better night.
Jet lag is easier going east — they’ll stay up later and sleep in later. Try to shift by small increments daily, and get babe outside as much as possible.
Be prepared to change diapers anywhere and everywhere; trunks, floors, parks, etc.
A picnic blanket that folds small is convenient for a variety of reasons. You never know when you’ll have to pull over, and eat lunch or give babe some tummy time on the go.