Travelling With a Baby To a Hot Destination
Hey Guys!!
When Kennedy was just over 1 we went with the radio station to Huatulco, Mexico. This was our first big trip with our baby (at the time!) Kennedy. I was SO NERVOUS about flying and travelling with Kennedy who was 14 months old.
I am by NO MEANS a travel expert but I thought I would jot down some tips that really helped us – and hopefully they help you too!
Bring their Security Object ON THE PLANE- Blankie, Stuffed Animal, Soother
Make sure this is completely accessible at any time. Kennedy is not a soother girl but you can bet she is a blankie girl. We had that thing right in my purse – and it helped us so much on the flight when we could tell she was getting a little sleepy – BAM – there was the familiarity of her blanket from home and we were lucky enough she fell asleep. A soother will help with take off and landing with baby's ears as will a sippy cup or bottle. Often that's why our little ones are crying - it's their ears!
Sunscreen
Bring twice as much as you think you need . Seriously we went through two bottles in ONE WEEK! My fav is Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen SPF 60. It's a pink bottle.
Floppy Hat
The bigger the hat the better – we loved this floppy hat because it also covered her neck and some of her shoulders. It was light and dried fast too when it fell in the pool (and it did everyday) . It’s from Old Navy.
Snacks
I am in love with the little cups that have a semi cover and kids have to gently stick their hands in to get the snacks. It slows them down, they are spill proof and no this is not sponsored. Although I wish it was cause I would have a million in my house. We picked this one up at Safeway. Also - pill containers (The ones that have the days of the week on them) work like a charm to keep your baby occupied on the plane! Kennedy loved trying to get the lids open and finding snacks inside! (Big fan of Love Child "Owlies" , Goldfish & Gerber Fruit & Veggie Drops)
iPad
Yep I said it. I promised myself when Kennedy was born that I would not bring out the iPad unless it was a very special circumstance. Well I’m kinda still on that track but a bit more lenient on myself and the rules. When we had to sunscreen her and needed her to stay still - the first 4 minutes of Lion King did the trick. We were able to get sunscreen on her properly. During those homestretch hours (think hr 6) of the plane ride……the iPad was awesome. Big fans of The Lion King & Moana over here. Also videos of horses and dogs (Thanks Colette!)
Bottled Water
Don’t drink the tap water EVER. Your baby is a King/Queen and gets bottled water only no matter what.
Crib at Hotels
I was pleasantly surprised to have my cousin let me in on the fact that most hotels actually have cribs. (Thanks TJ!) You don’t always have to bring the Pack N Play. Although I highly recommend calling ahead and making sure you know what you're getting ahead of time. For us ( @ The Dreams Huatulco) , the crib was literally a dream . Medium sized as to not take over the room, wooden and safe!
Bedsheet from Home
I can thank my cousin again for this tip - bring a fitted sheet from home so your babe feels more comfortable.
Cloud B Sleep Sheep
We got this as a gift when Kennedy was born and it’s been a godsend everywhere we travel! It plays music or white noise for a certain period of time and then shuts off but it also has a censor so if Baby cries - it kicks back on again! I have seen these at Indigo / Chapters but I’m pretty sure you can get them at any baby store!
Stroller
We bought a new umbrella stroller for this trip and it was really convenient for the airport. Although I have to be honest – we didn’t really use it around the resort . It just wasn’t convenient for the sand and most times it was easier to just carry her. We bought a Summer Infant Lite Stroller on sale for $89 and I think it was still well worth it! I am going to Phoenix next month to visit my mom and I will most definitely be using this. Even scoping out Kijiji - you could prob get a great deal! * Also a note about the stroller - bring a muslin blanket with it! They are breathable and provide great sun coverage!
Passports and Important Items in a big ZIPLOC
I just put everything I wanted to keep safe in there and didn’t have to worry about Kennedy's water spilling on it or snacks being stuck to them. They were all in one super accessible convenient place and I just put that bag in my (giant) purse! It was great!
Don't Pack What You Can Buy THERE
If you can buy diapers, lotions, swim diapers, wipes , shampoos etc at your destination - DO IT! No need to take up the extra suitcase space! Bring what you need for the trip down there and make a stop at a local grocery store once you arrive! In our situation this time around - we had to bring all the diapers, wipes etc. Keep in mind that most resorts don't have tear free baby shampoo so you may want to pack a travel size one. Johnson and Johnson has a great travel pack with baby lotion, shampoo, body wash and diaper rash cream for around $6 at most grocery stores (We found ours at Walmart).
Whew!!! Well I hope that helps a bit for your upcoming trip!! I know it's a daunting task and to be quite frank - terrifying- traveling with a baby. But have faith in yourself and your babe and I know you will be just fine! You're going to make some beautiful memories with your little one - enjoy and embrace the chaos!!! Not everything will go to plan - and that's ok!
: ) Jack