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Before speaking about what it is like to vacation with a baby and sharing my tips, you should read my tips for flying with your baby so your vacation is off to as stress-free a start as possible. I decided to separate the posts because each presents its unique challenges.
Here are seven tips I hope you find helpful the next time you go away with your little one:
1. Be patient.
I start off with the last tip I gave for flying with your baby because patience is key. Be prepared to take more breaks and spend more time in the hotel room than you probably normally would. A baby’s naps don’t stop just because you want to lay out longer or swim in the ocean. If you’re a parent then you know very well that mostly everything takes longer, from walks to dining out, with a little one in tow. That’s okay–they’re worth all the time in the world.
2. Apply (and re-apply!) the SPF!
Sunblock is SO important. Aside from pampers and formula (if applicable), this is the most essential thing you’ll need if you’ll be in the sun with your baby (i.e. Coppertone Baby Sunscreen). In line with sunblock are a baby UV-protective hat and rash guard, if they’ll be exposed to the sun for periods of time, as well as a UV-protective tent for beach days that is easy to travel with. Ultimately, try to keep the little one in shade as much as possible. Try to avoid the strong afternoon sun and keep him hydrated and well fed to avoid dehydration.
3. Bring a lighter weight stroller.
Our Baby Jogger City Select is entirely way too heavy and bulky (and expensive) to be placed under an airplane and lugged around on vacation. So, we bought this stroller and recommend it. The one downside is the small size of the umbrella but the company makes a slightly more expensive version that could work just as well.
Our Baby Jogger City Select is entirely way too heavy and bulky (and expensive) to be placed under an airplane and lugged around on vacation. So, we bought this stroller and recommend it. The one downside is the small size of the umbrella but the company makes a slightly more expensive version that could work just as well.
4. It’s best to over pack for your baby.
Some might disagree with me on this one but I am an over packer. I used to over pack for myself but now, not so much. I do over pack for my little one and I have not regretted it yet. Babies are notorious for going through multiple outfits in a day. If you don’t over pack what are you going to do when all the clothes is dirty, especially if there are no washing machine facilities in your hotel? Just pack extra for them. Their cute little clothes doesn’t take up much space, anyway. 🙂
5. Relax when you can.
The biggest difference when vacationing with kids is how much less relaxation and downtime there seems to be. Even when the baby is sleeping, there are bottles to be cleaned, organization to be done, and possibly catching up on social media or writing if you unplug while the baby is awake. Days spent laying out by the pool or on the beach will likely only happen on a parents-only vacation. But if you are vacationing with family or friends, don’t hesitate to take them up on their offer to play with the baby while you lay out. It’s actually a win-win. Your baby will be kept occupied and you’ll be able to relax, if even just for 15 minutes.
The biggest difference when vacationing with kids is how much less relaxation and downtime there seems to be. Even when the baby is sleeping, there are bottles to be cleaned, organization to be done, and possibly catching up on social media or writing if you unplug while the baby is awake. Days spent laying out by the pool or on the beach will likely only happen on a parents-only vacation. But if you are vacationing with family or friends, don’t hesitate to take them up on their offer to play with the baby while you lay out. It’s actually a win-win. Your baby will be kept occupied and you’ll be able to relax, if even just for 15 minutes.
5. Soak in all of your baby’s experiences.
There might be a lot of firsts happening (first swim in the pool and/or ocean) and simply fun times being had by your baby. Relish in your baby’s joy. My baby’s happiness makes me happy. Needless to say, I was ecstatic our whole vacation.
6. Enjoy!
There might be some stress, whether it be from traveling with the baby or the baby’s routine being messed up. Just remember: you went away to relax. To spend time together. To make memories. To have a good time. Don’t forget that.
Love this tips! Great post so helpful! Vacationing with kids is definitely hard work but I find if you don't expect too much it turns out perfectly!
Xo Jenna
http://www.sylviajade.com
I absolutely LOVE that stroller, we have it and it has been a huge lifesaver. It makes traveling so much easier. These are great tips. We are looking forward to taking our first family vacation with E.
Jen, I actually first saw the stroller in one of your instagram pics! 😉
Just the thought of traveling with a baby is nerve wracking! Knowing how to be prepared really helps, and these are great tips people should keep in mind!
I definitely agree with over packing for baby. I still over pack for myself! LOL As for naps, I was never one to run back to a hotel room to give a baby a nap. They slept in their carriages and that was my time to do big girls stuff while they were asleep. I taught my kids to sleep anywhere and I can sleep anywhere because that's how my mom was too.
I haven't traveled with my baby yet! Not too far anyways. She is almost 9 months old. Nice tips you have here, and overpacking cannot be stressed enough. You never know what you will need for baby!
So nervous about traveling with baby! Will be so nice to soak up those precious memories though!
Awesome tips! Now that I have a little one, I'm definitely going to take these into account on social our vacation soon!
Thanks for post:
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