Tips for Traveling with a Baby

Traveling is always an adventure when you are a parent. Little things like a stop at Pizza Inn for lunch can take a turn at a moment's notice. I can not tell you how much attention sweet little Isabel drew - smiling and waving at everyone we saw in all the little towns along the way. She did awesome in the car on the VERY long drive - 10 hours at least - even though she was sick on the way there. Here are a few tricks I learned to help traveling be much more smooth.

Tip #1 - over pack. While i was packing, I thought to myself "there is no way she will wear this many clothes in a 10 day period. Ha! We went through 3 changes of clothes on the drive there, and were planning a laundry load before we even arrived. Our healthy baby girl somehow came down with a stomach virus and the dirty diapers and a projectile "fro up," as my cousins used to say, contributed to a very yucky and difficult trip on the way. Now, when I say "over pack," I do not intend for you to pack the kitchen sink. Think about where you are going, pack accordingly. And if all else fails, every small town has a Walmart, haha.

Tip #2 - Take plenty of distractions. Isabel took some amazing naps in the car, but when she was awake, she understandably did not want to be restrained in her car seat. I had a few toys stashed in the back seat with us and would pull out a new one each time she started getting tired of the last. Which leads me to my next tip...

Tip #3 - make frequent stops. I know. You want to get there. You are tired of being in the car, and vacation is calling your name. But trust me, a few stops along the way go a LONG way for maintaining sanity in the car. On the way to our destination, we found an antique store to walk through, and on the way back, we stopped at a book store for a little while. Simply getting Isabel out of her car seat for a little while and a change of scenery went a long way to helping her be a happier baby.

Tips #4 - Even if it is hot outside, take a light weight blanket, especially if daddy is driving. Isabel sleeps much better when she is warm, and our Aden and Anais blankets were perfect for the occasion.

Tip #5 - if you can have someone sit in the back seat, it is a great help. Daddy Drew did the driving and I sat in the back seat with the girl. I was able to play peak a boo, hand her snacks, and best of all, show her Yo Gabba Gabba when all else failed.

All that being said, Isabel did a great job and it was much better than I expected. We had a lovely time and look forward to seeing Drew's family again at Christmas!