Travel tips for vacations with kids
When travelling solo with two kids, less is best.
Since your arms will already be very full from carrying: children, diaper bag and baby paraphernalia; I strongly suggest that you take the time to plan before your trip and pack wisely in order to carry as little as possible. Here is a list of what I consider the essential items. I have found from experience that it is worth investing (or borrowing) a few necessary pieces before you set off.
Following these tips and smart planning can make life on the road much easier and pleasant for everyone.
Essentials:
City Tour by Baby Jogger: is a compact light weight tri-fold stroller which means it can fold up small enough to fit into a backpack bag and act as a carry on. The City Tour fully reclines and has large shade for naps on the go. I can personally attest that its small wheels are all terrain and sand tested. Its compact size and weight (only 14 lbs) when folded means it fits nicely along with the luggage into the trunk of a rental car. I like that it can be maneuvered with only one hand a small detail which comes in handy when carrying coffee or a tantrum baby in the other. I accessorize with the 3 Sprouts stroller organizer which gives me easy and convenient access to water bottle, snacks, wipes and phone while on the go.
Can you spot the monkey in the tree above?
Tula Baby Carrier: this baby carrier is good from birth (with insert) until 45lbs (or they are too heavy for you to carry.) You can carry your baby on your front like a kangaroo or on your back like a backpack when they are older and heavier. It is very sturdy and also quick to put on with only two clips. It easily adjusts between mom, dad and even grandpa! I like the useful small pouch on the belt which is where I place my phone and wallet for safety and easy access. The Tula baby carrier easily rolls up and fits in the diaper bag or bottom of the stroller when not in use. It handy to keep baby comfortable and close to you in the airport. When out and about visiting old town with cobblestones streets or taking on hikes in the forest it is much easier to maneuver on rough terrain than a stroller. Wears like a simple backpack so quick and easy to move from kicking and screaming child to one nestled in your arms. Comfortable waist and shoulder pads easy on the back for hours and even days at a time.
For very young babies (4-12 months), I also like Maman Kangourou Mei Tai stretchy wrap since it folds up neatly and easily fits into a large Ziploc bag which I place in the bottom of a diaper bag for when those little legs get too tired from walking.
Phil&Teds Travel Cot: this is a very light and compact baby bed which is surprisingly easy to assemble. It can fit into an extra-large suitcase and I have brought it as a carry-on or baby item (check with airline first.) This baby bed has mesh walls so you can watch baby sleeping from anywhere in the room. I feel calm knowing that my baby will sleep in a safe space. The cot is quick and easy to assemble as it comes with an inflatable mattress. When traveling to hot and humid areas I throw in mosquito net which covers the top opening to protect baby from bugs and insect bites. It can also be used as safe play area during the day: I just throw in some toys and the side zips open for easy access. We once had baby take her nap in the travel cot beside the pool while we relaxed in the thermal waters of an outdoor spa!
My Little Seat: a compact fabric travel high chair which can be adjusted to fit atop most dining room chairs (I used a cushion under the bum for younger children.) This way baby sits right at table with us. Especially handy for babies just starting solids 6 months and up. Since it is made of cloth, it folds up very small and is easy to wash. I also like to bring it along in case the restaurant does not provide safe high chairs. I also like the Silicatch Bib by Kushies this silicon bib can easily be wiped clean and fold neatly into a Ziploc bag which goes in the diaper bag -ready for snacks on the go and meals away from home.
Optional:
Baby Bjorn Bouncer. We really like this compact bouncer which can fold up flat when not in use. Both our children enjoyed being rocked to sleep in the hammock like bouncer at naptime (I then would transfer them to their crib whenever possible.) Unfortunately, it does not quite fit into an extra-large suitcase but if you are planning to go somewhere for an extended stay, it might be worth asking grandma to borrow one or buy one used. A travel bag can be purchased separately. You can instantly baby proof an area knowing that baby can sit in a safe place and amuse him/herself in any environment from newborn on. The different height adjustments of the seat angle allow my three-year-old to continue enjoying her chair.
Salus Marine Bijoux Baby Vest: For trips to the beach, lake or pool, we like this infant (9-25lbs) life jacket. Although it does take up space in your suitcase, you can relax at by the water with the peace of mind that baby’s head will stay above the water in an upright position. The life jacket is such that my toddler can still walk around and play in the sand with it on but automatically rolls face up when in the water. We also bring along a child PFD (30-60lbs) for our older child who can swim. This was I feel safe taking a boat knowing where the life jacket is from.
There are so many diaper bags out there from super practical multi-pockets to designer ones. Which one to choose? After researching a little and seeing the prices of the diapers bags on the market I chose to treat myself to a multi-purpose yoga bag by Lole which I had been eyeing for a while. I rationalized the price by choosing a bag which I would use and love well after the babies had grown out of it.
Lily by LOLE: This bag has many advantages for me. It can carry on the shoulder or the back for those long days of sightseeing in crowded cities. I chose a neutral color which papa would not mind wearing. It has side pockets for water bottles and quick access to handy things like tissues and hand sanitizer. There are also compartments and hidden pockets on the inside of the bag for keys, passports and phone. It does not look like a diaper bag so, as a mum, I still feel somewhat hip. It packs up small but can carry a lot of things and the padded straps means it does not hurt your back when fully loaded.
Ask for your airline for their baby allowance.
Most airlines allow you to bring two of the following items for free when travelling with an infant or child: car seat, stroller, or bassinet.
After two children and hundreds of overseas flights I have perfected the art of packing my diaper bag (not too much nor too little, each item has it place in the bag for easy retrieval.) When travelling with kids, you are often allowed an extra carry-on or diaper bag.
Diaper bag packing tips.
Skip Hop Pronto Signature this travel changing mat is compact with a padded removable mat, a mesh pocket for wipes and a zippered pocket for access to spare diapers. I’ve had my share of odd and awkward diaper changes; this portable changing station has saved the day more than once. I include a sample size pot of diaper cream and a few small plastic bags to dispose of big smelly messes. I like the Huggies Clutch N’ Clean wipe holder since I can refill it easily with lots of wipes which come in handy when you need to clean up food messes, coffee spills, runny noses and bleeding knees which are all bound to happen when you least expect it.
A muslim blanket always come in handy to provide temporary shade or extra comfort on long journey to sunny destinations. They can even serve as a handy fashion accessory for mum!
Emergency First Aid travel kit: Safety 1st have both complete grooming and healthcare kits which come packaged in a convenient carry pouch. Don’t forget to include tweezers, nail clippers, thermometer, Child (or Infant) Tylenol and Advil, some Polysporin for cuts, bruises and burns as well as a handful of different sized band aids.
Sun screen and Insect repellent: Place small bottles of these in a Ziploc bag both to contain accidental spills and for easy reach for application while on the go.
I like Picactive insect repellant which was recommended to us by Health Canada. Since it does not contain DEET it can be applied to children as early as 6 months old. It also comes in different size bottles, one of which fits in the palm of your hand (perfect for the diaper bag.) Avoid aerosol bottles since they won’t pass through airoport security. When traveling to humid mosquito prone areas I add a multi-use Jolly Jumper stroller and playard net to my luggage. The breathable weave of the net can easily cover a sleeping baby in the stroller, play pen, or baby bed for added insect protection.
I find the sunscreen that is sold in sticks for babies Baby Bum are compact and easy to apply. The stick format does not take up much room nor will it make a mess in the diaper bag (plus they pass airport security screening and are reef friendly!) I also like the stick by Aveeno Baby and Pharmaprix Life brand.
Large brim hat with strap: I love the Quebec made brand Trigolo for their pretty colors and handy adjustable chin snap which does not fall off. Don’t forget to include a hat and/or sunglasses for mum!
Spare change or clothes for mama and baby. Don’t forget an extra set of clothes for yourself. I learnt this the hard way when I spent the better part of an 8 hour international flight smelling of puke and stale coffee after an accidental encounter with a coffee cup followed by my child’s upset tummy.
When traveling to the beach, hot climates or even the busy city, I always bring my refillable water bottle. It’s important to make sure everyone stays hydrated and avoid wasting one use plastic bottles. Fill up often to make sure you always have safe drinking water on hand. Contigo makes a water bottle that has an integrated snack container on the top: great for hiding Goldfish crackers or Cheerios which are a real treat for toddlers during long car trips or plane rides.
I am every grateful to my sister who taught me how to pack by rolling clothes and placing them in large Ziploc bags, not only it is easy to find things in your suitcase you can also organize the outfits ahead of time. I suggest you pack just enough clothes for a week (varies on age of child.) No matter how long you are planning on being away from home: enough outfits for week tops! I always bring a sample size of clothing detergent for a quick refresh in the sink or laundromat along the way. The less you carry, the less you can loose and your back will thank you for it afterwards.
A side note on Cloth diapers.
I love using cloth diapers and use a range of brands: Omaki, Petit Kiwi, Bummies, BumGenius, Bic et Biquette at home. However, for a variety of reasons, I’ve yet to bring reuse able diapers with me while on vacation or travelling.
A couple friends of mine have tried through and have been successful. They found several advantages to the cloth diapers with disposable inserts: breathe better in hot climate, better for environment, cute designs can act as shorts, and takes up the same amount of space as disposables in a suitcase. Check out Omaki and La Petite Ourse for disposable inserts for cloth diapers as an alternative.
Tips for traveling with toddlers.
Have child choose and pack a few toys of his own to carry in his own backpack. We like the Skip Hop Zoo Collection since it easily holds a water bottle, a couple children’s books and small toys. Slip in some snacks for different milestones on the journey ie after airport security, once the airplane is in the air etc.
I’m not big on TV and screen time but my son knows that planes and long car rides are one of the few places he is allowed to watch television. I suggest you download a few episodes of Peppa Pig or their favorite show of the moment from Netflix onto the IPad so you have instant entertainment for those longer than anticipated wait-times at the airport or when accidentally stuck in traffic jams. Another useful travel tip: you can download maps from Google or Waze before leaving home and the GPS function means you have instant maps and directions wherever you are.
Happy Travels Everyone!!
The Tula baby carrier came in handy in Sitges, Portugal and in Tenby, Wales.
Where will your next adventure be?
I just helped Adam prepare a backpack to teach how the scouts to pack – and he asked why his clothes weren’t in ziplocks! So I pulled out some “used” ziplocks I keep stored. They work great for waterproofing. We thought the disposable inserts for g-diapers worked great on trips, but now T is insisting on underwear – eek.
Great suggestions you could always use your arms as well ! 👼
I love all this useful info! Great writing! Xx
You can pack for me anytime…😘