No matter if it is your first trip or your tenth, traveling with kids will always be a draining experience. And even though it will get easier every time you do it, you will run into challenges EVERY TIME! But here's my tips to help you better prepare for your journey.
Pack Ahead of Time
Start to pack a few days before you are set out to leave. Kids require just a little extra when it comes to packing for a get away. They need extra clothes, toys, snacks, all the gear, accessories, and much more. So getting a head start on checking off the list will take a lot of stress out of the whole thing! Of course, there will be some last minute items that will need to be added in, but having the majority of it done will clear up your mind and allow you to fill in the gaps effectively.
And always pack the things that you don't really think that you'll need. Things such as nail clippers, tylenol, a thermometer, and band aids. You never want your kids to miss out on the trip because of bruised knees or a little fever.
Plan to Leave Early
Always, and I mean ALWAYS, plan to leave at least an hour earlier than you anticipate. Getting out of the door with kids takes a lot of time and effort, so take it slow and make sure you give yourself plenty of time. Everything involved in the kid process takes way longer than you could ever expect. Why? Because there will always be either a diaper to change, potty to use, a meltdown (or five), and a snack break after you realize that you haven't eaten a damn thing all morning.
And with that being said, know that something will go wrong! Because with kids, it will. Remember that traveling with your kids is supposed to be an adventure. Even if there is a few bumps in the road, the experience that they are going to take from it is all worth it.
Throw Out the Schedule
That's right, I said it, throw the schedule out the window! The sooner that you embrace this, the better that the trip will ultimately be. Believe me, I know exactly how important it is to keep kids on a schedule and the hard work that goes into maintaining it, especially with being a stay-at-home mom. But guess what? Schedules are flexible and sometimes even need to bend till they brake a little. I promise that it will not be the end of the world to go off track for a few days and that once you return, they will bounce right back to their normal routine.
This also goes for the sleeping and potty breaks. We all love to control these two vital things in our kids every day time, but all that it will do is deter your kids from experiencing the trip. So instead of using that controlling impulse that lives inside of us, try to just make progressive suggestions. And DO NOT make it a big deal if it doesn't happen. Because the bigger deal that you make it, the more of a power struggle will form.
Bust Out the Snacks and Entertainment
When traveling, you never know how much time is going to elapse between having meals. Have a few small and easily transportable snacks can keep everyone sane. Because having hungry little humans can take the trip to a miserable place in the matter of seconds.
If you're bringing an electronic device, make sure to pack it full of apps, movies and TV shows because you never know when the wifi will be unattainable. If you choose not to use electronics, then make sure to pack some toys. I like to bring a mixture of old and new. The new toys bring them excitement while capturing their attention, while the old ones offer comfort from home.
So don't be afraid to use food and electronics as a tool to help keep them happy and quiet. Even if it is only ten minutes after getting into the car.
Learn to Change Diapers Without the Table
Much to my dismay, I have figured out that a lot of places actually do not have changing tables! And if you're like me, you will refuse to lay your baby anywhere else. Well actually if you're like me, you already find the changing tables iffy in the first place. So try some different ways of changing your baby! My favorite is my lap. It takes a little time to master, but being able to change your baby on your lap is actually the most convenient thing and sometimes the best workout. Don't want to get off the car? Just take them out the seat and plop them on the lap. No changing table in the bathroom? Work those thigh muscles and squat like you have never squatted before.
When you have a baby, you have to be flexible (sometimes physically) and get creative. Because you're not always going to be in a place that is clean as you would like. And if you're willing to take your baby out and about, then you also have to be willing to get down and dirty to get the job done.
And Pay for the Good Gear
Of course this doesn't mean that you have to get the top of the line version of everything. But it does mean looking at what you're going to need for your trip and then paying to get every feature to make it easier. It may be finding the stroller that is more compact, weighs half as much, and also easier to carry.
MASTER PACKING LIST
Kids:
o Stroller
o Snacks
o Sippy Cups
o Utensils
o Headbands/Bows
o Hats
o Hair ties
o Hairbrush/Comb
o Toothbrushes
o Toothpaste
o Nose Suction
o Medicine
o Band Aids
o Thermometer
o Toys
o Books
o IPad
o Nail Clippers
o Jackets
o Swim Suits
o Sunscreen
o Pajamas
o Outfits
o Shoes
o Socks
o Undies
o Water Bottles
o Blankets
o Bibs
o Bottles
o Pacifiers
o Bottle Brush
o Burp Cloths
o Diapers
o Wipes
o Baby Carrier
o Pack-N-Play
o Baby Food/Snacks
Mama:
o Pajamas
o Outfits
o Shoes
o Socks
o Pump Parts
o Milk Storage Bags
o Nursing Cover
o Toothbrush
o Toothpaste
o Deodorant
o Q-Tips
o Hair Product
o Water Bottle
o Hair ties
o Hairbrush
o Nursing Bras
o Glasses Case
o Sunscreen
o Hat
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