Babies
Traveling With The Little Ones
Traveling with kids can be such an adventure, and Greg and I being the adventurous ones are determined to not let this get in our way of travels. We love to visit different countries and our families and friends within the US. Though, people say that once you have kids that’s out the door, we are re-inventing traveling for ourselves and making it something to look forward to. Going through the airport is like going hiking. It’s like climbing mountains. We have all these bags connected to us and are dragging the suitcases at the same time.
I pack the kids, and let Greg worry about him. Because Greg, packing and traveling is an adventure to watch and I will save that for a different blog. I love to pack light, but that’s a bit hard to do with kids, so I have studied the act of packing and now I actually look forward to it.
I make sure everything fits into a medium size suitcase. Sidney has one, and I share with Zurhi, though now I’ll be sharing with Zurhi and the baby on the way. I’m still limited to one suitcase. Here is the trick for the babies; I don’t pack diapers, food, wipes, toys, etc. We buy these things once we get to our destination and only buy enough for our duration of the trip. As long as we have a diaper bag, we can fit food, two toys, a couple of books, diapers and little baby essentials needed for the ride. Their clothes are so little that it doesn’t take that much space.
As for me, yes, I once was the girl that packed 50 pairs of shoes, 10 pairs of jeans, etc. because you know, we can never decide! Now, depending on the season, if it’s hot, I take 3 pairs of stylish and funky flat sandals (at the most 4), they are flat, so doesn’t take as much space as heels. When it’s cold, 2 pairs of boots. One brown, one black or grey.
The less you pack, the less your choices are so you make do with what you have. I take three pairs of jeans, and nice tops & tanks which are about Sidney’s size, so they fit perfect. If it’s cold, I take one leather jacket, and a pea-coat, so I have a choice. Trust me, I get to my destination and I still look funky and you could never tell that I brought a handful of clothes. You have to know what to pack and be very selective.
I put all my jewels in a ziploc bag and I’m good to go. Everything else is minute. Toothbrush, underwear…all fit right in, and that’s it. One suitcase, no stress. I have my purse with me, in which I just put things I need on the plane. Phone, ipod, charger, wallet, etc. In some cases, we don’t pack toiletries. Lotion, shampoo, conditioner, etc., we purchase when we get to our destination. We buy the small or travel size bottles - again, enough for the trip.
I don’t take strollers. I only take car-seats. In addition, these days, you can rent car-seats and strollers when you get to your destination. Did you all know that? Besides, if you do decide to take that with, do check them in to avoid stress for you and your family. The only obstacle now is to train your kids on traveling. You know, not kicking the seat in front of them, keeping quiet and the like? Sidney is a little man, so we don’t worry much. As a matter of fact, he’s pretty independent when it comes to traveling and often likes to sit alone (away from us…lol).
As for Zurhi, we’ve been pretty lucky with her too. I guess she is used to traveling now. However, we are going to have two kids in diapers, under the age of 2.5yrs, so I’m sure traveling will be more of a challenge - but that challenge, we are eager for and ready to face.
What are your thoughts? How do you travel and if you have tips, do share. Have a fab weekend!
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this blog is so timely! the hubster and i are used to packing light - and i am not a fashionista, so packing light to me means for a quick weekend away it’s wear one, pack one in the shoes/bottoms dept. maybe one skirt, and just a few tops - but since HoneyBaby has made the scene, we find ourselves a bit more burdened. WHY did it never occur to me not to pack diapers?? duh.
i’m taking notes. we want to take this baby on the road in a serious way while he is still portable. :o)
You brave ladies. When my kids were 6months and 2 years I travelled from Nigeria to visit my fmily in the UK. Pram, baby carrier, clothes etc etc etc. I was so traumatised by the whole stressful experience I didn’t travel alone with them again until last summer when they were 7 and 9 respectively. So hats off to you.
@ Jamya - Thank you! Traveling can be fun with the kids..you just have to get a hang of it.
@ Debbie, lol! With the pregnancy, I still travel with my 15mth old alone. Made a few trips to the east-coast. I know, it can be hectic if not carefully planned. Like I said, these days, you can just rent pram and the like or check them in from the get go. Buy your essentials when you get to your destination.
traveling to me is interresting i have 4 children but i haven’t traveled with all 4. my last two are young. the last time i traveled i had the two kids and i was 6 months pregant. my husband is very hands on and i travel with one of my babysister. packing is funny i will pack one jeans, 4blouses, 2 maxi dress, 2shorts 2heels 2flats, 1big bag, 1 small shoulderbag. i have two daughters and they are the same size i pack tons of tops shorts and dress. i think the stress is going to come when we all travel together this june to america from nigeria that when the drama begins
@ Kemi - Wow, that’s going to be fun and interesting. You have to keep us posted. How old are the first 2? They may be able to help coordinate the trip and look after the younger ones
What a great post! We have 3 kids, with two of them under the age of 3, and we love traveling. I have always found food to be one of the biggest lifesavers while on a trip with little ones(there’s nothing like a timely cheese cube or cracker to distract a crying mouth!). Here are some awesome products that I have found for traveling with little ones that are convenient and light:
First JuiceFirst Juice No spill, reusable Juice Bottles
I hate normal juice boxes that squirt all over when you try to put the straw in! This is a great juice for young kids, whether you are at home or traveling—but an absolute must on the road. As an added bonus, it’s organic, and contains 50% less sugar than other juices.
Crumb Catcher Bib
These things are made of nylon so they are easy to clean, and they have a crumb catcher pouch to snare crumbs and spills.
Star Kids Snack and Play Travel Tray
They are lightweight and easily stored in our vehicle, plus they are soft and thus should not hurt our children in the event of an accident. Also, they were very easy to hook and unhook from their car seats
Lauren, thanks for your comment and thanks for sharing some tips. I went on the juice site. I’m a fan! Got to love organic products.
Yes, we definitely use the crumb catcher bibs too.
I’ve gone from two suitcases and one carry-on just for me (pre-child) to two suitcases - one for me and one for baby; carry-on bag is diaper bag and a few essentials for me. Found out the hard way that you can’t lug a heavy carry-on and a child as well as luggage…porter!!love that service at airports which have it, well worth the extra dosh!