Gearing up to travel with your little one this winter? Packing for a trip with a baby (or multiple babies!) can feel overwhelming. With lots of bulky clothing and the higher likelihood of weather-related delays, the dread and stress can sometimes outweigh the excitement. Here are our favorite baby-friendly tips that'll simplify the travel process:
First off: don’t forget these essentials!
Baby-specific first aid. As your family encounters new germs and environments on your travels, your baby may experience minor fevers, coughs, or stomach bugs. Bonus: It usually kicks in at the most inconvenient time (hello, 2am wake-up). Instead of taking an emergency trip across an unfamiliar town in search of medicine, keep a small stock of your favorite baby-specific first aid as a just-in-case.
Congestion relief. Runny, stuffy noses and extra boogers happen naturally in cold weather. Toss a nasal aspirator and booger picker in your diaper bag for on-the-go congestion relief.
1-2 familiar comfort items (that aren't too precious). When you're on the go, a little reminder of home can put your baby at ease. A cozy blanket, favorite stuffed animal, soothing rattle, or familiar toy will bring feelings of safety and comfort. At the same time, we suggest that you bring something that's not too valuable, in the case that it gets a little dirty, worn, or misplaced during the trip.
Wet/dry bags. Bring a couple more than you think will be necessary! These are great for soiled or wet clothes while you're on the move, or if you encounter a little rain, mud, or snow. Doggie poop bags or plastic zip bags work well in a pinch, too!
Kid-friendly packing hacks
Roll outfits together. Want to look cute and reduce the mental load of getting baby dressed each morning? If you have a few favorite 'fits for vacation, this is a great hack! Roll each day's outfits into little burritos—stack socks, onesies, pants, and even outerwear then roll and tuck them into each other.
Utilize packing cubes and storage pouches. Stay organized with an array of pouches. They can be a cute set of packing cubes, zippered plastic bags of various sizes, or an assortment of whatever bags you find around the house. If there's a place for everything, it'll be a little bit easier to keep most things in their place during the chaos of travels. (Psst, our orange oogiebear storage pouch ships free with your cart of $23+!)
Extra socks, mittens, and hats. These tiny additions to your diaper bag take up minimal space, and the payoff is big. Keeping limbs warm means happier little ones!
Our favorite travel tips
For when naptime goes out the window... Especially if you're traveling to a different time zone or drastically different climate! Babies can get overtired and overstimulated when they miss their usual sleeping environment. Our favorite hack is to gently signal the nervous system to wind down with our Sleep Balm. The best way to use this balm is before bedtime or naptimes on a regular basis. The lavender and blue tansy provide a calming aroma, anti-inflammatory properties, and a melatonin boost—if used consistently, your baby can start to associate the balm with rest!
Utilize local laundry services. Limited on packing space or overwhelmed by all the stuff? Find a local laundromat or call your hotel to utilize laundering services halfway through your trip and cut your packing in half. This is also a great way to build a much-needed pause halfway through your trip for the whole family to get some rest.
Expect the unexpected. Be flexible with timing and expect delays (especially with unpredictable winter weather). Stuck somewhere for a few unplanned hours? Use it as an excuse to turn them into cozy memories—take a detour for snacks, pause to set up a family photo, or squeeze in an extra nap.
Wherever you travel this winter, we hope these tips help your family stay a little warmer, healthier, and happier.
