My top 5 baby travel hacks will help you get traveling with a baby like a pro! For a lot of parents, the idea of travel gets overwhelming. (Here, this is me taking you into my arms with a warm hug and a cup of coffee). Trust me when I say it’s gonna be alright. 

These tips will make the process significantly easier. And to top it off, my Complete Baby Packing Checklist will take all the guesswork out of your packing.  

Recreate Home On The Road  

If baby don’t sleep, mama doesn’t sleep. Especially on vacation. Which is why this travel hack begins at home. Everything in Anna’s sleep environment can be replicated while we are traveling:

• Blackout curtains are usually found in every hotel room, and we travel with black trash bags to block out the light. 
• Anna’s sound machine and diffuser come with us on our trips. 
• We pack a crib sheet from home that smells like her own space. 

Each of these steps creates a sleep environment that smells, sounds, and feels like the one at home. Think about it, visiting grandma and taking forever to fall asleep because the sheets smelled funny? Or you couldn’t get over the sound of the fan’s weird clicking noise?

When you can replicate their usual sleep environment, baby can have consistent sleep anywhere.

Ship, Buy, or Borrow

A heavy Pack ‘n Play, 40 billion cans of formula, so… many… diapers… Just packing the basics can be a nightmare if you’re trying to carry it all. Before you begin packing, ask: Can I ship it, buy it onsite, or do they already have it?

Family Friendly AirBNBs will have many of the essentials, such as high chairs and sippy cups. Bulkier items can be shipped via Amazon, the concierge at your hotel will hold your packages for you. I also love scheduling a Shipt delivery for after we arrive anywhere, allowing me to quickly stock up on the staples.  

New Toys

Grab a few toys that your child has never seen before can make all the difference when traveling. When strapped in a car seat or trapped in a tiny airplane, having something that will completely occupy their attention is a lifesaver. 

An additional set of toys for the trip home is really helpful. Playing with the same four toys day in and day out can get boring. These can absolutely be toys from home, and your baby will be so excited to see something familiar after a few days of constant new experiences.

Travel in the Morning

Babies live their best life in the mornings. After a long sleep and a full tummy, they are ready to tackle the day, or at least the first half of the day. If it’s possible, book flights or make travel arrangements for the morning. If I can find a flight that leaves between 8 a.m. and9 a.m., that’s usually perfect for us. Anna only has to get up slightly earlier than her normal waking time, and by the time we get on the plane, she is falling asleep in my arms. Score!

Morning travel usually ensures that you arrive at your destination in the early afternoon. This means you’ve got plenty of time to find dinner, unpack, and get settled before any bedtime meltdowns ensue.

Welcome to Babywearing

Welcome to the wonderful world of babywearing! Which has saved us from multiple meltdowns at home as well as traveling. Anna loves being snuggled against mama, and I have my hands free. When she was tiny, I’d even wear her while going to the bathroom.

The WildBird ring sling and the LÌLLÈbaby are my go-to babywearing devices. The ring sling is also great for simple social gatherings, quick excursions, or when I’m trying to get a few things done around the house. With a little more back support, LÌLLÈbaby is excellent for all-day trips like the zoo or exploring a new city.

You Got This Mama!

Whether you’re taking a road trip to Grandma’s, the big vacation to Disney, or flying across the country, traveling with a baby doesn’t have to be stressful. Go ahead and download my Complete Baby Packing Checklist for free, book the ticket, and go make some memories that will last a lifetime.

Got a travel triptip to share with other parents? I’m all ears! Leave a comment and pass on the wisdom.