Travel Tidbits for Infants

As a mom to a toddler, I often receive the question, “Is it really worth it to travel with a child who will never remember the vacation?” Before having children, I would have asked the same thing. Now being a mom of an 18-month old who has traveled internationally, I quickly respond with, “It is absolutely worth it to take your little one along on the adventure.” Now don’t get me wrong, the planning and preparation can be a little tedious, but that’s what you use a travel agent for, am I right?

If you assume that your little one will not remember their first adventures, you are most likely correct; however, as a parent you will never forget the excitement in their eyes as you watch them take in the new sights and sounds around them. Seeing my son light up the first time he saw Mickey Mouse at 4-months old is a core memory for me now. Were there challenges? Absolutely! Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.

So what are some tips to help plan for traveling with an infant or toddler if you’ve never done it before? I’m happy to share some of my favorite tips!

Make your first trip with your little one somewhere that you are familiar with.

It doesn’t have to be a big extravagant getaway or a week-long trip out of the country, though it certainly can be. But if you are going somewhere that you know, it takes one of the many unknowns out of the question on how to manage all the newness at once. My first getaway with our son was to Walt Disney World because it is truly our second home. It’s our happy place, and we are very familiar with the ins and outs of all the parks and resorts so it was an easy first destination for my family. Walt Disney World is also very family oriented, with dedicated spaces such as the Baby Care Centers where we could have a quiet space for my little one to nurse while my husband and sister (our favorite travel tag-along) took on some of the bigger rides. They also allow rider-swap for families (when part of your party is unable to ride) so that you aren’t waiting in the standby line twice.

Take one and a half the amount of essential baby items you need with you.

You never know when a baby is going to have a blowout diaper multiple times in a day (conveniently occurring in line for Kilimanjaro Safaris) where you will need those spare diapers, wipes, and outfit changes. Being in a new environment, keeping things as normal for your little one as possible will help them adjust. Making sure you have your brand of diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, snacks, etc., is a huge relief to just grab and go versus making multiple stops looking for what you need while on vacation. Again, this makes the pre-vacation a little more work but allows you to enjoy your destination much more fully by being stocked up and prepared.

If given the opportunity, take the extra help!

This is something I did not think about until we were planning our first trip to Walt Disney World with our son. Vacation can be fun and exhausting at the same time, especially if you are going to a warmer climate. My younger sister has been a huge help with our son since he was born, and she is quite easily one of his favorite people. It was a no-brainer if we were going to take a trip that she would be a huge help and she was even more help than we would have imagined. I certainly recognize that not everyone has this privilege of having an extra set of hands with littles on vacation, but having her there was priceless for our vacation. Not only to help us manage the diaper blowouts and occasional overstimulation meltdown, but for her to make memories with our son, her nephew, that she will never forget. So if you have a grandparent, a sibling, or even a close friend that could not only be a great help but cherish the memories of your little one’s first travels, bring them along!

If you are interested in more infant and toddler travel tips or are wanting to plan a trip with littles, Pineapple Escapes would be happy to help make your dreams come true!

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