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Travel Essentials Chic: A Case of the “Wanderlust”

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It comes as no surprise to those who know me that I have a diagnosed case of the “wanderlust”. Now when you have this condition and you have kiddos, it can become a challenge to fulfill this need to explore the world. I have found that parents make one of two decisions: Many opt for the safe and peaceful route deciding there will be no travel with the kids until they are old enough to be cooperative companions. Then there is the other route – the one that is a little more masochistic and ALWAYS an adventure.

We started traveling with our first born, Jay, when he was 2 months old and we have taken around 40 flights with at least one of our babies or young kids since then. Two of those trips were international. And let me just say “IT IS HARD!” Yet, we keep doing it. It completely freaks out the hubby, but I love a little adventure and a break from the norm, so lucky for him, we just keep traveling and currently as a family of five. Our children now are 6, 3 and 1 years old. As I am sure you can imagine an airplane flight is anything, but boring.

The key thing to remember is perspective. When new parents ask me with that look of terror on their face, “How is it to travel with a baby?” I say it is hard, but worth it. And I always say imagine the worst it can be and it is never that bad… usually!

Really, what is the worst that could happen? Maybe you have a toddler that cries/screams for 5 hours because you didn’t test out Benadryl ahead of time and apparently your toddler is in that 20% where it has the opposite effect of drowsiness. In fact, it is actually more like speed… Yep, had that happen.

Plus, we were in first class because the hubby thought it would be sweet to upgrade us. You should have seen the kind of looks we were getting… Yeah, right!?! I even locked myself and the baby in the bathroom for a while to muffle the screaming. Thank you to the kind stewardess who brought a bucket of wine to me to enjoy in the stinky, claustrophobic inducing bathroom. Sometimes that is just what you need to get through the moment.

Or maybe you forgot to put a pull-up on your 4 year-old for an overnight flight and this child pees his pants, soaks the seat and starts screaming when everyone is peacefully sleeping… Yep, had that happen too. Oh and I forgot to mention that “mom of the year” over here forgot to pack back-up undies and shorts (I had everything else in the world though!). Sooo we put one of the 7 month old’s diapers on him. Yes, it actually kind of fit my skinny-mini. Then I covered him with his blanket and he actually went back to bed! Let me tell you though, I felt like a real winner carrying my 4 year-old off the plane in just a diaper and t-shirt… But we did it and then went looking for new pants at 4:00am in the Lima, Peru airport.

Unfortunately, no kid size pants were to be found and not sure of what else to do, I went to an airport restroom where I did my best to lightly scrub and dry them. Poor guy was a trooper wearing his damp pants that had the faint smell of urine… yep, still feeling like “mom of the year”. Best part is that this all took place before getting on our connecting flight for Brazil that was another delightful 5 hours.

So by the time we rolled in to our Sao Paulo hotel I could barely walk, talk or hold my exhausted baby. Thank goodness for the incredible staff at The Fasano (had to give a shout out to one of my all time favorite hotels). They held and played with my seven-month-old and gave us some fabulous espresso. Before I knew it we were cruising the street of Sao Paulo, enjoying all the newness of the culture around us.

We took 11 flights for that trip and it was crazy, but you know what? It is one of my and the hubby’s (!!) fondest memories. And this is why we (or perhaps I… and I just drag the others along) still do it. In fact, I am sitting on the plane right now headed to Mexico with my baby girl asleep on me after crying herself to sleep because she was out of her sleepy comfort zone. Just took a little rocking and singing to get her to fall asleep.

babygirl

For longer flights I recommend buying a seat and putting a car seat there. Check ahead of time with the airline to make sure the seat is approved. Also, some airlines insist the car seats go by a window

And speaking of crying, can I just have a little something to get off my chest? NOBODY wants to have their little one cry or act crazy on an airplane. MOST good parents are doing what they can to keep their child happy and calm. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen. So you people that like to give dirty looks, roll your eyes or maybe even pass along a curt remark, just stop it. Nobody needs the negativity and just try to be a little more understanding. We are trying and really, you think we like to have our little ones act up? Trust me, we are already well aware how irritating crying can be. Be thankful you don’t have to try and stop the crying. The least you can do is not make us, parents, feel worse. I mean, really what is that going to solve? I have found you can always tell who was a loving parent (young or old), or the people that don’t have children, but they have kind hearts. I appreciate these people more than ever now, don’t you?

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OK, deep breath, and we are moving on….

You might have been wondering what are my 6-year-old and 3-year-old boys are up to while I write these notes. Well fortunately, they are both playing on their iPads. Thank you Apple for this magic traveling invention… truly, THANK YOU, from parents everywhere. 😉

So at this moment, it is all pretty peaceful! However, an hour ago we all almost killed each other… C’est la Vie! Mexico here we come!

My Travel Essentials:

** Keep in mind these are the things that work for me and some items will vary based on season. For this particular trip we are headed to a tropical
location. This is also based on my three kids ages- 6, 3, and 1. **

Each of the boys carry a size appropriate backpack with these items:

• Hoodie in case it gets chilly on the flight or when we land

• Blankie

• Natural-ish lollipops for take off and landing ear popping

iPad to keep them still and quite

Ear phones so they don’t drive others crazy with noise

• Book so that we can read it to them when they need a little iPad break

• A workbook or pad of paper for drawing

• A small pack of crayons

• Extra underwear

carryon

Travel Tip: Use your beach bag as your carry-on. Held by a Mommy Hook. Stroller is by Joovy

My carry-on:

** Depending on where I am going it is either my diaper bag/tote or in this case I used my beach bag so I had one less thing to pack**

• Snacks for the kids and for me. I always recommend bringing a couple easy to eat items because sometimes eating an actual meal on a plane is not going to happen. I pack things like Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies, granola bars, KIND Bars, trail mix, baby Mum Mum’s.

• Formula or breast milk if applicable. If you are bottle-feeding always bring at least 2 bottles. Also, if you are formula feeding you don’t need to bring the whole can in your carry on. Either buy the single packets or put scoops of your formula in a zip-lock baggy with the scooper. Put an unopened can in your suitcase. For breastfeeding it is easy as long as you have a good cover. Many people like to use the breastfeeding aprons and they actually have some semi decent
looking ones out there. I just always used a good scarf or wrap. It is just what worked for me. Remember to feed your baby on the take off and landing to help with their ears.

• A diaper case that doubles as a changing pad. Put in here how many diapers you think you will need, plus two. Also, include travel size diaper cream. I love my Skip Hop case designed by Jonathon Adler. I dread going into those nasty, cramped airplane bathrooms to change my baby, but I will admit I feel a teeny tiny bit better about it carrying my chic diaper case down the aisle.

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones. Sometimes when traveling with kids I actually get to use them. They are the best.

• iPhone with an upbeat and relaxing playlists. Again, I don’t always get to listen to music, but if the kiddos are asleep or still, I throw on a few tunes since this always makes me happy.

• Large zip lock bag with medicine and first aid items that could be needed. Such as:

Infant Advil

Children’s Advil

-Benadryl– I don’t give it to my kids anymore after my first experience, but
I bring it in case of allergic reaction. Some parents have had nice experiences though and it helps their little ones sleep.

First aid kit. Johnson and Johnson makes a great travel kit.

Neosporin. Someone always seems to have a cut.

Travel size wet wipes. I use it for the kids hands and always wipe down the trays and chair arms as well.

Sippy Cups

Snack Cups

• A little cosmetic pouch with hand cream, eye drops, lip moisturizer, lip-gloss, travel size Advil, gum and hair rubber bands. The liquids are in a small zip lock bag for going through security.

• My iPad (where I have my books) and/or a magazine depending on the length of the flight.

• My CHIC BUDS Power Bank Battery Charger. A phone or iPad always needs an extra charge. I also pack the adorably matching ear buds in my suitcase for working out. chicbuds

• Wallet and passport (when applicable).

• Copies of the kids’ birth certificates.

joovystroller

Best travel stroller and “cheese” face

Stroller:

I love my Joovy Ultralight. It is my favorite double stroller for traveling – sturdy, folds flat and not too heavy. If you have a child still in an infant car seat it can fit nicely in to the stroller as well and another child can still sit in
the back. Now my two youngest are old enough to both sit up. I also bring a Mommy Hook to help hold the bags.

Other miscellaneous tip:

Make sure to buy a large bottle of water before getting on the plane. You need to stay hydrated and it can be difficult to keep a tray down with a cup on it when you have young ones. The chances of it getting knocked over are pretty high. Since this goes for anything you have on your tray when you have a young one down or inhale whatever you have, or risk the spill. I have done both.

travelluggage essentials travelkids

I know this might sound like a lot, but it is always better to be prepared. And the crazy part is, I am probably forgetting something. We would love to hear some of your travel essentials and/or horror stories. Both are helpful and comforting.

Finally, when traveling with children just remember to bring your sense of humor. Even when you can’t laugh in the moment, one day you will.

Bon voyage! xx

chicagoready

This crew is ready to go to Chicago

with love,
MCbJ

3 Comments
  1. Love it! Can’t imagine life without travel. We all need adventure! My husband and I always say to have the baby adjust to our lifestyle. That being said, our baby has been all over Europe, cross country skiing, Hiking, downhill skiing and flown internationally all by her 5 month birthday. Whew! A few tips that I learned along the way are the following… Board last. Yes wait it out and don’t jump right into the priority boarding. Travel light. Wear your baby through the airport. I love my ergo! Use a backpack for your carry on. Nothing better than being hands free! And Bulk head is key. Love the extra leg room!
    Thank you Jessica for the great tips! Happy travels!

    • Alexandra,
      Thank you for sharing your great tips! I completely agree with you on being adventurous – It’s definitely a challenge with packing for the whole family, getting the kids ready for long hour flights, etc…but in the end, it’s all worth it! Thanks again for your tips! xx

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