You probably already know that traveling with a newborn can be tedious, exhausting and can get a bit ridiculous the way your car becomes crammed full of baby gear. Notice I said “ridiculous” and not “unnecessary”. Chances are you’ll need and use every item you bring along for your tike (don’t forget Tip # 3 to help you weed out what you do or don’t need for travel). It’s important to keep your baby’s schedule as close to normal as possible when you travel, which makes it understandable to feel the need to lug around Johnny’s nursing boppy or tummy time mat.
A great way to leave some breathing room in your car is to make the effort to leave doubles of all the baby items you often use at places you visit frequently. I’m not telling you to go out and buy a brand name, brand new double of what you have at home; in fact, I think it’s a bit silly to do so. Second hand stores and garage sales are usually chock full of perfectly acceptable baby items that people are usually desperate to get rid of and work perfectly well for the short term. Whether we’re talking about Grandma’s and Grandpa’s for a weekend trip or your sister across the country several times a year, this tip helps make your excursions less hectic and much more enjoyable.
Below is a suggested list of items you might want to keep at your frequent travel stops:
· Pack n’ Play or Crib
· Changing table or Changing Pad
· Yoga Ball (works great as a substitute rocking chair for soothing cranky babies)
· Bouncer
· Tummy Time Activity Mat
· Boppy
· Diapers/Wipes
· Bottles
· Baby monitor
· White Noise Machine
· Mobile or Aquarium Soother for Crib
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| Will and I enjoying a quiet morning on my parent's farm and feeling oh-so-glad to have a comfy changing table handy instead of a flimsy diaper bag mat. |
