By Taylor Sweet

Life's been a whirlwind ever since we welcomed our little guy, Rowan, this past New Year's Day! I've always been someone who loves to travel, and honestly, I wasn't about to let having a baby change that. So far, we've done a few flights and road trips as a family of three, and I'm here to tell you that it's totally doable.

Don't get me wrong, traveling with a baby definitely throws some curveballs your way. But it's so worth it.

I know so many new parents who are terrified of that first trip with their baby, and I completely understand. There's the sleep schedule to worry about, all the gear you need to pack, and let's not even talk about the risk of surprise diaper blowouts at 30,000 feet.

But what I've learned through our recent travels is that babies are way more adaptable than we think, and having these shared family experiences is priceless. Yes, your routine might get thrown off, but that's okay. You're making memories and showing your little one the world.

Roll with the Punches

The biggest game-changer for us has been learning to work with Rowan's schedule, rather than fighting against it. For road trips, we try to leave right when he's due for a nap. Before flights, we feed him and give ourselves tons of extra time at the airport for diaper changes, feeding, or the inevitable outfit change (because babies have zero timing when it comes to spit-up).

Trust me, that extra buffer time is everything. It keeps everyone way more relaxed.

What Actually Works for Us

Every family figures out their own system, but these have been absolute lifesavers:

  • Baby carrier: Hands down the best thing ever. He can nap while we're walking around, and it makes airports so much easier.
  • Bottle wash kit and warmer: Keeps his feeding routine normal, no matter where we are.
  • Pacifier sterilizer: Because airplane tray tables are gross, and hotel sinks aren't much better.
  • Mix of old and new toys: A few favorites from home for comfort, plus something brand new to keep him entertained when he gets fussy.
  • Baby wipes: Not just for diaper changes, but for everything. Faces, hands, you name it!
  • Disposable potty pads & placemats: I stock up on these from Amazon, they're lifesavers! Great for changing on the go or keeping mealtime surfaces clean, and when the messy part is done, you can just toss them.

Oh, and if you're booking hotels, always ask ahead if they have cribs available. Nobody wants to drag a pack-and-play through the airport.

What Are Your Tips?

I'm always looking for new tricks! If you've traveled with little ones or helped families plan trips, what are your must-have items or favorite tips?

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