…early, and abroad, if you can. Strap that baby to your chest and go. The memories outweigh any fears you have about forgetting to pack something or tantrums or whatever else you’re making up in your mind that may or may not happen. And, hey, what you feared may very well happen, but let’s not sweat the small stuff! Because when you look back at those photos and videos, especially those candid moments, you’ll smile and thank yourself for those memories that you’ll have forever. And, eventually, your children will thank you, too.
We took our first born, Sofia, to the United Kingdom for three weeks when she was only two and a half months old. Our friends, and some family, thought we were absolutely insane. My parents joined us, and they were a MASSIVE help: caring for Sofia when we were getting ready; helping juggle our extensive (but necessary) amount of luggage; holding her on planes, trains and automobiles; and so much more. I look back at those photos and videos and feel so proud of me and my husband for just doing it. The holiday was incredible, from touring all of London proper for a week and taking every form of public transit; to soaking up the sea and boardwalk in Brighton; to partaking in high-end shopping in Bath (more like window shopping); to relaxing in the countryside at our family friends’ home near Stratford-upon-Avon; to weaving the medieval streets of Edinburgh (carrying her stroller up MANY flights of stairs); to strolling the gorgeous grounds of Balmoral Castle; to exploring the quaint town of Inverness; and, finally, to hiking the Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye with Sofie strapped to Simran’s chest, I can’t imagine the feeling of regret I would have felt had I known all these details and we decided it was too much to go.
It goes without saying that travelling gets you out of your comfort zone. You’re forced to encounter unforeseen challenges, and how you deal with them along the way can make or break a trip. When you’re travelling with your children, you have to go with the flow. Patience is key. And as I continually say, “What if it’s better?”
To make your life easier, and to give you no excuse for why you can’t do this, here are some of the amazing products we purchased for and used on our trip to the UK:
- Bathtub. Skip Hop MOBY Softspot Sink Bather or Oxo Splash & Store Bathtub – if you need something other than a towel in a sink or tub for your little one at bath time, either one of these is a great option, depending on the age of your kiddo.
- Bottle Warmer. Baby’s Brew 3.0 Portable Bottle Warmer Pro – if your baby takes a WARM bottle – like Sofie insists upon – (or you’re a nursing mama and need some relief), you need this on-the-go bottle warmer that requires no plug (just make sure you charge it at night). Lifesaver. If you’re using formula, I would recommend warming the water first and then adding the formula thereafter so your warmer is clean if you’re out and about and don’t have time to wash it before the next bottle #protip. Also, don’t forget bottle cleaning brushes! We love this and these.
- Chest Carrier. BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Mini – if your babe is anything like Sof who loved being carried, you need a baby carrier. This one is made of 3D jersey material (80% polyester, 16% cotton, 4% elastane) and is extremely stretchy and comfortable for you and baby. It’s soooo easy to take on and off with minimal straps.
- Clothes Organizer. Over The Door 24 Pocket Mesh Shoe Organizer – you can buy any version of this, but we used this one to organize all of Sofia’s clothes, accessories and baby essentials. This kept all her things in one place, out of the way on the back of a door, and easily accessible/viewable.
- Crib. BabyBjörn Travel Crib – only 13 lbs and fits perfectly in one side of a large rolling suitcase; opens and closes like a dream without having to attach poles or pull on fabric each time.
- Nursing Cover. We Are Amma The Cocoon – if you’re a nursing mama, I cannot recommend this nursing cape enough. I have it in four colors. Comfortable, breathable and fashionable! Get a least two. I wore one every day.
- Stroller. BABYZEN YOYO² Stroller – less than 15 lbs of absolute perfection that you can throw over your shoulder and go (strap included and you can also purchase the travel backpack (highly recommend)), which you’ll need to go over cobblestone and up and down stairs abroad; easily foldable to fit in the overhead compartment of any public transit; and customizable (0-6 months, 6 months+, colors, accessories, etc.).
And if you’re stressing about all the food and diapers you need to pack, just pack what you need to get to the destination and plan to buy these items there.
Bottom line: Traveling with your kids is totally do-able, and dare I say it, FUN. I love looking back at the memories from this trip and all the others we’ve taken with Sof so far, reminiscing about the amazing times we’ve had, and (obvi) planning for our next adventure together. You absolutely can do this!
Now, off you go. Book it!
