Tipping Thursday: Traveling with a Baby

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Finishing up last week's thread of packing light but still having what you need, I thought I'd share my tips on packing for your baby.  Traveling with a baby or toddler can be rough, especially when you're going to be gone a while.  Here are some tips I've learned through my travels with the little man:

1.)  Make a list.  I know, I know, this was my Number One last week, too.  But trust me!  It works!  Mentally go through your day: what things to you use in a typical day for your baby?  Think about your baby's mealtime, playtime and bed time routine and what you use and write it all down.  Then look over what you'll actually need.  You don't need to bring your own baby towel-wherever you're going will have towels, be it to a hotel or to see the family.  You don't need to bring your baby's entire toy box.  Just bring a couple of his favorite toys to keep him occupied.  And if your baby has a snuggly, DON'T forget it!  Or be prepared to not sleep your whole trip.

2.)  Long haul or weekend getaway?  The length of your trip obviously determines how much you'll need to bring, especially with a baby.  Things like diapers, wipes and baby food can get heavy and take up space.  If you're going to be gone more than a couple days, consider buying them once you reach your destination.  Example:  I flew to Washington last summer, just me and the little man, to visit my in-laws.  We were there for 8 days.  I brought enough diapers and baby food for two days, then bought a small pack of diapers, wipes and enough baby food for the rest of our trip once we got there. It gave me more space in our bags, since I was limited on what I could bring and was much cheaper than having to pay for an overweight bag.

3.)  Sleeping Arrangements.  Do you co-sleep or does your baby need his own space?  Schlepping around the pack-n-play can be difficult and cumbersome.  Plus, if you're traveling with baby by yourself, you're limited to the number of items you can check.  If you can, find ways to leave it at home.  If you're going to see family, see if someone has one that you can use while you're there.  Some hotels offer cribs for their rooms-you just have to request one, like you would an extra cot or pop-up bed.  If you do co-sleep and are staying with family, make sure your bed away from home will accommodate the both of you (or three of you.)

4.)  Just 'cause you're gone for 2 weeks doesn't mean you need 2 weeks' worth of stuff.  One week of outfits, with a back-up outfit is plenty.  After all, there is this magical thing called a washing machine : )  And it's ok to wear an outfit more than once.  Same thing with bowls and utensils-if you're little person is eating solids, you don't need to bring a set of silverware for every day you're there.  One set is just fine.

5.)  Even baby stuff comes in travel size.  You can get shampoo, baby powder and rash ointment in travel sizes.  Even wipes come in travel packs.

6.)  Know what you're getting into.  Try and find out what the plans will be, activity-wise, while you're away so that you can be prepared for them.  

What are your tips for traveling with a little one?

Tipping Thursday: Vacation Packing

I decided to take a short detour from the make-up series and give you my tips on packing light without forgetting things while it was still fresh on my mind.  As I mentioned, I went up to Atlanta this past weekend with my sister to see our dad.  So I had packing on the brain.

No matter how long your trip is, whether it's a few weeks or just a weekend, there are some basic "Rules of Packing" that you can follow to ensure you have everything you need without over-packing.

1.)  Make a list.  This is by far the most important tool to packing.  I know it sounds tedious but it really does help!  First, make a list of the activities that you will be doing on your trip and what things they require (i.e. trip to the beach=swimsuit, flip flops, sunscreen, book/MP3 player, etc, etc.)  Also note how many days you will be gone.  You'll need an outfit for each day, as well as undies, socks, whatever.  Make a list of what you use in your daily beauty routine-items you use in the shower, make-up and skincare.  If it's really long, look at it and analyze what you can live without for a weekend and what is a necessity.  Think of the little extras that you might need-phone charger, extra batteries for you camera, medicines-and make sure those are on your list so they don't get left behind.  And check your items off as you pack them.

2.)  Look for items that are versatile.  As mentioned above, you will need an outfit for each day you're gone.  Pack items that can be worn in a variety of ways so you get more use out of them without having to pack as much.  Bring shoes that go with most of your outfits and that are comfortable.  Bring small accessories to change up your look easily.  If you're going to needing a "dressy" outfit, bring something that can is wrinkle-resistant, can be dressed up or down and can be worn more than once (if you need it to be.)

3.)  Really think about it!  Is it something that is going to make or break your trip if it gets left at home?  You don't need to bring your entire make-up collection with you on your vacation.  And it's ok to leave the hot rollers at home for the weekend-the world's not going to end.  But don't over-think your packing.  That's when the over-packing happens: when you start thinking, "well, maybe it could be cold in the evening.  I should bring a sweater," and you end up bringing a whole suitcase full of things you don't touch the entire trip.

4.)  Check the weather!  Is it going to be hot where you're going?  Then you probably don't need that sweater.  Is it supposed to be rainy?  Don't bring those leather shoes that can't get wet.  

5.)  Have a back-up plan.  I always bring an (JUST ONE) extra outfit-pants, shirt, undies, the works-because accidents can (and often do) happen and on vacation is not the place to be caught unprepared.  I make sure that the extra outfit goes with what I've already planned to bring.  But again, don't over think things and bring that sweater if you know you're most likely not going to need it.

6.)  Travel size it!  Get some little plastic bottles and use them for your shampoo, conditioner, whatever.  They take a lot less room than the full-size version.  I don't know about you, but I really don't like hotel shampoo.  It just doesn't treat my hair right.  So I do like to bring my own.  I prefer bottles that are re-fillable so that I don't have to go buy another one when it runs out.  Plus, if you're flying, most travel-sized items are FAA approved.

7.)  Don't forget the ticket!  If you're flying, make sure you've got your tickets, ID and passport (if needed) somewhere handy where they won't be left at home, like your purse or carry on, ahead of time.  Last thing you want is to get the airport and not have your ticket!

What are your tips for packing?