Traveling With Kids: What Makes Family Travel Easier

We are gearing up for a family vacation next week – and to say that I’m excited would be a major understatement. We’re heading down to St. Pete Beach to see family we haven’t seen in close to two years (since last year we skipped this annual family trip due to COVID).

After the year we’ve all had with NOT traveling, I had almost forgotten how difficult it can be to plan and pack for a trip with kids and all that goes with it. Add a baby to that and I feel like we’re going to look like we’re moving down there. We are trying to keep things as minimal as possible (LOL)…but it’s SO hard with babies and toddlers because they need so much STUFF just to function and to keep life easy from day to day.

The good thing is- there ARE ways to travel with kids nowadays that can make things much easier, and so I’ve compiled a list below of all the logistics we’ve planned for and services we’re utilizing – in case it can help save another mama a few headaches when planning her family’s travel in the future!

Transportation on vacation

Eric and I disagree on this, but I think it’s easiest to bring our stroller. Please comment below if you also disagree – I still have time to change my mind – haha! Our daughter’s infant car seat clicks right into the stroller so we can push her through the airpot in that, have storage underneath for additional bags, and Shep can ride on the piggyback ride along board that also clicks into it if he doesn’t want to walk or if we’re in a hurry (which I can guarantee you, we will be at some point). Scottie’s car seat and stroller can both be checked plane side at no charge, which should be super easy. From there, I’ll bring my baby carrier as a back up. FYI: On most airlines, families can pack a diaper bag AND a breast pump bag+cooler with milk, and neither count toward your carry on bag allotment. Read up on your TSA rights before traveling here and on your airline’s website for their specific policies.

For the actual plane ride we will need the following (we’ve got a consolidated list in this post) but here’s the gist of it: diaper bag, nursing cover/baby blanket, burp rag, change of clothes for Scottie, Shep’s tablet and charger, Shep’s headphones, a few coloring activities and books, snacks, water bottle, backup formula, baby bottle, bottle wipes to sanitize bottle after use.

Tips for flying and landing with babies and toddlers

Feed the baby on the way up and on the way down. This will help with regulating their ears with the air pressure. Someone also once told me to never forget an extra set of clothes for a baby on a flight. Something about the air pressure makes them more prone to blow outs. I didn’t believe it at first, but after a few experiences…just take my word for it. 🙂 I also usually have my kids fly in COO BABY pajamas or at least bamboo clothing – since bamboo is temperature regulating. That way if it’s super hot or really chilly on a flight, they will be comfortable.

Logistics after landing

Once we land, I’ve arranged a car service to pick us up from the airport and take us to the place we’re staying. The car service company also provides car seat rentals, so our son’s carseat will be all ready to go when they pick us up (and then we’ll have our daughter’s car seat with us). This was much more affordable than renting a car for the entire trip, and they’ll also take us back at the end of our trip. All I did was google and use Trip Advisor to find a reputable company and booked it a few weeks in advance (along with triple confirming the car seat rental add-on).

As far as what we need for the baby once we’re there, I used the service BabyQuip to rent a pack and play, black out shades, baby monitors, and a baby bouncer – which will all be delivered and set up upon our arrival. I have used this company in the past when we’ve traveled and it’s awesome. It’s basically like Uber but it’s (mostly) moms who rent out, deliver, and clean baby stuff for travelers so you don’t have to bring everything under the sun. I found a gal who had what we needed and then was able to book it really easily and securely through the site. They have everything from full sized cribs, high chairs, beach toys, step stools, you name it – they probably have it. Makes traveling with kids WAY easier. (Mamas – this is also a great way to make side income if you’re interested in being the one renting things out! Grandmas – if you have grandkids coming to visit, this is also a great option so your daughter or son doesn’t have to bring every little thing every time!) Can find out more or book directly here.

Ordering supplies for vacation in advance

As far as sunscreen, diapers, and wipes, I am ordering those off Amazon this week and having them delivered so they’re there when we arrive and we don’t have to worry about bringing down or buying there. As we all know sunscreen costs an arm and a leg if you try and buy it near a beach.

So, as we’ve gathered, traveling with kids can be a LOT. That being said, I’m really excited to make memories with the whole family, and I know that it’ll all be worth it in the end. We’ll never remember the 500 page list of things we need to bring or coordinate, but we WILL remember being there as a family and spending time together.

I hope you found this blog helpful!! Please comment below your thoughts or recommendations if I’m forgetting anything!! If you want more toddler parenting articles, check them all out here.

PS – As an affiliate partner, you know the drill! I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through any of the links I shared in this post. I will always only recommend what I truly love, and I sincerely appreciate your support in doing so.

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