Heading on a long trip with your baby? Don't forget to pack these items to make navigating parenthood on the go a breeze.
When I announced my pregnancy, a lot of people responded with comments about how my adventures were going to change. Not everyone expected that I would give up hiking, camping or travelling, although many did. I was told over and over how different my life was going to look, how I would have to give up my passions or put them on hold for when Kymani was older.
We do not have to sacrifice our hobbies for our children.
You can introduce your children to almost anything you are passionate about, showing them the world in ways that nurture their curiosity and spark their own sense of adventure. As my journey with Kymani began, I didn't set out to prove the naysayers wrong. I just wanted my child to share my love of the outdoors. I wanted us to have experiences together all around the world. Thankfully this is a mindset that Shane shares and we were able to take Kymani to 11 countries while on our parental leave.
Here are some of our favourite baby items that made travelling easier;
Lillebaby Airflow Carrier
This carrier is hands down my number one recommendation for anyone who wants to travel or take their baby on adventures. This ergonomic carrier combines comfort and style, allowing you to venture hands-free. You can easily breastfeed in it, both walking around or sitting on the airplane. We chose the airflow for it's mesh design to help keep us both cool in hotter climates.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Contrary to popular belief, these are not needed to protect from air pressure changes while on the airplane. If your baby shows discomfort for that - simply feed them as the action of swallowing will relieve them. We found these headphones essential while travelling to noisy places or staying out past his bed time.
Lotus Guava Travel Crib
This travel crib is not just a sleep haven giving baby somewhere familiar, but a safe play zone that folds up like magic for your family's every adventure. It is carry on size and comes in a duffel bag that also has back pack straps. We chose this over alternatives as it has a side zipper which comes in handy for camping.
Fabric Travel High Chair
Depending on where you are travelling to, high chairs may not be readily available. We purchased a fabric one instead of a plastic booster so it could easily pack into our day bag and go anywhere with us. Being able to set him in his own chair in any restaurant makes meal time a breeze. We are following baby led weaning so this also allowed him to be a part of meal time and eat with us.
Reusable Swim Diapers
Stay eco-friendly and hassle-free by ditching disposable swim diapers. These reusable swim diapers are your ticket to poolside fun without the stress of leaks, packing struggles, and landfill guilt. We purchased two from Alva baby and had no issues over our 4 months of travel. They are adjustable so he should be able to continue to use them until he is potty trained.
Salus Infant Life Jacket
While travelling water adventures are everywhere, and safety is a non-negotiable to us. We chose the Salus Infant life jacket which fits 9-25lbs so we could have peace of mind on our boat tours and let him play on his own in the water. You cannot guarantee that tour boats will have any child or infant sized life jackets. When choosing a life jacket, ensure it has a hood to keep their face out of the water and a strap between the legs to keep it in the right position.
Sun Hat
Protecting your little one's precious skin from the sun's rays while they are young and teaching them the importance of sun protection is essential. I recommend a sun hat with a wide brim and a chin strap to keep it in place and have full coverage.
Sunscreen
Furthering on the point of how essential sun protection is, don't forget to pack the sunscreen! If your baby will be under 6 months then consult your doctor for guidance. Since we started our travels when Kymani was 4 months old, we met with our doctor to find out how best to protect him.
Merino Wool Base Layer
Stay prepared for all weather with the wonders of merino wool. If you are heading anywhere that could have some chilly weather, this is a must have piece. We made us of ours both in the Canadian Rockies when Kymani was 10 weeks old and japan at 4 months. This versatile base layer keeps your baby snug and cozy while its antibacterial and breathable properties are great for keeping the baby clean and regulated.
First Aid Supplies
Our essential first aid supplies for Kymani were Tylenol, Benadryl, and a reliable thermometer. Thankfully he stayed healthy our 108 days of travel.
Parenthood is an adventure, and with the right gear, you can turn your globe-trotting dreams into reality. So, pack your bags, embrace the unknown, and set off on a journey that shows your little one the beauty of the world, one baby step at a time. With these top-notch baby travel essentials, your family's next travel chapter promises memories that will last a lifetime.