Are you going to embark on your first journey as a parent with a child? Congratulations! Welcome to the world of family travel, which is both frightening and exhilarating.
The good news is that babies may be excellent travel companions. They don’t require their own full-size bed, and you don’t need to purchase a separate airline ticket, and they whine and move about significantly less than toddlers.
However, we sometimes overpack with high-end baby products that we probably don’t need, most likely! Here are 3 things you shouldn’t pick while traveling.
#1. Feeding Supplies
Spoons, bibs, placemats, and plates are standard items in baby travel supply lists. I once packed spoons but never used them. Why? We stayed in Airbnb’s and motels with limited kitchenettes, which meant there were just a few dishes. Alternatively, we might have gone out to dine.
Yes, your baby is accustomed to the beautiful silicone-tipped spoon you use at home, but it’s another item to deal with and then wash at the restaurant. Just use the metal spoons. He won’t mind at all.
I typically feed the baby (unless it’s something like Cheerios) to keep the mess contained. You may use a hotel washcloth instead, and you won’t have to bother about cleaning. In any case, I don’t want to spend my time on the road honing my independent skills.
#2. Toiletries For Babies
Don’t bring nail clippers, body wash, baby lotion, a baby-specific brush or comb, baby oil, a nasal aspirator, and other items that your baby only needs occasionally. Unless you’re going to be gone for more than a month, leave them at home.
Trim your fingernails the day before you go. Accept that you won’t be cleaning the baby every day, and that’s just OK. Simply rinse with water or use a small amount of the shampoo or body washes supplied by the hotel.
If your kid has a particular need for one of these products (for example, she has dehydrated skin and requires lotion regularly), that’s fantastic! Bring on! Otherwise, none of these items will likely be missed on your journey. In the worst-case scenario, you can just buy them anywhere.
#3. Baby Baths
I’m astonished at how often this appears on lists of infant travel necessities. Even the most portable baby bath isn’t something I’d want to take with me all the time.
I do this just by taking a bath with the infant. We get some skin-to-skin snuggles if we stay someplace with a bathtub, and everyone wins.
When there isn’t a bathtub available, I perform the same thing in the shower. I’ll probably do it sitting or kneeling to feel more secure. It’s often beneficial to have your spouse present to assist so you can give the baby out when she’s finished and enjoy some shower time alone.
Final Words
It’s not for everyone to travel light with a baby. Bring everything if you think it will make you feel better. If you prefer a more minimalist approach to travel, this list should get you through just about everything your vacation may throw at you.
