As the holidays approach us, chances are you are making plans to see family and friends. For some that might mean a quick trip across town, for others it means planes, trains and taxis to get to their destination, and for others it might even mean traveling to another country. While holiday travel can be daunting enough for an adult, it can seem even more overwhelming for a family regardless of the ages of the children.
When Family Entourage co-founder Mei Ling Nazar’s son was just four months old they took their first cross-country trip. Over the past two years she and her son have done several more cross-country trips from San Diego to New York and Chicago. Some passengers thought she was crazy, but many were helpful including those that had been parents themselves. While they still have their share of traveling rough spots, there are a few things they have learned along the way when it comes to packing for trips.
1. Bring the essentials. This will be different for each family. Some families can’t operate without their stroller. Others will want personal blankets for the hotel rollaway crib. Whatever the case, write down a list of all of the items that your family considers essential. Then, prioritize what you are able to take with you, what you can borrow, and what you will need to purchase once you are there. If you are making your first trip, ask friends or family members what they have found helpful to bring. Our travel essentials include baby/toddler carrier, stroller, white noise machine, diaper backpack, and special blanket. Depending on where we are going, this list is often expands! If you are traveling by plane, pack an extra set of clothing and anything you might need in case your bags don’t make it to your destination right away, including medications.
Family Entourage co-founder with her son headed to the park for a little soccer in their Joovy Groove Ultralight stroller.
2. Opt for a lighter, or travel version, of your favorite items. After you figure out your essentials and what you can bring, your space or airline restrictions might limit you. Many products have travel or light versions. They offer many of the same conveniences and amenities of the original but half the weight and size. The Joovy Groove Ultralight stroller is a perfect example. Whether you have a jogging stroller or one with a large basket, it is helpful to have a lighter stroller when you travel. The Joovy Groove Ultralight will fit in a trunk full of luggage, it has a strap making it easier to carry, plus the seat reclines so a baby, or toddler, can take a nap when fighting jet-lag. These features are definitely an upgrade compared to most umbrella strollers. If you are traveling to a hotel or relative’s house that won’t have a crib, a travel crib is a must. The Joovy Room is a great option. It has a travel bag with carrying strap and is compact to ease trunk space. Depending on the airline you are flying, the Joovy Room might even qualify for your carry-on. If not it can also fit into a suitcase for airplane trips. For infants, there is a removable bassinet option and it even has a diaper changing station that flips to the side when not in use. It can also store easily under a bed when not in use.
3. Ship when possible. It is often easy to think of shipping diapers or other small items, but we have found it helpful to even order things online and have them shipped directly to our destination including car seats, strollers and other items we need but aren’t able to bring or borrow. We also recommend checking with your airline carrier to see what they will let you bring in lieu of a luggage piece. That way if you ship it and don’t plan on leaving it there, you can bring it back home with you. Also, if you are shipping to a hotel, check with the hotel to secure who the shipment should be addressed to. If you decide to ship direct to your hotel, make sure to give yourself plenty of time, especially during the holidays, as each shipping company often has different delivery times.
Joshua peers at his baby friend swaddled in the bassinet portion of the Joovy Room.
4. Consider having doubles. For places that you visit often like a relatives’ house, consider having an extra set of essentials that you leave there. This will enable you to not have to worry about packing things and hauling them back and forth each time. The Nook highchair and Room play yard are both great options for leaving at the grandparents’ house or one of your relatives’ homes. Plus, each item folds up easily for storage, so when they are not in use they can be put in a closet or under the bed. We also like the idea of having a stroller in places that we visit often. One less thing to pack!
5. Be a gracious host. If you are the house where everyone will be gathering, ask your guests if there are things that you can help them secure for their stay. This is especially helpful if they have little ones. Picking up some diapers and wipes for a guest while you are out shopping can be a huge help and one less thing for the parents to pack.
For tips and videos head to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see how we packed our trunk. Also check out how easy it is to fold the Groove Ultralight, Nook and Room! And don’t forget to sign-up for our email newsletter if you want to make some of these items your own. We are doing 12 Days of Giveaway and Family Entourage subscribers will have the first peek!
**Joovy sent us a Groove Ultralight 2017 stroller, Room play yard and Nook highchair for consideration. Our opinions and travel tips are our own.
