Hey there! I’m Carmen, and welcome to *Mixed and Blended* – a podcast and blog where we share the highs, lows, and all the in-betweens of life as a big, blended, biracial, multicultural family. We’re a family of ten, and as you can imagine, we’ve always got something going on! While we love sharing our stories on social media, we wanted a space where we could go deeper and connect with you all in a more meaningful way.
So, today’s blog is all about the wild ride of traveling with children. Before we dive in, here’s the disclaimer I gave my partner when we first started having those deep, late-night talks: I’m quirky, I think outside the box, and my advice may be a bit unconventional. Take what you need, leave what you don’t – and remember, no need for nastiness, okay? I’ve got the time and energy to handle it, but we’re all here for a good time, not a debate. Get to know us more.
The Early Days: Overpacking and Overwhelming
Let me paint a picture: The first time I flew with a baby, I was in full “new mom” mode. My daughter was six months old, and I packed for every single *what if* you could imagine. The trip? Miami to Atlanta. I brought enough stuff to fill an entire overhead bin and then some. Let’s just say it was not my finest travel moment.
Fast forward about ten years, and I’d like to say I learned my lesson, but no. There I was again, flying with not one, not two, but three kids, three car seats, a wagon, and enough baggage to make me question my life choices. We were heading to Florida to see my sick grandmother, and honestly, I was so focused on getting there that I completely forgot about the art of packing light. Spoiler: It wasn’t pretty.
The Lessons: Pack Light, Stay Calm
After that trip, I vowed to streamline my packing game. Less is more. If you’re going to be staying somewhere with access to a washer and dryer, trust me – you do *not* need to bring the whole nursery. My kids have been breastfed, bottle-fed, formula-fed – you name it. But I learned to pack just enough for the trip and buy anything else we needed when we got there. Game changer.
On a later trip to Houston with my then two-month-old, I finally felt like I had cracked the code: pack light, stay organized, and remember – babies don’t need as much as we think they do. I had my diaper bag, some outfits, the Doona stroller, and a baby carrier. Easy peasy, right? Well, almost.
My Packing List for the Baby:
– Diapers & wipes
– 7–10 outfits (because spit-up is real)
– Socks (tiny baby toes get cold, y’all)
– Doona stroller/car seat combo
– Tula baby carrier
My Packing List for Me (Mom Mode):
– 7 outfits for a 5-day trip
– Pajamas, underwear, and my favorite Hocus Pocus socks (they always disappear anyway)
– Two pairs of shoes
– My tripod with a ring light (because content creation doesn’t stop)
– My laptop, chargers, and snacks (snacking is life)
– Liquid IV packets (because breastfeeding makes you thirsty!)
And you know what? It all fit into a carry-on suitcase and a diaper bag. Minimalism for the win!
Travel Tips for Parents
1. **Don’t overpack:** You might think bringing everything will save you stress, but in reality, it’ll just give you a headache. You don’t need 15 outfits for a three-day trip. Less is more!
2. **Pack in advance:** Waiting until the night before is a recipe for chaos. Trust me, I’ve been there – packing last minute, half asleep, and then wondering why my suitcase won’t close.
3. **Get organized:** Fold clothes neatly or use space-saving bags. I’ve crammed way too much into a carry-on only to realize I could’ve saved half the space with a little folding finesse.
4. **Travel smart:** Plan your travel around your kids’ needs. Whether it’s a flight, car ride, or in my case, a Greyhound bus at 4 a.m., make sure you’re giving yourself enough time to handle any curveballs. And trust me, there will be curveballs.
5. **Keep it fun!** Remember, the whole point of traveling is to have fun and create memories. So, pack light, stay calm, and enjoy the journey.
I know traveling with kids can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little preparation and a lot of flexibility, you can make it an adventure to remember!
Feel free to share your own travel tips in the comments below – I’m always looking for new hacks!
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What are your tips for traveling with children