Spring is a great time to take your new baby on vacation. Temperatures aren’t typically too hot yet and there may be fewer crowds in the spring compared to the summer season. Whether you’re planning to travel within the United States or travel abroad, we’ve put together a list of 9 spring travel tips to consider to make the most out of your trip!
1. Choose a suitable destination
When choosing your spring travel destination, do some research to see what the area offers to families with babies. Things to look for include family-friendly restaurants, parks, and transportation options. For example, if riding in a cab or walking are your only two transportation options, you’ll want to know this before booking your trip. If you’re taking a trip to someplace specific, like Disney World, consider if there are plenty of places for nursing and changing your little one while on the go.
2. Consider baby-friendly accommodations
Check out what accommodations are available in the area such as Airbnbs, hotels, and other rental homes. Some Airbnbs already include baby items like cribs and highchairs in their homes. Hotels may offer to deliver and set up a pack ‘n play in your room. If your destination doesn’t offer the items you need, you can always rent baby equipment from BabyQuip. More on this later!
If it’s important that you have a fridge or place to make food, like a kitchenette, make sure to check your hotel or condo for those things. In addition, it’s good to estimate the dimensions of the rooms, especially if staying in a hotel. Is there enough room for a pack ‘n play or crib?
3. Remember sunscreen!
It may not be too hot yet during your spring travel trip, but the sun can still burn delicate baby skin if not protected. Sunscreen, SPF clothing, covers, and plenty of shady places to rest are essential. Make sure to purchase a baby-safe sunscreen that is free from harmful ingredients and chemicals. Baby sun hats are also helpful for providing shade along with canopies that are found on most strollers.
4. Try to keep to a routine
Babies love routines, so keeping with a familiar routine during your spring travels (if possible), should lessen the chance of a meltdown happening at an inconvenient time. You know what they say—time flies when you’re having fun! Time can get away from you easily when you’re traveling, and routines can be forgotten or easily dismissed. Setting alerts on your phone or watch is an easy way to be reminded of when it’s time to feed your baby or lay them down for a nap.
5. Unpredictable weather
Weather during spring travel can be unpredictable with bouts of sun, clouds, and rain. Depending on where you’re traveling to, it’s smart to prepare for varying temperatures and weather forecasts. Consider packing an umbrella, rain boots, raincoats, etc. You may even want to purchase a universal stroller cover that will protect your baby from the wind and rain. If you’re traveling somewhere with a hot climate, a portable fan that clips onto the car seat or stroller is a game-changer!
Related articles:
- 5 Best Places to Travel with an Infant
- Spring Break with Kids: 7 Amazing Ideas
- 12 Family Spring Break Hot Spots You’ll Love
- 11 Things to Do With Babies in NYC
6. Consider renting baby gear
Babies require a lot of things, and baby gear is one of them, especially when traveling. Parents want to make sure they have everything they need to make baby comfortable like a crib, rocker, stroller, etc. But it’s safe to say that traveling with all this gear takes up a lot of space! Instead of loading up all your baby equipment in the car or checking it at the airport, consider renting baby gear at your spring travel destination. By renting through BabyQuip, you’re able to have the baby gear you need delivered right to your location.
7. Prepare in advance for long trips
Preparing in advance before your spring travels will help ease any “traveling with infant” worries that you may have. Packing a cooler of milk/formula and plenty of diapers and wipes is crucial. If you don’t have access to water, bring water along to wash out used bottles on the go. Small trash bags or grocery bags can be handy when you need to keep a dirty diaper or clothes contained until you get to a trash bin.
In cases of flying, and if you’re breastfeeding, nursing during taking off and landing can help prevent ear pressure. If you’re not breastfeeding, having baby suck a pacifier during this time can help alleviate ear pressure as well.
For long drives, being able to sit next to your baby and talk to them when they are upset can be calming. A portable sound machine and a cozy blanket or lovey can help as well. Playing relaxing music in the car may also help soothe your little one.
8. Don’t forget the important things
Sometimes we can get so caught up in packing clothes and the bigger items for a trip that we forget the small necessities that keep baby comfortable. Often things like a sound machine, extra pacifiers, or diaper rash cream can be forgotten. Are you bringing anything along that needs to be charged, like a baby monitor? Don’t forget to pack the charging cord. First-aid items such as a thermometer and gas drops are good to pack too—just in case!
9. Check TSA guidelines regarding bottles
If you’re planning to fly to your spring travel destination, check the TSA’s “What Can I Bring? List.” The list is very helpful in making sure you don’t bring along anything for baby that isn’t acceptable. For example, searching for “milk” will give you TSA’s guidelines on baby formula and breast milk. Thankfully, TSA continues to be understanding of new parents traveling with their little ones and allows milk and formula.
By sticking to a regular and familiar routine, you can be more confident planning out your days. Renting baby gear to be delivered to your travel destination is a convenient way to have the equipment you need without the hassle of packing and hauling it. With these tips in mind, you’ll be extra prepared for your spring travel trip!
What handy spring travel tips do you have for new parents?
Morgan French is a wife, mom of two, writer & editor. After traveling for 3 years with her family, she now lives back in her hometown of Dayton, OH. She makes frequent stops for coffee, enjoys the outdoors, and loves board games.
Love all of these tips! Even for a seasoned traveler, there were ideas listed that I never would have thought of! Thank you!