Travel tips from Navy

I’ve gotten SO many requests for tips on traveling with kids so today I am sharing my top tips with you!

It’s not always easy traveling with kids but a calm mind and a million wet wipes can go a looong way. It’s crazy to think that my daughter Navy has been on 22 flights in 15 months so at this point I would definitely say we’ve got this travel thing down (or at least I think we do!):

Here’s what I’ve found to be most helpful in traveling with a baby and now toddler:

• Plan as best as you can around nap and awake schedules. I know that this isn’t always possible but it’s best when bulk of your flight (or road trip) coincides with your child’s longer nap (versus them sleeping while you are traveling to the airport, or half at home and half on the road). Yes, we are those parents who book our flights based on Navy’s nap times, and it absolutely makes for easier travel days with her even if it’s not the most “ideal” time based on our own schedules.
• Let them run free – Let your babe run around and play as much as possible in the airport, at rest stops or in between travel legs. The movement is good for you too! We loved our Monkey Mat for before she began crawling – it’s great for airports and folds up really small.
• Play it safe and SANITIZE everything – I’m certainly not a germophobe {and if you watch my Instagram stories, you’ll know this is true…} but what’s okay at home does not apply when traveling. For flights, I wipe down everything in the row (trays, arm rests, seat best) with travel size sanitizing wipes. I also have pacifier wipes on me and stashed in our car as well.
• Bring extra ziploc bags and a roll of paper towels whenever possible. No explanation here but you’ll thank me later.
• Pack travel gripe water packets for littles. This “bliss water” seems to do the trick when you’re not sure what else to do.
• Plan some fun, new activities. Brand new activities never fail. I recommend going to your local craft or dollar store versus the toy store. Interesting items such as popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, and reusable containers (all depending on the age of your child) will give you the most amount of activity time for your buck. Plus, you won’t feel bad if you ditch the “toy” along the way.
• Have healthy snacks handy! Here are some of Navy’s favorites (mine too!)
  • Pumpkin Muffins from Go with Your Gut
  • Apple slices
  • Organic cheese sticks
  • Daily Harvest smoothies – I love having these ready to blend smoothies for the morning of travel {everyone gets a healthy breakfast with as little fuss as possible} AND to have stashed in my freezer for when we get home. Navy’s favorite flavor is the Chocolate + Blueberry. Bonus: Use the code ROBYN for 3 free smoothies on your first order!

Above everything else: breathe – it will all be okay. If they are crying, they’ll stop at some point. Do the best you can, stay safe, and breathe for goodness sake.

What’s your favorite kiddo travel hack? Any advice for as they get bigger? Share with us all in the comments below!