We just took DS to Asheville for three days, two nights and it was horrible! The packing in itself was a disaster, I swear I think labor was easier. Then when we got to the hotel we had nothing to do with him, even though we took the pak and play. I took him to some little shops, but none of them had ramps so I had to carry the stroller in to all of them.
Anyway, we are going to the beach in April, he will be 10months then, and my question is how do you guys deal with a trip and can you please give me some pointers?
I took just about everythning we owned, or at least it seemed that way. Now, the house at the beach will have washer and dryer and kitchen and such so that will make it easier, what do ya'll think is absolutely essential (other than diapers and bottle, the obvious stuff) to make a vacation go well?

We just took DS to Asheville for three days, two nights and it was horrible! The packing in itself was a disaster, I swear I think labor was easier. Then when we got to the hotel we had nothing to do with him, even though we took the pak and play. I took him to some little shops, but none of them had ramps so I had to carry the stroller in to all of them.
Anyway, we are going to the beach in April, he will be 10months then, and my question is how do you guys deal with a trip and can you please give me some pointers?
I took just about everythning we owned, or at least it seemed that way. Now, the house at the beach will have washer and dryer and kitchen and such so that will make it easier, what do ya'll think is absolutely essential (other than diapers and bottle, the obvious stuff) to make a vacation go well?


I have no pointers but I will say, I can hardly make it out of the house for a shopping trip with ds, I honestly can't imagine vacationing with him. It would definitely not be much of a vacation.

Dh and I would love to go to the beach this spring with ds, but I'm afraid too! Jack never sleeps, unless it's with us or in his own crib, so I know he would never sleep in a hotel, it would be a nightmare. I give you credit for going though!

We took DS to NC when he was almost 3 months. It went better then I thought it would and my DS is very hard to please. We drove out there and a 9 hour trip took 12 hours. Everytime he needed a bottle we stopped for an hour, we would let him eat and then carried him around to just enjoy the scenery. For when we got there, I packed his bouncy seat, pack-n-play, a diaper bag full of favorite toys and new toys. This really helps, his old, favorites, which are guarenteed he'll play with, and new ones he never saw before, which will entertain him. Also when I booked our motels, I put out the extra money for suites, but you said you will have a house. I also made sure these suites had 2 person jacuzzis in them, since DS loves his bath, the novelty of having alot of water and some one with him in there, helped. But I also brought his tub from home and that easily fit in the jacuzzi. I can't think of anything I didn't pack. We have an expedition and had the back row of seats down and the whole thing was loaded with DS's stuff. DH thought I lost my mind but I told him DS was going to feel like he never left home. If DS was driving me crazy and I was out of ideas, I just carried him around outside, and let him look around. There was plenty of new things to see. Pack both the stroller and a carrier - where baby faces out. This way if you can't bring in a stroller you don't have to hold him. I always believe if you pack it all you don't have to worry about not having something.

I don't have any advice for you but I'm up for a challange myself. We're going
to California from Long Island, NY in 2 weeks. My son will be just under
6 months. I'm trying not to stress too much. I'm actually more worried
about the 6 hr. plane flight than anything else. What am I going to do
with a baby on my lap for all those hours? EEEEK!!!!

Like 2fast said, bring the favorites.

I vacationed with DS when he was 2 months, 4 months and again when he was 9 months. Most parts get easier as they get older. By 10 months your son is going to be extremely interested in the world and will probably find the new environments really neat! The hardest parts I find are making the packing list and the actual traveling part. Once you get there it gets easier.

He'll still be doing jar food, so that's easy to pack or pick up at any store! And the bottles will be easy to prepare with a kitchen (unless you're nursing of course :) )

I'd invest in a backpack type carrier. That way you don't always have to rely on the stroller. Also, If you don't have one, get one of those small, lightweight, "umbrella" strollers. They fold up small and fit a lot better in small store aisles, restaurants, etc. With DS his favorite thing in the whole world was his vibrating bouncy chair, so that went EVERYWHERE with us. I bring TONS of toys with us. Even if it seems like a lot, after a few days with the same bag of toys, you realize that it's not that many. The beach, walks, maybe a nearby park, will all keep him entertained. He'll be old enough to use the baby swings by then. He also wont need to sleep so much, so you won't have to worry about naps all day long. Beware that sand will get EVERWHERE with a 10 month old, and he'll probably try to put it in his mouth. Bring changes of clothes everytime you head for the sand and water.

Also, by 10 months he'll probably have stronger preferences towards a blanket and other comfort items. That will help with nap/bedtime and traveling. See if they place you're staying can provide a crib so that you don't have to lug a portable one with you.

Hope some of my suggestions help. It does get easier. However, don't ask about the trip I took this summer with my 2 year old AND 5 month old. That was a nightmare :eek: More so due to the attitude filled 2 year old! LOL

I travel with my 4 kids often and we do a one week RV vacation on the beach in Mexico (yes, I take babies to Mexico) every summer. The only time I've had issues have been when I've let the kids get off schedule while traveling and/or have not brought another person to help (another person besides my hubby and me).

I usually bring my Mother, but I've also brought Aunts, friends and have even hired help for the trip. It's absolutely worth it. It's amazing what one more set of hands can do, not to mention it frees up time for you to enjoy your trip as well.

I've traveled a couple of times with all 4 kids by myself too, it can be done, but it's difficult. Staying calm yourself is a biggy, kids pick up on your stress and no matter how fun the trip is and how happy you are to be going, you'll be stressed too, we all stress out on trips at one point or another.

2Fast's idea of familiar toys and a few new ones is fabulous. I do this as well for the younger ones. I bring their own bedding as well (for the baby age, when they're still in their pack-n-plays) Bringing a fresh bottom sheet, but the blankets they used the night before, not brand new clean ones, works very well. I think the scents from home are comforting.

I also think a trip should not be the first time your child experiences their pack-n-play. If you will be using it often, or even not that often, set it up at home at random times and in various rooms and have them nap or sleep overnight in it. It can be quite a shock to be put in a new bed the first time.

One more thing, get your baby used to eating food at room temperature as well as bottles. Hotels can be a pain to heat anything up, you did say you'd be in a house I know, but this is a good thing to do for anyone, it makes even fast, quick trips much easier.

Lynn- I just thought it was funny that you live on Long Island too!

2fast-we actually live in NC, lol.
Anyway, I was glad to see that you guys had trouble too! makes me feel less stupid, lol. Dh laughed at me for having such trouble packing. So basically I need to take everything we own! The toy idea is great, we were wondering about that. I am not to worried about food or diapers I think I will just buy them when I get there. In-laws are going so we will have help. Which will be nice. DH and I said today we were gonna let DS ride down there with MIL, lol. It's a four hour trip, yuck!
The comfort item is a great idea! He has a few faves already, and so is the umbrella stroller, I was debating on that one.
Thanks you guys for all the tips!

I had forgotten to add the highpoint of my shopping trip. DSwas in his stroller, in a coat, it was over 60degrees outside, but one of the legs of his pants was up a little. He had had a hood on, but he kept knocking it off, so I gave up. Anyway, a random couple stopped me and informed that I was going to give my baby pneumonia, and probably freeze him to death. I didnt' really know what to do.
I suppose that happens alot on trips out of the house, even just to the store. I can handle the basic, you should make sure your baby has a hat on, or some small comment, but how do you handle something like that? Ijust told them I thought he was warm enough and (I was lost) asked them if I could see their map, lol.