Travel Tips

I have been planning on writing a post on this topic since our trip to florida, but this weekend's trip to San Fran gave me the final push. Before i forget all the things i've learned i want to write them down.

Buckle your seatbelts, here we gooooo!!

Flights:
Bring an extra outfit for an infant...a long one-piece is good, doesn't take up a lot of space

• Bring at least 4 infant diapers and 3 toddler diapers for a 2 1/2 to 4 hour flight
• LOTS of snacks
• early morning flights are best; take them straight from bed, keep them in their PJs!

When it's time for the infant to take a nap (or for red eye flights), make a bed under the seats. When you have to buy a seat for a toddler it's great b/c you can use the room under the toddler's seat to make a bed (don't have to worry about kicking the baby).
Bring your stroller with you to the gate and check it at the gate. If you're lucky you can have your toddler push the stroller (get his energy out and allow you to carry the luggage)

• Have medications with you (tylenol, motrin, etc) in a plastic ziploc bag, to make it easier when you have to get it out for security and to reduce risk of spillage in your diaper bag
• Have a diaper bag for infant's stuff and small backpack for toddler with his toys and snacks
• To help entertain a toddler buy a couple new little toys, books or a new movie
• Bring a DVD player or computer
• Color wonder markers are awesome! They only mark on crayola colorwonder paper, so they won't leave marks on the airplane, but they can still color.

Getting through airplane security:

• Have to take all liquids out of bag. they will let you take a sippy cup with milk in it and breast milk. make sure you just take them all out and put them in the tray.
• Where shoes that slip on and off, when trying to hold a toddler and manage the bags you don't want to have to bend down and have to mess with getting your shoes on.
• be prepared to take off your toddlers shoes. Also, we've been ask to take off quade's coat when he was a year old!

hotel:

• try to get a suite! (so you don't have to go to bed when the kids do)
• Bring a sound machine
• bring a monitor--especially if you don't have a suite. That way you can sit out in the hallway if you want to stay up and read
• If you are giving bottles--> bring a bottle warmer, bottle brush & dishwashing soap. I put the brush and soap in a large ziploc bag to prevent spills.
• Call ahead to request a crib, so you don't have to bring your pack 'n play. Also, we requested an extra crib mattress to use on the floor as a toddler bed.
• If you need to store breast milk or other food, you can request a fridge at most major hotels (sheratons, hiltons, marriotts)

Car

• If you are renting a car, check into renting car seats as well. It costs $10 a day per carseat. So you have to make the decision based on the length of your trip whether it's worth hassling with bringing your own carsesats.
• If you bring your own carseats make sure to get a carseat cover bag (you can get them at Toys'r us)

General

• You may want to buy your diapers and wipes and baby food when you arrive at your destination.
• OR you can have family/friends buy things for you.

That's all i can remember for now. Please feel free to add your own tips in the comments section!