By Becci Binquist Certified Sleep Consultant & Postpartum Doula

Are you debating whether you should travel with your baby? Are you worried that your child might have sleep issues on vacation? What can you do to make traveling less stressful with your child?  Just because you have a baby, doesn’t mean that you need to stay home forever. Follow these simple tips to help you plan that perfect vacation. Well, who am I kidding, nothing is going to be perfect when you have kids!

BE FLEXIBLE

Having the idea that naps, bedtime, and schedules are going to be a little off is important for setting realistic expectations for traveling with a baby.  Naps and bedtime on the go are ok.  Longer or shorter awake windows are fine as well.  Being able to relax and actually enjoy your vacation, rather than being ruled by a schedule or what everyone is used to, can be the key to forming lasting positive memories. With this in mind, let’s dive into what you should bring on vacation.

ITEMS TO BRING ON VACATION

Any time that you can emulate the sleep environment that you have at home, the better off your child will adjust to his new place.  A few things to remember are: providing a dark environment, bringing a sound machine, packing your favorite swaddle or sleep sack, and last but not least, a wrap or carrier.  

When you reach your destination, I encourage you or your partner to set up the sleeping space right away. Doing this first can ensure that when it is time for a nap or bedtime, the new sleeping space is ready! The items that you will need to set up are portable blackout curtains, a pack-n-play, Slumber Pod, and a sound machine.

DARK ENVIRONMENT

An important element for great sleep is a dark room.  Bringing portable blackout blinds can help everyone sleep better away from home.  Another option would be to bring a pack-n-play with the Slumber Pod.  The Slumber Pod is an amazing product that provides a black-out environment for your child.  I love this product because it is safe and has pockets for the sound machine, fan, or monitor.  Feel free to use my code BABYSLEEPCAFE20 for $20 off. Slumber Pod 

SOUND MACHINE

Bringing the sound machine whenever your child will be sleeping, is a must. You can bring the one you have in the nursery, or they have smaller portable ones you can pack. Having the sound machine will bring familiarity to your child as well as drown out the unusual noises that might not typically be present.  

SWADDLE OR SLEEP SACK

Since putting the swaddle or sleep sack on your baby, is part of the bedtime routine, it is important that this comes with you on vacation.  Bring an extra one in case you need it.  You never know if your child will pee through his clothes or get dirty.  

WRAP OR CARRIER

Having your hands free (especially when flying), can be very helpful. Putting your little one in a carrier allows you to carry other items that you might need as well. If you have a newborn, it prevents people from the temptation of touching your baby. Some people don’t understand boundaries!

EXTRA TIPS

BEST TIME TO LEAVE

When traveling, first determine whether your baby sleeps great in the car, or if they are not good at napping in the car.  If they are great at car naps, try your best to plan your driving around nap time.  However, if your child does not sleep in the car or is more irritable, you might want to leave first thing in the morning, or after a great nap at home.  

If you plan on flying, I always recommend doing so during nap time or bedtime if possible.  The busyness of getting to the airport can be exhausting, and hopefully, they will be able to sleep on the plane.   

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS

Sometimes you might have to be flexible and your child might not have his own sleeping space like at home.  That is ok.  Do your best to provide the same room situation as at home.  This might include putting your child in the same room as you.  If this is the case, put your child to bed and then sneak in when you are ready to go to bed. I know this sounds a bit weird, but if the closet is big enough (obviously well-ventilated) put the pack-n-play in there to provide an even quieter space.

BEDTIME ROUTINE

Stick to your bedtime routine as much as you can when traveling.  Although the bedtime might be a bit off, sticking with your basic bedtime routine can help signal that it is time for bed.  If you don’t have a bedtime routine, download my free Bedtime Routine today Bedtime Routine. 

TIME ZONES

Troubleshooting what to do when you change time zones can be quite tricky. There are a few factors involved: what is the time difference and how long will you be traveling? If you are only traveling for 1-2 weeks, which is usually just a few hours time zone difference, I would try not to adjust your child’s schedule too much. You can try keeping her up later for naps and bedtimes if the new time zone is a few hours ahead (or a few hours earlier if the time zone is behind). However, for the most part, I wouldn’t completely get on the new time just for a few weeks of travel. If you are going to be gone for more than 2 weeks, you might want to slowly adjust to the new time zone by about 30 minutes daily if your child can handle that. Otherwise, adjusting a bit slower might be easier on him. When you return home, you will adjust the same way as when you arrived at your destination. Just remember, as adults, it takes a while for us to acclimate and your child just can’t drink an espresso to get through the day.

MAKE MEMORIES

If you take nothing from this blog, I encourage you to lower your expectations and enjoy this special time together.  Make memories and have fun!  If the schedule gets a little off on vacation because you have a late dinner or have an activity during nap time, that’s ok.  You can get back on track when you get home. Cherish this special time together as a family. 

HOW CAN I HELP?

If you need some more advice regarding traveling or if your child is having issues after coming home from vacation, don’t hesitate to book a call. Schedule a free 15-minute call today Schedule a call. 

Becci also teaches our Newborn Sleep Class which is offered monthly on Zoom. Check it out here!

We all know that no two babies are alike and no two parents are alike. However, we also know that there is strength in numbers, and the support you get early on is so important to helping you build the confidence you need to be the best parent you can be. There are so many reasons why these groups can benefit you and your family, here is what our clients tell us:

1. “I’ve built life-long friendships with others I’ve met in my group!” We’ve all heard the expression that it takes a village to raise a child, well our Parent & Me Classes are the perfect place to grow your village of support. 

We all know that no two babies are alike and no two parents are alike. However, we also know that there is strength in numbers, and the support you get early on is so important to helping you build the confidence you need to be the best parent you can be.  There are so many reasons why these groups can

benefit you and your family, here is what our clients tell us:

1. “I’ve built life-long friendships with others I’ve met in my group!” We’ve all heard the expression that it takes a village to raise a child, well our Parent & Me Classes are the perfect place to grow your village of support.

If you read the words “Estate Plan” above and cringed (maybe even almost closed this page out), you are not alone.  We recognize estate planning is not all that much fun to think about.  But, the only thing worse than thinking about your estate plan, is not thinking about your estate plan.  Here is why: 

1. Protect Your Kids.  What if you and your partner/spouse die tomorrow? No one wants to think about that; in fact, it is unthinkable. But the reality is, if you do not engage in estate planning, a judge (aka, someone who is not you), will decide who gets to raise your children, and how they will be raised.  Of course, it is possible a court will pick the same person or people you would have picked.  But, it is also possible a court will pick someone who would have been your last  You can avoid this, simply by Creating a Will. 
2. Preserve Your Legacy.  You have worked hard to get where you are. You may have acquired precious stocks, retirement accounts, life insurance policies, homes, (for some of us, vacation homes), personal collections (artwork, handbags, jewelry), and, much more.  Engaging in estate planning allows you to protect your legacy and pass it down to your children and grandchildren, and preserve it for future generations.  On the one hand, it is easy to not care about what happens to your things after your gone.  But on the other hand, who wants their legacy lost through unwise squandering, or worse, in some pricey divorce? 
3. Avoid Family Conflict.  If you don’t do estate planning, your estate will very likely have to go through probate court. If you don’t know what probate court is, then take my word for it — it is not a very pleasant process, if for no other reason than it is the perfect breeding ground for family conflict.  Probate is a court proceeding in which a judge will allocate ownership of your assets to various heirs.  And because you didn’t put in writing who you want to leave your assets and money to, your family will have no choice but to duke it out in court!  
4. Plan for Life, Too!Contrary to popular opinion, estate planning is not just about planning for your death.  What if you are alive, but incapacitated (think car accident, stroke, heart attack, etc.), and cannot make your own medical decisions? You will need to name a healthcare proxy and outline your end of life wishes (i.e., pull the plug, or don't pull the plug), so that your loved ones can honor (without agonizing over) what you would have wanted. 

If all of this sounds daunting and scary, again, you are not alone.   But truly, the only thing scarier than not thinking about all of this, is not thinking about all of this. 

Sign-Up for our FREE Estate Planning Hot Topic Class Now!

Here is a list of vaccines we recommend you ask friends, relatives and care-givers to get prior to bringing baby home, if they will be spending time with them. If you have any questions at all we recommend you discuss with your health care provider.

Pertussis  - Whooping cough - is usually given with tetnus. Everyone needs this.

Flu - Depending on the season

Pneumonia - For ages 50 and up

Shingrix - For ages 50 and up - This is a two part vaccine given 2-6 months apart. They could at least get started. This vaccine often has a significant reaction with arm swelling and flu like symptoms—but it’s an important one.

Covid—at least get started. This in controversial these days so talk with the doctor

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine is proud to provide a patient handout with essential, evidence-based information about bedsharing safety written for the public from our popular Breastfeeding and Bedsharing Protocol. A free downloadable PDF is available here.  

Since bedsharing is very common and often unplanned, it is essential that all families have this information. Please share this tool with your colleagues and patients as a resource for bedsharing safety.

The Disconnect Many Parents Feel with Their Babies Is Real;

Below are 5 Reasons To Line-Up A Postpartum Doula before baby makes his/her way onto the scene – because one of the most important preparations we overlook is making sure us moms are properly set up for success once we’re home and learning the motherhood ropes.

2. Because babies should come with a personal instruction manual…but they don’t.

Both you and your baby are learning a new skill. Although breastfeeding is natural, it is a learned skill and good coaching can help to make this experience successful and gentle for you and your babe. Our postpartum doulas are experienced in lactation education and support. They can help you establish an effective deep latch – and they can refer you to the Pump Station’s lactation specialists should you need extra support. Your doula can also educate you on all aspects of breast pump usage and milk storage practices, as well as formula guidelines, sterilization, and bottle-feeding options. So often, new moms can’t get the hang of breastfeeding the first few days or week and they give up – keeping with them a lifetime of guilt and disappointment around one of the most natural parts of motherhood. Our doulas can lend their expertise to coach you down whichever path you choose to take when it comes to feeding your newborn.

Historically, women of the families have always supported one another through the emotional dynamics of pregnancy and birth. Now, we sometimes live far away or don’t have the traditional family support to lean on. A doula comes into your growing family to share the transitional journey and helps to support you on an emotional, physical and educational level. She can connect you with resources to create your own customized village of professionals and experiences to help your little one’s development get off to a great start. From Mommy-and-Me support groups to specialized referrals, your doula is well-connected to an entire village of baby specialists and can help you anticipate future needs.

Every family needs a spare hand with a new baby in the house! Through their professional experience, a doula can help you understand and respond to your baby’s cues and individual needs which is so helpful as every baby is unique. Doulas assess the family’s needs and will jump in to help with whatever the top priorities are for the moment (which may range from baby care, baby laundry, nursery organization, meal preparation to light household tasks) or just be an empathetic ear to share your story. Extra hands afford you a boost in confidence, energy levels and an overall smoother transition as baby integrates into your everyday everything.

15 Secret Travel Tips We Don't Want New Moms to Miss! 

Since the Holidays and travel often go hand in hand, we thought this would be the perfect time to share a few invaluable ideas we've collected from both mothers and our Breastfeeding Specialists to help make any trip a little easier!