Traveling tips for the healthy, stylish and “human” mom…

Traveling with little ones is not an easy feat. However, with some simple tips, even the toughest, longest trips can be made a little more easy, a touch more healthy and a bit more stylish…(notice I choose not to use the words predictable, perfect or planned…cause lets face it, with kiddos, there are no such words!)

Going by car??  Here are some tips on packing…(plane trips coming in another post…)

1. Bag of toys- this should include a large play blanket if you have a little one who needs tummy or back time. (you don’t want to put your little nugget directly on a hotel bedspread or on the floor of a hotel room or rented home). I recommend choosing your little one’s favorite 5- this for us is pop up toy, a truck full of building blocks, a musical book, interactive laptop and a soft toy.

2. A small cooler of snacks- although some people’s favorite part of road trips is the naughty drive through indulgence that graces our presence every other freeway exit, your little one should remain on diet and get only the healthiest, freshest, and kid tummy friendly foods. For us that means a small cooler of plain yogurt, string cheese, berry apple sauce, hummus, whole milk, deli turkey and some fresh fruit (all organic of course…). Then we throw some additions into the diaper bag- squeezable fruit, cheese crackers, cereal bars and peanut butter and jelly sammy jammies. This way we know, no matter what mom and dad have to eat, no matter what schedule we are on with meals, our little one will get what he usually expects and his “plumbing” will remain on track!

3. Diaper Bag- for road trips this beast of a purse is loaded with some new items…1. a medicine bag (with children’s motrin, any prescriptions, baby q-tips, thermometer, dr phone number and baby nail clippers) 2. Antibacterial wipes (I like Clean Well- available at Whole Foods or Diapers.com) 3. An extra cleaning cloth (I like Under the Nile organic burp cloths)  4. Sunscreen ( I LOVE Erbaviva)

4. In the suitcase- 1. Amount of clothes is dependent on how long you are gone, but always account for at least 1.5x times the amount of clothes you would pack for your self, cause lets face it, kids get really really dirty and 1 outfit a day is not gonna cut it! 2. Diapers and Wipes ( I like to bring enough for 3 days and then purchase the rest when I arrive). 3. Bath time necessities- shampoo and soap, diaper cream and lotion (as mentioned before on this blog, I am OBSESSED with Erbaviva baby products, all natural and SO gentle on their precious skin). 4. Pack and play pad and 2 sheets if possible (organic of course) 5. Extras, depending on where you are going… Stroller blanket ( I prefer Dwell Studio stroller blankets, super stylish and very functional), Cold Weather Accessories (I love baby Uggs and Kiwi hats), Sun tent for the beach (UV protectant is best), extra blankets or hooded towel might be needed too…

So while that list seems short, it can really start to pile up in the car if you don’t stay disciplined and organized…in the case of road trips and overall traveling I have found that experience makes all the difference. You will find what works best for you, your little on and your entire family…but hopefully this list helps you get a jump start on being efficient, effective and of course- healthy and stylish!!!