What I learned about travelling with a 9 month old

Ok, so my husband and I embarked on a journey this past week. My daughter is 9 months old, and this was our first long trip with her. We went to Cooperstown, NY, and then continued west to Niagara Falls. The following is a synopsis of the knowledge we picked up along the way!!

1. Pack LOTS of baby wipes. Have them handy... everywhere. I probably should have a wipes container permanently installed in all of my clothing. They are great for when baby (or husband) needs a quick cleanup, impromptu handwashing, questionable restrooms, makeup removal, drivethru mishaps, and cleaning up the stroller.

2. Bring two or three diaper bags. We used the big honkin bag for her clothes, the aforementioned gazillion wipes, and the spare diapers. Then we had two smaller diaper bags that we filled with enough diapers for the day, snacks (she eats rice cakes and rice rusks), juice, two sets of clothes, a blanket, and a couple packs of wipes in each. When one bag got low on supplies, we just swapped to the other one. Each night, I refreshed both bags so that my caffeine-deficient brain wouldn't have to think in the morning prior to getting my fix. The two bags is the sweet spot, though. We ended up swapping the bags mid day or so, but the smaller bag is much easier to deal with than a ginormus one...

3. Ladies, pare down the purses! I know that it is tough for those of us that are accoustommed to carrying a purse the size of the Titanic, complete with kitchen sink (did I mention baby wipes?). However, trust me on this one, you'll prefer a smaller purse if you are doing a lot of walking! I carried only a mini version of my wallet (men's money clip with an ID window in the pocket), chapstick, my phone, and camera. I kept a small First Aid kit in the diaper bag with bandaids, aspirin and antacids for DH and I, and pain meds for baby.

4. Bring double duty supplies! I always have a couple of safety pins attached to the diaper bag with a pair of hair elastics on them. These can be used for busted buttons if you pin the spot where the button usually goes vertically, then pull through the button hole. If your necklace breaks, you can hold it together with the safety pin. Hair ties are great for wrapping around your wallet so it stays put in your pocket, or as a ring for a room key.

5. My favorite tip: Bring a power strip with you. Cell phones, cameras, battery chargers, etc. will not be left behind if you only have to find and remember one plug location. Plug all your electronics into the power strip, hair or wiretie all of the cords to a small, manageable size, and you can move from location to location with ease! I set up a "charging station" at home, so we always know where things are, and we don't leave anything behind!

6. Teach your husband to set up a portable crib. With a little practice, you both can have it up and down in no time!

7. If you have a baby small enough for an infant carrier, and you have a travel system, use it! It was a lifesaver when my little one was sleeping in her car seat, and we could just snap her into the stroller without disturbing her. Then, up the elevator with the whole shebang! We also fed her in the stroller, and I found it easier than those silly wooden highchairs with filthy (or missing) straps to keep the baby in.

8. Carry lots of plastic grocery bags. Dirty diapers, wet clothing, dirty clothing, etc. need a place to go, and you probably will want to have them segregated from the rest of your luggage.

9. If you are flying to your destination, designate one of your carryon's as the "mom bag". This is where you keep all the toothbrushes, a set of clothes for each person, and bathing suits for all. This way, if the rest of your luggage is lost, you have the basics, and you won't have to sacrifice beach/pool time.