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traveling

20+ Must-Haves for Traveling with Babies and Toddlers

Travel, Parenthood, Mama BuysAmanda Walter | Maple AlpsComment

While having babies didn’t stop us from traveling and seeing new places, it did shift how we did it. So much fun can be had while traveling with little ones, but there are some extra considerations to mind. One major thing is how you pack. Let’s face it: babies and toddlers require much more gear than we do. Even choosing the most versatile and minimalistic gear has us packing so much more than we were used to. Here are some of the best products we’ve tested (and loved!) in our travels so far!


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TLDR: Here is everything in this blog post in my Amazon Storefront!

Gear

Our Favorite Travel Stroller

We love this travel stroller mainly because it’s so compact! It fits in the overhead compartment in the plane, and we’ve taken it all over the world. It’s also easy to wash, which is essential.


Travel Play Yard

We try to find places with cribs to stay in, but when we can’t, this is a light and compact one. We actually use it at home too, so it gets a lot of use. (Get yours on Amazon here)

Slumberpod

We.Love.The.Slumberpod. It’s pretty pricey but SO worth it - especially when you cannot get separate sleeping areas for you and your babe. It’s almost 100% black-out (I went in there and couldn’t see anything), and you can put your monitor in the pocket (and even a fan!). Plus, it is extremely portable and fits in our suitcase without stealing too much room. (Get yours on Amazon here)

Portable Harness Seat

This has been perfect when no high chairs are available, and it fits right into our diaper bag. It fits on most dining chairs and is also easy to wash. (Get yours on Amazon here)

Car Seat Bags for Airplane Travel

We’ve tested a couple of car seat bags, and these are the best so far! The best feature is that it folds up into its own little bag for when they’re not in use. (Get yours on Amazon here)

Portable Sound Machine

A great thing to have on the go. This one is rechargeable and can hang anywhere. (Get yours on Amazon here)

Travel First Aid Kit

A must, especially when your little one is still a little wobbly on their feet. Features adorable bandaids as a plus and is seriously so well stocked that the adults get to use it too. (Get yours on Amazon here)

Stroller Fan

I haven’t left the house on hot summer days without this fan! It can attach to a lot - the stroller, the crib, the car seat…it’s fantastic. (Get yours on Amazon here)

Baby Carrier

I’ve mentioned some baby carriers before. I love the Solly Wrap because it fits in the diaper bag and is easy to pull out, and this Ergo is great, too - especially on hikes. (Get yours on Amazon here)

Folding Baby Sling Bath

If you still have a little, this is AMAZING. It fits right in your suitcase (seriously, so so small!) and is perfect to use in a bathtub or shower, or even large sink, if they can’t sit up yet. I can’t recommend this enough! (Get yours on Amazon here)

Traveling with Two Under Two: Tips and Tricks for Stress-Free Family Travel

Parenthood, TravelAmanda Walter | Maple AlpsComment

Traveling is a rewarding and enriching experience that opens up a world of discovery and learning for both adults and young ones alike. But what happens when you're planning a trip with not one but two little adventurers under the age of two? Fear not, wanderlust-filled parents, for we've got your back! I never thought traveling would end when we had kids, but I also never imagined how overwhelming it could be - and how fun! We traveled a lot when Baby Z was little, but how we traveled changed a bit once we added Baby E to the mix. Today, I’ll share some invaluable tips and tricks to make your family travel with two under two smooth and enjoyable.

Embrace the Art of Packing

Packing is an art, especially when it involves two tiny humans with their own mini-wardrobes and necessities. Opt for versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched, and don't forget those adorable onesies that are as practical as they are cute. Roll up outfits to save space and use packing cubes to keep items organized (this way, your partner can jump in to help without wondering where things are too). Also, remember that many destinations have stores where you can pick up last-minute essentials, so resist the urge to pack the entire nursery! The good thing is that baby clothes don’t take up a ton of space, so you can feel prepared without taking up too much extra luggage room.



Prioritize Comfort in Accommodation

Choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference. Look for family-friendly options with amenities like kitchenettes, separate sleeping areas, and cribs. An Airbnb or vacation rental might provide the comforts of home while allowing your little ones to nap and sleep peacefully.



Plan Around Their Schedule

Traveling with two under two means you're working around nap times and feeding schedules. Consider booking flights or planning activities during their natural downtime to minimize meltdowns and maximize enjoyment for everyone. It may be a pain, but it will pay off.



Bring a Piece of Home

Familiarity can soothe even the youngest of travelers. Pack a few of their favorite toys, blankets, or bedtime books to create a sense of home wherever you go. These cherished items can provide comfort during unfamiliar moments.



Pack a First Aid Kit and Essentials

Little ones are prone to minor scrapes, bruises, and tummy troubles. Don't leave home without a well-stocked first aid kit containing essentials like band-aids, baby pain reliever, and any prescribed medications. It's also wise to have a supply of diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes readily available for unexpected mishaps.



Use Lightweight Travel Gear

Invest in lightweight, compact travel gear that caters to the needs of your family. A lightweight stroller that's easy to fold and maneuver can be a lifesaver during sightseeing adventures (we LOVE this one that fits in the overhead bin in the plane). Baby carriers can also be a great hands-free option for exploring more rugged terrain.



Related: Must-Have Travel Gear for Babies



Capture the Moments

Time flies, and little ones grow up faster than we'd like. Make sure to capture the special moments of your journey through photographs and videos. These memories will become cherished treasures as your children grow older.



Stay Flexible and Patient

While meticulous planning is essential, flexibility is key when traveling with young children. Plans might change, and routines might be disrupted, and that's okay. Approach each day with patience and a positive attitude, and you'll create lasting memories for your family. And don’t try to cram your itinerary with activities. Choose one or two - you’ll have more fun without the stress of getting to the next thing.



Traveling with two under two might sound like a daunting adventure, but with the right approach and a dash of preparation, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. By embracing the art of packing, prioritizing comfort, planning around schedules, and staying patient, you'll create cherished memories and instill a love for exploration in your little ones from an early age!

Dealing with Jet Lag

TravelAmanda Walter | Maple AlpsComment

It is no secret that we love to travel, and do so often. Of course, with so much travel comes certain side effects - one of those being jet lag. What is jet lag? Well, according to medicine net,

“Jet lag, also called desynchronosis and flight fatigue, is a temporary disorder that causes fatigue, insomnia, and other symptoms as a result of air travel across multiple time zones. It is considered a circadian rhythm sleep disorder, which is a disruption of the internal circadian clock.”


The flight fatigue is real, friends - especially when traveling East (there’s a saying, “West is best and East is beast” and it’s totally true since extending your day is usually easier than shortening it).


Here are a few ways we’ve dealt with jet lag that we have found help over the years.

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Dealing with Jet Lag | www.maplealps.com




Prepare 

If you think of it, it’s a good idea to prepare for your trip. Going to bed an hour or two earlier or later (depending on which direction you’re going) to start prepping your body can help ease the symptoms of jet lag.




Get a good night’s sleep

Be sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before you leave. Trust me: it will work wonders. And if you have an early flight? Plan ahead so you can go to bed early! 




Try arriving during the day and jump into the new time zone

Arriving during the day is so so helpful with jet lag. Jump into the new time zone (kind of like jumping into a cold lake - a shock at first, but you’ll get used to it). If you can arrive during the day, and stay awake until bedtime, you’ll have a bit of an easier time getting up the next day - even if it’s a little wacky.




Avoid Caffeine

Especially if you don’t normally consume it. Caffeine will give you some energy initially, but the stimulation is followed by a drop in blood sugar, which can actually rob your body of energy reserves.




Drink lots of water

Instead of drinking caffeine or alcohol, keep hydrated by sipping on water during your flight. Packing a (light and empty) water bottle with you will help you with this! An insulated one (like this one) will keep your water fresh and cool. You should also eat light since food is harder to digest at higher altitudes.




Try Melatonin, if necessary

While melatonin does not decrease the amount of time you may suffer from jet lag, it can aid you in falling asleep if you need some extra help. You will not need a large amount. 






Use earplugs, headphones, and eye masks

If you have an overnight flight, and to avoid early sunlight, make sure you take a sleep eye mask with you. If noise bothers you, use earplugs or headphones. 




Take it easy the first few days 

Don’t plan too much the first few days of your trip. Take it easy and do some light sight-seeing rather than...I don’t know...climbing a mountain. 





What are some of the ways you deal with jet lag? Let us know below in the comments!