November 1, 2017

Traveling with twins can be a struggle, especially for new parents. With the holidays just around the corner, many of us will be packing our bags and traveling to visit our families. While you can’t plan for all the surprises that can come with travel, here are a few tips to make your next road trip or plane ride with twins a little easier.

Travel Tip 1: Make a list, check it and check it again.

It may sounds obvious, but it is easy to forget things when you are raising two babies. Before you start packing for a trip, make a list of things your babies need every day. Next, determine how these things can travel with you and if you’ll need to make adjustments. You also should prepare for likely scenarios you could encounter on your trip. For example, what if one of your children develops a fever on your trip? A mini first aid kit, thermometer or medicine could save you a trip to the drugstore. Also, think about the way you will be traveling and account for extra needs such as an extra blanket for use in a chilly airplane cabin or car.

 

Travel Tip 2:  Have a place for everything and everything in its place.

There is nothing worse than digging through bags looking for a pacifier when your baby is having a meltdown. When packing, set aside a designated place for such essentials. You’ll be better able to find them in a hurry.

Travel Tip 3: Use clear plastic bags for easy identification of items.

Individual plastic zipper bags are great to throw in your diaper bag and to keep things organized. You can see exactly what is in each bag and group like items together. Plus, they keep small baby items from getting lost in the bottom of your bag. You can have one with individual outfits in case a diaper fails to do its job; one with pacifiers and toys for when babies start to get fussy; and one for diapers and wipes for a quick change. Zipper bags are also great for storing dirty clothes until you can get to your destination and wash them.

Travel Tip 4: Get an over-the-seat car organizer.

If you are traveling in a car, an over-the-seat organizer is a great place to keep extra diapers and wipes, pacifiers, toys and other small essentials. If the items you need are not easily accessible when you need them, your trip will be more challenging than it needs to be.

Travel Tip 5: Travel with help.

It’s a good idea to travel with one adult per baby. This rule of thumb will mean less stress for everyone. If your partner isn’t traveling with you, explore options to bring a friend or family member as a travel buddy. The extra set of hands will be much needed!

Travel Tip 6: Less is more.

Pack smaller versions of things you use daily. Portable cribs, pop-up highchair and smaller strollers are easier to manage in crowds or hotel rooms than the full-size versions.

Travel Tip 7: Plan for car seats.

If you will be flying and checking your cars eats, you can use covers to protect them from dirt and grime in transit. Most covers come with handles, which will make the car seats easier to carry until you can get them installed in your rental car. If you are in a car, use car seat cover or thin towel on the bottom of each seat for diaper leaks.

Travel Tip 8: Try to be hands-free where possible.

Most airlines allow children who are 2 years old and under to travel as “lap passengers,” so using a baby wrap or carrier can help keep your babies comfortable. Wraps and carries can also come in handy when moving bags or at check-ins.

Travel Tip 9: Start off so fresh and so clean, clean…but expect a blowout.

Before you leave home, make sure your babies are wearing clean diapers. It’s so much easier to change a diaper at home than in an airplane bathroom or the back of a fully packed car. Although you may start off with a fresh diaper, don’t be thrown off by a complete blowout. Pack extra clothes that are easily accessible and tuck wipes everywhere – in your purse, diaper bag, back seat, front seat and glove compartment. Those extra zipper bags of clothing will come in handy here too. You don’t want to be stuck on the side of the road unpacking half the car to get to a change of clothes.

Travel Tip 10: Don’t skimp on nutrition.

Don’t forget your nutrition during your travels. It’s important to keep your energy up so you’re alert and on-point during the trip. Keep extra snacks handy so you don’t have to stop at a convenience store or buy overpriced food at the airport. If you are breastfeeding, make sure you stay hydrated and fed to keep your milk supply strong. Prenate^® Restore is a vitamin designed for the needs of breastfeeding moms to help them fill nutritional gaps. It supports lactation with probiotics and 400 mg of DHA. Talk to your doctor to see if Prenate^® Restore is right for you.

Bonus Travel Tip: Give yourself time.

Traveling with children always make a trip longer. You don’t want to be rushing through the air- port or speeding down the highway with your precious cargo because you didn’t allow time for that emergency diaper change or were delayed going through airport security. When traveling with kids, leave home a little earlier and try to travel when they usually sleep. It’s very likely something will delay you during travel, so just accept it as part of parenting.

Bonus Travel Tip: Don’t stress and enjoy the ride!

Last but not least, enjoy yourself. Travel doesn’t have to be stressful. Stay flexible, be open to relaxing the rules and schedules, and maintain a sense of humor! By spending a little extra time planning, you can make holiday travel a little less stressful and focus on the experience with your new babies.