We recently got back from our first trip as a family. Nathan and I loved traveling when it was just the two of us, and it was really important to us that Harrison grow up understanding the importance of being flexible, that comes with travel, not to mention the exposure to people that aren’t just like him – different cultures, history, etc.

While we weren’t up for a big trip out of the country quite yet, we opted for just under a week in Boston. We had the BEST time (You can read about it Here, Here, and Here). I did ALL of the research before flying with a lap child. I researched games and activities for the plane, what was important in a hotel room and location, what to expect at the airport – even what counts as “luggage” and what doesn’t (hint: that carseat and stroller you’re going to have to lug around fly for free). But there were things that I wish I had known before doing our first trip with a toddler.

-1- Gate check your stroller. The stroller allows you to get to and from terminals easily, and offers the holy grail for any mama – storage. Keep it with you until you get to your gate, and then ask to gate check the stroller. If you have a layover, though, be sure to only ask for it to be checked through to your layover destination. That way you can use your stroller in your layover airport, and then gate check it once again through to your final destination.

-2- If you’re traveling with a lap child, you need to call the airline before you fly to get them added to your reservation. It’s a super simple process – but it alleviates a headache at the airport.

-3- If you don’t want your carseat or stroller beat up, invest in a bag and/or cover for them. We didn’t take our nice carseat or stroller, mostly because I didn’t want them getting damaged and then being super bummed about it, and secondly, because they were pretty dang heavy. We ended up buying these, and I was really happy with them all. I’ve linked them below for those interested.

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<Stroller> <Stroller bag> <Carseat> <Carseat cover>

One tip on the carseat – you can pack your diapers and wipes in the seat of the carseat for traveling – that’s a lot of room you can save in your luggage.

– 4 – Travel with some standard children’s medications. Bring some children’s benadryl and tylenol – and to be safe, throw in an extra pack of Boogie Wipes. It’s not that you can’t find a drugstore wherever you’re going, but when you’re in an airport or trying to get out and about to see stuff on vacation, it’s just not always super convenient to have to add another stop to your trip. Plus, helping your little feel better ASAP means that EVERYONE has a better time ASAP.

– 5 – Bring earplugs if you’re sharing a room with your little. It’s probably been a minute or two since you’ve shared a room with your mini, and that little one still loves to roll around at night. And let me tell you, that pack and play or hotel crib you’re using, is Not. Quiet. Even my “dead-to-the-world-when-my-head-hits-the-pillow” husband asked to borrow some earplugs. So do yourself a favor, add earplugs to your packing list.

Happy traveling!