My new travel buddy drools and wears diapers. In the past few months I experienced my first trips with my newborn son. We went to Houston for 3 nights for our first roadtrip when he was 3 months. He slept the entire 3.5 hour drive and most of the drive back to Dallas. He also did the same for our second trip to Houston (1 night), which made it an easy drive for me. His first flight (at 3.5 months) was to my favorite American city, New York. Again, he slept the whole way there and most of the way back. Before driving and flying, I fed him and changed his diaper to make sure he was comfortable. The motion put him to sleep. There were some significant changes to the way I traveled with him versus my previous solo trips.
- I overpacked. I took everything that I thought we would need and more just in case. I took my biggest suitcase to Houston (the 1st time) and NYC, which led to #2.
- I checked a suitcase. I'm team carry-on, but I needed more space for all the stuff I took. Plus, it was easier to check the bag instead of trying to navigate in the airport with a baby.
- The baby bag was my carry-on bag. I put a few essentials, including a change of clothes for me, in his bag to lighten my load.
- In the airport, I alternated between wearing him on the front and pushing him in the stroller while carrying his backpack.
- I borrowed a pack and play in each location.
- I felt very vulnerable. I feel this way whenever I'm moving around with him, and even more so in new places. I hated that I needed help going up and down stairs for the subway, but New Yorkers helped me most of the time.
Lessons learned:
- Pack less. My second trip to Houston was lighter, because I understood what I could leave at home and it was a shorter trip. I should have diapers and formula delivered or purchase upon arrival, when possible.
- Travel where I know people who can help me. I'm grateful for friends and family who took care of us.
- Go with the flow. Don't try to do too much.
- NYC is not suitable for people with mobility issues. Elevators and ramps were not always available.
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First view of the clouds
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| The Met |
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| Shared suitcase: baby stuff |
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| Packing list |
