While I may not have learned how to fight off my toddler in
public (see that story here), I did successfully vacation with one. Trust me,
no one is as surprised at this than I.
Back in the fall, J & I toyed with the idea of taking a
long weekend adventure to Gatlinburg. Trying to plan this before the holidays
and during football season was near impossible so we made the decision to take
a weeklong beach trip instead. While I was thrilled to plan a trip (it had been
three years since our last vacation), I had some anxiety about the level of
R&R that would be achieved taking E since no family or friends would be around.
It takes a village, people.
I am pleased to report that our family vacation was a
roaring success! We had a wonderful time in the sun and sand for seven glorious
days. Packing and planning for a toddler friendly trip can be overwhelming so I
put together a list to lend you a hand. If you want to learn more about any of
the items listed below, click on the image and it will take you to the
appropriate retailer’s site.
1. Bring a DVD Player
Nothing will bring you closer to the brink of insanity than
driving with an unhappy, screaming child. Take a leap and purchase a portable
DVD player, if your car does not already have one. We purchased a refurbished
one off Amazon and it has been a lifesaver. Headphones were purchased before this trip, but
unfortunately E was not a fan. Be sure to bring a variety of movies and shows
to entertain the littles. You can use them in the car and have a family movie
night during your stay. Since we do not have a large collection of DVDs, I
borrowed some from my sweet friends. #caringissharing
2. Spray Sunscreen
Contrary from my sorority days of holding the “Tanning Bed
Goddess” title, I now bathe in sunscreen. The sun is brutal and skin cancer is
real. So are wrinkles. Keeping these things in mind, I cover my very fair
skinned child in sunscreen. The Honest Company has had some negative PR regarding
their sunscreen, but it has never failed us. In fact, E was the only one who
did not burn. We used a mixture of the Honest Company and Babyganics brands
since I am semi crunchy when it comes to my baby. Prior to leaving the house we
lathered her in 50 SPF lotion and used the face stick. On the beach, we used spray
sunscreen. The spray is much easier to use since applying sunscreen on a
toddler should be considered an Olympic sport. Both brands are mineral based
and go on white, which is nice in my opinion because you can ensure that all
areas are covered. As always, make sure you read the directions for how often
you need to apply and make sure you always use it after swimming. Always.
3. New Toys are a Must
This far into the parenting game you know that entertainment
is key to enjoyable outings with a small child. Even when your firstborn has
never experienced waves or having her feet in the sand, toys remain a
necessity. Vacations are supposed to be fun so splurge on a set of new toys. I
purchased these for under $20 and the ROI (return on investment) was well worth
it. My two-and-a-half-year-old spent all day playing with these on the beach
and they come in a clear, plastic bag that she could carry. #winning
4. Rent, Rent, Rent
We debated spending money on items we could bring ourselves
such as sleeping arrangements for E (yes, she still sleeps in a crib
#sorrynotsorry) and chairs for the beach. The property management company we
used for lodging suggested contacting Crib Connection, a
business where you can rent equipment like a crib, highchair, etc. Genius! Plus,
the price includes delivery and pick up so you don’t worry about a thing. We rented
a crib for the week instead of loading up our pack ‘n play and I would do it
again, every time. Additionally, we received a discount since our management
company was a preferred partner.
One of our more expensive purchases was utilize the beach
chair company on our resort. Each day they set up two chairs and a giant
umbrella right in front of the ocean. This was ideal as we did not have to fight
for space on the beach and had a prime location where E could play. Since we
had enough items to carry it was wonderful to have three less things to lug. The umbrella provided shade from the sun and E
even napped in the chair one day.
5. Buy Baby Powder
A few times before our vacation arrived, I asked the
Facebook faithful what beach items were a must for traveling with a toddler.
Many people suggested baby powder, claiming that it was miracle substance when sand was involved. It turns out they were right. Rub some powder on that sandy
body and it comes off – a perfect prep prior to reapplying sunscreen! Do yourself
a favor and throw a large container of it in your suitcase. You’ll thank me
later!
Hopefully some of these suggestions will prove beneficial as
you plan a fingers crossed relaxing
holiday.
Do you have anything to add to the list? Please share as we have already booked our next beach trip!
Part II has been updated! Find it here.
