Lessons from Travel

Last weekend, we drove to a resort 2 hours away, where Peanut's Daddy had a conference. This was the first time being away from home overnight with Peanut. We didn't know how Peanut would do, but decided that eventually Peanut will have to travel with us, so it's better that we start as soon as possible. Although I can't say it was a totally miserable weekend, the 4 days 3 nights away seemed REALLY long and very exhausting.

Lessons learned:
1. Bring a night light. When all the lights are out, the hotel room is eerily dark, especially for baby.
2. If using more than one room, ask for adjoining rooms. This way, the living quarters will seem like it's larger. Usually adjoining rooms are a king and a double queen, so you have to reserve the rooms that way. Plus, you can have the baby napping in one room, she won't see you, and you are still closeby in the next room.
3. Bring a cooler for baby food jars. Some hotels have fridge, some don't.
4. Bring baby's bedsheet and whatever she needs to fall asleep with.
5. If the hotel offers crib, ask whether it's a full-size crib, a rolling crib (smaller than full size), or a playpen (pack 'n play) and how much they charge.
6. Ask if there is a tub, or shower only. If baby has only bathed in the baby tub, chances are she'll be scared in the big tub.
7. Baby's sleep schedule WILL be off. Poor Peanut barely napped while we were away. She cried and fussed for all her naps and bedtimes. She also woke up at least couple of times a night. Now that we're home, she's been Miss Crankypants.
8. I'm glad we brought our video monitor, so we could see how she's doing in the next room.
9. A small tube or bottle of laundry detergent.
10. Portable booster seat for mealtimes.
11. Ziploc bags.
12. Mommy needs to accept the fact that she will not be able to sleep nor eat well during the trip.

Hopefully the next trip will get better.