Traveling with an infant

For a couple that has a hard time sitting still, traveling is a must. So once we had our little babe, we had a few plans in store. I did my best to prepare for traveling with a newborn but to be honest you can never truly be fully prepared for what can happen. I researched and researched and found that only through experience would I know how to travel with a babe in tow. Hopefully I've taken the guess work out and can provide you with a bit of insight with how to travel *almost* seamlessly with an infant. 

Packing for your little 

We utilize the packing cubes found on amazon. I organized all of our clothing into these little cubes. I packed 2 outfits per day for baby girl as well as one pair of pajamas, socks, and a bow. I know two outfits per day sounds like overkill but where we were headed for the first time didn't provide a washer and dryer so we had to come prepared. We also brought two packages of wipes as well as a package of diapers. We would be at our destination for 5 days and at the time we were going through about 6-7 diapers per day. Each package had 40 diapers so we felt pretty good about it. 

Carseat covers 

Did you know when you fly, UPPABABY will fully REPLACE your carseat or stroller if there is any damage done to it by the airline with no questions asked? All you have to do is purchase the carseat or stroller travel bag and register your items! The UPPABABY products are quite the investment so we want to protect it as much as possible. Plus, your carseat and stroller can travel FREE with most airlines. So if you are worried about the weight limit on one of your bags, add a few of the items into your carseat travel bag and check it for free. 

Traveling through security

Honestly the airport and plane was what I was most afraid of when traveling with my infant. She was born in December and we did our best to protect her from anything and everything sickness wise so naturally I was a germaphobe when it came to traveling on a plane and through the airport. We found it much easier to carry her through security with a wrap or just in our arms than to push the stroller through. Plus, did you know that with an infant you can bring water through security? They have to check it with a chemical test, but they see you have an infant, test it, and send you on your way. 

In your carry on 

Because Quinn was so little the first time we traveled, we didn't need to really worry about toys or books. We did, however, bring 5 diapers, two additional outfits, 3 pacifiers, wipes, two swaddles and a jacket for her just in case she got chilly. Honestly, we didn't need it all. I read horror stories about babies having blowouts on the plane but Quinn was really good and didn't have an issue. We wiped down our seats with Clorox wipes which looking back seems like overkill but it made us feel better so who cares. Make sure you have anything you need to feed your little as well as a rattle or toy of some sort, books, and a change of clothes. 

Take off and landing 

The group we were traveling with were really impressed that Q didn't make a sound during the flight. Luckily I read so many blog posts that all had the same piece of advice - feed the baby on the way up and on the way down. This allows their ears to pop and accommodate to the cabin pressure. BEST. ADVICE. EVER.

Once you get to your final destination..

Give your babe a bath. All the germs that accumulate everywhere when you travel is astounding so make sure once you get to your final destination, you give your babe a bath! We did this when we got to our hotel and also when we came home. I really think this helped to eliminate any sickness as both Ty and I got sick right after our first trip but little bean did not (I'm sure my antibodies helped her with that as well). 

There you have it - our quick tips to traveling with an infant. I know some of it may seem like common sense but when you're traveling for the first time with an infant you tend to forget a few things. Hopefully this helps someone out. Happy Traveling! 

The Lands

New baby must-haves

What a whirlwind the last few months have been. I can't believe in just a few days, our little bean will be three months old. It's true what they say - don't blink or you'll miss it. I remember being newly pregnant (who am I kidding, it was just last year) and wondering what in the world I would need to ease the transition into parenthood. I decided to take a lot of the guess work out of those in the same situation we were and compile a list of what we feel are the must-have products for a new baby.

Stroller/Travel system

We researched for quite some time of what the best stroller would be. We found a complete travel system that would fit our needs - easy to maneuver, smooth ride, plenty of storage space, and it even came with a bassinet. We were quite impressed with the UPPABABY

travel system and all it had to offer. It has the option to complete the travel system with the carseat that snaps right into the stroller.  The biggest part that sold us on it was the fact that it can convert to a 2 or even 3 child stroller so we only plan on having this one for all of our kids! They have a few different options but we decided to go with the VISTA.

Carseat

As I mentioned above, we wanted a travel system that would work for everything and when we researched the MESA carseat, we knew for sure the UPPABABY brand would work great for us. The MESA carseat is made of merino wool, which prevents the baby from overheating but can also keep them warm. The merino wool is also fire resistant.  It already has an infant insert so no need to worry about purchasing one before your little ones arrival. The base is easy to install properly and has a 5-star rating with a SmartSecure system.

Snuggle Me Organic

There is such controversy about what and how your newborn should be sleeping. In our opinion, everyone parents different and to each their own. We wanted our little to feel safe and secure, and yes she sleeps in our room. The Snuggle Me Organic is a product that allows the babe to feel like they are being, well, snuggled. It keeps the baby secure while they sleep, refraining them from rolling over. It's made of organic cotton and is hypoallergenic.

Pacifier

At first, we were hesitant to use a pacifier because we have heard horror stories about the effects of newborns using one early on. We found a natural rubber pacifier that mimics the shape of the mother's breast. BIBS pacifiers come in three different sizes to accommodate for each stage. They are absolutely adorable and they come in several colors. They are a bit more expensive but you get what you pay for.

Nipple Shields

This one is for you, momma. I went through a few hiccups when it came to breastfeeding. I had no idea what I was doing, thought it came natural to myself and the baby, and figured there would be little to no pain involved. Boy was I wrong. Cracked nipples and a case of mastitis later, I learned real fast the importance of a proper latch and the painful period of two newbies trying to figure that out. My niece suggested I try out a nipple shield and man I am so thankful she did. Nipple shield go directly over your nipple to allow the baby to suck and still get milk without having direct contact with your nipple. This helps with inverted nipples as well.

Noise Machine

These can be somewhat controversial. I've been sleeping with one for about 4 years in order to not kill my husband in the middle of the night with all his snoring. When we found out we were pregnant, we researched a few noise machines that work well for babies. I've linked the top three we liked but just know there are plenty of options out there.

The Dohm - this machine has a fan inside so it isn't white noise, but the sound of a fan. They sound very similar but we've liked this one best.

The Homedics Sound Spa - This is also a favorite as it not only has the white noise but also projects picture onto the ceiling to help lull your babe to sleep.

Rock n' Play

Lastly, I would suggest a rock and play. It allows you to actually put your baby down and get stuff done! Babies like the rocking motion - think about it - they've been in your belly for their entire existence. That entire time, you are walking, moving, talking. The baby finds movement as a comfort. We have two options we like for this one.

The first is the Fisher-Price Rock n' Play. This one has 3 settings allowing you to have it rock continually, or for a specified time. It also plays a few different sounds.

The second is the NUNA leaf. This doesn't have the music option, but it does have up to 6 speeds to accommodate your baby's liking. The leaf moves side to side instead of front to back so keep that in mind. I primarily use this when I need to get stuff done and my baby can watch. I give her a few toys and make sure she can see me while I get things done.

Obviously there are a ton of other products I can talk about but these are my top general must-haves. Everyone is different and there are a lot of different products out there for new parents and babes. This is just what we have found to work with our little one.

Good luck!

The Lands

January 23

It never ceases to amaze me how much can change in one year. I've debated on sharing my experience, but maybe it will bring peace to someone that is also struggling. 

Most people we know aren't aware, but in December 2017, we found out we were pregnant again. We were extremely excited and the symptoms came on quick. I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas in bed with morning sickness which was more than what I had on my previous pregnancy so I felt pretty confident this one would stick. Our first doctor's appointment was on January 2, 2018. He found the fetus but said we may have miscalculated the conception date because it was smaller than what it should have been. He offered to have us come back in two weeks to double check and give us peace of mind. 

January 16 

We went back and heard the words anyone expecting dreads - I'm sorry, your baby hasn't grown and there isn't a heartbeat. We were crushed once again. Our doctor gave us some time and then came back to discuss the options. They called it a missed miscarriage because my body hadn't recognized the death of the fetus and was still showing symptoms of pregnancy. After much discussion, we decided a D & C would be the best solution and a clean slate. We notified our parents and scheduled the surgery. 

January 23 

The day of surgery. Up until this day, I had symptoms. I had the feelings and thoughts of still being pregnant. I had hopes of checking just one last time if the baby had grown and by some miracle, it would survive. However, hopes are not reality. We went forward with the surgery as there was nothing else we could do. I left the hospital that day feeling depressed and empty. I, once again, felt incapable of carrying a baby and like my time would never come for me to be a mom. 

Moving on 

This time, I felt empowered to take hold of my life and continue living instead of dwelling on the things I couldn't control. Life happens. Sometimes you don't have control of the things you want and sometimes it isn't in your timing that things happen. Ty and I made a decision to live our life to the fullest and started our travel vlog on YouTube as a way to fill the void until it was our time.  We began making plans for our travels that year, but someone else had other plans for us. 

My time 

We found out in April we were expecting, for a third time. We kept it as quiet as possible but my symptoms were so extreme, there was no hiding it from our parents. But this time, the pregnancy stuck. The baby grew. And it was finally my turn. 

January 23

I often have to pinch myself as I stare at our little baby girl. The most precious thing we've ever seen was actually ours. I look back on the year and the heartaches we've endured. The pain of seeing social media posts about friends announcing their pregnancy, posting their families. It was one of the hardest things for me to experience. But as I sit here writing, sitting next to Ty holding our little miracle, I can't help but feel extremely grateful for the hardships and experiences we've endured to get our miracle here. 

For those of you struggling. Be patient. Find your purpose. Focus on you. Grow your relationship with your spouse. Your time will come. 

XOXO

The Lands