A Minimalist Guide to Stress-Free Traveling with Toddlers & Babies

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

It also means the days are getting shorter, and we’re all rushing around getting ready for the holidays. If that includes traveling, a little planning in advanced could mean the difference between a jolly holiday, and a stressed out mama. Follow these 5 simple tips for a stress free trip.

Want an easy Download of our Packing list? Download it Here: Delightful Southern Moment’s MINIMALIST Toddler Packing List

1 // Paperwork

Make sure you have all paperwork for the airport / road trip. This includes drivers’ license for mom and dad, and a copy of your little one(s) birth certificate for the airport.

2 // Pack light

You’ll no doubt need to bring snacks, a change of clothes and a few favorite toys, but try to keep the “extras” to a minimum. What can do double duty? That baby blanket, could it also be a nursing cover? Do you really need a stroller and a baby carrier? Select those items which will make your life easiest going through security.

3 // At the airport

Arrive early. I can’t say that enough. It took us an hour to go through security on our last trip! Taking a stroller? Consider if the stroller / wheel chair lines are moving more quickly through security. These are often shorter but do come with their own risk of getting stuck behind a grandma who brought too many bottles of perfume or liqueur filled chocolates.

4 // On the Plane

Once on the plane, try to snag an isle seat so you can get up and walk around if the little one(s) get fussy, but if the plane is already looking half full, grab a seat as close to the front of the plane as possible. You might be exhausted after your flight and won’t want to hang out on the plane any longer than you have to waiting for all the other passengers to get off. Speaking of getting on the plane, ask the flight attendants as soon as you enter the plane if you can have a water. Often they can easily grab a can and hand it to you as you walk by. Unless you remembered to fill your water bottle in the terminal, this refreshing water will be awesome, I promise.

5 // At your Destination

Make plans a head of time to discuss a meal once you’ve arrived. Is there a place by the airport you’ll want to stop by? Or will you be heading straight to relatives house? Call ahead of your trip to discuss having a meal that is quick and easy to make – something that your little one(s) will eat. Believe me, you’ll be thankful for this opportunity to get some real food in their bellies. This will be a great time to get an inventory of what toiletries, diapers, etc., are available, and what you’ll need to shop for during your visit.

If you’re driving to your destination, you may be temped to pack everything you “might need” because, well, you have the space right?! Avoid this temptation, as it will mean you have MORE to keep up with. Also, can you plan out stops on your trip? Perhaps there are fantastic parks or sights you’d like to see on the way to your destination? A trick from my in-laws is to have each parent only drive 90 minutes. It may seem like too many stops, but if you have a newly potty trained toddler in the back seat, they’ll appreciate the stops (so yes, bring that little potty!). And it will keep mom and dad fresh and attentive to the road.

Below is our MINIMALIST Packing List.

For Baby

IN YOUR CARRY-ON, TO STAY WITH YOU ON PLANE:

• Diapers (enough for your travel time, plus a couple extra)
• Wipes (lots! And these can double-duty for cleaning the plane seat area)
• Pack a change of clothes (things happen)
• Favorite toy(s)
• Nursing Cover/ Blanket (if you’re still nursing)
• Snacks
• Sippy cup / bottle(s) (Avoid temptation to fill sippy cups ahead of time if possible, TSA will slow you down to check these. But formula and breast milk bottles, and baby food CAN BE brought on board. Be sure to tell the TSA agent ahead of screening to save headaches.)

IN PLASTIC BAG, EASILY ACCESSIBLE (ON TOP OF CARRY-ON) FOR TSA:

• Infant Tylenol or Motrin
• Small Hand Sanitizer
• Diaper Cream

IN YOUR SUITCASE OR TO BE CHECKED IF DESIRED:

• 2 outfits per day of trip (extra in case of accidents, over 5 days plan to do laundry or purchase on trip, you’ll have a fun memory and a new shirt!)
• Socks
• Swim Diaper / Bathing suit (these will not take much space & are hard to buy)
• Hat (warm or cool weather depending on your destination)
• Pajamas
• Brush/ Comb
• Sweater / Dressy outfit depending on events
• Shoes

For Parents

IN YOUR CARRY-ON, TO STAY WITH YOU ON PLANE:

• Driver’s License & Wallet
• Empty water bottle
• Sunglasses or glasses for vision correction
• Phone & phone charger(s)
• Sweater or Jacket
• Extra shirt

IN YOUR SUITCASE OR TO BE CHECKED IF DESIRED:

• Pants (shorts, jeans, leggings for mamas, etc. We recommend 1 pair of each depending on your events schedule for every 4 days of your trip)
• Shirt (1 per day of your trip, over 5 days plan to do laundry or purchase on trip, you’ll have a fun memory and a new shirt!)
• Dress / Dress Shirt & Slacks (Based on your personal style, bring more dresses and less pants/ shirts if you like to wear dresses- 1 per every 4 days of your trip).
• Undergarments & Socks
• Bathing suit (take one, it takes very little space and is difficult to buy)
• Pajamas
• Toothbrush
• Hair brush/ comb
• Curing iron / straightener
• Small bag of makeup essentials, hair ties, bobby pins
• Medications
• Shoes / Sandals
• Sweater

Leave home your toothpaste, face wash, make up remover, dry shampoo and hair spray and other small toiletry items as these can be borrowed from relatives or purchased cheaply at your destination.

Want an easy Download of our Packing list? Download it Here: Delightful Southern Moment’s MINIMALIST Toddler Packing List

If you’re traveling with gifts, be sure to leave them unwrapped. Airport security may need to check your bags and frowns upon gift wrapped items. We hope our tips and packing list helpful. We love a certain airline where bags fly free and highly suggest weighing all your options/ costs when booking airfare.

Thanks for checking out our tips and packing list and happy travels!

xo,

Christine

 

We want to hear from you! What would you add?

• For those who have traveled with a baby or a toddler, what tips would you add?
• Are there other things you did to make the trip easier?
• Was there something else you did to reduce stress?
• Would you ever have one parent fly with the kid(s), while the second drives your car to your destination?

Gift Guide for Him

Gift giving for the guys in our lives can be difficult, they always say they don’t need anything. Am I right? But let’s face it, they appreciate a nice gift. I’ve teamed up with a few of my favorite guys to put together this helpful list of ideas for you to give to the special guy in your life! You’re sure to find something here for your Dad, brother, boyfriend, or husband. I’ve linked all of these items for quick reference.

I’ve sectioned the gifts into wearable, tech, and for fun. When gifting, remember it’s not about finding the perfect gift, it’s where it comes from that is most important. Giving from a kind, loving heart and hands are what matters most.

 

Gifts for Any Guy

 Gloves // Slippers // Shirt // Socks

These are a few of my favorite items you can gift to almost any guy. These leather gloves from Nordstrom are needed across the US (unless you’re a Floridian of course). And a good pair of leather gloves will last a lifetime if well taken care of. I love the quality and durability of these Land’s Ends cozy slippers. Did you see the hard bottom? How many times do guys run outside to fetch the mail or say ‘hey’ to a neighbor and tear up the bottom of soft sole slippers? Another favorite is the L.L. Bean flannel, super soft and in the most flattering colors, you’re sure to have a winner here. And of course, we had to include Gold Toe socks. These come in dark colors and light, and are things guys never buy for themselves, but really do appreciate. This fun pair with deer and ever green trees are perfect for the holiday season and can even be worn to the office to spread some holiday cheer!

Luxury/ Tech Gifts

Dopp Kit // Belt // Ear warmers // Wallet // Headphones

These next items are special items you might think are a little bit of a splurge, but who doesn’t love to spoil their guys a little every now and then. I love this Banana Republic dopp kit, it’s stylish and still just the right size to fit on a carry on when traveling. The two sides make it easy to separate liquids from things like a comb, razor, toothbrush and nail clippers. A new brown or black leather belt, when bought in the correct length and width like this one from Nordstrom make a classic gift a bit more dressy. Brown belts can be worn at almost anytime, with just about any colored pants and are the most likely to  need replacing. This black would be a great gift to give before a company holiday party when your hubby realizes his old belt no longer fits. Either way, it will be a great item to give! These ear warmers from Target are inexpensive, stylish, easy to pack and carry. While not a splurge item, most guys won’t admit to needing a hat and will most likely not buy one for themselves, even in the coldest weather. You know they’ll think of you every time they wear them and feel a little bit warmer. I love this slim wallet design, enough space for the guy who has tons of cards, or the minimalist card carrier. And Banana Republic leather products hold up really well to daily use. My absolute favorite splurge item are these Bose headphones. They are amazing quality and use bluetooth connectivity so he won’t be tied down with wires. With built-in-mic with HD Voice and an easily packable fold-flat design may be his favorite gift under the tree this year.

 

For Fun

 

Pandemic // Coup // The Resistance // This One Time, I…

 

There are so many great games on the market today, it’s so hard to pick just a few. For the avid game lover who has all the best games, these indie games will put the smile on their face you are looking for! Pandemic is a co-operative game (no hard feelings like Monopoly) and can be played in smaller groups of 2-4 players.  In this game, a team of specialists in various fields play together to find cures to save the world. Coup is a game for a slightly larger crowd, 2-6 players and can be played in a relatively short period of time. He’ll love to play this game with relatives that he would secretly love to crush as the winner must manipulate, bribe and bluff their way into absolute power to win. The Resistance is not a game for the faint of heart as it is a very intense social deduction game. Good for a very large group, 5-10 players, and is a fun way to test how good a liar your friends can be. The final game is a hilarious one called THIS ONE TIME, I… THE GAME OF LUDICROUS LIFE CHOICES. This is the Party Edition, and has been called the best adult icebreaker card game for men and women. This is a super fun, pregame, drinking, and party game where rules are optional. It’s ages 17+, so you decide where it’s best to break this gift out. 

 

Still looking for more ideas? Personalized gifts are always great. Perhaps a photo of you in a frame for their desk or a new mug with your favorite vacation photo or coasters with your favorite memories together. Or perhaps you’re looking for something even more simple, maybe a last minute gift? How about a gift card? A Lowes Home Improvement, Topgolf, Fandango, or even Amazon gift cards are all great ideas.

 

What would you add? Leave a comment  below with your great gift ideas!

xo,

Christine

A Delightful Second Birthday Party

I’m so excited to share a few photos from a very sweet 2nd Birthday party my dear friend Sarah hosted for her little girl. Sarah is one of my new mom friends I made since our move a year ago back to North Carolina. She has the heart of gold, and is such a super mom. Not only did she throw this sweet and girly party right around Halloween, but she was 8+ months pregnant with baby number two!

 

She carried out the pumpkin theme so well including a few orange and white balloons throughout the house. And a backyard full of fun climbing toys and lots of outdoor seating for everyone!

 

The best part was the decorate your own mini pumpkin to take home! The children loved being creative, and what a clever way to add to the personal touch of the goody bag! Decorating each little pumpkin with fun fall themed stickers and felt leaves, made it easy enough for even the youngest toddlers to participate in!

 

Our pumpkin.

Mama’s dress Old Navy

Mini’s dress, leggings & boots Old Navy

Dad’s shirt, Croft & Barrow, denim, Banana Republic

 

xo,

Christine

 

My Current Favorite Fall Trends 🍂🌾

Autumn is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the crisp fall air and outdoor picnics and campfires. I love that there are more family get togethers, and lots of activities on the weekends. I mean, who doesn’t like apple picking, hay rides, fall festivals, football games, state fairs and eating and drinking pumpkin everything? What do you and your family like to do together on weekends? Do you have traditions you do together in the fall?

I’m so excited to share with you a few of my favorites from current trends for fall. I love Nordstrom for their quality of clothing, but also amazing customer service and free shipping and returns on everything. Sometimes it’s impossible to go into a store to shop, especially if you have to drive thirty or more minutes to get there with little ones in-tow. I love that I can order something I find online, but if I need a different size I can exchange it easily.

Here are a few items I’m currently obsessed with!

I love the bell sleeves on this fun sweater, it looks cozy and is so on trend right now. And this caramel colored, wide-brim felt hat was a super awesome find from Nordstrom. Can you believe it’s less than forty dollars? Distressed denim is in right now, in a very big way! And these high wasted pair tuck in and slim the tummy so nicely. At their current price, these are a steal compared to an other designer pair I’ve had my eye on which are well over $100. But can we talk about how cute these booties are? I love my Naturalizers and could live in them everyday if I had to.

 

This open front cardigan and soft pink mule sell out every time they get restocked. If you’re lucky enough to catch either of these, go for it! These shoes are perfect for running out the door in the morning and getting the kids in the car without much thought or effort. And the cardigan keeps you cozy, but still so stylish! It runs a little big, so size down from what you would normally wear.

 

The vest is always in style during the winter in the south, but these two are a little twist on the basic. A super soft sherpa shell and a smooth inner lining, you can’t go wrong with this cream colored vest. It will go with everything.  Wear it to cheer on your alma-mater at football games, or just out to watch the kids play soccer, its a winner. And I love the color on the berries galore frost-free vest for women. It’s such a beautiful rich color that any women could wear and look amazing. Pair it with a berry colored lip and you’ll be one hot mama!

And finally, I had to include this fantastic maternity dress for all the pregnant mamas out there. The three-quarter length sleeves and A-line make it so flattering, you’re going to look amazing.

I really hope you’ve found this post to be helpful. Maybe there are few trend pieces you could see yourself wearing, maybe they’ll become staples in your wardrobe. Who knows? 🍁 Please leave your comments below to share your favorite trends or what you would like to see added to this post.

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If you love the dress I’m wearing, you can pick it up at Old Navy, it’s on sale! And my belt is calf-hair, it’s from J.Crew’ve and I’ve had for years. I love that it goes with everything and leopard print never goes out of style, right?

 

By the way, Old Navy is one of my favorite stores to buy cute clothes for our little girl. They seriously have the cutest toddler clothes!

Maybe my next post should be an infant/ toddler clothing post, what do you all think?

Or if there are other topics you’d be interested in please comment below.

 

xo,

Christine