*Guest Post* Adventure Baby!

*Giveaway closed! Congratulations, Caroline M. - check your inbox!*

I am thrilled to introduce you to Stephanie on the blog today.  Stephanie is the owner of one of my very favorite shops in Jackson, Backcountry Baby. Backcountry Baby was created to help parents simplify the adventure of parenting. Specializing in travel gear, cloth diapers and baby wearing gear. They've got all the essentials covered (plus some fun goodies!) Stop by at 245 W. Pearl St in Jackson or online at www.backcountry-baby.com (their online shop just went live).  


She has some super valuable tips for traveling with babies and kids, especially during the holidays (and make sure you read all the way to the end of the post for a chance to win something on her "must have" list!)

From Stephanie: 
I’m pretty excited to be here today writing about one of my favorite things, traveling.  I traveled well before I had a child and I definitely wasn’t going to let a small human get in my way of adventure.  We took E on his first trip when he was 5 days old, a road trip to Big Sky, MT.  Three weeks later we boarded a plane to sail around the British Virgin Island’s for 8 days and really haven’t stopped traveling. My child actually asks for more flying when our plane lands. We started early and we go often, keys to many things in life including traveling with small children.

 For this post, I’ve decided to arm you with my lists-must have equipment and tips for different kinds of travel and of course the 3 essential keys for successful travel.

#1 is easy, Relax and Enjoy your time away from the everyday routine.

#2 Babies and Kids are Flexible, so take a deep breath and try really hard to be flexible as well.

And if all else fails... 

#3 Improvise. 

Must Have Equipment

*PeaPod: We couldn’t live without our KidCo Peapod.  Not only do we use it for traveling, it’s his portable crib at the nannies, fits perfectly on the floor of our van and in a pinch you can set it up in the airport when you have a layover or delayed flight. 

*Sakura Bloom Ring Sling: My 37.5 inch two year old can still sleep in this sling when necessary.  It’s beautiful, lightweight, incredibly versatile and functional. 

*Soft Structured Carrier: E slept twice a day in his Boba in Nicaragua while we took turns surfing.  Also great to ski down a steep slope when the Chariot’s too dangerous, hiking, and general use.  A little more comfortable for longer wear then the ring sling, which is why we travel with both!

*Aden and Anais Swaddle Blankets: Large, Soft, Durable.  Last weekend I actually cut one into strips and made it into a wrap when we got stuck in an airport without any slings. 


*Diaper Clutch:  We decided early on that we didn't need a diaper bag, a backpack would be handier, have plenty of pockets, and could be useful once E was older.  The Diaper Clutch made that all possible.  Large enough to fit to cloth diapers, a small changing pad and wipes but small enough to stick in any backpack.  We've used one since day one and wouldn't go any other route. 

Airplane Travel

●      Practice, Practice, Practice with your carrier of choice.  It will be a lifesaver.

●      Practice breastfeeding in public, on a bench, without much room to maneuver.  If it’s too much, pump in the airport bathroom before your flight and have a fresh bottle waiting for when your little one needs it.

●      Don’t pack too much.  You’ll get overwhelmed trying to find stuff you don’t really need in the first place.

●      If you use disposable, put a diaper cover over it.  You’ll be grateful when you don’t have a wet lap.

●      Bring a few toys, but not too many.  Kids will move through them so fast it won’t really be worth the hassle of digging under the seats to find them.  3 Small Toys/2 Books is my mantra.

●      Bring a blanket (Aden and Anais Swaddles are perfect) for chilly airplanes, play mats in airports and sleeping covers.  Also work great if you need/want a breastfeeding cover.

Car Travel

●      Routine works in the car just like at home.  Playtime, snacktime, quiet time, nap time. Repeat.

●      Try to time gas stops with awake time--guaranteed a nap killer if you don’t plan accordingly.

●      Be flexible.  With eating, sleeping, etc.  Sitting around all day can really throw kids off.

●      If you are breastfeeding, bring a handpump in the car.  That way you don’t need to remove your child from the carseat for their next meal. 

●      Just because you have a whole car doesn’t mean you need to pack it full. Challenge yourself to the same amount of stuff.  3 toys/maybe 3 books.

Adventure Travel (Backpacking, Boats, International, Etc)

●      You can do it.  Have the confidence in yourself and your child.

●      Plan ahead, but be prepared to make changes. 

●      Use your intuition and trust people. 

●      Understand your limits and ask for help when you need it.

Stephanie lives in Jackson, WY with her partner Clay, their 2 year old Ellery and E's 3 Dog Sisters-Stella, Lanie and Grace.  They love traveling, recreating outside, eating tasty food (local if possible)  and being entrepreneurs.  

Stephanie has very generously offered one of her essential travel items, a Diaper Clutch, for one of you to win!   Use the rafflecopter thingy (as usual) below!  Good luck!