A summer house and family go together like the ocean and the sand. And while there’s plenty of fun to be had (and dreamy Airbnbs to escape to), it can be stressful to know how to keep your little one’s routine on track.
Still deciding on whether a hotel or a rental house will be better for your group? Rentals have the advantage of: washers and dryers (the ability to do laundry means you don’t have to pack as much), generally cheaper per night especially when you need multiple bedrooms, more room to spread out (kids go to bed at 8? Go watch a movie in the living room!), a kitchen. Hotels often offer: on-site daycare/camps, reward points, extra amenities like a pool or gym.
One cool travel hack to consider: With ResortPass, your family can have all the benefits of your rental house and a resort’s pampering amenities. ResortPass lets you book a day pass at a local resort or hotel and get access to the location’s pool, spa, and more. Swim and soak all day…and go home to the more affordable, roomier comfort of your rental.
Here are the must-have tips and supplies that let the days—and nights—stay a little more peaceful and predictable for the whole crew.
Expert Tips for a Weekend Trip With the In-Laws
Nanit Lab’s Maristella Lucchini, PhD, Nanit Senior Clinical Researcher, shares strategies to make travel with extended family easier for everyone.
Build a routine that transfers easily to any member of your parenting team.
One of the major perks of traveling with family? Built-in babysitting! So your bedtime routine should be short and simple, with activities that you—or any caregiver—can easily do wherever you are.
Then, when you’re traveling, “whatever your kids are used to doing at home, do the same,” recommends Maristella. “Bring things with you that your child associates with going to bed. Maybe that’s the two books you always read or a white noise machine, like Nanit’s Sound + Light. So then, even if you’re far from home, when it’s bedtime, your child knows the drill.”
Loop family members in on your needs and routines.
“When you're sharing a space with people not part of your immediate family, it’s important to be very forthcoming about your needs and daily routines in advance,” says Maristella. “Tension is often created when expectations are different. So, let's say you’re traveling with your sister-in-law, and their kids go to bed later than yours. Maybe you can plan that, say, around 7:30 everybody goes to their rooms for 30 minutes so it's easier for your kids to go to bed.
When things are arranged ahead of time, it’s easier to find ways to accommodate each other's needs.”
Packing list:
Compact Travel Stroller: The Mockingbird Stroller offers the ideal wheels for traveling. It’s super smooth rolling and dreamy to maneuver. It has plenty of sun coverage and straps that automatically adjust to your child’s height with one pull of a strap. And it’s a breeze to fold up and tuck away.
UppaBaby’s Travel System offers flexibility when you’re headed out of town. You get a car seat, stroller, and bassinet to cover all your on-the-go bases.
Newton Travel Crib: A good bed when you’re traveling is everything. So guarantee your baby the best comfort you can. This travel crib has a zip-in bassinet option for young babies. And it can double as an enclosed (and safe) play space.
Willow Go Wearable Breast Pump: A breast pump lets you make sure there’s always milk available for your baby, especially when grandparents give you the night off. This highly portable pump tucks tidily inside your bra and doesn’t involve any cords, tubes, or external motors; it runs off a rechargeable battery.
SlumberPod: Chances are good that you’ll be sharing a room with your baby at the Airbnb. This blackout sleep tent lets you keep the lights on as long as you want without waking up your little one. Plus, there’s a built-in compartment that perfectly fits your Nanit Pro Camera so you’re just as connected as you are at home.
Bumbo Portable Seat: These easy-to-move seats support your baby as they’re learning to sit upright. Prepping burgers? Putting together a 1,000 piece puzzle? Give your child a safe spot to hang out in the midst of vacation activities.
Kinfield Mosquito Repellent Wipes: The one thing that’s a real buzz kill on vacation? Mosquitos. (Pun intended.) These travel wipes are chemical-free and instead use good-smelling, natural ingredients (citronella, lemongrass and clove oil) to keep the bugs at bay.
Nanit 5-Year Plan Bundle: Wonder Woman has her headband and wristbands. You have this Bundle. It’s everything you need for the peace of mind and confidence you have at home: The Pro and Flex Duo give you an extra set of eyes in any space. The Sound + Light audio monitor and white noise machine cut out distractions and let you stay connected.
Nanit Breathing Wear: Nanit’s Breathing Wear serves a handy double purpose: lightweight pajamas that will help your baby stay comfortable wherever they’re resting, plus a unique pattern that lets your Pro Camera monitor your baby’s breathing motion so you can rest easier.
