5 Tips for Your Next Family Vacation
Mother’s Day is less than a month away, so it’s time to start thinking about ways to show the moms in your life how much you care. Whether you need the perfect gift for your mom, wife, or mother-in-law, here are some tips to make their day extra special.
As a kid, I always wondered why the adults never seemed to be having a “relaxing” time during family vacations. Family trips can certainly be stressful, and while there are many lists available for what to pack and how to get there, many parents are left to fend for themselves once they arrive. Thankfully, a few simple tips can help save any family vacation.
Practice
If you have a new baby, getting them to sleep in a strange environment can be tricky. If you are planning to keep the little one in a playpen or travel bed at night, set up a makeshift camp in a different room at your house ahead of time. Getting them used to sleeping in the portable bed at home will alleviate a great deal of the stress that comes with adding too many new things to the schedule at once.
Unpack As Soon As Possible
Once you get to the hotel room or guest house, unpack your baby’s things right away. Setting up feeding stations, beds, and changing areas before they’re needed can avoid a multitude of crisis situations down the line.
Stay Organized
Designating play spaces and sleep areas, and keeping them relatively maintained will help calm everyone’s nerves. Settling in and have an organized space can help your little one relax and you stay sane throughout your stay.
Walk
Many babies will refuse to nap in a strange environment or unfamiliar bed. That’s where strollers come in handy. Make sure to bring a stroller or baby carrier, and plan events around long walks so your little one can nap.
Persevere
No matter how much you might want to throw in the towel and give up after a sleepless night with an inconsolable baby, persevere. Many babies have a difficult time adjusting to their new surroundings at once, but after a few days they almost always settle in. Power through the rough starts, and be rewarded with a fun and rewarding vacation for all.