Naptime Blog

Tristan, Rick, my mother in law, and I are going to California for nine days. I went round and round about taking Tristan out there that long. Tristan lives by his schedule, usually that is wonderful. Then there are the random holidays that totally throw him off. I am worried he will be ready for bed at 4:30pm California time, and will he get adjusted only to come back and be off again. Then I sat and thought many babies go on vacation all the time.

My next stressor was do I buy him a seat or not. I spent a few hours on the computer researching this. I decided since we are flying from Washington DC to California and I know it’s a 6 hour or so flight that it was best for Tristan to have his own seat and space.

Since we leave in about a week, I have started packing. I decided that I was going to pack as minimal as I can since I can buy some things out there. I don’t want to have to pay the outrageous luggage fees. I am packing 12 outfits, 2 blankets, 12 bibs, 6 burp cloths, 6 pajamas, his folding highchair (it attaches to a dining room chair), his blow up duck bath tub, 2 baby bath towels, 2 wash cloths, and a few toys. I also have to check his pack n play. I plan on going to a Wal-Mart as soon as we get there to buy formula, diapers, wipes, baby food, and baby snacks. I will pack enough diapers and wipes for the flight out. We will just bring back the unused diapers and formula.

For the plane I bought two blue plastic containers that have four compartments each. Each compartment holds exactly enough formula and cereal for one bottle. That is enough for eight bottles; I should be safe until we get to the store. I read the TSA rules and you are allowed to carry enough juice and formula to get to your destination. The 3 oz rule does not apply. I pray that I have a happy baby on the plane. I was always the person that was annoyed crying babies on planes. Now that I am a Mom it doesn’t bother me. I checked with our airline and you can gate check the stroller, and we will use his car seat on the plane.
 A friend of mine just made the same trip she recommended taking a few zipper storage bags to store wet clothes and dirty items in. Her baby, who normally doesn’t spit up, got really sick flying. She also recommends taking an extra shirt for Mommy and Daddy, so I will pack those in the diaper bag. I am so excited that Tristan will get to meet his West Coast family. I just hope he tolerates the heat and time change.

On a different note but kind of related, Tristan is becoming scared of strangers. His pediatrician said it was normal around 7 months. This should make him meeting all of his family who is new to him fun. I can’t wait to leave, I am a traveler at heart and I hope Tristan is too.

–Chrystal