A European Adventure With Our 9-Month-Old
We just returned from the most special trip to Europe with our son! Two weeks exploring Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, and wrapping up in England to visit my sister. Shep is a little over 9 months old, and while I had my fair share of nerves leading up to this trip, I can honestly say it was so much easier than I thought it would be.
There’s something sweet about traveling with a baby this age. Shep is still small enough to be held most of the time and nap on the go, but big enough to sit in a high chair and eat dinner at restaurants. He soaked everything in without needing constant entertainment, which was so precious to watch. If you’re on the fence about doing a big trip with your baby, let this be a resounding DO IT!
Long Haul Flight With A Baby
We had a little system by the end: early gate arrival to get some tummy time in, check the Doona at the gate, pajamas before boarding, sleep sack and milk during takeoff. This worked really well for us!
The hardest part is the sleep, and especially if you’re not in first class, it can be pretty uncomfortable to hold you baby for a long haul flight. That’s why I did some research and found an option to give my husband and I some relief, and allow Shep to sleep!
A Makeshift Bed After Takeoff
We brought this travel bed that technically wasn’t airline-approved (despite what Amazon claims). On our first flight, we learned from a flight attendant that most bassinets have to be reserved ahead of time and are only allowed in specific rows. So we waited until after takeoff to set the bed up, and thankfully, no one said a word. Delta seemed to be the most laid back with this! After feeding him, I put him to “bed” and he slept for almost 5 hours. A miracle, truly. There are bumpers on the side of it, which I love!
We used a lot of other travel gadgets like new toys, snacks, and my favorite baby carrier. I put lots more details in my Substack for subscribers, so go take a look at that for a more in depth guide and review!
My most-loved travel items:
If You’re Considering a Big Trip…
You don’t need to wait until your baby is older or easier or sleeping perfectly! Just be flexible. With the right prep and managed expectations, it’s entirely doable. Shop my entire Amazon list for traveling with a baby here!
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