Baby Travel Tips: What I learned traveling to Europe for two weeks with an 8 month old!

Overnight flights are not better

Ok, this one came as a complete surprise!! I was certain flying overnight with a baby would be the best thing because she'd be super sleepy and sleep the entire flight. Wow, I was so wrong! Sydney was so tired and could not get comfortable for the life of her. She cried of discomfort for a very long and brutal time before she finally fell asleep. Flying during the day was so much better. Sure, she was awake for most of the flight but she did not cry once. She would play and take short contact naps. Get extra leg room if possible that way they can play on the floor. I preferred extra leg room in premium economy over first class bed when traveling with a baby.

Try to mimic bedtime routine/arrangements

It's so important to mimic your at home sleeping arrangements! At home, Sydney sleeps overnight in her own room. We do not attend her even if she wakes up unless she sounds distressed. On vacation, we had a regular hotel room with her bassinet next to our bed. This was a huge adjustment for us and Sydney. She no longer had her own quiet space to rest and we were trapped in the room when it was her bedtime. She woke up several times a night because she knew we were right next to her. It's a lot harder to ignore a crying baby when they're a few feet away as opposed to a different room. We vowed never to share a room with her again lol. Since then, we've reserved one/two bedroom hotel rooms on trips and she's slept through the night with no wake ups. So, if you're traveling with a baby--be sure not to change up sleeping arrangements!

Babies are so adaptable

I was so worried Sydney would give me trouble getting back on track to sleeping in her own room when we got home. I thought I was going to have to start sleep training boot camp all over again. I was so wrong! The skills she learned during sleep training were still with her. She slept alone in her room all night the first day back home. Don't underestimate your babies!! AND, SLEEP TRAIN THEM!!!

Don't stress if they eat less or more

Sydney survived almost two weeks on formula and yogurt, and she's perfectly fine. Yes, we fed her regular food here and there, but she wasn't thrilled. I did not stress. I gave her as much yogurt and formula as she wanted--even if it was more or less than she has at home. I am a stickler for her eating and sleeping routine at home. But, who diets on vacation? As long as they're eating and you're enjoying yourselves, it's fine. Routine continues when you get home.

Do not overpack

I haven't listened to my own advice here. I always overpack. I especially overpacked for Sydney since it was our first international trip with her. I took one medium luggage for her clothes, a carry on for her milk/food pouches and medicine, a second carry on for her toys, and her baby bag. This was so stupid lol. Take the essentials and buy the rest there. They sell everything in Europe. There is a damn pharmacy in every corner for goodness sake.