Last week we went on our first big trip with Knox to Newnan, Georgia. I am anxious enough when it comes to flying, let alone flying with my 3 month old son. I mentally prepared for this flight for a good few days, but was really excited for the trip. I love to travel and see new parts of the country I haven’t explored yet. And, the most fun part, Paul was speaking at his first conference, which is why were going in the first place. You can watch my re-cap video here! I got a TON of DM’s asking for what I did and didn’t do, what my wrap was, what I packed, etc. So, I bring you my travel guide for a 3 month old!

My biggest tip: I kept things as light as possible both in my suitcase and for the plane. I tried my absolute best not to overpack, and I am thankful I was frugal in that. I could have easily told myself I needed to bring his froggy seat and the door jumper, and all his toys… but that really would have just been added & unnecessary stress. I only packed his Dock-a-tot for sleeping and two toys, y’all. TWO TOYS that both fit into our carry-on. I brought his teething giraffe and his lion security blanket that has a rattle in the head. (Two in one toys- they’re the best!!)

For the airport/plane:

I was told by so many of you to wear Knox through the airport, because it makes security easiest. I use a Solly Wrap, and I can now confirm YES, do it! There was a mom in front of me on our way back who had her baby boy- probably the same age as Knox- in his carseat, and she had to take him out to go through security so that the carseat could go through the security belt. She was upset (I felt horrible for her!), because she had to wake her baby up and he was screaming the rest of the time. SO STRESSFUL. There is nothing more upsetting than feeling like everyone is staring at you and pissed off because your baby is crying. Ugh, I always have this overwhelming need now since becoming a mom to grab moms and hug them, and I want them to know they’re doing a good job. I also refrained from yelling across the plane to another mom who had a crying baby “YOU ARE DOING AMAZING MAMA!” I still actually regret not having done that.

I packed a plethora of clothes in our carry-on backpack just in case for Knox, but I definitely should have included a shirt for me. Knox had a leak during our trip home. And, well, since he is bear hugging me with his legs wrapped around my torso in the wrap… you can only imagine how this went for me.

I nursed Knox with my Milk Snob over us the first 30 minutes from take-off, and then he pretty much slept the rest of the time. He seemed completely unfazed by pressure changes. He was a little more antsy our trip home and I had to entertain him the last leg of the flight, but overall it was very very easy. He did amazingly, and I am so relieved to know he can travel well! Although, to the woman in front of me that made a face at the all but three squeaks my baby made the entire flight… I have some choice words for you.

Sleep

I was nervous about how we would sleep in our Air Bnb, because we haven’t shared a room with Knox since he was 3 weeks old. We packed his Dock-a-tot, sleep sack, noise machine, and his Owlet Monitor. And, much to our surprise and relief, he slept exactly like he does on the trip as he does at home in his own crib! I am telling y’all, sleep training is the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby. We trained in his Dock-a-tot up until the last couple of weeks, so he slept just the same in it as always. **Just in the last two weeks we have stopped using the Dock-a-tot in his crib at home, because he started to show signs of rolling. But, we did it here for his sake and ours to sleep well, and since we would be in the same room with him we felt okay with it.

Our Stroller

My biggest personal question prior to traveling, and what I got the most DM’s about, was what we did with our stroller. I sure as heck wasn’t going to send my stroller through baggage. That legit would feel like sending my Michael Kors bag through baggage claim and praying it was handled with care. But, thank goodness, they let you take your stroller all the way through the airport and security, and you check it at the gate! We walked all the way to the door of the plane with our stroller (even though Knox wasn’t even in it), and someone grabbed it and took it to under the plane. Then, when we got off the plane it was already unloaded and waiting for us!

Our Air Bnb

Oh my goodness, this was my first Air Bnb experience and it was amazing. It exceeded every expectation I had. We stayed at a gorgeous cottage behind a b-e-a-utiful home (mansion, let’s be honest) in Newnan. They were incredibly hospitable, the space was so clean and beautifully decorated, the trees surrounding the home were outrageous, and the neighborhood is stunning for walks. The front porch of the cottage had a fireplace and swing, and you definitely didn’t feel like you were in someone’s backyard. There was a great walkway to get to the space that felt secluded. Here’s the listing for where we stayed. 

Newnan, GA

Because we were there for work, we didn’t do tourist stuff in Newnan or Atlanta. I really wish we could have stayed longer! But, it is seriously a beautiful part of the country. I want to go back to Georgia and do Savannah over the summer, making our way up the coast to Myrtle Beach. But, if you do go to Newnan, go to Truett’s Chick-Fil-A. It’s an original Chick-Fil-A location, and it has a special menu! Their brussel sprouts were BOMB.

Overall, if I can give you any advice for traveling with baby… it’s to just do it. Like your first grocery trip with baby alone or getting back to work, or going out for a date night without them… just do it now or you never will. Now with this under our belt, I feel confident traveling more and taking summer vacations when he is even older, because he did so well this time. Second, keep things simple and take your time. The less rushed you feel, the less stressed you’ll be. Stay calm, cool, and collected. Your baby will mimic whatever vibe you put out. I live by that rule, and I really believe it has played such a huge part in why Knox is so chill and flexible.

Love y’all!

xoxo, Han