Summer Vacation Favorites

Overall, Xavier did really well with the crazy travel schedule and time change.  We had a great time and can't wait to do it over again.  As promised, I've compiled a list of our favorite products, and tips/tricks for traveling with a baby for your summer vacation!  We didn't use a beach bag, but I like the cross body style of this one to keep both hands free.  My favorite summer color is gold and this one is very cute.

iGuy for iPad - We unfortunately did not get around to downloading movies to the iPad on the trip down (and regretted every second of it).  We downloaded some of his favorites for him to watch on the way home and it worked like a charm.  Another trick?  Check out the instructions for Guided Access.  It prevents your babies from moving between apps or deleting all of your rap music :)

Life Jacket - Xavier is at the age where he wants to go in the water, but doesn't want me to hold him.  This jacket ensures he won't escape and sink!  We like the under the legs strap to keep the jacket in place when he swims.
Sunscreen, Baby Powder, and Bug Spray - All three are essential.  Xavier wouldn't wear a hat, but the high SPF worked for keeping his head from sunburn, and we were basically on the equator.  Baby powder really works for getting sand off your skin!  And, although our resort does treatments to ensure no mosquitoes are around, I do recommend bug spray when around water!
Swimways Swim Float - He's getting to the age where he's about to tip this thing over, but we got this last summer and it works like a charm.  He loves kicking his feet underwater!  The canopy is great for shade.

Here are some other tips/tricks:

• Stock up on excessive amounts of large ziplocks.  They help you stay organized & sanitized with a baby/toddler.
• When boarding the plane, have someone go first and get everything situated on the plane while the other takes the kid for a walk to get out as much energy as possible.  Steve went first with the umbrella stroller (which doesn't count in your carry-on allotment) and our carry-ons, while I took Xavier on a walk and to get some snacks.  We were always the last to board, which meant 15-30 minutes less time Xavier had to spend in the seat.
• If your child is sitting on their own, and the flight is more than 60 minutes, buy the kid their own seat.  Per airline requirements, children under two are permitted to sit in laps (but still require a ticket and are charged taxes/fees).  We saved the money on the way down, but the flight back was empty so Xavier got his own seat.  It made a huge difference in his comfort (and our sanity).
• If you are spending a lot of time at the beach, look for hotels/resorts that offer beachfront cabanas for you to rent so you can keep the littles in the shade.  Dragging/packing an extra umbrella/tent with you and the baby and the stuff is just a pain.
• A few new toys or items they have never played with before will entertain them more than you'll ever know.  Even if you don't wan't to spend money on more toys, pick up random things, like glowsticks, the medicine dropper for the Tylenol, a calculator, or stacking cups to put snacks in and you just bought yourself an hour.
• Bring extra pacis.  So many extra pacis.  They will disappear faster than you'll ever know.
• You can never have too many sanitizing wipes/hand sanitizer.  Grossness is lurking everywhere.
• Spend the few extra dollars to get a separate room for your baby.  That way the baby can sleep soundly while you and hubby do your own thing.  And don't forget sleeptime extras, like the sound machine and monitor.

Xavier has ear tubes, so his ears never pop.  But from my own experience, drinking and eating during takeoff and landing helps, big time.  I also thought planning the flight during naptime would benefit us, but Xavier was so excited by the newness of it all, he skipped his nap.  On our flight back, he was so tuckered out from the trip, he slept most of the flight.  Next time, we will plan to take the 6am flight so we have a tired baby!

I think that's about it!  Xavier's interests are constantly changing.  My best advice is to keep an open mind and try to not stress about cleanliness (and pray that TSA is having a good day!)!