Heading out on a road trip? I created a podcast episode JUST FOR YOU! I shared with my Becoming Mama & Beyond Facebook community that we were heading out on a 16 day road trip and received so many requests on our learnings and what not to do haha.

Biggest take away? Taking a "vacation" with your baby in tow is NOT a vacation it's really just parenting in another city.

So go with the flow, enjoy the moment, appreciate that it might be challenging but OH SO WORTH IT…Jake is still struggling with sleep 3+ weeks later but YES, worth it. Ok, go listen to my latest podcast episode where I give ya 16 tips from our 16 days on the road.

Below are my 16 tips!

1. We had two overnights where we had to room share. Our advice: put the baby in the bathroom or closet while they nap so you don't have to eat tacos in the bathroom like we did OR buy a slumber pod!
2. Double and triple check that you buckled your kid in their car seat especially when driving up a windy mountain omgggg (we forgot once!)
3. Screaming child? Make music with a Puffs container!
4. Be ok with things not going to plan...like you might have been dying to go to Zion National Park for 3 years and only get to go for for 3 minutes!
5. Baby booties work as gloves if you forgot to bring some and don't be hard on yourself if you don't remember everything
6. Your kid might wake up A LOT. Especially if you change time zones or due to high elevation. So think of your baby's multiple wake ups as more time to spend with them.
7. You might be so tired that one time you put lotion on your toothbrush- it does not taste the same.
8. Just a heads up this is NOT a vacation. This is parenting in another city. But i will say on a positive note it's seriously awesome to travel with your kid!
9. Strollers and gondolas don't mix
10. Have a nap time routine!
11. Baby snacks. Lots of snacks.
12. Bring your own baby utensils!
13. If you think you'll never be a parent who puts an iPad on at a restaurant you will be.
14. Sleep machine & covering the car seat is key to breaking 40 minute nap cycles while on the road.
15. Try not to schedule your trip around teething, a leap, new found separation anxiety and a sleep regression #holyshit
16. Most importantly- you'll grow more than ever and seeing new things through your kid's eyes is pure magic.