Tiny Travelers

Planning a family trip and not sure whether to book a hotel or rental? You’re not alone.

As a mom of two and frequent traveler, Dana Abraham knows the difference between a trip that works for your family and one that falls apart by bedtime. After one too many stays that looked great online but failed in real life, Dana started asking better questions. Questions like: Is there enough space for a stroller? Are there blackout shades? Does it even feel safe with toddlers?

In this episode, Dana shares how rethinking the way we choose where we stay can reduce stress, save time, and help the whole family adjust better while traveling. We also talk about balancing convenience with comfort, how to know when it’s time to leave a place early (yes, really), and what to consider before clicking “book.”.

✨ Just a few of the questions we covered in this episode:

• What should I look for in a hotel when traveling with toddlers or babies?
• Is it better to stay in a hotel or vacation rental with young kids?
• How can I make traveling with kids less stressful and more enjoyable?
• What baby gear should I rent instead of packing for a family trip?
• How do I keep my baby’s sleep schedule while on vacation?

📍Learn more about Dana and KidGo:
 Website: kidgotravel.com
Instagram: @kidgo.travel

MORE FROM BABYQUIP:

Follow us on Instagram: @babyquip

🛒 Traveling with little ones? Don’t pack the whole house. Rent clean, safe baby gear at your destination—cribs, strollers, sound machines, and more. Save $20 on your $100 rental with code TINYTRAVELERS at babyquip.com

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
If this episode made your next trip feel a little more doable, send it to a friend who’s deep in the planning stage too. And if you haven’t yet, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps other families discover Tiny Travelers.

Thanks so much for tuning in. See you next week!

Trying to reduce waste as a new parent? You’re not alone.

Ben Norment and his wife were determined to shop secondhand and make sustainable choices from day one, but the reality was messy: porch pickups gone wrong, wasted time, and gear that didn’t deliver. So they built Stork Exchange, a platform that makes it easier for parents to shop open-box and returned baby gear from brands they trust.

Now a dad of two (soon to be three!), Ben joins us to talk about sustainable parenting without the guilt, his favorite secondhand baby items, and what it’s really like to travel internationally with little kids.

He also shares how dads can take a more active role, and why being sustainable as a family isn’t just better for the planet. It’s also way less stressful.

✨ Just a few of the questions we cover in this episode:

• Is it safe to buy open-box or secondhand baby gear?
• What baby items can I rent or borrow for a trip instead of packing?
• Do I really need to bring a stroller when traveling with toddlers?
• How can dads take a more active role in sustainable parenting?
• What’s the best way to pack light when flying with young kids?
  
  

If you’re rethinking what it means to travel light or just want to feel less wasteful as a parent, this episode will help you skip the stress and still do what’s right.

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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

👉 Learn more about Stork Exchange: storkexchange.co
👉 Follow Ben’s journey: @storkexchange

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MORE FROM BABYQUIP

Follow us on Instagram: @babyquip

🧳 Traveling soon? Don’t pack your entire house.
Rent exactly what you need when you arrive. Think premium strollers, cribs, high chairs, and more.
All clean, safe, and stress saving.
Use code TINYTRAVELERS at checkout to save $20 off a $100 rental at babyquip.com

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SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW

Loved this episode? Take a second to subscribe and leave a review. It helps us reach more families looking for lighter, smarter ways to travel.

Thanks for tuning in to Tiny Travelers. See you next week! 

If you’ve ever tried to soothe a newborn mid-flight—or just survive those foggy postpartum weeks—this episode is for you.

We’re joined by Liz Hilton, a designer, entrepreneur, and mom of four who turned her own postpartum struggles into the award-winning Swaddelini: a seamless swaddle designed for babies who “hate swaddles.” With a background in fashion and 3D knitting, Liz shares the behind-the-scenes story of how she created a product that helps parents around the world sleep better, travel lighter, and feel more supported.

This episode isn’t just about a swaddle—it’s about redefining support in early motherhood. From the real talk on postpartum emotional distress to tips for flying solo with a baby, Liz gets honest about what it means to run a business and raise a family at the same time.

✨ Just a few of the questions we tackled in this episode:

• What is the best swaddle for babies who hate swaddling?
• How can I get better sleep during the postpartum stage?
• What are the safest swaddles for newborn travel or flights?
• How do I prepare my partner to support me after birth?
• What’s the difference between postpartum depression and postpartum emotional distress?

Whether you're a new mom feeling overwhelmed in your recovery or a seasoned traveler looking for better baby gear, Liz's story will leave you feeling more equipped—and less alone.

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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
• Explore Swaddelini: @swaddelini on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and more
• Learn about Liz’s knitwear innovation studio: Knit It

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MORE FROM BABYQUIP

• Follow us on Instagram: @babyquip

🧳 Traveling with little ones? Don’t pack the entire house! You can rent exactly what you need when you arrive. Think premium strollers like the UPPAbaby Vista, cribs, high chairs, and more. All clean, safe, and stress saving.

Save $20 on your $100 rental with code TINYTRAVELERS at babyquip.com

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SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW

If this episode helped you feel even 1% more confident about postpartum or travel, send it to a mom friend or fellow founder who could use the boost. And if you haven’t yet, subscribe and leave a review—it helps other families find Tiny Travelers.

Thanks for tuning in. Until next time—pack light, trust yourself, and enjoy the journey.

Packing for a trip with kids doesn’t have to mean bringing the whole house. In this episode, I’m joined by Jara Landon, founder of PoshMom and mom of three, for a refreshing, real-talk conversation about how to actually pack lighter for family vacations without sacrificing comfort or sanity.

We get into what you really need (and what you don’t), how to avoid “just in case” overpacking, and how simplifying your bags can simplify your whole travel experience. If you've ever unzipped your suitcase and realized you packed for five different versions of the same trip… this one's for you.

✨ Just a few of the questions we tackled in this episode:

• How can I stop overpacking when traveling with kids?
• What’s the best way to simplify packing for a family vacation?
• Do I really need to bring backup clothes and supplies for every scenario when traveling with toddlers?
• What should I pack in my toddler’s carry-on for a smoother travel day?
• How can I help my kids be more independent while we travel?

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Learn more about Jara and PoshMom: https://www.poshmom.com/
• Use code BQ30 at checkout on poshmom.com. Valid for 30 days starting June 23, 2025
• Follow Jara on Instagram: PoshMom (@poshmomlive) 

MORE FROM BABYQUIP:

• Follow us on Instagram: @babyquip
• Traveling with little ones? Don’t pack the whole house. Rent clean, safe baby gear at your destination. Save $20 on your $100 rental with code TINYTRAVELERS at babyquip.com

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more parents who want to travel lighter and love it.

Thanks so much for tuning in to the Tiny Travelers show. See you next week! 

If your last family trip was filled with toddler tantrums or travel stress, this episode is for you.

I’m joined by Dinalynn Rosenbush, pediatric speech-language pathologist and host of The Language of Play podcast. With over 30 years of experience helping families improve communication, Dinalynn shares how simple language tools, used at the right time, can help kids feel calmer, more confident, and better prepared while traveling.

We talked about why preparing kids for transitions matters just as much as packing snacks, how to turn everyday travel moments into learning opportunities, and what “being a duck” has to do with getting through the airport.

Whether you’re flying across the country or heading out on a weekend road trip, this episode will help you speak your child’s language and travel with more confidence.

✨ A few questions we covered:

• How do I prevent toddler meltdowns while traveling?
• How can I help my child feel more prepared before a trip?
• What can I do if my toddler can’t express their needs while traveling?
• What phrases help calm a child during a travel meltdown?
• How do I manage difficult transitions on vacation, like leaving the pool or boarding a plane?

📍Follow Dinalynn at @dinalynnrosenbush  

🎧 Listen to The Language of Play podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

MORE FROM BABYQUIP

• Follow us on Instagram: @babyquip
• Traveling with little ones? Don’t pack the whole house. Rent clean, safe baby gear at your destination—cribs, strollers, toys, and more. 🧳 Save $20 on your $100 rental with code TINYTRAVELERS at babyquip.com

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
If this episode helped you feel more confident about traveling with your tiny humans, send it to a fellow parent or caregiver. And if you haven’t yet, subscribe and leave a review—it helps more families discover Tiny Travelers.

Thanks for listening—see you next week!

If you've ever dreamed of a stress-free trip to Disneyland with your little ones—but ended up feeling like you needed a fairy godmother—this episode is for you.

We're joined by the brilliant and magical Katie Jo Lauren Cassidy, aka the Fairy Guide Mother, a Disneyland travel nanny with a background in early childhood education. With years of experience guiding families through the happiest (but also busiest) place on earth, Katie Jo shares her secrets for navigating lines, managing meltdowns, and making sure every family—neurodivergent kiddos included—gets to experience the magic.

Whether you're a first-time Disney parent or a seasoned passholder still feeling overwhelmed by the app and the planning, this episode will change the way you vacation.

✨ Just a few of the questions we tackled in this episode:

• How do I make Disneyland easier with toddlers?
• What can I do to avoid meltdowns at Disneyland with young kids?
• Is there childcare or nanny service available at Disneyland?
• How do I help a child with autism enjoy Disneyland?
• What’s the best way to plan a Disney trip with multiple kids of different ages?
  
  

📍Follow Katie Jo at @FairyGuideMother

MORE FROM BABYQUIP:

• Follow us on Instagram: @babyquip
• 🛒 Traveling with little ones? Rent clean, safe baby gear at your destination and save $20 on your $100 rental with code TINYTRAVELERS at https://www.babyquip.com 

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more parents who need these tips to make family travel a little lighter—and a lot more joyful.

Thanks so much for tuning in to the Tiny Travelers show. See you next week! 

What does it really take to plan a family trip when you’re the one juggling the details, the bags, and everyone’s emotions?

In this episode, we’re naming the invisible work behind family travel—and how to share the load so it doesn’t all fall on one parent (often mom!).

I’m joined by Lily Walla, founder and CEO of Auggie, a platform helping modern parents shop smarter and feel more supported. She’s also a mom of a toddler, a Brooklyn-based entrepreneur, and the self-declared “default parent” when it comes to travel logistics.

We talked about why packing the sunscreen is never just packing the sunscreen, what emotional labor looks like before and during a trip, and why making space for joy requires sharing the mental load.

"It is you and your partner versus the mental load. It is not you and the mental load against your partner."
— Lily Walla, Auggie Founder — IG @lbwalla

Just a few of the questions we covered in this episode:

• How do I know if I’m the default parent?
• What is the mental load in parenting and how does it affect family travel?
• How can I split family travel responsibilities fairly with my partner?
• What should I pack when traveling with a toddler?
• What baby gear can I rent instead of packing for a trip?

Whether you're planning a big trip or a weekend away, this episode is a supportive reminder that traveling with kids is hard work—and you don’t have to do it alone.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
• Explore Lily’s platform for modern parents: auggie.com
• Follow Lily on Instagram: @lbwalla

MORE FROM BABYQUIP

•  Follow us on Instagram: @babyquip
•  Traveling with little ones? Don’t pack the whole house. Rent safe, clean baby gear at your destination—cribs, strollers, sound machines, and more.🧳 Save $20 on your $100 rental with code TINYTRAVELERS at babyquip.com

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
If this episode helped you feel more seen and supported as the “default parent,” share it with a friend who needs the same reminder. And if you haven’t yet, subscribe and leave a review—it helps other families discover Tiny Travelers.

Thanks for joining us—and see you next week!

Parents don’t need more stuff. They need more support.

That’s what Brooke Boruff—licensed occupational therapist, baby development consultant, and founder of Infant Insights—reminds us in this episode.

We talked about the pressure to pack everything “just in case,” why the real travel essential might be peace of mind, and how you can build supportive routines even while on the go.

“You’re not going to mess them up just because you took a vacation. You were literally meant to be that baby’s parent.”
— Brooke Boruff, Infant Insights — IG @infantinsights—

Brooke helps parents move from information overload to practical tools that actually work—especially when traveling with babies. From preventing flat head syndrome to preserving sleep routines, she shares how a little planning goes a long way.

A few of the questions we covered in this episode:

• Can travel actually support baby development?
• How do you know what to pack and what to leave behind?
• What are the risks of keeping babies in car seats or strollers too long?

We even talk about the importance of cleaning the house before you leave (you’ll relate), how babies feel your energy while you travel, and why routines don’t have to be perfect to be helpful.

Whether you’re planning a beach trip with a baby or just want to feel more relaxed when traveling as a parent, this conversation is your reminder that support matters more than stuff.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Learn more about Brooke and her team of consultants: infantinsights.com
Follow Brooke on Instagram: @infantinsights

MORE FROM BABYQUIP

• Follow us on Instagram: @babyquip
• Traveling with little ones? Don’t pack the whole house. Rent clean, safe baby gear at your destination—cribs, sound machines, blackout tents, and more.

🧳 Save $20 on your $100 rental with code TINYTRAVELERS at babyquip.com

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW

If this episode made you feel a little lighter about your next trip, send it to a fellow parent in the baby stage. And if you haven’t already, please take a second to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps other families find the show.

Thanks for listening to Tiny Travelers. See you next week!

Planning a Disney trip with babies or toddlers? This is the episode for you. I talked with Alyson Thomas — IG @smartmomsplandisneypodcast—about one of the most magical, yet sometimes overwhelming, adventures you can plan: a first Disney trip with kids under five. 

Aly is a Disney travel expert, mom of three (including preschool twins!), and co-host of the Smart Moms Plan Disney Podcast.

“It’s less about this magical first trip to Disney for them—and more about creating memories for your momhood, right? They only get one childhood, and you only get one shot at this as well. So I’m constantly doing the things I know I’ll remember… plus, they’re free when they’re under three—so why not?”
 — Alyson Thomas, Smart Moms Plan Disney Host

From her go-to Disney gear hacks & stroller strategy to expert tips on avoiding hungry chaos, Alyson shared all her best Disney-with-a-baby tips!

Just a few of the questions we tackled in this episode:

Is it better to stay on site at Disney? (Onsite stay vs off-site stay at Disney)

What is the best stroller for Disney?

What is the best age for Disney World?

How do you order food ahead of time at Disneyland?

Is Epcot Worth It? 

Whether you are planning your first family trip to WDW or already a Disney fanatic, we got you covered in this episode.

MORE DISNEY MAGIC ON BABYQUIP BLOG

Planning your first Disney trip with little ones can feel like a lot—but don’t worry, we’ve got your back. To go even deeper on some of the tips Alyson and I talked about in this episode, head over to the BabyQuip blog:

• A Closer Look at Baby Care Centers at Walt Disney World 
• Savings Strategies & Ways to Save on Your Disney World Vacation 
• Walt Disney World with Toddlers: Managing Nap Times and Breaks 
• Where to Find the Most Magical Toddler & Baby Rides at Walt Disney World 

Trust us—these reads are full of golden nuggets to help you plan your happiest trip yet!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Listen to Alyson’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smart-moms-plan-disney-podcast/id1671226892
  • Bonus. Here are some of our favorite episodes from the podcast:
    • Time Saving Strategies for Planning A Disney Vacation
    • How To Use The My Disney Experience App
    • FREE Things At Disney World!
• Book a Disney vacation with Alyson and her team

MORE FROM BABYQUIP:

• Follow us on Instagram: @babyquip
• Traveling with little ones? Rent clean, safe baby gear at your destination and save $20 on your $100 rental with code TINYTRAVELERS at babyquip.com
  
  

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more parents who need these tips to make family travel a little lighter—and a lot more joyful.

Thanks so much for tuning in to the Tiny Travelers show. See you next week! 

Planning your next family trip and worried about how your little one will sleep away from home? You’re not alone—and today’s episode is your survival guide to better sleep while traveling with kids. I’m joined by the amazing Rachel Shepard-Otaz —IG @heysleepybaby— certified sleep consultant, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, host of the No One Told Us podcast, and mom of three. 

I do love to travel. And I even made my husband put it in his vows that he would travel with me wherever I wanted to go—even if we had kids.
 — Rachael Shepard-Ohta, @heysleepybaby

From unexpected crib refusals to chaotic bedtimes in shared hotel rooms, Rachael talk all things rest, routines, and realistic expectations.

No matter if you're navigating a full-blown vacation or just sleeping in a new space for a night, Rachael’s advice will help everyone sleep a little better.

Just a few of the questions we tackled in this episode:

• How can I help my baby sleep while traveling?
• How can I manage nap schedules while sightseeing or on the go?
• How do I get back to our sleep routine after a trip?

…plus plenty of real talk about co-sleeping, sleep gear rental, and how to keep your cool when your toddler just won’t nap.

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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Connect with Rachael: IG @heysleepybaby & heysleepybaby.com
• Download her Guide to Traveling with Babies and Kids
• Know more about the Safe Sleep 7

MORE FROM BABYQUIP:

• Follow us on Instagram: @babyquip
• Check out our blog: https://www.babyquip.com/blog/
• Traveling with little ones? Skip the overpacking—rent cribs, sound machines, blackout curtains, and more at your destination. Save $20 on your $100 rental with code TINYTRAVELERS at babyquip.com
• Check out babyquip.com/toys to explore toy rentals that’ll keep your kids happily entertained while you sip that coffee in peace on vacation—just like Rachael did!

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more parents who need these insights to make their family travel a little lighter and a lot more joyful! 

Thanks for tuning in to Tiny Travelers show! See you next week!