New Mom Diaries: How To Travel With an Infant

When Vogue Event Producer and New Mom, Jess Kiniery Rose, first decided to travel with her young infant daughter it was actually meant to be a different kind of getaway. "Originally, I had planned for this trip to be just my husband and I, but as time grew closer I just couldn’t imagine leaving Phoebe at home." 

With a larger family trip planned to Europe this summer, Jess and her husband thought a mini spring trip to the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach would be the perfect test run. "I felt it was good practice on a plane and in the airport, working through a hotel stay and packing for time away from home in general." 

We asked Jess how she tackled packing, transportation, nap times and more.

How far in advance did you start planning, and what were some must-haves you packed for your baby (and yourself)?

For the baby, we started planning about two weeks out. I think the biggest thing for Phoebe was that I wanted to make sure that she recognized things from home to make her feel comfortable in the hotel room and on the airplane. I packed her crib sheet, her blankets, her favorite books, toys and snacks.

Were there any specific tools, products, or tips that made travel easier for you?

We have the Doona stroller which is a car seat and stroller in one. This made moving around with her super easy, and we were able to check it at the gate of the plane.

As for packing for Phoebe and myself, travel pouches made my life so easy. I was able to pack every (bathing suit, pajamas, extra onesie and dinner outfit) per day in each pouch to make sure I wasn’t over or under packing. I shared a suitcase with her so it also made it easy to organize the entire suitcase, a plus was they were waterproof!

We also used a travel bottle washing kit for Phoebes bottles which we would have been lost without.

What was the journey like—flights, accommodations, transportation?

Overall, the journey was a lot more seamless than expected. We booked our flights around nap times and Phoebe adapted so well and slept on the flights (to our surprise!) We used TSA Pre-Check and everyone was super helpful through the process and the line. I think my biggest takeaway with the journey of it all was don’t be afraid to ask for help, hotel staff, airline crew etc. 

How did it feel to be traveling with your baby for the first time?

It felt like such an accomplishment and we were so proud of how well Phoebe handled the changes in her routine and environment.

Were there any surprises—good or challenging—that came up during the trip?

We were so surprised that we had so much fun, I prepared a ton before we left and when it came time to go we just let go and figured it all out on the fly. I’d say the most surprising thing was how adaptable Phoebe was to her schedule, she fell asleep by the pool (with a DJ haha!) for 2 hours every day and allowed us time to relax with each other without having to take turns in the hotel room for naps.

How did you balance your own rest, fun, or self-care with taking care of your little one?

Candidly, we let go of the “rest” part and we just brought her with us wherever we wanted to go..shopping, out to dinner, to the beach or pool. She is such a happy baby and was content being along for the ride. We also made sure to stay at a hotel we were familiar with and had stayed at before  but we knew was kid friendly, but also gave us a sense of normalcy with great food, drinks and accommodations. 

What did this trip teach you about yourself, your baby, or motherhood in general?

It taught me that babies are more adaptable than we give them credit for!

Is there a moment from the trip that you’ll never forget?

We experienced a lot of firsts on this trip, first airplane ride, first hotel, first time in a pool and first time on the beach and in the ocean. Though we have traveled together locally, this really made us feel like a “family” on our own.

If another new mom were nervous about traveling, what advice would you give her?

I’d tell her that there is only so much you can prepare in advance, and you know what is best for your baby! Also, pack snacks.