Jessie and I recently had our firstborn son, and his name is Brae. I don’t think we could have ended up with a calmer baby.  Although calm, it doesn’t mean he is always easy when adventuring. 

This writing will be the first in a series of adventures and lessons with Brae.

One of our first adventures with him was a road trip to far Southern Texas to see family.  This would be the first opportunity to better understand travel with a kiddo.  I am not sure three months old could have been a better age for this experience!  I’m a strong advocate for starting them young.  With this said, we left Southeast Virginia and traveled on Interstate 40 most of the way.  Figuring out how a baby’s household responsibilities translate to travel chores.

After a late-night stop at a gas station with a screaming baby the first night.  We both felt sceptical.  Although stubborn we pushed forward.  We made it to our hotel in Bristol VA.  With this, the routine began.  The Momcozy Bottle sterilizer came in handy as always.  We were not camping this go around because it was too cold for Brae and they don’t make sleeping bags for actual cold for his age range until he hits 6 months.  So hotels it was!  It became evident that every restroom would have an outlet next to a sink.  So without fail, every day we plugged in the Momcozy and cleaned Brae’s bottles at night.   At some point, Jessie suggested we try letting the bottles dry via a combination of air and sun.  This worked beautifully and saved us a lot of time!  We also always made a practice to have doggy pads for wherever we would change him or a roll-up changing pad.

As we dove we got into a rhythm and Brae seemed to enjoy the experiences going on around him.  As we continued we discovered that the more consistent and less spontaneous we were in Bae’s travel routine the better at his current age.   I made sure that each morning I made a goal to be the first up, I fed Brae last, headed down to the lobby, and grabbed Jessie and me breakfast.  I grabbed ice for the cooler and washed any last-minute bottles.  Finished any laundry if needed and started packing the car again.  Every stop we made was a routine of consistency… Change, feed, and refresh.

Another tool we used was a USB charging fan.  Whether in the car, stroller, or somewhere else Brae had cool air.  Jessie and I also used a Bricca Travel Bassinet for Brae to sleep at the Hotels.  Reducing the risk of SIDS and allowing him to have his own space.  When that time arose, we bathed Brae in the Hotel Bathtubs with his Angel Rest Infant Bather.  After much time with family we headed home and on ur last night on the road we’re blessed to stay the night at a historic Hotel in Wythville Virginia.  The Boiling Wilson was one of the best hotels we have had the privilege of staying at.  In the morning I went to the roof to photograph sunrise because the views were incredible from the top. 

Once back we have worked on implementing small outdoor adventures with Brae.  My advice for someone who is helping their little one become ready for bigger and bigger adventures!  Introduce them to the small parts of nature.  The big will come soon enough!

-Sky