Traveling with Kids

I tend to get awful pain in my hips and back after a road trip. Any tips or tricks?

Just found out I’m pregnant with my second. I have a 2 year old, who will be almost 3yo when number two arrives! Can anyone recommend a good double pram please? Want it to be an all-rounder so I can rely on it for every eventuality! Thank you x

Please recommend your favorite compact stroller. I’ve been searching for one, but there are so many options to choose. We’re traveling soon and are looking for an affordable stroller but one that last us a few years. Thank you mamas 🫶🏽

We are planning to go across country via plane to visit family for Christmas. Of course, that means handling a baby in an airport and on a plane. I have heard it said that there is no such thing as screen time while traveling and to pack 2 snacks per hour while in the plane. We are not a big screen time family for any alternatives would be great. Also, what snacks would you recommend to help with popping ears? What do yall recommend for traveling with a baby? What should we do or bring? He will be almost 18 months by then. It will be a 5 hour direct flight.

first family vacation with 3 little kids — San Diego vs Morocco?

I’m looking for honest advice because I feel really stuck and I want outside opinions.

My husband and I have never really had a vacation that was just us and our kids. We have 3 little ones: a newborn, a 2-year-old, and a 4-year-old. I’ve been wanting to make a special family memory while they’re little, even though I know they won’t remember every detail.

I planned a trip to San Diego for my son’s birthday because it felt like it fit our family right now. My son loves sea lions, so I wanted to make that part of his birthday experience.

My San Diego plan:

• Family-friendly Airbnb so we have a home base
• Buy groceries and cook homemade meals most days
• Still go out for food and experiences
• Beach days (my kids have never really experienced the beach)
• Nighttime beach walks
• Sea lions
• Legoland
• Zoo
• Coastal drives
• Shopping and food that my husband and I enjoy
• Possibly a day trip to LA

The estimate I found was around $2,400 total for flights, hotel/Airbnb, and rental car (not including all food/shopping).

My husband now wants Morocco because he says it’s cheaper and the food is better. His dad and stepmom have a home there, so we would have a place to stay.

I understand why Morocco could be meaningful, but I’m struggling with whether it makes sense with our kids’ ages.

My concerns:

• I have never left the country, so I know it would be exciting, but I’m nervous doing an international trip with 3 little kids.
• My kids need routine.
• My 4-year-old gets bored easily, doesn’t like long walks, is scared of some animals, and mainly loves parks, playing, and burning energy.
• I worry about car seats, our Zoe Trio stroller, transportation, naps, food, and the overall stress.
• His family has already gone to Morocco and done things like camel rides, ATVs, shopping, etc. I worry I’ll feel like I’m following something they already experienced instead of us creating our own first adventure.
• I don’t want a trip where my husband spends most of the time with his family while I’m managing the kids.

The part that hurts me is that we’ve lived close to his family for years, and I really wanted this to be something that was just our little family making memories. I want our kids to have experiences that are ours too.

I also want to mention: I’m not against Morocco. I’m actually excited about trying new foods and seeing a new country. I just don’t know if it’s the right trip for this stage of life.

For moms who have traveled internationally with toddlers and babies:

• Would you choose Morocco over San Diego at these ages?
• Is Morocco actually fun for young kids, or is it better when they’re older?
• Is saving money worth the extra stress of international travel with 3 small children?
• How do you balance one partner wanting a heritage/family trip and the other wanting a first family vacation that feels like your own?

I really want honest opinions, even if you disagree with me. ❤️