Traveling with a toddler can be hectic to say the least. Last weekend we went on a last minute trip to Dallas and stayed at the Hilton Anatole. We took full advantage or their Jade Waters Resort, which allowed us to get some much needed R&R. I wanted to share some of the tips and tricks I’ve picked up from staying in hotels with Isla, who is currently 21 months old. These are a collection of hacks that I’ve done her entire life while traveling so I know they are baby and toddler tested and approved. Without further ado, here is my guide to traveling with a toddler and the hotel room hacks that work for us!
Isla has always been a great eater. She eats really well at mealtimes but she’s also a huge snacker. She doesn’t have much of a sweet tooth (thank goodness) but I think she gets burnt out on certain snacks after awhile. It’s hard to find a snack that isn’t messy (like veggies and hummus dip) but I have finally found something that is travel friendly and less messy. Keep reading to see how to make the Toddler Approved Snack Mix that my toddler loves!
Heidi-ho, Neighbor! (Anyone else watch old re-runs of Home Improvement and miss the 90s?).
I haven’t had time to build anything in a while to share with you guys. I’ve been helping my mom redo her kitchen, taking a little break from blogging, Isla had a health scare in April and I haven’t felt like writing anything, if i’m being honest. But I thought I’d tell you about Isla’s toy box that I built for her first birthday! This DIY Toy Box offers tons of storage, which makes cleaning her room a breeze!
She turned one in October and I really needed a practical way to store her toys and books. We were having to get creative and stuff toys all over the place to put them away.
I had been wanting to build her a toy box but I knew it would have to have a built in bookshelf as well as storage for bigger items. I have been following Ana White for years and I had seen these plans before.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
I am so tired by the end of the day that I don’t really have the energy to focus on self-care. I am up by 5 am during the week and usually I don’t stop running around until I collapse into bed at 10 or 11. I have tried in the last few months to dedicate one night a week to take care of myself. I try to set aside Friday nights for my self-care routine. Below you will find my idea of a self-care routine for a busy mom.
I just love a good routine and even though my evening routine looks much different than it did before having a baby, it still leaves plenty of time to get everything done, spend time with the family and have some self care.
My evening routine begins the second I get off work, usually about 4:30. I pick up Isla from daycare at about 4:50 and then we head home.
I’m still carrying a diaper bag for outings that last more than a few hours. If it’s a short trip then I’ll just throw some diapers and wipes in my purse and go. My daughter is about to be 15 months old and still feel like I need a few items when we go out for the day. It puts me at ease knowing that I’m prepared for diaper blows outs with a change of clothes or medicine if she gets sick.
The Bag
The diaper bag that I use is the backpack from LAND. We had a similar one before this one and it was not made as well. This one was purchased from Amazon and you can find it here. It seems like it’s much better quality and the gray color stays clean. It has nice pockets inside that are water proof and big pouches for bottles/ snacks or whatever you want.
Isla just had her first birthday in October and let me tell you, our house is jam-packed at the moment because she got a rocking horse, a cozy coupe car, and a bunch of smaller toys. What I’m planning on doing in the weeks leading up to Christmas is a little toy clear out with the intention to donate some of her stuff that she doesn’t use anymore or has outgrown. We are doing a few smaller gifts for Isla and some stocking-stuffers this year. She has so much stuff that i’m kind of dreading go through it all.
She will be 14 months old by the time Christmas rolls around so it will be much more fun than last year. She kind of knows what is going on this year. Well, she knows that she likes to open presents. I can’t wait to be Santa, you guys. I might even dress up but I will most definitely eat the peanut butter cookies that I make for him.
These are the items I have purchased for her for this year: I’ve also posted the links to each to make it even more helpful. I’m not including shoes or clothes in this list because I feel like that should be a separate post. This list is for toys only.
Update: I did a post on what books I got Isla for Christmas and you can find that list here.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1-My First Stacking Cups:
My girl loves to stack things. Need I say more? These are such a simple and great gift. They are compact when stacked and travel well in the diaper bag or my purse.
2-Endangered Species by Sud Bath Crayons:
Isla loves to play in the bath and the only thing I’m worried about with these is her trying to eat them but I never leave her in the bath so it shouldn’t be a problem. I plan to use these to write letters and shapes and let her draw some in the bathtub. These are made of soap so don’t just leave them in the water – they will eventually dissolve. The manufacturer of these crayons donates a portion of the profits to wildlife conservation as well.
