As a re-introduction, here are our "8 simple rules"
1) Babywearing
For me, babywearing is a must in Europe. Most European sidewalks and buildings aren't stroller-friendly so it's the easiest way for us to get around. It's also the easiest way for me to carry a baby up hundreds of stairs with no end in sight. I'm looking at you, St. Paul's Cathedral. Many people ask me why I am always wearing Lily. The answer: teamwork. Chris is in charge of carrying the backpack and taking photos. I carry Lily and grab supplies as needed off Chris (see point 8). Lily doesn't like standing still for long periods of time so if Chris wants to read signs in a museum I'm free to walk around, keeping both Lily and I happy. She's getting heavy so this summer I plan to switch to a back-carry.
2) If the baby needs a drink/snack, so do you
This one is pretty self explanatory. We like to use these "baby breaks" to try out the local fare every few hours.
3) Rent a car and go
I find road trips are easiest with a baby. While we've done plane trips, it always feels like a stressful ordeal for me. Driving allows you to make your own timeline, make changes, and be spontaneous. It also gives you lots of room to pack snacks and change diapers. Which leads me to the next point...
4) No changing table? Make it work
In Europe changing tables can be few and far between. And bathroom stalls are tiny. So you have to get creative. Which can lead to hilarity. And sweat. I just make sure Chris has my next drink order before I brave the elements.5) Splurge for the extra hotel space
This point I can't take any credit for. I'm the frugal one in our marriage, so if it was up to me we would stay in "one level up from a hostel" for our travels. That's why I don't book our hotels. Major husband points here- Chris is very good finding spacious hotel rooms that suit our all our needs. The smallest hotel room we had was in Paris, France off the Champs Elysees. Even though Lily was only 4 months old it felt like we were on top of each other. Since then we always look for suite steals.
6) Location, location, location
Going off the last point, it's important to us to have a centrally located hotel while traveling. Sometimes cafe "baby breaks" just don't cut it. So it's nice to be able to go back to our hotel for afternoon nap (for all) and recharge before some evening exploring. The more time you spend trying to get to places the more time you allow for a toddler to get restless.
7) Hope for the best, plan for the worst
If you're going to see a priceless work of art or a sacred temple, just expect that your baby will discover the power of her echoing voice in that moment. Have a game plan and an exit. We try to have a list of main attractions we would like to see and try not to get too hung up on what happens in between. Stay flexible because even though you think you're steering this ship the baby is staring at you from her babywearing throne like...
8) KinderKeks
Always have kinderkeks available and ready to go. They come in four packs of ten and they are magical. Hide them in every pocket. And when your kid is about to lose it, break off a piece, and let the calm set in. I will take to my grave the places I have slipped Lily these wonderful cookies.
