Hi everyone - thanks for being a part of our Traveling with Tots community!
After being in Europe for the past 5 summers, we enjoyed our first full American summer back in the U.S. with our kids - day camps, ice cream, swimming, movies, and board games. It’s a reminder that as amazing as travel is, so are the small moments with our loved ones. Always praying that everyone gets the same opportunity for their kids.
We wrapped up the summer by giving birth to our fourth (and final) baby, Nora Rose Rehmann. We’ve been soaking in the newborn bubble phase of life, with brainstorming how to manage future travel logistics with 4 kids 🙂
Faiz, Lyla, Rumi & Nora
4 Kids, 6 and Under - Favorite Products
We now have a 6-year-old, 4-year-old, 2-year-old, and a newborn. We’ve taken our older kids to 30+ countries and enjoy spending much time at home as well. It’s safe to say we’ve tried out numerous products and activities - whether it is for road trips, air travel, or general baby related items for the house. We’ve thought a lot about what has really lasted us. All of my favorites are updated on my Amazon Shop (just in time for Prime Day!).
Here are a few of the items we have loved as our family has grown over the years.
Items we’ve used since baby #1 - BabyBjorn bouncer. This bouncer occupies babies in your home, easily portable, and long-lasting (ours is a hand-me down from his 11-year-old cousin!). I also have used my Boppy Pillow from the beginning to make it easier to nurse AND to offer visitors a more “supportive” way to hold the baby.
Item we’ve used since baby #2 - Cybex Gazelle Double Stroller. The configurations involving a bassinet, toddler seats, buggy board, and storage area makes it easy for us to explore. This is also the time we started experimenting with lots of small entertainment activities to take with us for our older kid(s) - our favorites are compiled here.
Items we’ve used since baby #3 - Baby Bjorn Mini Carrier. I always baby wore my kids, but I used my sisters newborn carrier with our third, and it was incredibly secure and easy for smaller infants. I felt more confident exploring the world with him safely strapped. The Doona Stroller also makes life easier with being able to convert from carseat to stroller easily. Love these two items - shout out to my sister for bringing them both to my life.
Items we purchased with baby #4 - Stokke. I purchased this item primarily to keep the baby at a higher place from our other kids (safety purposes). I love the ease and comfort for herself and me. I also tried out a few new swaddles with this baby, and my favorite is the Swaddelini. It goes on like a sock - even the nurses at the hospital loved it!
KID TRAVEL ITEM PRIME DAY PURCHASE: Another vital tool for us - our Amazon Kids Tablet. We primarily use them for travel and restaurants - because all parents could use a mental break sometimes. We unfortunately lost our older kids tablets last year - but Prime Day Sales means they are heavily discounted, so I put in an order for 2 more! Excited to start researching some education games, similar to Khan Academy, for their tablets.
Hatchelorette - Pregnant + Best Girlfriends + Staycation
When you’re in the thick of motherhood and getting ready for a baby, trying to make travel plans to go somewhere can feel daunting. Before I gave birth, I had a ‘Hatchelorette’ weekend (like a Bachelorette, but for pregnant women). I was 36 weeks pregnant, so we did a staycation in Atlanta with close friends with quality time and low effort activities. I 10/10 recommend this for all pregnant women, if feasible. To read about the steps we took to plan the weekend and get ideas for your own staycation itinerary, visit my post here.
Lounging at the Hotel Avalon - If in Alpharetta, 10/10 recommend the Avalon area for a low-effort staycation.
Photographer for Fall Break Trips?
Still searching for a photographer to take photos of you during your upcoming fall break trip or local outings? Check out Flytographer (Discount Code: SHAINAREHMANN) to conveniently book or more budget-friendly options on GetYourGuide by searching for “‘destination name’ photoshoot”.
What’s Next?
We’re getting ready for our fall break road trip - first trip with four kids. Wish us luck and stay tuned with our lessons learned on Instagram (I’m sure there will be plenty we discover!).
We’re here to share what works, what doesn’t, and to answer your questions. Got a destination you want us to cover? Need advice for your next trip? Hit reply and let us know!
Happy Travels!
- Shaina
