Lugging bulky and heavy baby gear on planes, trains, and automobiles doesn't make for a fun vacation. And hitting up a Target or drug store with a cranky tyke after a full day of travel to buy baby supplies is not much better. That's why I'm a firm believer in shipping baby gear ahead to your destination.
Shipping items ahead makes your travel logistics easier, and with checked bag fees skyrocketing, you may even come out ahead money-wise. There are a few companies that offer custom services in this space, such as Babies Travel Lite and Jet Set Babies. But you can probably get the best deal shopping yourself on Amazon, Diapers.com or Target.com for domestic travel at least. Don't forget free shipping options such as Amazon Super Saver Shipping (or free two day shipping if you have Amazon Prime) or free Target shipping if you have the Target credit card.
If you are staying with friends and family on your travels, they can always hold the items for you. If you are staying in a hotel, don't forget to call the front desk to make sure they are able to hold a package for you until you arrive. If so, I always write "Please hold for [Guest] Arriving [Date], c/o ABC Hotel" in the extra address lines to signal to the hotel to hold my items.
Here are a few items you may want to ship ahead:
- Large baby gear (Pack N Play, Bouncy seat or swing)
- Diapers & wipes
- Baby food
- Formula
SaranowSchultz (@HintMama) says
Great tip (from another firm believer in shipping baby gear)! I tend to use Diapers.com to do this, and have shipped everything from diapers to diaper cream and baby food to my destinations, as I wrote about today on my site of daily hints to make parenting easier and cheaper.