Traveling with Two Kids Under Two

Travel to Chicago with infant and 14 mo. old?

May 2008

Hi,
My husband offered to take us on a work trip to Chicago with
our new baby and toddler.  I was debating going until last
night when I thought how hard this may be (lugging the
babies, gear, stroller, food, diapers etc..  We have a 1
month old and 16 month old and would be staying in a hotel
(small room probably) in the downtown area.  My 16 month old
is very busy and hard to keep contained. I wouldn't have any
help during the day (while he is at work), but I really love
that city and want to go.  Should I join or just sit tight at
home where all are more comfortable? or venture out with my
youngens? If you post a '' go '' response, could you offer
some advice about how to handle the two alone?  Thanks!
Go or No Go

I can't say for sure yes or no, but I am a big fan of hotel (or
cruise ship) stairwells and hallways as great entertainment for
young toddlers (put them down and let them go!)...it's not so
exciting for moms, but maybe you can tire him out in the halls and
stairs and then pop him into a stroller for a nap (hopefully it
reclines all the way) and then go out to do something fun.  I'd
recommend putting the little one in a carrier (moby wrap. etc.) 
Pay for the seat for the toddler and strap in his car seat, and
gate check the baby's carseat.  If you can get away with just
using public transit and walking in Chicago, and then don't take
any seats with you.  There are companies that can provide gear
(toys/pack-n-plays) to your hotel room, and while it's not cheap,
the extra airline fees for bringing all that stuff with you adds
up too. Some of these services will also provide diapers and baby
food. Only bring as much food as you need for the flight, then buy
more when you get the!
re.  Same goes for diapers/wipes. Map out all locations of
hotel/Whole Foods before you go, and have it ready as well as
plans for getting from point a to point b.  The better planned you
are, the more smoothly it will go.  Get a suite with kitchenette
if you can.  Find out if the hotel has babysitting.  

Good luck if you decide to make the trip!
Jeanne

Weeeeeellllll...I always say go, but a hotel room with two little
monsters isn't always fun.  The rest of the trip should be easy,
though.

Just bring a double stroller.  Get a room with two double beds --
each of you gets to sleep with a monster.  Diapers - bring enough
for the flight, buy the rest when you get there.  Ditto any other
special supplies that you need beyond bottle/sippy cups.  Plan on
your weekend including lots of long walks for you with the double
stroller (make sure to scout playgrounds and parks).  Go to the
places that you want to go to...don't worry too much about
schedules...kids will sleep in the double stroller -- unless you
are aching for a nap, too, then just find an outdoor cafe and pull
up the stroller and relax, otherwise head back to your room for a
bit of r&r.

I've done these sorts of trips ever since I just had one.  They
are fun, but also a lot of work.  Don't count on a lot of sleep.
jan 

I wouldn't go. I actually just passed up traveling with my husband
and our 16 mo to Minneapolis this summer, where my husband will be
attending a work conference. I did want to go, but realized how
hard it would to be to be in an unfamiliar place with an extremely
active toddler on my own. I also didn't want my husband to feel
distracted from his work and conference matters because we were
there wanting his attention. We thought about staying in the city
a couple of extra days, but all in all, it sounded like more work
than fun, at least for me.
My two cents