What has two hands, 147,000 things to do, and jet lag? If you guessed “single traveling parent,” you’re right! Traveling is so good in so many ways, but in the moment, it can seem really challenging—to put it mildly. I’m always glad to show my daughter the world, and it’s always worth the effort. The reality, though, is that there’s only one of me, and I only have two hands. If you’re a solo parent who wants to travel, there’s not always someone to watch your baby, and you can’t take your eye off them for even a moment. So, how does a single parent get it all done when you’re dealing with language barriers, jet lag, and unfamiliar hotel rooms that are not set up for babies?
Whether you’re a single parent or just solo parenting on a weekend trip, these strategies are for you. Here’s what to do when there’s no one else around to watch your baby when you’re traveling.
Choose a Hotel with a Babysitting Service
Why bury the lede, right? This is my number one game plan when I travel with my daughter. I always look for a babysitting option before I book a hotel. No judgement if leaving your baby with a stranger appalls you. As a single parent, though, this is a solution I can live with. Hiring a babysitter through your hotel allows you to book that spa treatment, have that special experience for yourself, or just get a coffee and read a book for a while. It’s also way cheaper than paying for someone you know to come with you. It’s the best way to make sure there’s someone to watch your baby so you can have a moment to breathe.
Related: The Top 7 Reasons Why Single Parents Should Travel with Their Kids
Put the Baby in the Crib
I’m here to tell you, it’s okay for your baby to cry for 10 minutes while you take a shower. As long as they can’t get out of the crib, they’re safe, and you can do what you need to take care of yourself. Yes, it would be better if someone was there to hold or entertain your baby so you can have a less stressful shower, tidy up without tears, or pack in peace. Since that’s not possible, though, you’ll just have to do your best. Sometimes, your best is putting the baby in a place where they can’t get hurt so you can use both your hands to get some things accomplished.
Also helpful: The Top 3 Things You Need to Know Before International Travel with Your Kids
Wear the Baby
This is how I’ve taken my daughter all over the world! She loves the wearable carrier. She gets really excited for it, actually, because she knows she’s going to be close to me. It’s also easier for me, since I can just walk normally and have my hands free. No need to rely on ramps, elevators, or sidewalks wide enough to accommodate a stroller. Most wearable carriers can be worn on your front or on your back, so you can wear the baby in whatever way is most comfortable for you.
This is not for everyone, and not for every stage of babyhood. Your carrier may be rated for babies up to 44 pounds, but are YOU rated for that much extra weight? No judgement here if this one’s not for you!
Need to Know: How to Get a Baby Passport
Take Them with You
Many Americans believe that your life has to completely change when baby comes along. Your life has to stop so that you can live a life conducive to a baby. This doesn’t have to be the case. Yes, life will inevitably be different when you add a whole new person to the mix. But you’re allowed to fit the baby into your life. It’s true that you can’t do absolutely everything with a baby that you used to do without one, but don’t let those things discourage you from doing everything else! If you can strap them into a wearable carrier or stroller, do it and have fun!
This is how babies learn how to be in normal life—they experience normal life with you. That means coffee at Cafe de Paris Monte Carlo, a walking tour in Nice, that scenic flight over the Rock Islands, hiking Diamond Head in Hawai’i. It means giving them experiences with you.
Must read: The Top 5 Tips for Taking Uber with a Baby
FaceTime with a “Babysitter”
My parents cannot get enough of Iris Claire. She is their first and only grandchild, and they think everything she does is gold. They love when we FaceTime, and Iris loves it, too! She flails every limb, shrieks with joy, and claps her hands when she hears the “ringing” of FaceTime.
When I need to shower, get dressed, clean up, pack, or do whatever I need to do without a baby wanting to hang off of me, I put her in the crib or another safe place and FaceTime the grandparents. It usually keeps everyone occupied for at least 10-15 minutes. Even the harshest screen time critics agree that FaceTime is different from the usual screen time (TV, movies, etc.). The back and forth interaction is the magic, and it helps babies know their faraway friends and family members. The grandparents are not able to run interference on FaceTime, but they can literally “watch” the baby and at least be a distraction to her. And it gives you a minute. It’s a win-win-win solution!
Read on: 5 Ways I Remember My Husband while Traveling
What would you add to this list? Comment below!
Want more? Check out my dedicated Single Parent Travel Tips Page!
Love this post? Pin it for later!
Babysitting services at hotels are AMAZING!
Yes! And worth every penny!