PEI With a Baby: What We Actually Did + Our 3-Day Family Guide
Prince Edward Island might be one of my favourite places in Canada to visit with a baby.
We spent three days in PEI when Parker was 11 months old, but this wasn't our first time on the island. We'd explored PEI quite a bit before having him, so this trip looked a little different: fewer stops, slower days, and a lot more time crawling in the grass and splashing at the beach.
And honestly? I think PEI might be even better that way.
If you're wondering whether it's worth taking a baby to PEI when they won't remember it, my answer is absolutely yes. The island is gorgeous, the drives are manageable, and some of the best things to do don't require a schedule at all.
Here's what our trip actually looked like, plus what we'd recommend after visiting PEI both before and after having a baby.
New Brunswick With Kids: Where a Local Would Actually Take You
New Brunswick is one of those places that can be surprisingly easy to overlook when you're planning a trip across Canada.
We might be a little biased, though. Christopher grew up near Saint John and lived in New Brunswick until he was 18. Now we've had the chance to come back together - this time travelling with Parker - and experience some of the places he grew up around as a family.
So rather than making another giant list of every attraction in New Brunswick, we asked Christopher a simpler question: If friends were visiting New Brunswick for the first time, where would you actually tell them to go?
His answer was pretty clear: head for the coast.
Deer Island, New Brunswick With a Baby: Ferry, Whale Watching & What to Do
If you're looking for a quiet little fishing-island getaway in New Brunswick - especially one where you can go whale watching without spending a fortune - Deer Island is absolutely worth considering.
We spent two nights on Deer Island in August when Parker was 10 months old. We were already staying with family near St. Martins, and Deer Island caught our attention mostly because of the affordable whale-watching options. It ended up being exactly the kind of side trip we like with a baby: slow-paced, scenic and easy to explore without a packed itinerary.
Two nights felt just right. Long enough that we didn't have to rush, but Deer Island isn't somewhere I'd plan a week-long itinerary.
What to Pack for Thailand With a Baby: What We Actually Used
Packing for Thailand with a baby felt completely different from packing for any trip we'd taken before.
We were going for a month. It was going to be hot. We didn't know how easy diapers, baby food, laundry or other supplies would be to find. And because we were travelling with an eight-month-old, it was very tempting to pack for every possible scenario.
The good news?
We needed far less than we thought.
After travelling around Thailand with Parker, there were a handful of things we used constantly, some things we were very glad we'd brought from home, and plenty we could easily have left behind.
If you're wondering what to pack for Thailand with a baby, here's what we'd bring if we were doing the trip again tomorrow.
Do You Need to Keep Your Baby on a Strict Routine While Traveling? Here's What Worked for Us
One of the questions we get asked most is:
"How do you keep Parker on his routine while you're traveling?"
The honest answer? We don't.
That probably isn't the answer you expected, and it certainly isn't the advice you'll find on a lot of parenting blogs. But after traveling across Canada, Panama, Thailand, and now Atlantic Canada with Parker, we've learned something surprising:
Babies are often much more adaptable than we give them credit for.
Now, every baby is different. Some thrive on a predictable schedule, and if that's what works for your family, that's wonderful. This isn't about convincing you to abandon your routine. Instead, this is about sharing what has worked for our family and hopefully reassuring parents who are worried that one trip will completely undo months of hard work.
How We Kept Our Baby Warm While Camping (Without Overheating)
One of the biggest questions I had before our first camping trip with Parker was:
How do I keep my baby warm enough while camping?
If you've found yourself lying awake wondering the same thing, you're not alone. As parents, it's natural to worry about babies getting too cold overnight. But after 16 days of camping with our 10-month-old, we realized that keeping him comfortable wasn't nearly as complicated as we expected. Here's exactly what worked for us, what we packed, and what we'd do again.
The Ultimate Baby Camping Packing List (What We Actually Used)
After spending 16 days camping with our baby, we learned one big lesson:
You need far less than you think.
Before our trip, I spent weeks researching packing lists, trying to prepare for every possible situation. Like most first-time parents, I packed "just in case" items that never left the bag.
Some things became everyday essentials.
Others came home exactly as we packed them.
If you're planning your first camping trip with a baby, here's what we actually used—and what we'd pack differently next time.
Is Koh Phaluai Worth Visiting? Our Honest Experience Staying Four Nights on Thailand's Quietest Island
If you're researching Koh Phaluai, you've probably noticed something frustrating: there isn't much information available.
Before our trip, we spent hours searching for blog posts, reviews, and travel guides, trying to answer some pretty basic questions.
Can you actually stay on the island?
Is it worth spending the night, or should you just visit on a day tour?
What is there to do?
After four nights on Koh Phaluai with our eight-month-old son, Parker, we finally have those answers.
Koh Phaluai isn't for everyone. There are no luxury resorts, no beach clubs, very little Wi-Fi, and only a handful of places to stay.
But if you're looking for somewhere to completely disconnect and experience one of Thailand's most peaceful islands, it might become one of your favourite places too.
What Does a Baby Sleep In While Camping? (Safe Sleep Options for Babies Outdoors)
This was probably our biggest question before taking Parker camping for the first time.
Where does a baby actually sleep?
At home, safe sleep is pretty straightforward. But once you're sleeping in a tent, things suddenly feel much less obvious. Can they sleep on an air mattress? Should they share your sleeping bag? Do they need a special camping bassinet? After several camping trips with our baby, here's the setup that worked for us, what we learned, and what we'd do again.
Is Panama Worth It With a Baby?
Before Parker was born, Panama probably wouldn't have made our shortlist of dream destinations.
But after spending time there with a baby, we came away genuinely impressed.
It isn't perfect, and there were definitely some challenges, but if you're looking for a destination that's warm, easy to navigate, and a little less crowded than many Caribbean resorts, Panama deserves more attention than it gets.
Would we go back?
Absolutely.
Here's why.
Camping With a Baby: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide
We recently did a camping trip with Parker, and before going I did what most parents probably do - I tried to plan for every possible scenario.
In reality, what ended up mattering most wasn’t the “perfect checklist,” but a few key pieces of gear that actually made life easier.
Here’s exactly what we used, what worked really well, and what we’d change next time.
Diaper Changes while Camping in the Cold
One of the biggest things I worried about before our first camping trip with Parker wasn't sleeping in a tent or feeding him outdoors, it was something much less exciting.
How on earth do you change a diaper when it's only a few degrees outside?
I pictured him freezing while I fumbled with wipes and diapers, trying to get everything done as quickly as possible.
The reality? It really wasn't that bad.
After a couple of chilly mornings at the campsite, we found a routine that worked well for us. If you're planning your first camping trip with a baby, here are the three things that made the biggest difference.
Baby Gear Rental for Travel: What We’d Rent vs. Pack
Traveling with a baby often feels like moving house for a week.
Before our first trip with Parker, I was convinced we needed to bring everything: the stroller, the playpen, the high chair, the bathtub, the toys... the list seemed endless. But after a few trips, we've learned that packing less can actually make travel easier.
One of the biggest travel hacks we've discovered is renting baby equipment at our destination instead of hauling it through airports, taxis, and hotel lobbies.
Not only does it save luggage space, but it can also make your travel days significantly less stressful.
Here are the baby items we would rent again in a heartbeat.
Koh Samui With a Baby: Honest Tips From Parents Who Actually Did It
When we started planning our parental leave trip to Thailand, Koh Samui quickly rose to the top of our list. Beautiful beaches, family-friendly resorts, warm weather, and a relaxed pace made it seem like the perfect destination for traveling with a baby.
After spending time exploring different parts of the island with our son Parker, we can confidently say that Koh Samui exceeded our expectations.
If you're considering visiting Koh Samui with a baby or toddler, here's everything we learned during our stay.
Where to Stay in Koh Samui with a Baby
One of the things we loved most about Koh Samui was how different each area felt. During our month in Thailand, we stayed in three completely different accommodations around the island: a beachfront mud villa, a private pool villa, and a budget-friendly beachfront hotel near Fisherman's Village.
Each offered something unique, and each suited a different style of family travel. If you're planning a trip to Koh Samui with a baby or toddler, here's our honest experience at all three.
Thailand With a Baby: Complete Family Travel Guide
Thailand is one of those destinations that looks perfect on Instagram: turquoise water, beachside massages, incredible food, and affordable luxury.
But when you’re traveling with a baby, the real question becomes: is it actually worth it-or just too hard?
We recently travelled to Thailand with our baby, and I’m going to break down exactly what it was like—the good, the hard parts, and whether we’d do it again.
International Travel With a Baby
Traveling abroad with a baby takes extra planning, but with the right steps, it feels manageable. Here’s how we prepared for our first big trip with Parker — from paperwork to health checks to packing.
Traveling With a Baby Starting Solids: Tips for Stress-Free Trips
Introducing solids is a milestone — and doing it while traveling adds a whole new layer of adventure.
Our son Parker tried his first foods while we were in Panama. It was mostly fruit, and he didn’t really swallow much — just explored textures and flavors. Pineapple quickly became a favorite: sweet, juicy, and perfect for tiny hands.
Before heading to Thailand, we made sure to introduce all the common allergens several times at home. It gave us peace of mind knowing he’d already tried everything safely. We also packed Benadryl for emergencies — even though there’s no infant dosage, having it on hand helps us feel prepared.
Travel Injuries With a Baby
Family travel isn’t just about beaches and sightseeing. Sometimes, things go wrong — and you have to figure it out in real time.
On our trip to Panama, I broke my ankle. Suddenly, our family adventure turned into navigating ambulances, clinics, flights home, surgery, and recovery — all while caring for a baby.
Here’s what that experience taught us about travel injuries, recovery, and the importance of preparation.
Road Tripping With a Baby: What We Learned After an 8-Day Adventure
We just finished a road trip across the U.S. with Parker at 6 months old — and I’ll say this upfront:
It was slower, messier, and more beautiful than we expected.
If you’re planning a road trip with a baby, this isn’t a “perfect itinerary” post. This is what actually worked for us — and what we’d do differently next time.
