*Seasoned parents, beware. This post is for those of us on our first child and still packing half of our house for a week-long beach trip. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.*

 

I am pretty sure packing for beach trips before Bennett (B.B.) took about 10 minutes. Bathing suits? Check. Underwear? Got it. Cover-ups? Yep. Flip Flops? Got ’em. Separates in the same color family? I’m so efficient.

Packing for our beach trip this summer was quite a different story.

Did I get diapers? Swim diapers? Nighttime diapers? Reusable swim diaper? How many different kinds of diapers do they make!? Speaking of diapers, I’ve got to change B’s diaper. How is he awake already?! I just put him down…

How am I going to pack the stroller? Google search “how to take front wheel off of Bob Revolution;” Ohhhh…that’s how you do it!

After about an hour, I had the wheel off the front of my stroller and four types of diapers. It was sure to be a long day.

It took about four hours to pack what I believed to be our entire house. Right before I loaded Bennett in the car, he pooped on our white quilt. We were delayed about an hour as I treated the stain. I wanted to shower, but that was off of the table. After we loaded the quilt in the dryer, we were off. Unfortunately it was 3:30 Friday afternoon. If anyone has attempted to battle the 285 WB, 75 NB, 575 NB gauntlet, you can probably guess what happened next.

I thought Bennett would nap during our car ride to Big Canoe…and I thought wrong. I don’t think I’ve ever heard Bennett make sounds like that in my entire life and I don’t think I ever want to again. Shrill three month old screams and standstill northbound traffic was enough to give me knots in my shoulders. So much so that I had to call my sister to give me a break in Canton. After we got B out of his seat and walked around Target, I proceeded to change his diaper in the back of my car only to realize that he wasn’t done doing his business. My light gray tank was now dark gray and sopping wet.

By the time we made it to my parents, I felt as if I survived a battle. I had just enough energy to nurse and put my little boy to bed. When I laid my head on my own pillow, I realized I forgot diaper cream; so much for efficient packing.

Now, I know I am not alone in having these mommy moments. For that reason, I’ve decided to attach a “parent packing hack” for beach trips so that you don’t forget any essentials (or luxuries) on a beach road trip. I make no promises that you’ll avoid baby screams on your way to the beach, but at least when you get there, you’ll have everything to make your lodgings feel like home.

Baby’s Suitcase/Beach