Expect to be flexible. After all, you're traveling with a one-year-old.
How to Pack
Packing for a week-long trip with a baby is no easy task. You need at least 2 to 3 changes of clothes per day, plus pajamas, soap, diapers, wipes, etc. He had his own special bag (nearly as big as my husband's and I - sharing!).
We decided early on that we weren't going to take the stroller (bulky) because we would just babywear him. Additionally, we did not take our own pack-n-play because each hotel we stayed at had one complimentary. Finally, we rented a car seat from the car rental place, since H was flying as a "lap child."
So, our packing was cut down to 2 suitcases, 1 carryon (extras in case we lost luggage), H diaper bag, and a hiking backpack (since we planned on hiking Mount Rainier).
Babywear, Babywear, Babywear
Even though H had just turned a year old, we still used ring slings throughout days and on excursions. Traveling to Washington State was no exception. As before, my favorite ring slings are True North Ring Slings and Loveheld (a recent find). Both offer extra versions of slings. True North has singles or 1Up (1.25 or 1.5) and you can choose on triple-shoulder or single along with 3 different lengths. Most are linen, but they also have some twill slings. Loveheld has singles and doubles, several different lengths, and woven and linen slings. Both are pre-softened so they are very easy to use right out of the box. They also offer great tutorials on their website or Instagram pages.
On a side note, I have three (2 True North and 1 Loveheld), but if I could buys more, I would...it is worth it. Check out BST on FaceBook first though as you can get some cheaper and unless they have a hole, they don't really decrease in value.
Needless to say, we took both the Ergo Organic and 2 ring slings, plus my Solly wrap. H was right about the edge of the weight limit, but he wasn't in long. Why did we do the Solly wrap? Since it is a wrap, I could wear him through the airport security and didn't have to remove him due to the metal rings or buckles.
Once on the plane, I did have to take him out of the wrap until we got into the air. He did really good on takeoff and landing - we nursed through both (except on one flight; he was completely asleep. Try to time the plane trips around either early morning, or nap times.
Hotels
As I mentioned earlier, each hotel had a pack-n-play we could use. For the most part, they were nice. There was one hotel that I didn't love the pack-n-play (it looked extremely used), but I sanitized it with wipes and Thieves cleaner, and brought sheets for it, along with his own blanket.
My husband and I discussed what we would change from the trip and that would be to get a suite room instead of just a regular room. H had a hard time going to bed at his normal time because we would still be awake (with a lamp on). While we did get a lot of extra sleep, we weren't typically ready for bed at 7:30 at night.
Excursions
We didn't hold back on what we wanted to do. Yes, we planned to make sure we were back in the room at bedtime and if possible, nap time, but H did take several naps in the baby carrier.
His first experience on the ferry was so fun to see. He loved the wind in his face and watching the water. That trip to Anacortes and San Juan Islands was busy - between hiking, biking 27 miles (this was NOT supposed to be that way) between the two lighthouses, to the late night. Luckily, I did get to use an e-bike, but I pulled H in the bike trailer. We ended up falling in love with the bike trailer and we plan on getting him one for Christmas.
Then we spent a couple of days in Seattle and explored the Aquarium, the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and obviously, coffee shops. We went to the Pike Place Market twice, we liked it so much. (I had to see the first Starbucks!)
Finally, we climbed Mount Rainier. It was a beautiful day and perfect for the hike. H and I got to see some snow (believe me, it's few and far between where we live) and some absolutely gorgeous views.
Final Thoughts
The one thing to keep in mind is that you can do more than you think you will be able to do. If you're happy and relaxed, your baby will be to... for the most part. He loved all the outside hiking and walking around we did. He loved the bike ride and ferry rides. He had one or two meltdowns that were quickly resolved by either a) going back to take a nap or b) distraction by the next adventure.
All in all, it was a perfect first long vacation as a family of three (weekend trips not counted). The pictures and memories will hopefully, last a lifetime.
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