Why Not Take My Baby On Vacation? Because It Sucks, That's Why
Social media would have you believe that vacationing with little kids is an upgraded version of home life. Like a video of a mom sipping a margarita on the beach with the caption, "If I have to rock my baby to sleep, why not do it with a view?" And after enough scrolling, I started thinking, maybe I should do the same parenting things somewhere prettier.
It was our first real vacation—not just a trip to see family and friends but an actual let's-go-have-fun vacation. And yeah, parts of it were great. We laughed, we made memories, we soaked up the sun. But here’s the thing—vacationing with a toddler is literally parenting in a different location, and when you take away routines and familiarity, that location suddenly feels a lot less relaxing.
How to Pack For Vacation
The first reality check occurred before we even left. Packing for a toddler is more like prepping for a survival mission.
You need extra outfits for every possible scenario—because there will be diaper blowouts, spills, and unpredictable weather.
You’ll need to bring formula and snacks—because your kid may refuse to eat the substitute you brought instead of the exact brand they love.
And don’t forget the sound machine, the sleep sack, the white noise app backup, and, of course, the one thing that, if forgotten, could single-handedly ruin the entire trip.
If you are flying, you’re forced to pack light unless you’re ready to shell out hundreds in baggage fees. And if you drive like we did, you will still forget or need something you didn’t think you would.
The Misery of Traveling with a Toddler
Getting to and from where you’re going is a special kind of torture. We drove from Tennessee to Clearwater, Florida—a 12-hour journey (with breaks) that was absolute hell for a toddler who hates being strapped into a car seat for more than five minutes.
And while daddy was focused on the road—and his podcast, which he listened to with headphones—mommy was in the backseat, trying to keep a 1.5-year-old entertained while he slowly lost his patience. There are only so many snacks, toys, and even screen time before a toddler reaches their limit.
And if you think flying is the better option, think again. Flight delays and cancellations are basically a given these days, which means you could end up stranded in an airport with an overtired, cranky child.
The Sleep Struggle is Harder On Vacation
If someone can explain to me how moms on Instagram get their babies to sleep in the middle of a busy resort pool or on the beach, I’d love to hear it. Because no amount of fresh air or warm sun was going to lull my kid into dreamland with the temptation of a splash pad or sand nearby.
And inside the hotel wasn’t much better. Every nap and bedtime felt like trying to get a cat into a bathtub. Instead of the comfort of sleeping alone in his crib, we were in new places with new smells and overstimulation at every turn.
My best friend, sister-in-law, and I had to abandon "relaxing" poolside and go back to the room to put our kids to sleep. Meanwhile, our husbands got to lounge and enjoy the vacation part of the vacation. Fair? Absolutely not.
But kids can get extra clingy in unfamiliar environments. This means any attempt to let anyone besides the default/primary parent take over can be met with dramatic, overtired protests.
Clinginess on Vacation: When Mom Becomes the Only Option
My kid wanted mommy more than ever, and honestly, I get it. I would also feel disoriented if my sleeping spot kept changing. But what I didn’t anticipate was how much this new environment would erase any willingness to be with dad.
While my son might have his preferences, he at least tolerates dad putting him to sleep at home. On vacation? Absolutely not. The second my husband tried, my son reacted like he was being handed off to a complete stranger.
And while I loved the extra snuggles, I also felt like I couldn’t catch a break. This trip was supposed to be a family getaway, yet somehow, I became the sole provider of comfort, entertainment, and toddler wrangling. Turns out, a "vacation" where you can’t even pass your kid off to dad for five minutes isn’t much of a vacation at all.
The Toddler Vacation Mood Swings
Toddlers are unpredictable on a normal day, but take them out of their routine, and they become tiny emotional roller coasters. One minute, they’re chasing seagulls, and you think, Yes! This is why we did this! The next minute, they’re screaming because their cracker broke in half, and the entire beach is now aware of your failure as a parent.
Every outing is a gamble.
Will they love the boat ride, or will they hate the life jacket so much that you have to turn around?
Will they be entertained by the sights, or will they whine the whole time because they’re overstimulated and exhausted?
The only guarantee is that the bigger the effort you put into planning something fun, the greater the chance that your toddler will reject it entirely.
Vacation Dining: Hits, Misses, and Meltdowns
Eating out with a toddler was a gamble every single time. Half the time, it was adorable—my son dancing to live music, charming the waitstaff, and enjoying little bites of whatever we were eating. Some places, like Badfins in Clearwater, were incredibly accommodating, bringing out crayons, extra napkins, and even little snacks to keep him happy.
The other half of the time? Absolute chaos. He wanted to run around, he refused to sit in the high chair, and he let out ear-splitting wails when we tried to keep him contained. By the end of the trip, I had fully accepted that vacation dining with a toddler is just a series of high-stakes experiments in patience and distraction.
Beach Days Are Not What You Think
If you imagine a family beach day as lounging under an umbrella while your toddler happily plays in the sand, let me shatter that illusion real quick.
First, there’s the all-out wrestling match of putting on sunscreen.
Then, there’s the constant vigilance required to prevent your child from eating sand, seashells, or whatever mysterious objects wash up on shore.
And don’t forget the allure of the ocean and possible drowning.
Relaxing? Not a chance. You’ll spend the entire time chasing them down before they dart into the ocean, wiping their sandy hands before they grab a snack, and trying to keep them from stealing other kids’ beach toys.
And just when you think they’re finally enjoying themselves, it’s time to rinse off—cue a full-scale meltdown as you attempt to wash the sand out of every crevice before heading back to the hotel.
The Cost vs. Enjoyment Ratio
At some point in the trip, you will do the math. You will look at your exhausted reflection in the hotel mirror and calculate exactly how much money you spent to not relax. You will consider the plane tickets, gas, hotel, food, activities, and overpriced souvenirs, and then compare it to how much fun was actually had. The numbers may not add up in your favor.
But I did make a highlight reel on Instagram. Yes, I’m a hypocrite.
To add insult to financial injury, your toddler will inevitably have the most fun doing something completely free—playing with the hotel remote, jumping on the bed, or stacking plastic cups. Suddenly, the thought of just staying home with a kiddie pool in the backyard sounds a lot more appealing.
Stay Home If You Want To
Between the struggle of getting him to sleep in new places, the unpredictable chaos of eating out, and the constant demands of toddler care, this trip felt less like a vacation and more like an expensive relocation of my daily responsibilities.
If you’re feeling burnt out, a vacation is not a requirement. If you want to go, great! But if you’re perfectly happy at home with your toddler’s familiar sleep setup, food, and routine, don’t let Instagram guilt you into thinking you’re depriving your child of a "core memory." Because while I loved parts of our trip, I came home needing a real vacation.
And if you’re looking for some ways to feel refreshed when you have no time and a limited budget, check out 10+ Self-Care Activities for Busy & Broke Moms: Quick & FREE Ways to Recharge Your Maternal Batteries.
