First Family Trip w/ Son. Any Advice?

[spacescape]

I'll call it a Family trip because I'm not 100% it will feel like a vacation. That's why we are coming home 1 to 2 days before I have to return to work so I can "RELAX".

We are heading up to my Aunts house in upper Michigan. She lives on Lake Huron so it will be our 16 month olds first visit to the beach. We will be taking the pack-and-play for him to sleep in and a second one for the living room and plenty of toys to keep him busy. Oh and at least a couple of baby gates to block the stairs.

Anyone have any suggestions on what we defiantly need? Is our son actually going to sleep or are we going to have 3-5 nights of sleepless nights? I'm pretty sure that this weekend we are going to move his pack and play into his room for a night as a "TRY OUT". Then we will try it one other night into our room. Kind of a trial run.

My parents and sister will be there to relieve us so it shouldn't be too bad. But, what should we expect? We are prepared for the worst but are hoping for a fun first trip away. I'm hoping I can escape for a few hours to play a round of golf but wont be disappointed if it doesn't happen.

Thanks!
Bill

[graylocks]

do you ever have him fall asleep to music?

when you're home, you and your wife are probably quiet. at someone else's home this might not be the case. a music player to override house noise might be helpful.

otoh, water play is wonderful for tiring toddlers. he may konk out easily for ya.

[rgG]

When my daughter was small we would take the "pack n play" thing for her to sleep in and I don't remember it being big problem. I think having him get used to it for a few days at home is an excellent idea, too. Try to keep him on a schedule as close to his usual one as possible, if you can. Try to relax, you will have grandparents and aunts to play with the little one and hopefully tire him out so he will sleep at night. Good Luck.

[chas_m]

Parenting sure has changed from when I was a lad.

[Harbourmaster]

Relax your anxiety is showing!!

Everything will be fine, just take it easy and don't try to "do" too much. Young kids often travel much better than older ones...