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Inspecting the LL Bean canoe paddles, Freeport, Maine (Scarborough photo)

I love to talk and I love to write, but for this post I'm really gonna cut to the chase, because I've been there with a wiggly baby and you do not have time to read one of my long novel-length posts.  Here goes:

Clothing.  I recommend it. 

But seriously, dress the kid the way you are dressed; don't suffocate the poor mite by overdressing.  And if the weather is warm, no one cares if he/she is wearing a shirt and a diaper.  If they aren't walking yet, they don't need socks and shoes, either.  Remember that they get hotter in carriers like Snuglis or backpacks.

Diaper and toilet.  Take some for the plane/drive, then buy more diapers when you get there.  They sell them in most places, really.  Have a nice big comfy diaper pad, because you may be changing in some, ahem, strange places. 

Never miss an opportunity for a toilet break.  Bring germ-killing wipes and make an effort, but don't be germ-phobic about bathrooms.  A good hand-washing will fix what (might) ail you. 

Food.  Another good reason to nurse; this is a non-issue for the breastfeeders (which I was, twice; once for almost a year and once for eighteen months. In the Navy. You can do it, too. Go, Team!)

For solid food eaters, you may be surprised at the new things they'll try when you travel.  Meantime, keep those little bags of Cheerios at hand. 

Activities.  I always try to do too much. Most kids are early risers, so load 'em up in the morning, then for gosh sakes build in some nap time back at the hotel in the afternoon.

Transport (stroller vs backpack)   My kids both hated strollers.  Funny, I see a lot of parents carrying their kids and pushing bags and purses loaded into strollers, so maybe this is a universal issue. 

We carried each of our kids, first in a Snugli and then in a backpack.  Loved, loved it.  Yes, they get heavy and your back gets sweaty, but your hands are free, they love to see out, and stairs/escalators/subways are no big deal.

There does come a point when they're too heavy, but they won't like sitting in a stroller then, either.  It's just an awkward number of months when they can walk well, but not too far.  Adjust your pace accordingly.

Overpacking.  Again, don't feel that you must take everything with you.  They HAVE crackers where you're going.  They HAVE drinkable water out of faucets.

You can do this trip without carrying the entire planet of supplies with you.  Just scale back activities for a couple of years, don't try to go, go, and use shampoo as liquid soap to rinse out shirt barf stains or poop leaks back at the hotel.

Nap time is for the grown-ups, too. I highly recommend it.