Trips Life & Style

We are a family that absolutely loves to travel. Before our newest addition, our “mini-vacations” were simple, it was just our daughter in the back seat watching a movie while we cruised to our next adventure. However, when we welcomed our son this past July 2025, I knew our travel style had to evolve.

Having a newborn wasn’t going to stop us; we just had to adjust. When he was only two months old, our family of four—myself, my husband, our 7-year-old, and the baby headed out for a weekend in Solomons Island, MD. If you’re looking for Maryland staycation ideas or nervous about traveling with a 2-month-old, here are the five tips that made our trip a success.

1. The One-Hour Rule: Start Small and Stay Close

When you’re traveling with a newborn, proximity is your best friend. We chose Solomons Island because it’s a quick, one-hour drive from our home.

• Safety First: Staying close means you can be back in your own beds quickly if an emergency arises.
• The “Test Run”: A short trip is the perfect way to see how your new family dynamic handles life on the road without the stress of a flight.

2. Pick a Walkable, Family-Friendly Destination

Solomons is a quaint, charming island where the best activities are just a short stroll away. This is a lifesaver when you’re balancing a stroller and a 7-year-old.

• Calvert Marine Museum: This was a huge hit for our daughter and very easy to navigate with a baby carrier.

• Waterfront Dining: We loved walking the boardwalk for ice cream. For dinner, we visited  Coast 2 Coast Seafood Bar & Grill waterfront restaurant directly across from Solomons Boardwalk.

3. Choose a Low-Pressure “Home Base”

We stayed at the Solomons Inn Resort & Marina, which was the perfect fit for a family of four.

• Affordability: The room prices were reasonable, which reduced the stress of potentially having to cancel last minute.
• On-Site Amenities: With a restaurant and an outdoor pool on-site, we didn’t have to “hustle” to find food or entertainment. The friendly staff made us feel welcome even with a fussy newborn in tow!

4. Replicate Home Comforts (But Pack Smart)

In our “one child” days, we packed light. Now, the gear can easily take over the car. To keep it simple and stress-free, these five items were my absolute non-negotiables:

• Frida Baby Soft Sink Bath: This foldable bather turns any hotel sink into a safe tub. It supports the baby’s head perfectly and is made of quick-dry, machine-washable material—making it a travel essential.

• Melliberry Baby Diaper Caddy: I used this to keep all our changing essentials organized in one spot. It has customizable dividers and leather handles, making it easy to move from the room to the car.

• Momcozy Portable Milk Warmer: This was a lifesaver for on-the-go feedings. It’s cordless, fast-heating, and fits most major bottle brands.

• Ascenrest Baby Lounger: This foldable nest pillow features a memory foam mat and literally converts into a backpack for portability. It gave our son a cozy spot to relax anywhere.

• SwaddleMe Easy Change Swaddle: I love these! They make middle-of-the-night changes in a dark hotel room so much easier without having to fully unswaddle the baby. 

5. Embrace the “Slow-mo” Travel Pace

Before kids, we were “see-everything” travelers. Now, we’ve learned to embrace a slower pace.

• Flexible Scheduling: If the baby needed a long nap, we hung out by the resort pool while our daughter played.
• Focus on Connection: By not over-scheduling, we actually felt refreshed. The goal isn’t to check off a map; it’s to enjoy being together in a beautiful new setting.

Traveling with a newborn doesn’t have to be a daunting task; it just requires a little extra planning and a slower pace. Our weekend in Solomons Island proved that by staying local and packing the right essentials, you can still enjoy the adventures you love with your growing family.

So, take the leap and plan that first staycation. You might find that traveling “slow-mo” is exactly what your family needs.

What’s your favorite local spot for a family getaway? Share your recommendations in the comments below!