Colorado is a popular destination for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors. From majestic mountains to vibrant cities, the Centennial State offers boundless adventures. However, traveling with an infant or toddler requires additional planning and gear to ensure a smooth journey. This article provides an in-depth travel checklist tailored for families visiting Colorado with babies and young children.
In This Article
TL;DR
- Invest in a few key pieces of gear like a portable crib, all-terrain stroller, and baby carrier to facilitate outdoor activities.
- Focus on baby-friendly lodging options that provide cribs, laundry amenities, and convenient locations.
- Prepare for safety with items like sunscreen, extra layers, a first aid kit, and childproofing equipment.
- Make the trip easier with toys, books, snacks, a white noise machine, and other entertainment.
- Consider specialized needs like diaper supplies, feeding items, medication, and other baby care essentials.
Why Visit Colorado with Baby
From scenic mountain towns like Aspen and Vail to vibrant cities like Denver and Boulder, Colorado offers unmatched outdoor recreation, urban adventures, and family fun. Babies and toddlers can enjoy many activities in Colorado with the proper preparation.
Popular attractions like the Denver Zoo, Butterfly Pavilion, and Children’s Museum of Denver are designed to delight little ones. National parks and monuments like Rocky Mountain and Mesa Verde provide stunning backdrops for family photos and leisurely hikes. Urban green spaces, playgrounds, splash pads, and pools also cater to families.
As babies grow into toddlers, Colorado offers bountiful snow sports, hiking trails, rafting excursions, and more for an active family vacation. The key is tailoring the experience to each child’s needs and interests with the proper gear and planning.
Infant Travel Gear
Given the variety of activities and environments involved in a family vacation to Colorado, a packing checklist that includes baby travel essentials will make you and your little one more comfortable. Some items may already be essentials in your diaper bag, like a burp cloth, baby food, wipes, a sippy cup, extra baby clothes, and other baby gear.
However, some additional items in your checked baggage can make all the difference in helping your child feel safe and relaxed on your trip. Consider a baby monitor to make nap time easier, a swim diaper, extra breast milk, and even a plastic bag for emergency clean-ups on the go.
Traveling through Colorado’s varied terrain often requires an all-terrain stroller that easily handles pavement, dirt trails, gravel roads, grass, and snow. When choosing a travel stroller, look for large air-filled tires, shock absorbers, and front-wheel suspension. Models like the BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 are excellent for all environments.
Wearable baby carriers are also essential for Colorado adventures. Parents can choose between front, back, and hip carriers to find the best ergonomic fit. Osprey Poco and Deuter Kid Comfort carriers excel for hiking and other activities.
Pack a portable crib for overnight stays. Many hotels provide cribs, but availability is not guaranteed. Cribs like the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib are lightweight and easy to assemble.
A car seat is another critical gear investment on your packing list. Choose a model that fits your car at home to eliminate installation hassles when renting vehicles in Colorado. Whether it’s a quick drive from the airport or an all-day road trip through the mountains, this is an absolutely necessary item on your travel packing list.
Baby-Friendly Lodging
Seeking out baby-friendly hotels, resorts, cabins, and vacation rentals ensures a smooth stay. Look for lodging options that provide cribs, changing tables, baby-proofing equipment, laundry facilities, and convenient locations near family activities or restaurants.
The Curtis Hotel in Denver offers specialized “crib bundles” including a portable crib, changing pad, baby bathtub, diapers, wipes, baby toiletries, and outlet covers. Other accommodations like the Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail also cater to families with baby amenities, convenient ski lifts, and resort activities.
For ultimate convenience, book a vacation rental property where you can cook meals onsite and enjoy all the comforts of home. TurnKey Vacation Rentals offers family-friendly homes across Colorado that are equipped with cribs, high chairs, toys, and more based on each property.
Health and Safety
Preparing for a healthy, safe vacation takes deliberate planning when traveling with babies. Start by packing a well-stocked first aid kit containing thermometers, children’s pain/fever relievers, bandages, antiseptic cream, and any medications your child regularly takes.
Also, pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing for sun safety. The high elevation in many Colorado destinations means sunlight can be especially harsh. Pack layers to adjust for unpredictable mountain weather and temperature fluctuations.
Research medical facilities at your destination in case of emergencies. Know what hospitals or urgent care clinics are nearby. Altitude sickness is also a consideration, though infants under 12 months are less susceptible. Still, watch for symptoms like nausea, headaches and dizziness.
To baby-proof accommodations, use outlet covers, cabinet locks, corner guards, and non-slip bath mats. Backpacks or wrist straps also help keep adventurous toddlers close and safe.
Feeding and Hydration
Stock up on bottled water, formula, breastmilk, snacks, and other nutritious items to feed babies on the go. Pack non-perishable foods that won’t spoil if refrigeration is not available. A mini cooler with ice packs keeps items fresh.
Some key supplies for bottle feeding include a portable bottle warmer, bottle brush, dish soap, burp cloths, and extra bottles. The Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced warms bottles quickly. Boon Lawn, Skip Hop Grab, and Go Wet/Dry Bags stash dirty items.
For breastfeeding moms, bring a breast pump, milk storage bags, and a portable battery pack to charge devices. A nursing cover allows moms to breastfeed discreetly as needed. Lanolin cream and nursing pads are also essentials.
A folding travel high chair that attaches to tables keeps babies and toddlers contained at restaurants. The Ciao! Baby Portable High Chair is lightweight and compact. Disposable placemats are also handy for dining out.
Staying hydrated is crucial at high altitudes. Offer babies and toddlers plenty of fluids. Water, breastmilk, and formula are best, but diluted juice is also an option.
Entertainment and Comfort
A few key baby products can make downtime more enjoyable. Noise-cancelling headphones protect little ears while flying or napping in noisy places. Board books, small toys, and tablets loaded with movies or shows also keep kids occupied en route or during quiet time.
Combat jet lag and lull babies to sleep by recreating familiar naptime routines. Travel with sound machines, sleep sacks, or loveys. Follow usual nap schedules as closely as possible. Room darkening shades, blackout curtains, and night lights also help signal bedtime.
Coping with new environments, people, and activities overstimulates some babies. Prepare to comfort upset or overtired infants and toddlers. Favorite snacks, toys, books, or blankets remind them of home. Baby-wearing can also provide closeness and security.
Documentation and Insurance
Confirm passport requirements before departure. U.S. citizens ages 15 and younger can use previous passports for up to 5 years after expiration when traveling by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. Ensure babies and kids have valid, current passports for all other international destinations.
Also pack birth certificates and medical records detailing conditions, medications, allergies, and vaccinations. Share this info with travel companions in case you are separated or incapacitated.
Consider supplemental travel insurance for cancellations, delays, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen issues. Policies like Allianz Travel Insurance plans include valuable protections for just pennies a day.
Final Colorado Travel Tips
Start preparing for a Colorado family vacation by researching activities suited to your child’s age and abilities. Build your itinerary around naps and feedings whenever possible. Overplanning leads to stress, so build in relaxation time too.
Pack key supplies that make family travel easier, but resist overpacking. You can purchase anything forgotten. Use mobile apps like Walgreens, Instacart, or DoorDash to deliver essentials. Focus on creating special memories together as a family.
With the proper gear, research, and preparations, Colorado offers endless family fun. Take it easy, go with the flow, and enjoy spending precious time together in one of America’s most spectacular settings.
FAQ About Traveling to Colorado with Babies
What are the best family-friendly destinations in Colorado?
Some top family-friendly cities include Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Boulder. For outdoor adventures, visit mountain destinations like Breckenridge, Vail, Aspen, and Steamboat Springs. Mesa Verde National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Great Sand Dunes National Park also cater to families.
What gear is absolutely essential when visiting Colorado with an infant?
Must-have gear includes a safe and reliable car seat, baby carrier, portable crib, all-terrain stroller, baby first aid kit, layers of clothing, and sun-protective items like hats, shades, and sunscreen. Feeding supplies, diapers, and entertainment items are also essentials.
Are some parts of Colorado unsafe for babies due to high altitude?
Most of Colorado sits at over 5,000 feet above sea level. However, altitude sickness is extremely rare in infants under 12 months. Still, take precautions by staying well hydrated and watching for concerning symptoms. Descend to lower elevations immediately if issues arise.
What vaccines or medications could babies need when visiting Colorado?
Discuss your travel plans with your pediatrician beforehand. Depending on factors like destination, season, and activities, babies may need vaccines for pneumonia, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and more.
Should I buy travel insurance when vacationing in Colorado with my family?
Travel insurance protects against trip cancellations, delays, medical emergencies, and other issues. Policies are quite affordable, often less than $100 even for lengthy vacations. The peace of mind is well worth the small upfront cost for most families.
