Do babies really NEED teeth?

We have arrived back home safe and sound from our first road trip. Mostly in one piece....

We packed everything up and started on our journey, bright eyed a bushy tailed ready for some R and R and then it began. Babygirl had been a bit fussy in the days prior and even spit up at lunch time at daycare on Thursday, which she never does. So, fast forward to two hours into the 16.5 hour drive and a restless baby (she had been up every two hours the night before we left) in a sleep/wake/fuss cycle, and one hopleless and helpless mommy curled up next to her in third row of our rented mini van. Misery.

By the time we finished the drive my precious peach had a new, pearly, gap toothed smile. This kid literaly gained two teeth in the car. As bad as I felt for myself I couldnt imagine what she was feeling having no clue why she was in this seat for hours on end or where she was going, or who all these people were that she was living in a house with for a week.

Traveling with a baby is so hard. Draining. Like triathlon draining, while constantly in a state of fear and worry if something out of your control is going to happen.

But, it did have its lovely moments. Going from the pool to naps to pool time again. 24/7 with my baby girl and husband for a whole week, I wouldn't trade that for the world. The sense of excitement and wonder when her chunky toes touch warm sand for the first time, that's why we do it. That's why we work so hard. That's why we sacrifice. To see the look of amazement on their faces as they discover a whole new world.

I will never get into a car for a 20+ hour journey again with a teething, sleep deprived, 9 month old baby. But, if you are brave enough to do something similar to this make sure you check out my packing list and grab these teething essentials:
Nuby keys you can freeze and store in the cooler
CHILDREN'S ADVIL
Hyland's teething tablets
Chew beads teething necklace
Sophie la girafe teether
Puffs, I like the plum organics

Also pack your patience and some supportive people in the car. It's gonna be one hard ride. Like a tin torture chamber with little to no leg room, with the Daniel Tiger theme song on repeat with back up vocals of a screaming baby.

Important to note: cutting these two teeth was especially harder on my little one than her first two that were on the bottom in the center. She also wanted to cling to me and nurse constantly, it was similar to having a new born, I think the sucking helped her mouth. So, I basically had a drooling spider monkey attached to my body for the majority of the trip. Great to be so needed, not so great for the family we met that wanted to spend time with her.

Good luck to any of you brave mommas traveling with a teething baby. You can do it! Remember, you know your baby best, listen to their cues and your instincts.