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Traveling with your baby under one?

I gotchu.

We recently went on our first family trip to Florida —we spent a full seven days in a hotel, AND Soli girl turned six months while we were there!

The trip was SO special and much needed for both me + Soli but also me + Evan too — and, of course, the three of us together.

It was the reprieve we needed after what has felt like a tornado of the last few months.

We spent so much time outside, reconnecting our circadian rhythms with the sun (seriously, Soli has been sleeping SO much better since), soaked up the healing nature of the sun and ocean, and RESTED a lot (i was proudly asleep by or BEFORE 10 each night).

Getting there, however, did require lots of planning + packing. I seriously cannot believe how much STUFF little ones need (or rather, how much we think we need to feel safe while traveling and out of our comfortable environments).

I had my first UGH  😩 moment a few hours into the trip, realizing I had forgotten a few (obvious) things I really needed.

“MAYBE I’LL GET ONE THING RIGHT TODAY!” I said out loud, berating myself.

…and then, I heard it back — like I really HEARD myself and the harsh tone I was using.

🤔🤔🤔🤔” hmmmm, that doesn’t sound like the me I know”

In that moment, I realized how UNHELPFUL yet automatic it is to beat yourself up over little things as a mom.

From that moment on, I realized that traveling with a baby (doing anything with a baby!) is hard! …and as a first-time (very nervous) mom, even harder!

THE MAMA NEGATIVE SELF-TALK ISN’T ONLY NOT HELPFUL, it’s HARMFUL! So, the first thing to pack is extra self-compassion because I assure you, things will go wrong.

I’ve gotten tons of questions about what to pack, so I’m sharing my list, essentials, and links for anything you may need if you decide to take your little one on a trip.

PACKING + TRAVELING

  • Packing Cubes I was late to this game changer, but packing cubes are now MY JAM. It made it incredibly easy to stay organized and remember what I had packed- and STAY organized in the hotel.
  • Suitcase Beverage Holder Seems random, I know. In fact, this one was actually added by Amaya our direction of operations. and now that I’ve seen it, I can’t unsee it! We all know how hard it is never having enough hands as a mom, and also needing that hot bevvy. Throw a water bottle, a baby bottle, or a coffee in the cup holder while strolling through the airport. Genius. Truly. Nice job Amaya.

FEEDING

  • Cloth Bibs A pack of these for drool and milk and food and spit-up
  • Silicone Bibs I only brought one of these, but they can fold up into themselves, and they’re great for the super messy meals with small bits that baby needs to reach for
  • Spoons Baby spoons, which will always be the cutest
  • Baby’s Bowls Bonus: these have lids!
  • Pouches of Food I love this linked brand, but pack whatever works for you and your baby!
  • Bottles+Nipples Bring at least one more than you need per day — we love Dr. Brown’s glass bottles
  • Portable Bottle Warmer For the baby that insists upon the perfect temperature bottle
  • Travel Cooler If you’re bringing breast milk, or transporting any back with you, for formula-fed, bring formula!
  • Burp Cloths A necessity over here.
  • Water Cup (or: Amaya loves this one)
  • If you’re pumping, bring your pump, chargers, a manual pump, and a zippered pouch to put all the pieces in so they don’t get lost

ALL THINGS DIAPERS

SLEEP

CLOTHES

  • Pajamas One for each night + another 2
  • Onesies — short and long sleeve
  • Pants, Dresses, etc.

TRANSPORTATION

PLAY

TOILETRIES

MEDICINE+FIRST AID

Better to be over prepared here in my opinion.

CLEANING

IF BEACH / WATER-BOUND

IN YOUR DIAPER BAG

  • 4-5 diapers
  • Wipes
  • Ointment
  • Change of clothing (or 2) for baby
  • Change of clothing for you
  • Your medicine+first aid pouch
  • Bibs (a few cloths, 1 silicone)
  • Pacifiers (multiple)
  • Burp cloths
  • The Shusher or a portable sound machine
  • Bottle + formula or milk (bring extra for unexpected circumstances)
  • A pouch or 2 for snacks

I hope this list helps you– I’ll be referencing it on my next trip too!

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