Because just the thought of it is already daunting. But it doesn’t have to be.
I can’t say I’m a complete control/organization freak, but I do like to keep things in order. When it comes to travel, I like to use packing cubes, I have more than one cosmetic bag for everything and decant important liquids. Oh, and I also organize by bag/backpack so everything is always in the same place. Tedious, I know, but it works.
After traveling with a baby, your priorities shift a bit. But in my case, it just got a bit clearer. Since there are a lot more to pack, you don’t have time to spend time wondering too much on everything. So here are some tips to survive the ordeal that is traveling with a baby.
A little bag with big ideas
I have a lot of small travel and cosmetic bags, and one thing I like to do is to make a designated “fun bag” or even a fun box (I sometimes use lunch boxes too) for the little one. I’ll try to fit everything; pens, coloring books, toys and sometimes even snacks, in one bag and then place that in whatever bag I’m carrying. So when it’s time to sit down and move, be it on a plane, train, restaurant or car, I give the bag to A and she opens it and everything is just there. I found this really handy on planes. There’s just too much going on planes anyway (especially long hauls) with the pillows, blankets, earphones, water etc, so I just put everything I need in one bag (most of the time it would be toys, books, stickers, pens or crayons, change of clothes, diapers, some small snacks, water, wet wipes, my wallet and lip balm) and that’s it.
Color-coded packing cubes
I don’t think there’s anything greater than packing cubes and to make everyone’s lives easier, I have tried to color-code them. I get the red ones, G has the blue ones and A use the pink ones. The ones with little clear plastic windows work well too, but I find color-coding them is just much easier and faster to figure out which is which.
Snacks, snacks and more snacks
An obvious one, but making it interesting is key. Instead of just throwing in some bag of chips or crackers, I’ll 1) cut up some fruit or carrots, 2) some nuts or dried fruit (we really like raisins and raspberries), 3) seaweed snacks and other healthier options. Of course, we’re traveling so it’s inevitable to have crackers and chips, but at least you’ll have an option.
First aid kits at all times
The worst thing when traveling is losing your luggage, so be sure to take your first-aid kits with you. I have a little mini red first-aid kit that I put some ointments, a thermometer and bandaids in, so this comes with me everywhere. I sometimes buy those cheaper, colorful bandaids, so A can play with them when it gets really boring.
A wallet for the kiddo
Have you noticed toddlers sometime prefer our things instead of toys? Like, you would buy them nice, wooden toys and all they want to play with is your wallet. So I bought a wallet for A. Not a toy wallet, but a real wallet that I could even use. I added some old business cards and toy coins, and she’s happy. When they’re traveling, you can tell them to put their tickets in (old ones of course) and they’re happy. At least, they’ll fumble with the tickets and wallet for about 20 minutes.
Old school entertainment
Books. I really do still like to buy and read books, but I do get that they can get pretty heavy when traveling. And also what to do when your battery for iPhone is out? Panic. So we love Little Golden Books. I adore them. I had a bunch when I was young and they’re perfect for travel. Lightweight, both in literal weight and content, comes in numerous themes including popular ones like Frozen and the Paw Patrol and not too long to be annoyed about. And coloring books with a couple of crayons. Not a big fan of markers when we travel and so crayons for the win.
Foldable fun, outside and in
Blankets. To bring or not to bring. Unless it’s super cold and winter, I opt for a big scarf. For the winter months, yes, I do tend to bring along a blanket (I have three of the Uniqlo ones that are warm, pretty and not too big or small). But when it’s not too cold, just maybe the possibility of a chilly or breezy evening, I’ll pack a big scarf. And rain jackets. These days you can find those really cute ones that fold into a little bag, so I’ll add that in just in case it rains or she needs a light extra layer. I personally don’t like vests, because..well, what about the arms?, but vests can be helpful too.
All photos by rachelsanghee. March, 2019.