Packing Tips
Ok...here's the deal. Packing sucks. It takes planning, thought and consideration about the places you'll be and what the weather will be like. ALWAYS check weather first so you know what you need to pack before you even get into this.
Here's how we do it:
1. On trips longer than a week, baby gets his/her own bag. For trips less than a week, pack baby and one parent in one suitcase. In this case it's mom's bag because my clothes are smaller. You can do this. We promise. Do not overpack. Here's the trick...
Pack for baby what you pack for yourself (one outfit per day based on the weather + a couple extra onesies in case baby has an accident). If you're going somewhere cold, bring 2 sweaters that can be worn over a onesie + one jacket that baby can wear the whole time. This goes for the parent who is sharing the bag as well.
2. Two pairs of baby shoes and two pairs for parent. And here's the trick...wear one pair, pack one pair. Typically, if we're going somewhere warm, I'll wear my running shoes, and pack a pair of sandals. If you want to pack shoes for going out, don't pack heels unless you're going to a wedding or something. If I have room, I generally will throw in an extra pair of nicer shoes but with a short, chunky heel I can walk in. If we're going somewhere cold, I'll wear my boots that go with everything, and pack the running shoes.
3. And speaking of running...I HAVE to workout even while traveling. I pack one workout outfit and a couple extra tanks. I usually wash my sports bra in the hotel sink and let it dry.
4. Once you have outfits ready to pack, the trick is to roll them one by one and strategically place each garment side by side and tight into suitcase. If you're going somewhere warm, silk blouses and baby stuff rolls very very small. Be smart about it, and you can actually get quite a lot in. I also typically pack one pair of leggings, jeans, and then wear a pair of jeans on plane. Throw in some dresses and you're set for clothes. If going somewhere cold, the roll method gets tricky because sweaters are bulky. But you don't need a sweater for every day. Pack like your child and wear a sweater, and pack two. Cashmere rolls up nice and thin and keeps you warm. Invest in it. It's worth it.
5. Throw your undergarments and bathing suits (rolled of course) in the middle of the bag in the zippered area. You don't want them touching your shoes.
6. Next up - Toiletries. One clear gallon size plastic baggie for mom and one for baby. Make sure everything is 3 ounces. Don't pack what you don't need. Most hotels have shampoo, conditioner, body wash or soap and lotion. So for you, just put your toothbrush, toothpaste, hairspray, deodorant, razor, face wash and face moisturizer (if you need SPF, get it there). And I add a small brush and curling iron. For baby, (again everything in 3 ounces) baby wash, moisturizer, boogie nose sucker, nail clippers, comb, and barrettes.
7. Diaper bag - We have a FIlson backpack that we love, isn't too big, and Dad looks hot wearing it too. Here's what's always in our diaper bag:
Diaper changing Kit - we have the Skip Hop Pronto Changing Station in Onyx (in it we put enough diapers to get you through the next 24 hours, wipes and diaper rash cream).
A little baggie of meds you typically use (ours has Mylicon, Baby Tylenol, Baby D drops, and Gripe Water).
An outfit change in plastic bag (in case of accident - change baby and put dirty clothes in plastic bag).
A plastic bag of food and snacks with bibs & spoons. ( We like Happy Baby Organics and Plum Organics - great for travel. Just take what you need for the next 24 hours and get or make food when you arrive at destination).
Small toys for plane or car. Small is important here. Unless your baby has a particular stuffed animal that he can't live without, pack several SMALL toys. When you get to your destination, you can get creative and find more toys there like the empty bottles of body wash and the plastic ice bucket. Besides, you're not going to be in the room, you'll be wandering around strolling baby, so you don't need too many. Just bring the really good ones. But keep them SMALL.
Mom's (or one partner's) purse things - Sadly, my Chloe purse hasn't seen the light of day since Karina was born. This Filson bag has become my purse and I'm actually pretty ok with that. Which is why we say get a baby bag that you love, and that isn't actually a baby bag. Anyway, in the front pocket of the Filson I throw my small wallet, small makeup bag, keys, headphones and cell phone. Again, if you're going to a wedding or date night there, pack your small handbag in here but otherwise, leave it. You have a child now. Consolidate and wear the backpack. TIP - I wear my pashmina, which also acts a baby blanket/swaddle/cover-up for nursing. If it's super hot, roll it tight and toss it in the backpack. If your baby is already in a sleep sack or sleep suit...that goes in your partner's bag (c'mon we can't take everything)!
8. The Cooler Bag - Ah, the cooler bag. Luckily, my dad gave me his old fishing cooler bag, and it's actually kind of cool. This is where I pack my pump, pump parts, milk storage bags, Sharpie, pumping bra, bottles and bottle gear/nipples, a couple gallon size plastic bags, and one extra plastic bag (a good, thick one you get from grocery shopping). The reason for the plastic bag is because if you pump while you're away and have any extra milk (or even when you go out of town without baby)... it's best to put the cold milk in a baggie of ice and then in the thicker plastic bag. Then roll it up and put it at the bottom of the bag to bring home.
9. The Lotus Travel Crib (Guava Playard) - We tried a few others. This one is a little more costly but worth it. It's lighter, and not an eyesore. More on this in the Gear Section.
10. Partner's bags - Anything else that doesn't fit, your partner should carry in these bags. If you're traveling alone (which I (AnaLiza) have a few times) you just have to remove things or purchase things there. Diapers and wipes should be purchased there. Just bring enough for 24 hours and get to a store when you arrive at your destination.
xo, AnaLiza