Travel with a Baby & Pre-K Child
During our past trips overseas, Adam and I prided ourselves in packing lightly— carry-ons only, even with a child and the essentials for running my small business from afar in tow. However, on this voyage to the farmhouse with our (then) 4 month old and 4 year old, we decided that the most important goal was to have our hands free as much as possible.
We packed 2 checked bags: one with clothes and shoes, the other with necessities and the Dock-a-Tot. We carried 2 backpacks: one diaper bag, one tech/work bag. And West had his little rolling suitcase, which held his books + toys, while also operating as a ride-on surface through the airport, and as a foot-rest / “bed box” for the airplane rides. We didn’t bring a stroller or carseat, opting instead for a baby carrier (like I mentioned, hands-free!), and rental safety seats upon arrival. All-in-all it was more than we would’ve liked to bring, but during our stay we repeatedly used every single item we brought.
Some items that made the packing and travel process smoother for our family at this stage of our lives are listed below:
Airline Bassinet
Did you know that on some longer flights — depending on the airline and plane model — you can request a baby basinet seat ahead of time? (There’s no extra charge.) The basinet seats are located in the bulkhead aisles of the planes, which we find to be an extra bonus for tall / long-legged folks such as ourselves. With these seats, West’s adaptable suitcase had to be stowed for take off and landing, but could be in use otherwise, as we weren’t in an exit row.
Some notes about the bassinet per the flight crew: The unit is unfolded and affixed to the bulkhead wall by the crew after takeoff, and stowed prior to landing. The baby’s head has to remain on the side of the bed that’s closest to the oxygen masks. (In the embedded video, we had the baby in the opposite direction and ultimately had to rotate her position.) The baby needs to be out of the bassinet and secured via the airline-provided belt extender loop for take off and landing, as well as turbulence.
Child Safety Bracelet
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Adam and I gave West a customized safety bracelet for the trip. It contained our names (not his) and phone numbers. We explained to him that in the event he became separated from us, that any official behind a counter at the airport could locate his parents if he showed them his bracelet.
Reusable Water Bottle & Cutlery Set
For each of us, we have a small set of reusable cutlery (no knives for air travel) and stainless steel bottles for refilling at airports.
Kid’s Combo Suitcase
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This ride-along suitcase hauls items and easily becomes a seat, footrest and bed-like adapter for airline seats for a child. Upon booking our tickets, we also verified that it was approved for use on the airlines we selected.
Lightweight Nursing-Friendly / Wrap Sweater
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This isn’t a nursing duster, but it works well for chilly plane rides and an added touch of privacy.
Dock-a-Tot
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Whether traveling or at home, the Dock-a-Tot is one of our baby essentials. It’s particularly wonderful for small spaces.
Vintner’s Daughter Travel Set
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Other than SPF and my yearly bar of tea tree + charcoal face soap, the only skincare product I use daily for my face is this duo set by Vintner’s Daughter. They just released a travel version, which is long-lasting and easy to tote.
Roll-Up Art Case
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Although I use this to carry some of West’s supplies, I must admit— it’s mainly for me.
Kid’s Crayon Roll
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Since day one, this has been our go-to crayon roll at home and during travel of any kind.
Kid’s Roll-Up Playmat
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This little mat is easy to tote, and is perfect for play as well as an on-the-fly placemat for snacks.
Steamline Luggage
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We love our Steamline bags! However, I recommend them more for carry-on or car travel, rather than as checked bags, simply because they’re so beautiful and I cringe to see them dinged or scuffed!
Lauren Groff’s Matrix
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I read this upon our return from the farmhouse, but I wish I’d had it on the trip. Groff’s stunning writing can transport her readers anywhere in mere moments, and would’ve been fantastic to absorb during those jet-lagged nights spent nursing.
Cord / Tech Organizer
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Passport Cover + Luggage Tag
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