I’m one of those people who loves to travel but doesn’t exactly enjoy the process of getting to my final destination. Now that I’m a new mom, the logistics of traveling are even more complicated. There are car seats to bring, strollers to pack, breast milk to keep cool, and the list goes on. I’ve had the opportunity to take three flights with Baby K so far and while I was definitely intimidated to take the plunge at first, I left each situation more confident and competent than the last.
With the holidays in full swing, many of you will be traveling by plane or car to see family and and friends, so decided to stop by Fox & Friends Weekend to share my family travel must-haves. I promise you these products and tips will make your future travel experiences more manageable!
What to Pack: Health & Hygiene Products
When you travel, you want to come home with memories, not the flu, so make sure to pack sanitary wipes (to clean the airplane, car, and others surfaces) and also wipes, gels, and sprays to sanitize everyone’s hands. I love this spray because it smells like lavendar!
- Everyone Hand Sanitizer, From $2.99; Walmart.com and Target.com
These hand sanitizers are scented with pure essential oils, are 99% effective against common germs, and don’t use chemicals like parabens or synthetic fragrances. - UpSpring Milkflow Fenugreek + Blessed Thistle Berry Powder Drink Mix, $14.99; Walgreens.com
Breastfeeding moms know how important it is to keep up their milk supply—especially during travel. This drink mix contains three known breast milk boosters – fenugreek, blessed thistle, and anise. Plus, it’s in powder form, so it’s TSA-friendly. I wish I had known about this product months ago when I needed help getting my milk supply up!
What to Pack: Snacks for Everyone
Buying food at the drive-thru or airport can be expensive, caloric, and time-consuming. Take the easy route and bring your own food. I always make sure to keep individually-wrapped snacks nearby in my purse.
- KIND Snacks, KindSnacks.com; From $1.79
These bars are a must-have for everyone in the family. They can be eaten for breakfast or as a midday snack. Since they’re individually wrapped, I keep them in my purse or diaper bag for easy access. - Smilo On-The-Go Snack Containers, $8.99; SmiloBaby.com
Traveling moms know that having easily accessible snacks for the little ones is a must. These snack containers come in different shapes and colors and fit right in your bag. They’re easy to open and hard to spill. I can’t wait to use them when Baby K starts eating solids. - Eggland’s Best Hard-Cooked Peeled Eggs, From $1.20; EgglandsBest.com
Snacks packed with protein are not only healthy, but they will sustain you for a long time so you can survive airport delays and bad traffic. These hard-cooked eggs are a must-have for travel since they’re convenient, ready to eat, and nutritious.
What to Pack: Baby Essentials
- Smilo Fabric Clip & Pacifier, $6.99; SmiloBaby.com
There’s nothing more annoying than losing a pacifier or watching your baby constantly drop it on the floor. This clip is a great solution for dealing with lost or dropped pacifiers. The patented clip-action provides a firm clasp without damaging your baby’s clothing. We always keep one of these clips on Baby K to safeguard his beloved pacifier. - Boppy Infinity Nursing Scarf, $24.99; Amazon.com
Breastfeeding in public can be an uncomfortable situation if you’re not covered up properly. The Boppy Infinity Nursing Scarf is fashionable accessory that can unwrap at a moment’s notice to provide full coverage for discreet breastfeeding. I used this scarf every time I had to spontaneously breast feed on the airplane. - Boppy Baby Chair, $49.99; Amazon.com
This 3-in-1 chair functions as a high chair, booster seat, and floor chair and the compact design and handle makes it easy for you to take anywhere. I always make sure to bring this with me when we visit the grandparents. - Mustela Hydra-Stick with Cold Cream, $9.50; MustelaUSA.com
Baby’s skin is very sensitive and can be negatively impacted by the cold winter air and by dry airplane conditions. This travel-friendly moisturizing stick is essential during the cold winter months. It can be applied on baby’s cheeks and lips but can also be used for the whole family. When I can’t find my own lip balm, I swipe this on and am always amazed by how moisturizing it is.
What to Pack: Travel Gear
To avoid checked bag fees and to save trunk space, a roomy carry-on is ideal.
- Collection by Michael Strahan Westbury 21-Inch Carry-On Luggage, $95.99; JCPenney.com
This carry-on is small and lightweight, but it still manages to be roomy. I prefer to always bring a carry-on to avoid potentially losing my luggage.
