Traveling with Kids

The Carry on Edition

I posted on Instagram about what I’m packing for an upcoming trip and got so many requests for links. I think this topic is one of my most requested — besides “where do you get your Roman shades,” ha!

I travel a lot with my kids. Half of my family is based in Australia, so we fly there once or twice a year, to Europe and bits and bobs in between. I don’t have anyone to leave the kids with for long periods and we don’t bring a nanny. My husband and I just get to it and live our lives the best we can with kids in tow.

However, I will say the 1–2 year age is one of the hardest ages to fly. Naps get harder, walking starts, and you become one of those parents bouncing up and down the aisle. We’ve all been there just breathe - and I promise it will get better.

After nearly six years, two kids, and countless flights, I’ve sort of got it down. I’m not even a little nervous anymore.

Before You Fly

1. Book a night flight. It’s almost always easier to fly overnight — everyone’s tired, it’s dark, and sleeping is much easier for every age. If not possible- it’ll be ok!

2. If you can book business, do it. A good night’s sleep on the flight sets the tone for the whole trip. Book it especially if your kid is under two — they fly free, can cuddle all night and sleep. I know the prices are exorbitant, but if you can, do it, even just one way. If it’s not possible- still SO worth traveling!

3. Yes, I bring i-Pads, but kids under 3 can’t watch shows for much longer than 20 minutes. You need backup activities!

4. I get both kids their own kid-sized rolling suitcase. Away or Konges makes a great one that’s easy to roll. It makes them feel independent when packing, gets them excited and ready for the trip and you can keep their items separate from yours (phew).

5. For big trips, I pack one large suitcase to share for clothes, bulky items, and diapers — (if there’s extra room, I stick my personal shoes in there too) Always pack an extra little satchel to hold dirty clothes throughout the trip. I like to keep those separate.

Carry-On, now!

Okay, get out those kids travel suitcases and lets go!

First and foremost, I always pack an extra outfit in case someone pukes or gets dirty on the flight — maybe even two. I throw in a swimsuit and pajamas, and have them wear their best, bulkiest shoes. You need to be prepared in case your suitcase gets lost or delayed, or your room isn’t ready and you’re anxious to get to the pool. All your first-day essentials go in the carry-on. Hate to say it- but I always prepare for the worst.

My kids are also in the fighting stage so I have learned to avoid break downs. Get two of each small things, their own bags and label things with their own names. It helps, I promise.

• Headphones — I like this brand best (I’ve tried a lot).

• Goggles — a must. Also tried them all; this brand is best for no crying or hair-pulling.

• First aid — always bring it. Nothing worse than landing in a foreign country and having to find a pharmacy for kids’ medication. Most countries have much stricter policies than the U.S., so I always pack my Motrin, Tylenol, Band-Aids, and any other medications you might need. I found a mini travel first aid kit in the shop.

• Someone will get a fever at some point, I promise — be prepared. I also bring a couple of Zarbee’s (I know, I know — but it’s good to have for emergencies: time changes, overtired over stimulated children). I break it in half if I ever need to use.

  

• Arts and Crafts — I linked SO much of this in my shop, but think anything flat, light, easy to use, and very time-consuming. No tiny pieces flying everywhere, and anything that sticks is a win. Always keep a few in your own bag so that you have something NEW for the way home. Magnet guys, drawing pads, workbooks it’s all here.

• Watercolor Sets — I linked the full set in my shop, but I get each kid their own set and pad with their name on it. I do no i-Pads on our holidays unless we go out to dinner. We watercolor at the beach by the pool everywhere. I tell them to look in front of them and paint what they see. No fighting over Picassos! I swear everywhere I go people say “Wow, that is the best idea- are these from the gift shop? No, I bring them!” Even really peaceful for adults to do.

  

• Wipes — potty trained or not, you always need a wet wipe. Coterie travel size is great.

• Swim Shoes — yes, there are probably cheaper ones on Amazon, but these are light, bendy, and damn cute. They last for years since there’s stretch. Save yourself the rocky-beach tears, bee stings, and tide-pool scrapes. I don’t travel without these. Boys and girls, all in the shop here!

• Rothy’s Kids’ Shoes — insanely comfortable, easy to wash, light, with soles as soft as a tennis shoe. Easy slip-on, and they can walk around all day in them. Here and here.

  

• A hat — duh. Save them from laser treatments later in life. (put my favorites in the shop)

• Sound machine — I like this one for home and hotels, and it’s also nice to have this one on the plane in case the flight attendant comes on the speaker to announce turbulence loudly. Can’t have a waking baby.

• For little ones who can’t swim, I love bringing a blow-up mini pool to set up by the ocean. Fill it with ocean water and let them splash happily.

• A little hairbrush — I love this one or this one and this detangler. Sometimes you gotta do an outdoor shower and a little spray and just keep going.

• Malibu Packs — if you’re in the pool all day and your kid’s hair starts turning green, do pack the night before you head home.

• A Stain Pen — always keep one in your bag for when the bolognese inevitably comes out.

• Sunscreen Stick — I use all different sunscreens on my kids bodies, but I always keep this stick in my bag. It goes on smoothly, so when they’re wiggling away I can still get it on their face quickly.

• Touchland Sanitizer — I like the coconut scent. Again, they get their own with names on nit.

  

• Itch Relief Patches — bugs love me and my daughter’s blood, so these are a must.

• Snacks but make it healthy — calories don’t count on planes, we all know this. An entire bag of M&M’s, poof, no calories. But I bring two of these and fill them with apples, blueberries, hard-boiled eggs, cheese sticks, or nuts so they have something healthy with protein on the plane. Rinse them off when you land and bring them to the free breakfast buffet, refill with more snacks, and head to the beach. Might save you from a $40 chicken finger order later.

• Hydration + Protein — I love Proper Hydration in melon cucumber, and so do my kids. I also pack the Ballerina Farm travel protein packs, milk and shake its like a smoothie on the plane.

• Disposable Cameras — really cute to get developed and see the trip through their eyes once you’re home. I also linked the old CoolPix from our early days- its like their own Canon G with a built in flash.

• Life Vest — I just got this for my daughter. We usually bring floaties, but now that she can swim, I still bring this — a must in case we jump off a boat or swim out far, and it’s damn cute. (here’s a girl one)

• Blue Painter’s Tape — if you have an infant sensitive to light, bring a roll and tape over those bright, annoying plane lights.

• Pillows — I’m VERY particular about pillows and like my kids to have their own. I’m a big fan of the Avocado Mattress toddler pillow (I actually love it for myself too), and I get my kids a mulberry silk case in their favorite color so they know which is theirs (no fighting!) Great for the plane and hotel rooms — makes it feel like home. A cozy little blanket isn’t a bad idea either.

• Cooler — if you’re lake, beach, or pool people, BPCO makes a small, soft, lightweight cooler and a small size ice pack that’s easy to throw in your bag for drinks. This doesn’t go on their carry on but I just decided to add it anyways cause it’s great.

• WayB- The best travel car seat hands down. (use code CYDNEY15)

Tata for now, catch my video on insta - Mom’s are next! (all here)

Xo CYD