So, you’ve had a baby recently – is there anything more exciting or exhausting? The answer is “no.” But, just like childless people, some would argue that you deserve a vacation even more! No matter how tired you are and would love a day to catch your breath, you still can’t imagine being away from your baby for a day, let alone an entire week! So, you’re packing up and getting ready for your first vacation with your new baby. While it may seem challenging to prepare, you don’t need as much as you may think you do. So, if you want to traveling like a minimalist, even with a baby in tow, keep reading for your vacation with the baby must-haves.

A Safe Carrier

Whether you’ve gone the route of a baby wrap or a more structured carrier, this is one item that you need on your trip. Thankfully, since you’ll be wearing it, it’s not something you need to figure out how to fit in your suitcase and will easily stow above your seat on the plane ride. Carriers come in handy while you see the sights and allow you to eat, drink or shop with both hands and baby safely sleeping simultaneously. They also help take the literal and proverbial weight off your shoulders while traveling. Walking and exploring are physically exhausting on their own, but adding the weight of a small child to protect can make it even more so. Ensure you enjoy the culture, food, and sights on your vacation with a carrier with which you feel comfortable.

A White Noise Machine

Even if your baby doesn’t rely on a white noise machine at home for a decent night’s sleep, they are a game-changer when traveling. You can be staying in a five-star resort, and there can still be outside noise that wakes a sleeping baby – something you nor the baby wants! So, make sure you invest in a travel-sized noise machine, preferably one that runs on batteries. You don’t want to be in a country with an outlet incompatible with the machine’s plug. In the same way, traveling or jetlag can affect adults’ sleep schedules or ability to fall and stay asleep; it also affects babies. Avoid the headache of all that with a noise machine.

Your Style

Just because you’re a parent now doesn’t mean you have lost your sense of style and taste. You deserve this vacation and to feel like a rockstar on the trip. So, ditch the leggings and sweats and pack the clothes you feel confident in. When you look good, you feel good, and getting out of town has been shown to improve your mental health and physical health. Make sure you include a stylish travel bag to hold all the goodies you’ll need on your flight and your day-to-day necessities for you and the baby while out sightseeing.

Safe Sleeping Arrangements

If you’re already co-sleeping with your baby, go ahead and breeze by this section. If you’re not co-sleeping, you want to make sure you bring a safe sleeping arrangement for your baby. While most hotels offer cribs, some new mothers still don’t trust them. Portable and collapsible cribs are an option, as well as playpens. One of the most comfortable choices for your baby is soft and breathable docking stations that you can use on your hotel bed or even the floor. Ensuring your baby is sleeping comfortably and safely is a must at home and certainly on vacation!

Formula Or Snacks

Depending on your baby’s age, they may already be eating snacks by hand. Additionally, though you may be breastfeeding at home, it’s good to travel with some formula for emergencies. Sure, every woman should be comfortable nursing in public, but travel can sometimes be stressful, which could impact your supply. Make sure your baby is fed and happy throughout the trip with healthy, pre-packaged snacks and some formula on hand in case of emergencies.

So, as you can see, you only need the bare necessities when traveling with your baby. Reduce the temptation to bring each toy or blanket that they enjoy at home. Babies love exploring and seeing the new worlds around them; they don’t need every comfort from home while abroad. Happy Trails!