Having travelled frequently during my overseas internship and exchange, I have since mastered the art of packing efficiently and minimally. My best record was flying back from Italy (28 deg C weather) and repacked luggage in 30 minutes for another immediate flight to London (9 deg C weather).
The whole travelling and packing game changed when baby came along. I can no longer pack minimally and always have this fear of “what if”. As a result, I tend to over pack and it was so inconvenient to drag multiple luggage.
The whole travelling and packing game changed when baby came along. I can no longer pack minimally and always have this fear of “what if”.
In my first trip to Japan with baby, I took 3 hours to pack as I could not decide what items to bring and ended up bringing more than what was needed.
Since I have not only survived but conquered the recent 17 hours non-stop flight to the USA, I thought it is time to share my essential-only list for packing. This list is compiled based on my many years of travelling experience.
Let’s start with baby first, shall we?
For baby checked-in luggage
- clothes (jacket, rompers, shirts, shorts, pyjamas)
- accessories (hat, socks, mittens, handkerchief)
- swimsuit (optional)
- toiletries (top-toe body wash, body cream, diaper cream, sunblock)
- diapers (7-8 pieces per day)
- baby food
- baby supplements (probiotics, vitamin C)
- milk bottle
- bottle detergent
- bottle brush
- thermal food container (double up as feeding bowl)
- portable food cooker (optional, needed if you intend to cook)
- stroller fan (optional)
Notes:
- I will share more on how I use the portable food cooker to cook porridge on the go for baby in the next post.
- Top-to-toe body wash is preferred rather than shampoo + body wash so that we can save more space!
- I shared half of my checked-in luggage space with baby as I didn’t have another hand to push another luggage since I need to manage the stroller
For baby carry on baggage:
- blanket
- nursing cover (for breastfeeding)
- diapers (to last the flight)
- wet wipes
- dry tissue
- plastic bags (for soiled diapers and clothes)
- baby medication (paracetamol) and thermometer
- essential oil (lavender, peace & calming, R.C.)
- yu yee oil
- mosquito repellent (optional)
- nail scissors
- teether (optional)
- pacifier (optional)
- favourite but rarely seen toy
- baby carrier
- baby food and snacks (to last the flight)
- feeding essentials (spoon and bib)
- thermal flask for hot water
- water bottle for room temperature water
- bolster/ pillow
- walking shoes
Notes:
- Choose a toy that baby likes but never see for a long time so that he/she will be excited and engaged for a longer time. My baby likes vehicles so I brought a toy car that he did not see for months and that got him hooked for a good 4 hours! Some parents have a bag full of toys but this is not necessary as any new objects can be a toy to baby! I did not bring any toy for our flight to Japan and he was entertained throughout by the empty plastic bottle I had.
- I kept his walking shoes in the bag as I did not want him to roam around the airport.
- Silicone bib is preferred as it is easier to wash off any stains.
- All these items are packed into ONE backpack.
Now for mama,
For mama checked-in luggage
- clothes
- undergarments
- pyjamas
- accessories (scarf, gloves, hat, socks, sunglasses)
- swimsuit
- toiletries
- plastic bags for soiled clothes
- umbrella
- laundry bag (optional)
- shoes
- bag and recycle bag
- mobile phone charger and converter
For mama carry on luggage
- valuables (passport, wallet, handphone, keys)
- makeup and makeup removal (optional)
- skincare (optional)
- medicine
Yes, these 4 items are all that I have which I managed to squeeze into a small pouch into the baby’s backpack. I was worried I would be bored to death on a 17 hours flight but turns out I was either managing baby or sleeping. I didn’t even use the in-flight entertainment!
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