Our First Trip with Baby: What I Packed, What I Learned

Before becoming a mother, I spent years in the luxury travel industry. I knew how to pack efficiently, navigate airports, and find the best hidden gems in any city. But traveling with a baby? That was an entirely different world.

Our first trip was a weekend getaway to a small coastal town when our daughter was four months old. It was imperfect, slightly chaotic, and absolutely wonderful. Here's what I learned.

Pack Less Than You Think

I overpacked dramatically for our first trip. Turns out, babies need far less than we imagine. My essentials list has since been refined to: diapers (slightly more than you think you'll need), a few changes of clothes, a portable sound machine, a carrier or wrap, and whatever feeding supplies you need.

Embrace the Slower Pace

Travel with a baby is not the same as travel without one. And that's not a loss — it's a different kind of beautiful. We stopped at parks we would have walked past. We sat in cafes for longer. We noticed things we would have missed at our old pace.

Accommodation Matters More Than Destination

With a baby, where you stay matters more than where you go. Look for places with a separate sleeping area, a kitchen for preparing bottles or simple meals, and good blackout options. A beautiful Airbnb in a quiet neighborhood will serve you better than the trendiest hotel downtown.

The Carrier Is Your Best Friend

We brought both a stroller and a carrier, and the carrier won by a landslide. It kept the baby close and content while leaving our hands free. For travel, I recommend a structured carrier that distributes weight well — your back will thank you.

Give Yourself Grace

Things will go sideways. The baby will have a meltdown at the worst possible moment. You'll forget something important. A nap schedule will be completely derailed. And it will all be okay. The trip doesn't have to be perfect to be meaningful.