The Essential Packing List For New Moms

While traveling with a new baby may seem daunting for a lot of new mothers, it's also an incredible experience you can share with your baby. Even if they don't remember the trip, you will, and those memories will last a lifetime.

In the same way, you need specific essentials when traveling with toddlers or solo; you also need to make sure you've got the right gear when traveling as a new mother.

Whether you're planning a quick road trip just two states away or taking a Trans-Atlantic flight to a place you've always dreamed of visiting, the following items are a must-have in your luggage.

Neck Pillow

While a nursing pillow comes in handy even if you're feeding your baby from a bottle, the reality is that nursing pillows are huge! Not only are neck pillows significantly smaller, but most of them also have buttons that make them easy to snap onto your carry-on.

Neck pillows will help you if you're on a long flight and want to nap while simultaneously working as a nursing pillow in a pinch!

Light Layers

Layering options are key for travel whether you're a new mom or not, but they can serve dual purposes when with a newborn baby. Layers keep you warm and comfortable on cold airplanes and can easily be removed when you get to your destination if the weather is warmer.

Additionally, a light long cardigan, for example, can be used as a nursing cover-up or a swaddle for your baby. Scarves can serve the same purpose. When traveling with a newborn, having layers in a more comfortable and breathable material is a great idea.

Lux Loungewear

For many new mothers, loungewear is a uniform and a smart one at that! Being comfortable is key, whether at home or traveling as a new mother. With all the added responsibilities of having a new baby and so many needs to tend to, it's easier to stay in a positive mood if you're comfortable.

Being sure to pack plenty of your favorite leggings, crop tops, hooded sweatshirts, and sweats is an easy way to maximize your comfort while seeing the world. Thankfully, these days, not only is loungewear “in,” it's easier than ever to find stylish athleisure in which you look and feel amazing.

A Cute Carry-All

Investing in a cute carry-all style tote is a stylish way to keep you and your baby's essentials in one easy-to-access place. Not only can you fit your personal items like your iPad, reusable water bottle, and wallet, but you can also fit all of your baby's essentials.

From pacifiers, wipes, and extra bottles, having a large carry-all will keep everything in one convenient place. You can invest in a designer tote from the highest-end fashion houses or a simple black backpack; both will do the trick!

A Baby Wrap

When you're exploring your destination, you'll want to have your hands free. One of the greatest joys of traveling is experiencing the local community. Stopping by street trucks with local food to indulge in and all the souvenirs you can pick up along the way. A baby wrap is the best way to have an immersive experience on your vacation and keep your baby safe.

While baby wraps take a bit of a learning curve if you're not used to using them back home, they're worth watching a few YouTube videos to master and get the most out of your vacation. It's also a good idea to take several as your baby may spit up on your wrap, and you might not have access to laundry on your trip.

The good thing is that simple baby wraps easily fold down into a small, neat pile that doesn't take up a lot of space in your suitcase.

Traveling with a baby can be overwhelming, there is no denying that – but it also has some unique joys. Be sure to pack a camera or upgrade your iCloud storage so you can take as many pictures as you want to remember your first journey together.

Most hotels and resorts offer cribs for your baby to sleep safely, so you don't have to worry about bringing a collapsible crib or co-sleeping device. Happy Trails, you two!

How about you? Do you have more items for a new mom packing list? Do share!

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