Even before I was a mom, I always found myself stressed out about what to pack before I traveled. Even more than packing my suitcase, I was always concerned that I would leave something out of my carry-on. I worried that my luggage would get lost and I’d be stuck without deodorant, mouthwash or a phone charger (G-d forbid!). And this is why I became a savvy, carry-on bag packer. My obsessions only increased when we had Miri. Adam and I took Miri to Israel (a 10-hour plane ride but almost an 18-hour trip in total) when she was only 8 weeks old. Imagine what I felt like I needed to bring! Since then I’ve calmed down a bit, but I have honed in on the important things to keep in your carry-on bag, whether you’re flying or on a road trip. And lucky for you, I’m sharing my tips!
Keep things organized.
This is a biggie. You’ll be able to find things much easier if you can actually tell the difference between all of your stuff. I generally like to use smaller pouches within my larger carry-on to separate things like electronics (headphones, chargers, iPad, etc.) from my toiletries, and from my baby diapers and so forth. I’ve collected a lot of toiletry bags over the years, so I usually just use the ones I have lying around. But if you need some, something like these would be my suggestion. I like these organizers because they are clear so a) they are TSA approved, and b) you can see the contents of the bags, so it’s even easier to find things on the go and in a hurry.
Pack extras in case of delay or emergency.
Whether you’re on a car trip and someone vomits, or your 3,000 miles from home and your luggage never made it on the plane, you may need an extra change of clothes. I always pack an extra pair of undies, shirt and a pair of socks in my carry-on. If I’m going transatlantic, I pack an entire extra outfit. This goes for my kids too. I bring at least one change of clothes per kid. Sometimes, a new outfit and a pair of pajamas too, depending on the length of travel.
In addition to extra clothing, I always keep deodorant, a small mouthwash, ibuprofen and my makeup essentials in a small bag. I also bring my contact lenses, a pair of glasses and a face cleansing cloth. My thought process — if I were stranded without my main luggage, what would I need to get me through until it came?
Again, that’s just for me. For my kids, I bring enough of what I’d need for an entire day + 5. For example, I pack the number of diapers I use for my son in a day and then I take an additional 5. I bring these all in my carry-on because blowouts happen, and you just never know.
I also make sure to bring ibuprofen and Benadryl for my kids, in addition to any prescription meds that anyone takes.
Top necessities for me:
1. Neck pillow — for long flights or road trips
2. Deodorant
3. Contact lense case
4. Diet Coke — this should’ve been #1
5. My new favorite cookie snacks — Safe + Fair Food Co.
Bring all the snacks.
Food on the go is expensive. And as a Jewish mother, I also have this fear of starvation. On top of that, having a child with special feeding needs makes me even more hypersensitive to making sure I have specific foods that I know everyone will eat. I keep the food separate in one of my smaller organizing bags just in case of any leaks or spills. And if I have a baby who needs formula, I bring one of these formula dividers, pre-filled. In addition, I bring an unopened can of formula in the bag just in case.
All important info.
Everything of value, whether its jewelry, a nice wig, your passport or other legal documents, should be kept in your carry-on. You never know when you’ll need it, and the world is crazy. So just don’t risk it.
In addition to that kind of important stuff, loveys and blankies are of utter importance in our family, so we would never, EVER put them in a suitcase. They must be on hand and accessible at all times.
Want a full packing list? See my Vacation Survival Guide post. And if you’re driving, check out my Top 20 Activities for Family Road Trips.
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This was a great post. I was reading this like holy crap I’m so scared to fly with my kids! But this is great lol.
I’ve decided that it’s all hard!! Flying or driving — we can’t win when they’re little! It’s all about perspective and how you handle it now. Glad you enjoyed!