10 Must-have Items for jet-setting Mamas and Babies

So far, we have taken our 8-month-old on eight trips. Day trips, overnight road trips, cross-country plane trips - seven different flights to be more specific! And I was solo with babe for five of them. I'm by no means a travel pro, but I have figured out what works for us (for now). I was asked to, and I'm happy to share some of the products that make our air travels easier and less stressful. Note: these are all items I actually own and recommend.

For the mama

1. Nursing tank.  Perfect for hassle-free breastfeeding. I pack an extra one in my carry on.

2. Cozy/long cardigan. I always get cold in planes, and it can also double as a breastfeeding cover up.
3. Leggings and compression socks. You will never catch me flying in constricting jeans, skirts, or shorts (refer to #2). Also, after pregnancy and after trying out these super cute and comfy socks, I'm never flying without a pair again!
4. Toms. I talked about why I love these shoes here...
5. Scarf. ...and why I love wearing scarfs while traveling here.

6. Chewbeads. These were a gift, and my little teething guy LOVES them. 

7. Water bottle. Altitude + constant nursing = dehydration station.
8. Snacks. I always have food in my purse.  Fruit, granola bars, chocolate, you name it.
9. Audiobooks. In case the baby sleeps (lucky you!) but you aren't able to (womp womp).

10. Backpack. I skip the traditional diaper bag and use my fiance's backpack as my carry-on. It is not necessarily attractive but it's roomy and has a ton of pockets for easy one-handed access.

For the baby

1. Baby carrier. If I could only pick one item to bring, this would be it. It's not just great for getting through airports, but my babe loved nursing and falling asleep in there during every flight we took. You can read more about why I love this carrier here.
2. Wet bag. These are not just for cloth diapers. S#%t happens. And you want said s#%t contained.
3. Two-piece footie pajamas. Footie PJs keep babies warm without having to deal with socks, but the trick is to go for a two-piece; they make it easier to check/change diapers.
4. Wipes. Refer back to #2.
5. Pacifier. Nursing, giving a paci, or bottle can help with ear pressure during take-off and landing.
6. Blanket. Now that baby is older, I use these to cover dirty floors/surfaces for him to sit on.

7. Inflatable nursing pillow. Having an extra seat makes it easier to use it onboard, but once you reach your destination, it's a life-saver. Read about it here.
8. Bottle of water. Refer to #5.
9 Fruit snacks. It doesn't get easier (or less messy) than these organic fruit pouches. Check the ingredients to be sure there are no surprises.

10. Toys. We bring compact, quiet, one-piece toys; a new one for the novelty aspect, and old ones for familiarity and comfort. 

These are products that work for our family. It might be different for yours, and that's ok!

I'd love to hear from you. What's on your list?