Packing for a overseas trip ✈︎ 

Lessons!

(links to everything are at the end)

1. Less is more, and you can always buy stuff. We took washing sheets, which you can use in the sink, bath, or washing machine, so we just did regular loads, which was a lifesaver.
2. Separate suitcase for baby. I have since tested, and I could fit my daughter’s things in a small carry-on-sized case and take a medium case for myself. The separation makes packing for both much easier, and there is no confusion about your allocated space. My first BIG MISTAKE! I also found a great case that turns into a seat for when baby can sit down (even has a seatbelt). I will look at getting one for our next trip.
3. Baby bag, a small day bag, is excellent, and my small longchamp backpack was actually unique and folds into a little envelope. I pimped it out with a small bag insert which made packing for the day so easy. But for some brain fart reason, I didn’t think I needed an actual baby bag for the travel days, so I had all of my daughter’s things in my handbag on my shoulder, which was so difficult to carry and so over-packed to hang on the pram. Second BIG BIG MISTAKE!
4. Baby monitor is a great idea, one thing we did do was bring a babu monitor. My mum purchased it to use at her home when she babysits. The CubCam is small and compact, and the app and set-up are a bit fiddly, but you will get the hang of it like me. We used it on all the wifi throughout the trip, allowing us to sit by the pool (room next door) and let Bubba get her uninterrupted sleep. We picked smaller hotels or separate rooms when possible, but the camera took the guessing away for our very active girl.
5. Travel Cot, we got a second-hand Phil & Ted’s travel cot, which was SO GOOD! It was the one consistent when we moved around. We used it at home before we left, so she was familiar with it when we landed in the UK; after the long haul fight, she passed right out. It comes with 1 sheet so i just brough a light weight sheet from Kmart which also doubled up as a backup if any of the accomodation we went to had their own so I coudl use our own sheet.
6. Travel Pram, we debated between the Joolz and the Yoyo and ended up with the Joolz, and we couldn’t be happier. It was comfortable for bubs for 5 months, easy to fold up, get into boots, and fit in every overhead compartment. I only added a liner to it, which was a lifesaver for many reasons, including when an entire yoghurt was squeezed upside down and a poonami that went all the way through (a few times). The pram stayed relatively clean, and the liner was all we washed. Highly recommend.