And we're off!

We head back to the states tomorrow, making this our 3rd international trip with baby and Asher's 6th (roundtrip) set of flights. Holy Shmoly. Needless to say, Asher is a well-journeyed little dude. We've learned a lot since flight numero uno & have figured out our own little workarounds for making both short & long flights more enjoyable (ahem...bearable) for all of us, including Asher.

On our first international trip I TOTALLY overpacked the diaper bag. I don't know where I thought we were going...Mars, maybe. So one of my big 'lessons learned' is that less really is more. Pack what you need (maybe a few extra diapers) and call it a day. The last thing you want to be doing is spending the (8 hr) flight folded over searching & digging (& cursing, lol) through an overpacked bag looking for your tiny tube of chapstick you know you packed in there somewhere.

So, whats in my bag, you ask? I'll show ya exactly what we'll be bringing with us on our cross-atlantic, 2 flight, trek from Frankfurt to KC.

We'll start with little man's necessities (and a shout out to Asher for all his help... see that cute little hand!):

1- Cleaning Supplies :) - I usually pack some sort of disinfectant wipe along with his baby wipes. I am really not a germaphobe, at all, but ya just never know what you might see on those airplane trays or how many times the pacifier might fall on the bathroom floor. Better safe than sorry on this one. Find a travel sized pack and cleanse away.

2 - Booty Supplies :) - I love my little SkipHop changing pad cover. Since living in Europe, where everything is very baby friendly, and spending a lot of time walking around being touristy, I have lost a lot of my inhibition when it comes to changing diapers. I am not above finding a discrete corner or park bench & busting out that changing pad. (& A lot of places in Europe actually have baby rooms with disposable changing pads available ... so sometimes this item is not even necessary).

As far as # of diapers go. I usually multiple what we use daily by 1.5 or 2. Just in case... And I bring scented bags for the stinkies. Trust me, your fellow passengers will appreciate that kindness.

3 - Yummy Supplies :) - Asher is waaaayy into eating, snacking, gnawing on anything I'll let him. So we'll for sure be loaded up on tasty goodies. He's in the midst of teething (6 coming in all at once...so.much.fun) and often the only thing that keeps him comfortable is something to chew on. We love these little German baby biscuits & wafers. We'll also bring some fruit/veggie pouches for ease of feeding, but he'll probably prefer to eat whatever I am snacking on so I can basically mentally prepare myself to give away about half of my yums too.

He's a formula baby usually taking 3-4 bottles / day, but I'm packing enough for 5 (ya know...just in case!). This formula dispenser is awesome, but I also love these tiny little tupperwares for the extra servings.

4 - Fun Supplies :) - My best recommendation for this set of must-haves is to bring whatever least annoying, least bulky, least rolling around (believe me you do not want to be chasing toys up & down airplane aisles), type toys you have. We usually bring a book (or 2) of the touch and feel variety for added engagement, this toy tablet that has adjustable volume settings, old faithful and a couple of new-ish toys. We just got these HABA blocks. Asher is super into sounds, textures and figuring out how things work and these blocks keep him interested for what feels like hours in mommy time ;)

Mr. A likes a paci when falling asleep, so we always have 1 clipped to him during travel and 1 extra in the bag (you guessed it...just in case)

5 - Outfit Supplies :) - Okay, so you know I'm all about a well-dressed baby...but with the need for simplicity when traveling, we stick to (cute) sleep & play, footed jammies. Footed = no need for socks or shoes. One piece = easy diaper changing & limited space occupancy in the diaper bag. We're mostly passed the 'always pack an extra outfit' phase of babyhood, but I plan to keep him in his nighttime jam-jams for our first (early AM) flight & change him into these before the second flight - usually on the plane so we're ready to plow through customs in freshies.

I do still bring a little hat for him in case its chilly (and because he just looks really adorable in it).

6 - Mommy Supplies :) - I keep my list pretty short & stick to travel sized options whenever possible. I also use a cute clutch to keep everything I need in one place. This makes it easier when I'm searching or when I ask the hubs to grab something for me while I'm up to my ears in baby.

Skin Supplies :) Aside from the guaranteed must-haves like passport & moolah$, I've started bringing a few bits of skincare with me on the plane. On these long legged flights I usually go makeup free or makeup minimal. I'm not trying to impress anyone (plus...see sunnies in pic, if I do see someone to impress, I can always slap those babies on!)

Anyway, These aren't necessities by any means, but they make me feel refreshed & moisturized on a long, dry day of travel. And that feeling is worth it to me!

-A good moisturizing chapstick ( I like this one, but would totally love recommendations... its not my ride or die).

-Hydromasque- I found this little sample pack at a store here in Germany, its just a really nice wet/glossy moisturizer, BUT Rodan + Fields just came out with a hydrating serum that will 100% be in my bag on the way home!

-I always bring a good hand creme and my R+F renewing serum capsules that I'll put on once we've landed.

Entertainment Supplies :) presuming I am actually able to get some downtime (and that baby hasn't stolen it to watch his 'shows') I'd love to finish up a book on my iPad. Whilst eating a snack...a hungry mommy is not a happy mommy.

SO thats that!

Wish us luck!

PS I get to fly to Vegas for my soon-to-be-sister-in-law's bachelorette party in ONE week.

BABY-FREE!!!!! Something tells me that flight will be a bit less stressful than our recent ones... #cheers

Embrace the Wilde

-lindsey