Let's be real – we don't pretend to be experts. But we are parents...who are passionate. Passionate about parents thriving with their kiddos. And it is directly tied to our mission at Zoe – helping parents travel lightly through motherhood and the world.

It's why all our products are designed with one primary goal in mind: giving parents everything they need to easily get out the door.

How many of you have heard: "just wait, when you have kids you won't...."

• Travel as much
• Keep that hobby
• Be on the go as much
• Still be so involved at ___
• Keep up that sport 

The list goes on. But we couldn't disagree more. Sure, logistics change. But your identity expands when you become a parent. Not becomes limited. Which means you can keep doing what you love with your little in tow.

Here are some quick tips that have helped us:

Set Goals

If you're expecting or babe is here - this is a great time to define what you want. Big question right? But you can keep it simple. 

It’s so much easier to work towards an outcome when you’ve thought about it in advance as a family unit and document it (research shows you're 42% more likely to succeed when you write it down).

This can include general rhythms of what you do together and how you want to accommodate for one another to keep personal passions alive (how cool for kids to see you pursue things you love!).

The TL;DR: articulate your expectations with each other so you can collectively meet them.

 
PS - Don’t set expectations as to how quickly you adapt – everyone’s journey is different. This is more about painting a vision of the lifestyle you want for your family so you can actively work towards it together.

Some prompts to help paint the vision you want for your family (no right answers here - the goal is simply to move forward with shared expectations):

• What values do we want to instill in our child? How do we model that with our lifestyle?
• What self-care practices do we want to maintain for our own well-being?
• How will we make time for our own interests and hobbies?
• What experiences do we want to provide for our child (travel, activities)?
• Where do we see ourselves as a family in five years? Ten years?
• What traditions do we want to create for our family?

Create a Shared Note in Your Phone

The biggest goal is to eliminate the mental load – one of the easiest ways to achieve this is by creating a note in your phone (share it with your partner if applicable) with a checklist. We use this every time we travel with our kiddos -- it makes it a mindless process and there is something about that peace of mind that makes us feel prepared and removes (most) intimidation. 

Pro Tip: Organize by room to make it an even quicker process.

Here's a sample travel packing list:

Always Have A '911' Bag Ready

Think of it as your 'oops' kit. On-the-go blow out? You've got a diaper and outfit for that. Boo boo? Grab your bandaid. Out longer than you think? Here's more formula.

When you get home, restock it and you'll be ready for your next outing. 

Things to pack in your bag:

• Diapers
• Wipes
• Snacks
• Extra change of clothes
• First aid kit
• Formula container

Travel Tips to Consider

If you've got a trip planned -- keep in mind these airport hacks:

• Most airlines don’t count baby gear towards your checked baggage allowance and is free (think: strollers, car seats, pack ‘n plays)
• You can bring baby food & drink through security; they’ll just scan it for safety (kiddos 2 & under)
• Kids can go through TSA PreCheck with you but can’t on global entry (unless they have their own – ps it’s free right now)
• Families with small children can board early
• You can gate check your stroller (get a tag from the gate attendant before boarding)
• On most airlines kiddos under 2 fly free (in your lap)
• You can keep your baby in a carrier while passing through security
• Keep a stash of your essentials at the top of your bag for easy access (diapers, wipes, milk, extra outfit etc)
• Feed at take off and landing to help babies adjust to cabin pressure
• Some airlines offer bassinets for infants on long-haul flights but you have to reserve in advance 
• Many hotels offer cribs or pack-n-plays to reserve in advance
• There are sites, like Baby Quip, where you can rent baby gear where you’re traveling (they'll deliver it to where you're staying)
• If your baby is starting to have nap rhythms, consider that in travel timing - though let me say, babies are so much easier than toddlers and starting early does help them get used to it
• Follow similar routines you have at home while traveling, you’ll be surprised how fast they adapt

AND..let's not forget the gear you need

Sleep

• Portable sound machine like this one or this
• Black out curtains
  • Cover in hotel room (helps for room sharing and daytime naps)
  • Like this (note: in really tight spaces, this may be a bit of a squeeze)
  • Cover stroller on the go
• Medications (as applicable)

Travel Gear

• Stroller designed for your needs
• Not all strollers are made alike. Think of it like shoes: you wear sneaks and heels in different places.
• If you're doing a lot of airport travel, consider a stroller that fits in overhead bins.
• If you're on-the-go a lot at home and want full-features, while prioritizing portability – try a lightweight everyday stroller that you can fold with baby in hand.

Pro Tip: Use packing cubes for stroller basket to quickly fold without the mess

• Baby Carriers
• There are a lot of great options on the market, but two primary types of carriers:
• Structured: best for parents who want simplicity (not a lot of adjusting/rewrapping) and who will baby wear for longer periods of time (often more support in these carriers)
• Wraps: best for parents who want a closer/more intimate carry, newborns with less neck support, parents who want versatility (can carry in different positions)

Feeding on the Go

• Portable High Chairs: Depending on where you're traveling, a lightweight high chair that attaches to the counter/table can be helpful.
• Depending on your feeding journey, this could include:
• Bottles
• Formula
• Bottle Warmers
• Milk Storage Bags / Insulated bags
• Pump
• Nursing cover
• Wipes
• Bottle brushes/cleaning kit

Diapering Essentials

• Diaper Bags
• Some of our favorites: women-founded brand, versatile use, and great value 
• Portable Changing Mats

Lastly, remember:

you've got this.