1. The Travel Boppy is fantastic whether you are nursing or not. It zips up into a little crescent shaped shoulder bag for easy transport. As soon as we got onto the plane, I unzipped and put it on my lap with baby on top. Even when she wasn't nursing, it was a nice "seat" for her and in some cases, a good "divider" between me and a stranger. Completely washable and totally great. My bonus is that I got it at Once Upon a Child for $8, but it's so great I would pay full price for it!
2. I have loved these swaddle blankets from day one. They are thin but sturdy, breathable yet substantial. I took several with us. They can be used to drape over the carseat for sun/wind protection, wrapped around baby for warmth, or over your shoulder as a nursing cover. Violet almost always falls asleep when I nurse her under one of these. The prints are adorable, too.
3. I am all about nursing wherever, whenever I have to. These Infinity Nursing scarves make that possible. I have a few of the regular nursing covers with the adjustable strap thing, and I use those in certain situations, but when I'm out without access to my full arsenal, the nursing scarf is so much more convenient and more discreet than a nursing cover. I like how it covers the sides and back instead of just your front. I wore one or had one in the diaper bag every day of our trip.
4. I cannot say enough good things about the Ergo carrier. I had no idea when I received it as a shower gift how much I would actually use this! I put Violet in it when she was just a few days old and she immediately fell asleep and stayed that way for several hours while I got things done. Umm...magic?? :) This was perfect for wearing her as we walked busy and crowded city streets in New Orleans. I also wear it when I do long grocery or mall trips with her.
5. Disposable Changing pads are perfect for using at places you don't want to use the changing pad from the diaper bag. Yes, the changing pad from the diaper pad is washable, but I don't like putting it on surfaces that are obviously questionable. I had a few of these in our diaper bag for these situations.
6. Since we travelled with a stroller and carseat, this carrying bag was essential for us. The airline we took (Delta), required that we gate check the car seat and folded up stroller. They do sell clear plastic bags for $5 at the counter, but the stroller would have ripped through it in an instant (we did purchase one of the clear bags for the carseat, which was fine). When we got to the gate, Tim folded up the stroller and put it in the bag, then carried it to the gate check location. It was a lifesaver to have a handle and sturdy protection.
I would also say the obvious things like to be sure you have an extra outfit in the diaper bag, as well as a couple plastic bags for wet items is essential. Hoping our next travel experience goes as smoothly as the first!
Hooray for good travel experiences! I've found for us that plane or train travel is hundreds of times easier than car travel. (My little girl hates the car.) We've done a few short trips from Utah to Oregon and back, and this summer she and I are going solo all the way across the country - gulp!
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