Pack your carry-on like this to save your sanity on your next family vacation

Have you ever found yourself digging through your carry-on bag mid-flight, desperately searching for a pacifier or a snack? Yep. Me too. 

Me: “It’s in the blue bag.”
My mom: “Here it is—I found it.”
Me: “No, not that one, that’s teal. I need the blue bag.”
My mom: “I can’t find the blue bag. I see a yellow bag, a striped bag….”
Me: “It’s in there, I promise. Ugh, give me the bag, I’ll find it.”

This scenario is a bit of a running joke in our family—my love for packing bags inside of bags, inside of more bags. It drives my mom crazy, but there’s a reason I do it!

When traveling with babies or kids, using small pouches or zippered bags to group essentials in your carry-on makes life so much easier. No more digging, just grab and go!

Here are a few ideas to organize your carry-on like a pro:

👜 Diaper Essentials – Diapers, wipes, changing pad, diaper cream, and a small plastic bag for trash.

🥤 Feeding Kit – Bottles, formula/breastmilk, a small water bottle, bibs, utensils, and a burp cloth.

😴 Sleep Support – Lightweight blanket, travel sound machine, small stuffed animal/lovey.

🍎 Snacks  – Easy-to-pack snacks that your kiddo loves and will hold you over until the next meal. Make sure they are non-perishable and keep your snack bag handy throughout your trip. 

 

 📘 Activities - Small toys, books, drawing items and things to keep little hands busy. Try to bring some new or "forgetting" items so they feel new and novel. 

With everything in its own bag, you won’t have to rummage through your bag so much while balancing a baby on your lap!