What I’m Packing for My First Solo Trip with Makoa (And How I’m Not Losing My Mind 😅)
Okay… I thought I was ready 😅 Two weeks ago, I took my first solo trip with baby Makoa—and wow, what a ride 😅 Prepping for it was definitely chaotic, but I figured out a solid system that worked for us. So I wanted to share my full newborn travel setup, along with a few tips I picked up along the way.
This is my first time traveling alone with Makoa—and he’s just about to turn 3 months old. With my other kids, Luna and Osa, I started traveling around the 6-week mark. But with baby number three, life has been a bit different. I’m super grateful that my mom is meeting me in New York to help out while I’m working there.
My Must-Have Travel Gear for Baby 🧳
Here’s a breakdown of what I’m bringing and why:
1. Doona Stroller (aka the MVP)
This thing converts into a car seat without needing a base, which is a game-changer for travel. I’ve used it for all my kids. I’ll gate-check it at the airport after wearing Makoa in a baby carrier.
Still not sure how to pronounce it, but I love it! I’ll wear Makoa through the airport and on the plane for ease.
3. My “Personal Item” Bag
This bag is doing the most. It includes:
One diaper (with extras in the carry-on)
Wipes
Notebook + Kindle
Burp cloth
Sanitizing wipes + my essentials (lip balm, lotion, etc.)
Wallet - It's also got a compact changing pad. Not fancy, but it works!
Sleep Setup + Big Bag Essentials 🛏️
I'm bringing the Guava Family Pack and Play with a bassinet conversion kit—perfect for hotel stays. I packed:
Merlin Sleep Suits (in case of a blowout)
SlumberPod (plus its fan and a camera for inside)
Portable sound machine
Also: air tags in everything. We lost luggage once in Hawaii and never got it back. Never again!
Feeding + Diapering Gear 🧼
In my No Reception Club duffle, which I love:
Clothes for me + Makoa (including PJs, nursing bras, etc.)
20 diapers (I’m picky—brought our faves from Millie Moon)
Burp rags
Nose sucker
Extras like a laundry bag and changing pad
In my Mia Millie carry-on:
More diapers
SlumberPod (yes, it fits!)
Willow pump case + cleaning kit
Ember warmer (a.k.a. the Lamborghini of bottle warmers)
Blueberry Pediatrics health kit (thermometer, pulse ox, etc.)
Vitamin D drops (Bobby Organic)
Whether you're prepping for your own first solo trip with a baby or just love peeking inside someone else's diaper bag (I see you 👀), I hope this helps make travel a little less overwhelming.
👉 SHOP MY AMAZON TRAVEL ESSENTIALS LIST — Everything I brought (and actually used!) is linked up for you here.
Why Newborn Travel Is Actually… Easy? 👶🏽
Here’s the truth—traveling with a newborn is actually easier than traveling with toddlers. They sleep, they nurse, they snuggle. That’s it. Takeoff can be the hardest part, but once they’re cozy, it’s smooth.
Osa right now? Wild. Traveling with that energy would be… whew. Luna’s pretty chill now, but we still pack iPad backup just in case.
So if you’re thinking about it—DO IT. Travel when they’re tiny. And bonus: they fly free 'til 2 (unless you’re going international… ask me how I found that out the hard way in Singapore 😅).
🎒 Final Checklist (aka “Don’t Forget the Boobs”)
See the chaos, the laughs, and how everything played out in real-time with baby Makoa in tow!
And if you’re curious about the gear I mentioned—like the Artipoppe (or is it Art Papi? still don’t know 😂), my go-to duffle, or that Ember bottle warmer that feels way too fancy but also totally worth it…