Five Friday Faves - 2.23
the things for traveling with kids that we can't do without
Traveling with kids requires a lot more stuff than traveling just the two of us, but it’s usually worth it. We took our son on his first trip at 3mo and except for the height of the pandemic, we’ve traveled pretty regularly with our kids, so we’ve refined this list over the past 5 years. We are not currently in the carry-on phase of our lives, and while I am excited for that phase to come back, we’ve figured out what works well for us right now.
We’re packing for a trip soon, and these are some of our must-haves for traveling with the kids.
Five Friday Favorites:
Packing Cubes - These have been an amazing addition to our packing routine. Everyone has their own color-coded set of these cubes, and it makes packing and unpacking so easy. Six might seem like a lot, but having a wide variation in size has been really helpful. When we get to a destination, I put the cubes in the corresponding rooms, and then when we pack to leave, I can easily just fill them back up. In the summer, we’re gone most weekends, and it makes everything so easy. I only pack clean clothes in the cubes, put the laundry in the bag, and unload it into the machine when we get home. For a bigger trip, we use a combination of this duffle and/or big checkable bag, and for a driving trip, everyone has their own LL Bean Boat and Tote.
Medicine Bag - Go nowhere, trust no one without this medicine kit. This thing is stocked with everything. Thermometer (this was great with a baby when the probes needed to be different), Motrin, Tylenol, Pink Eye Meds, Ear Drops, Cough Syrup, spare Inhalers, literally everything. It’s nice to have it all in one bag.
Wayb / Carseat Clip - The Carseat Clip is something you don’t need to worry about unless you plan to travel internationally. When we went out of the country last year, the van that picked us up was brand new, but didn’t have locking seatbelts. I had a bit of a panic attack that for the whole week our kids’ car seats weren’t fully secured. Enter the car seat clip. I will never travel without one again. In that vein, once our kids turned two, we’ve used the Wayb as a travel car seat. When my son was smaller we used it on the plane to contain him, but usually, we just use it in the car at the destination. We’ve used other options, but have been really pleased with these for ease of installation and size.
SlumberPod - This thing is a desert island product for us. We have used this thing for 5+ years, and until my youngest is out of the pack ‘n play, it will come with us everywhere.
Minu - We LOVE this stroller. It’s been a workhorse for a while, and in the airport, it’s SO convenient. It fits in the overhead bins, and even though our older son is 5, it’s SUPER nice to strap him in/contain him in the airport. Last year, we had a long wait in customs, and it was amazing to sit him in there and give him an iPad.
What’s for Dinner
As Julia mentioned in this week’s episode, we are on a freezer challenge to clear the fridge/freezer before we’re out of town. It was also my husband’s birthday this weekend, so I made him his favorite meal on Saturday.
Saturday - Lasagna Bolognese, Caesar Salad, German Chocolate Cake - Ever since my husband ate my family Lasagna recipe, I knew he was hooked. I make the bolognese, bechemel, and pasta from scratch, and while it’s a labor of love, it’s his favorite. We generally follow the Marcella Hazan recipe (her cookbook is incredible btw), but have our family Bolognese recipe. This is our favorite Caesar dressing, and I always make croutons. And then the pièce de resistance is the German Chocolate Cake - recipe is from the box - it’s flawless.
Sunday - Lasagna leftovers
Monday - Shrimp and Chorizo Pilaf - Half Baked Harvest Super Simple - this is a family favorite, and really easy.
Tuesday - Mexican Chicken and Rice - Defined Dish - We love this recipe, and my son devoured most of the chicken, so I will probably add more next time. I also would recommend checking the timing of this before you make it. It’s not as quick as the timing indicates.
Wednesday - Baked Potatoes with Bacon and Broccoli -
Thursday - Brats and Tots - Can’t stop won’t stop, especially if my husband cooks.
Friday - Pizza Night
More A Day In Her Life:
ICYMI this week
was on the podcast this week! If you’re not following her substack, do yourself a favor and follow (and of course listen to this week’s episode - it’s a fun one)
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