When baby boy was born, we decided we wanted to visit Asia in his first year since my husband is from there so baby boy could meet that side of the family. Everyone we told we were going international for baby’s first trip and flight said we were crazy and wished us luck 😅 We did it and honestly, it was so fun! Upon returning from our trip, the question we get asked the most is how we did it so here’s a few tips and tricks for how we did 2 weeks, 3 countries, 2 carry on luggages, 1 stroller and 1 diaper bag for myself, hubby and our 8 month old 😉

1) be flexible: I have to start with, on vacation I plan nothing. My husband started planning our vacations when we got married with our honeymoon and it just stuck after that! I like to just show up and be surprised and rest my brain (cuz you bet I manage our day to day schedules 😝). So going to Asia was no different. Hubby planned for us to go to Japan, Singapore and Malaysia. And his first rule was no more than one planned activity a day. This still gave us structure so we knew where to head and where we would be wandering around.

2) be willing to try things : Due to our flexible schedule, we didn’t plan where to eat ahead of time for most meals. We pretty much would check out places that looked busy enough and yummy and didn’t have a long wait so we could pop in quickly with baby. We did quite a few franchises like Yoshinoya and Starbucks, but also found some great hole in the walls like a curry place and ramen spot.

3) bring a baby carrier and compact stroller: I’m a bit biased as I’ve worked at Ergobaby for quite a while BUT as a first time parent I have to say Ergo is truly the best and such a life saver! In Japan, there wasn’t a lot of room for strollers so my hubby and I took turns wearing baby boy in our OMNI Breeze. Baby boy could nap in there facing inward and even get to see the sights while forward facing. It allowed for us to be hands free as we moved around, yet kept baby close. In Singapore and Malaysia, it was a huge weather shift with the humidity at a high so instead of wearing him (I’m not a fan of heat so I don’t want anyone touching me when it’s hot…) in the carrier, we popped him in the Metro+ Stroller which is compact and light! It allows for reclining so baby boy could nap. It has a sunshade for blocking and a basket below for easy to throw in items. It’s also light enough that we could carry it on our backs (in the travel bag) for times we didn’t need it open. The only thing I wish it had was a larger bottom basket, but that was already remedy in their latest style – the Metro+ Deluxe.

4) try and pack light: hubby and I have always been carry on only luggage people. It didn’t matter if we were somewhere for 3 days or 2 weeks, we only brought carry on luggage – international Away luggage and Osprey backpack. With baby, I thought it would change, but it didn’t. To this everyone says we’re crazy 😂 I’ve never been an over packer due to traveling often for a past role so I’ve learned to literally write out every outfit I plan to wear each day we’re gone. This helps me figure out what I can mix and match so I don’t have to bring more. I did this for baby boy too with 2 spare outfits because you just never know! We also got the king of all diaper bags, the Beis Ultimate Diaper Bag, which is a little large for daily use, but perfect for travel. In went snacks, toys, nursing cover, baby headphones and wipes. Our carry ons had our own clothing (I had 3 long sleeves, 3 tshirts, 2 tanks, 1 cardigan, 1 jacket, 2 leggings and undergarments) and diapers. We brought roughly 60 diapers in total to cover us for the time being with the plan to buy more overseas if needed. Also important is that the hotel or Airbnb has a washer/dryer. We planned to do laundry every 3-4 days which helps a lot for less clothing. We ended up doing it three times in the 2 weeks. Hubby and I both think we could have done with one less shirt, but overall calculated well. The carry on only sounds crazy, but did make walking around easier with less things to drag. Buying stuff was a bit difficult, but I managed to squeeze stuff in 😇

5) have fun! I know it can be daunting traveling with baby, but everyone has been a kid before. And if they have an issue with the baby crying or making sounds, that’s on them. Of course, we weren’t just letting baby wail with our headphones in and the few times he did have some tears (he’s honestly a really chill baby so can’t complain!) we did our best to calm him. And that’s all we can do! Just do our best and just try to take it in as much as you can. These are memories for a lifetime! Baby boy has no idea he was in different countries, but we do. And these first family trip memories have been amazing and I cannot wait for more xo