A Vogue Editor's Guide to Traveling with Babies

LMKWYT Eugenia Gonzalez de Henn

Traveling is fundamental to who I am as a person, hence why I even named my son Atlas. That being said, when it comes to traveling with kids, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and pack too much, have too little, or freeze and not go anywhere at all.

Early in my pregnancy, a friend of mine told me I would have to give up traveling for a couple of years, and maybe do Disney Cruises when the kids were old enough. I couldn’t have been more angry/ scared. The truth is he couldn’t have been more wrong. Traveling with kids is not only possible but can even be enjoyable given the right circumstances ( more on this later).

When it came to writing this article about traveling with babies, I knew I needed to bring in an expert. So, I turned to my friend Eugenia, an honorary MUSE, Vogue editor, travel aficionado, and packing pro. Eugenia is an expert traveler who effortlessly jets off to destinations around the world with her two kids in tow. I vividly remember being in Copenhagen for a work trip and being amazed at how she managed to fit everything she needed for multiple stylish outfits into just one small carry-on bag, I could never!

But traveling with kids didn't slow her down. In fact, she's made the trek from Berlin to Mexico with her little ones more times than she can count. And get this: Eugenia also manages to tackle those transatlantic flights solo with her kids. SUPERWOMAN ALERT.

So, without further ado, I'm thrilled to share Eugenia's top tips and hacks for traveling with a baby (or two). From packing strategies to must-have items, these lists are sure to make your next family adventure a little easier. And with the right planning and a few insider tips, you'll be able to hit the road (or the skies) with confidence.

Let’s start from the beginning. What’s the best time to fly with a baby?

EGH: “Buy plane tickets around the baby’s schedules as best as you can. Night fights are better because eventually, they will sleep. Day flights are difficult because kids have a lot of energy. If you have multiple kids, stick to one of the schedules - depending on what’s best for your babies.”

How do you manage jetlag in babies?

 EGH: “Once u arrive at the place of destination that’s the time zone you are in. Of course, you can do minor adjustments as needed but trick to stick to the new time zone as much as possible. A good tip to get the kids entertained is to get out of the house/ hotel as soon as you can and entertain the kids with activities outdoors. The light and sunshine in your new destination will naturally reset your internal clock.”

What are the things one actually needs while traveling?

EOH: “These are the top 10 things you need + a bonus :)”

1. I find diaper bags extremely depressing so I've always carried a nice tote (currently I find the Lutz Morris Saylor Tote to be the most comfortable and chic travel bag/ beach bag/ the perfect tote)

2. Then I put a small diaper bag insert inside-- something like this. There I have different compartments for space for one diaper/wipes/changing pad (the rest go in their own bag), pacifiers, crayons, a toy, a water bottle, and an extra space for another necessity. This insert is then easily handy and pulled out when needed. *All the backup extras are in the carry-on

3. Many small packs of baby wipes

4. Disposable diaper/changing mat

   

5. Travel-size face cream and diaper cream. 

6. Pacifiers with protective boxes.

7. Yoyo BAbyzen stroller. Like the Doona- it is absolutely life-changing.  You take it up to the plane, fold it like a carry-on, never risking losing your stroller and being able to run out and not wait for it to be delivered. It squeezes into the tiniest of restaurants. It is literally the best.

   

8. I like to take the thick Stabilo crayons because they are sturdier and easier for kids to grab. Kids have more control and they aren't all rolling off the tray every minute. 

9. Coloring books and reading books!

10. Lunch boxes with healthy snacks.

    

11. Onta foldable earphones.Super comfy and with fun colors. 

Traveling can be overwhelming, especially with kids. When you travel with your husband, do each of you have individual tasks/ responsibilities?

EOH: We just share. Divide and conquer!

What are your travel hacks? 

EOH:

• Bring their slippers (or gripper socks) so they can take off their shoes on the plane and be more comfortable

• Colorful comfy earphones so they can watch a movie together

• Always pull out the books and toys first and leave the movies/ Ipad for later when they get antsy. 

• I let them eat whatever they want, whenever they want. I show them all the options I bring and from there on till we arrive they can go nuts. 

•   Give your 2-year-old the disinfectant wipe and let them go wild disinfecting their own seat and table. It will win you at least 5 mins of peace!

• Always let them run in the airport, with the hopes that they get tired and are less restless in their seat.

• When the plane takes off or lands, make sure to feed them or give them a pacifier. If they are already asleep don’t wake them up- nothing will happen to them, and you will gain some minutes of calm.

• Carry your medicines, you don’t want to be left on the plane missing something.

What’s on your travel medicine kit?

EOH: Here is my Basic travel med-kit list.

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What would you say the secret for traveling with kids is?

EOH: “ Preparation. I pack 5 days in advance, and I make sure to make lists so I don’t forget anything.”