Written by UGC Creator Michaela Pham

As a first-time mom with family in two separate states, I knew traveling would come quickly and often. Preparing for our first trip at six months, I watched multiple packing videos and put together a list of everything we would need to survive travel from coast to coast. The big question was: What’s important for us to bring on our trip cross-country without overpacking, and what do we need in our diaper bag to keep baby entertained?

Packing Essentials for Our First Trip

In our carry-on bags, organization was key to making our mornings easier. We used packing cubes to organize baby clothes, bibs, bath essentials, and baby toiletries. This ensured simple and easy mornings for those on-the-go travel days.

Helpful Items for Smooth Travel

A few items we found helpful during our trip included toy straps, the baby monitor, a travel sound machine, and the changing mat.

Why the Birch Bag Is the Ultimate Diaper Bag

The Birch Bag diaper bag has been a lifesaver for both baby and parent needs while traveling. Our favorite features include:

• 10 pockets for easy organization
• 2 insulated bottle pockets
• Stroller straps
• A foldable changing pad
• A parent pocket for essentials

The new Parker Baby packing cubes and wet dry bags also make perfect additions to the already amazing Birch Bag, further enhancing its functionality.

The Importance of Staying Organized

By starting our trip organized, we were able to unpack swiftly and easily. After a cross-country trip and a long travel day, the best feeling is being able to unpack quickly before settling in for a good night's rest. This helps us reset for the upcoming week and makes the entire process feel smoother.

What are the travel essentials that make your trip so smooth?