Travel Lessons from A First-time (and breastfeeding) Mom

I grew up with travel and vacation as part of our family's annual (sometimes more than once) traditions. I am fortunate enough to have parents, especially a mother, who loves to travel. And to this very day, with their grandkids, we continue the tradition. And this time, it was MY first time to travel with my own child. Being a self-declared OC, I was set to prepare well for the travel. We were traveling out of the country for 6 days and 5 nights.

Here are 10 things I did that helped make my first time experience memorable, fun, and manageable: 

1. Start packing at least two days before the trip. I was packing for three persons, my son, husband and myself. I came up with a list, based from what I usually bring, and from what I got from some blogs. This was the first time we were traveling out of the country and first time for my son to ride a plane.

2. Consider the weather. It was quite warm in Malaysia, which was where we went, by the way. I find that it was a good thing, since I only needed to pack light clothing. I had to choose what my son and I would wear, considering the extra clothes needed in case of accidents and unexpected situations.  

Wearing light clothes for the warm weather

3. Research availability and affordability of things. I had to think about bringing disposable diapers or buying from there. Good thing the brand we use, which is Drypers, was available and cheaper in Malaysia. I packed a small pack just in case and then bought a bigger pack from Malaysia. 

My son doesn't like eating spicy food, which was the more easily available there, so we decided to bring bottled/packed food and snacks just in case. Healthy Options provide healthy food that's quite convenient to bring around. A little expensive but saves a lot energy and effort. And my son actually likes to eat them.

I tried looking for yogurt, like the ones here in Manila, and it wasn't easily available. I only found them in big groceries. This is something I feed my toddler that's convenient, affordable, and healthy. I got the Nestle Yogurt Strawberry and Mixed Berries and Acai flavors. The price is pretty much the same. But the one in Malaysia is more user-friendly, it comes with a foldable plastic spoon and a lid. I think the one in Malaysia is creamier also.

As for shopping, my habit was to keep converting. Some people say stop converting and just buy. I say, consider your budget first. And we did buy some stuff, mostly food and lipstick for me, which were really cheaper there.

4. Capture the moments. Okay. This is like cliche. But guess what, sometimes we forget, due to various reasons, the kids start having tantrums, the camera's in the innermost part of the bag, weather's too hot, etc. But when we remember to pose for a photo, we do! There are so many things to capture during these times, from magnificent views, to amazing tourist spots, to what you had for lunch, to your companions priceless reactions. And it will help when you want to reminisce.

5. Agree on responsibilities or tasks with hubby. I would keep the passports and boarding passes. My hubby would carry the baby bag. I would bathe our son, he would dress him. I carry my son mostly, but when he gets too hyper or I feel tired, my hubby gets him from me. I carry him mostly, because I breastfeed him. I sit with the kiddo, he gets our food, or vice versa. And the list goes on.

Hubby carries the little boy and I carry our backpack

6. Speaking of breastfeeding, if you can, breastfeed. I find it very convenient. You do not have to prepare or bring a lot. Although, I had to consider the culture of Malaysia. If there was a nursery/breastfeeding room, I would go and feed there. But I would take advantage of the place. I change my son's diapers and I rest. When I cannot find the nursery room, I use my nursing cover. And at the end of the day, when you're tired from a day of touring, it's convenient to just feed your child immediately in the middle of the night.

7. Using the totseat (it's like a portable chair strap for babies) and Bitybean (a baby carrier), is so helpful. Not all restaurants have high chairs, or you're not really sure how they clean it. So the totseat allows us to seat/strap our son without the hassle of us trying to keep him seated. As for the Bitybean, my forever reliable carrier, it helps me achieve many things, get the baby to sleep, and I do not feel as tired as when I do not use a carrier. (Read about my baby-wearing experiences here.)

Walking to Kuala Lumpur City Center: baby-wearing a sleeping tot 

Noah using the totseat during one of our meals

8. Ask help from companions. I'm blessed with a family who adores my child the way I adore my siblings' children. They volunteer to carry, watch over him, dress him, and play with him when my husband and I cannot, or will not. Haha.

9. Research. Aside from looking for a list of things to pack or breastfeeding stations, I did the itinerary of our trip: places, food that you have to try, churches for Sunday mass, etc. We didn't completely follow it, but at least we had ideas on where to go or what to do. Since we had toddlers/preschoolers with us, I knew I had to look for places that were more or less good for these children. And well, I guess, in more ways, the itinerary helped. But I think because there were too many things to do and places to go, we only did an ocular and maybe should come back to really go and try everything. Haha.

10. Pray. Stay connected with God. Offer the trip. Offer the day. Ask for His blessing. We were blessed to get the chance to go to confession before the anticipated mass. Connecting to God was important, I needed the grace. It kept me more patient (and I fail a lot in this, that's why I needed to pray more) and more flexible. I think it allowed our family to be more accepting and forgiving of the unpleasant things that came with the trip.

Attended anticipated mass at St. John's Cathedral, the confession box was near us allowing us to go to confession

10 simple things. If I have not done my assignment, the journey wouldn't have been as pleasant and unforgettable...

Next stop?

Baby Wearing: Saya Carrier and Bitybean Ultra Compact Carrier

My first carrier: Saya Carrier borrowed from Rinka

Will I be a baby-wearing mother or not? This was a question I had to consider for some time. I observed, read up, and asked friends. Rinka Romero, a good friend of mine, have shared with me a lot of her rookie momma experiences, which includes baby-wearing. After a few discussions with her, I was sold. Next problem was what brand or kind to get! She lent me her Saya Carrier, and it was really awesome! It was comfortable and snug. It was a pleasant experience for both me and my son. I used it when my family and I went out-of-town. So convenient to have it with me because it frees up my hands. My mom even tried using it with Noah and liked it.

Noah relaxing in the Saya Carrier

I used the Saya Carrier for around two months only because Noah grew heavier and I was smaller than Rinka. Noah was already too low when I was carrying him for a longer period of time. But my love and need for carriers became stronger. I realized the big help it gave me. It allows me to do several things while carrying the baby. It also provides a means for my baby to fall asleep easily and sleep for a long period of time. I honestly cannot count the number of times where Noah would fall asleep while I was walking while wearing him.

So began the search for a carrier. Originally, I planned to get another Saya Carrier, but with a size smaller than what I borrowed and we can afford it. One weekend in May, I went to Expo Mom, a bazaar by Mommy Mundo. I went to the Indigo Baby booth and to check out the Saya Carrier and their available designs. Sadly, I didn't see anything I liked, though they had my size. I think that this was a blessing in disguise because that was when I found my match!

The Bitybean Cleverly Compact Carrier (photo from Mommy's Little Boss)

I found the booth of Mommy's Little Boss. They were selling different baby products: Dr. Seuss bibs and clothes, shoes that babies can use from newborn to I think eighteen months, and then I saw the Bitybean Ultra Compact Carrier. Mav, the awesome mom behind Mommy's Little Boss, was so accommodating and helpful to let me try out the Bitybean. It was the first time it was introduced here in the Philippines. It is made in Vietnam but designed by an American who was a dad. Its design is very similar to the popular, but kinda expensive, Ergo. As an introductory price, the Bitybean Ultra Compact Carrier was sold at 2500 php. Mav was honest enough to say she wasn't ready with any good (or bad) feedback about the product yet. In fact, she was asking me to give her feedback once I decide to purchase it. And so after trying it on and a discussion with my hubby, we decided to get the carrier.

The Bitybean is a must have for me because:
1. It is made in Vietnam. Asian. Supporting our neighbors.

2. It is small and lightweight. It can easily fit in the baby bag and since I use a small baby bag, it's perfect! It's almost the same height as a 250 ml alcohol bottle.

3. It may be used while swimming. Although I haven't had the chance to try it yet.

4. Anyone can use it: I, my husband, the yaya, and even my sister used it. Rinka, who encouraged me to write a review on this, and because she tried it and liked it, used it with her brilliant and cute daughter. Adjusting may take time but it is quite simple.

5. It is easy to wash/clean. Handwash or washing machine.

6. The material used to make it is not too warm when you wear it. It makes baby and the person wearing it comfortable and not sweat that much.

7. It helps lull the baby to sleep. Worked for me, my hubby, yaya, and sister. It gives the baby the snug feeling and babies like that.

8. Lastly, you can use it anywhere. We have used it while in the grocery, while window shopping, while at church, commuting, and attending different occasions.

Noah and I visiting (shopping) Mommy's Little Boss booth in the Mommy Mundo Bazaar

I was told that for the newborns (one to three months old babies), their legs can be guided or more secure, using the straps inside. 

You can also purchase the sleep/shade hood, for breastfeeding, protection from the sun and I guess when it starts drizzling. It also helps reduce distractions when baby is asleep. I don't have this yet, but thinking of buying it.

Photo from Mommy's Little Boss: BityBean with sleep/shade hood

You can use the Bitybean carrier for front and back carrying. For the front carrying, the baby has to face you, never facing outward. And for the correct position, you should be able to kiss your baby's forehead. 

Noah and I enjoy back carrying, though we don't do it often. Someone has to help me every time I carry him on my back. One time in the grocery, he fell asleep while on my back. The Bitybean is THAT comfortable for him. 

There is also a fleece infant liner, to make it more comfortable and warm for the baby. But living in the Philippines, and with Noah who easily prespires, we didn't find the need to buy it.

Maximum weight for the Bitybean is 40 kilos.

I have been using the Bitybean carrier for a little over five months and I see myself using it until I am able, until it can carry Noah's weight. Maybe in the future, if God gifts us with another child, I will definitely use it for him/her.

This is my journey of baby wearing. I really really recommend using either the Saya Carrier and/or Bitybean Carrier. They are both easy to use and the quality is good, but I think I am more inlove with the Bitybean. Both have made me love motherhood more.

You can check out the Bitybean Ultra Compact Carrier in Facebook through Mommy's Little Boss.