Here are all the things we used with 8 month old Parker on our Maldives/Singapore trip in June 2022.
BabyZen YoYo Stroller
$700
A few people have asked me why we chose this particular stroller, and the reason is that we have seen it everywhere when travelling. This is probably the only make of stroller I have seen at airports and on the streets of the Gold Coast.
The main reason being it's foldable & able to take on the plane as carry on. We really needed a stroller on this trip that was able to stay with us the entire journey and not go under the plane as we were doing a bit of transiting through airports. It was perfect!
It's so light (6kg), compact, super quick to pop open (even with one hand), simple to fold up and it's just easy.
Hushh Portable White Noise Machine
$80
This white noise machine made my newborn essentials list, and it really is the gift that keeps on giving. It's one of (if not the) handiest baby item we own.
It comes with a little plastic clip that I use to clip onto porta-cots. It charges via USB and lasts a long time.
The sound of this white noise isn't so SHHHHH-y like you would expect. It is quite a deep base-y shhh and not super annoying to listen to.
Swimways Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy - Big W
$35
Big W? Yep! I am extremely impressed with this super cheap pool float. It's perfect. It folds flat into a compact circle (like a small beach shelter) and is perfect for travel. I actually didn't think of a pool float until the last minute, so I didn't have enough time to source one on the internet due to postage delays. Being winter, there isn't any float options locally in our small town, but luckily there is a Big W in the town that Alex works in, so I sent him in after work to pick one up on his way home.
It doesn't require much air to blow this thing up (as you can see from the pic) - just the outer rim and the inner seat rim. The rest is mesh which allows Parker to still splash a bit as the water pools into the mesh. It actually works super well. It really is a 'don't knock it til you try it!' kind of product. Highly rate.
Country Road Bucket Hat with Chin Strap
$30
The holy grail of baby hats. It has a velcro chin strap which is perfect for keeping on little baby heads. The hat is made of 100% super soft cotton, and the rim is easy to fold up out of eyes (and stays up!).
It's just a perfect fit, and the velcro chin strap is so easy. No hanging strings or cords.
Zulu and Zephyr Mini Rib Surf Suit
$60
I know - expensive for swimmers he will wear for 2 weeks then grow out of before our summer. But they are so cute, and the zip makes life easier. I left finding swimmers for this trip to the last minute, and being winter there was nothing around locally. I also bought these in short sleeves, but admittingly he hasn't worn them as these ones are much more sun safe for the extremely harsh rays of the Maldivian sun.
I love this brand and their mini range of swimwear. So many great styles and cute colours (not loud and printy like most kids swimwear!)
Parker is in size 2 of these swimmers at 8 months old. Lord help us.
Toshi Swim Nappy
$28
This was the first swim nappy I ever bought Parker, and it is still my highest rated. Unfortunately Parker has been in the largest size since he was 4m old, but fortunately the differing size snap lock buttons will allow Parker hopefully another summer in them.
He even did his first poo in them the other day (outside of the pool thank god!), but this swim nappy held it all in very well. Even the smell! Lol.
Sans Beast Daytripper Large Vegan Leather Tote
$350
I had been trying to find a new baby bag/handbag/all in one-everyday bag for a long time. And then I found this! It's so big IRL, and perfect for carry on travel.
It doubles as my office bag as it fits my laptop and food in it, and my baby bag as it fits all of Parker's items in there well - including the large thermos for his sterilised water while travelling.
Banana Boat Baby Sunscreen
$10
I've actually only ever used this sunscreen on Parker - and not for any particular reason. Having a roll on sunscreen for a baby is a must though. So much easier.
We have been using this sunscreen on our backs too. It doubles as a bloody good massage tool!
And there you have it - my essential items for Parker's international tropical vacay at 8 months old! They really don't need a lot.
HOB x
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