I'm very happy to share a guest post from Ann on putting together the perfect nursing wardrobe for your summer travels - something I never could have written! A few months ago Ann also wrote another great post on how to become a nursing fashionista.
My fantasy is to run away for a beach weekend or hotel-spa weekend with a single (designer) bag, with every essential I need tucked inside. Granted, I am a nursing mother of a busy toddler, so my days of traveling with just one bag are decidedly over. But I can still get at least myself packed in one bag with all the nursing essentials needed for a stylish trip.
Swim suit. Essential. Get a nursing swim suit. Yes, a teeny bikini with triangle tops could, conceivably, be pushed aside, but that requires nursing under a cover, or vacationing in the south of France. A one-piece or a tankini that fits and is easy and discreet to nurse in is essential. Tankini swim tops double as camisoles over wrap skirts and drapey pants. If you don't want to get back into a clammy swimsuit after lunch, buy two, in different colors or styles.
A sarong or wrap skirt. This skirt should go over your swimsuit (doesn't need to match, just coordinate - you can even select a contrast fabric), and also be worn as a regular skirt out to dinner. Wrap it on, put on your statement sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat and cute sandals, and you can go from beach to hotel cafe without missing a beat. It can be worn with a regular nursing tank or cami and sandals to dinner, if you pair it with a wrap or a cropped cardigan and sparkly jewelry.
Flip flops are perfect for the beach and pool. But bring a pair of flat sandals in a metallic leather, or ones adorned with details - woven leather, beads, or other details to wear when you're not at the pool. These sandals can take you out to dinner, or shopping with your baby.
Accessories: one short and one long necklace that are sturdy enough to let your baby play with while nursing. A stretchy beaded bracelet or cuff style bracelet. A sun hat, and statement shades. A stylish tote that folds flat, yet can haul all the baby gear to the pool or be used for shopping.
Wide leg trousers. Try a lightweight linen, lightweight silk or rayon - or even a knit - they are flattering to every figure if they're drapey. Pair these with a nursing top with details - ruching, gathers, ruffles, wrap front styles - and long necklace, wide cuff bracelet, flat jeweled sandals and sun hat for afternoon shopping. Dress them up at dinner with a sparkly necklace, nursing cami and carry your baby in a sling in an elegant fabric. You'll never be out of place with your baby nursing in a stylish sling even at a white-tablecloth restaurant.
Shorts. For sightseeing, wear these under a nursing top with details, and paired with your flat leather sandals. If you're going for more than a weekend pack two pairs, one in black, one in white.
A baby sling in a fun print or silk is essential for travel. Silk duppioni is my favorite ring sling fabric, it gets softer with washing and is a gorgeous, practical accessory.
If you wear the pants, tank and cardigan to travel in (car, train or plane), you can save a lot of room in your bag!
My motto is stylish mama = happy mama! Happy travels!
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