After the holidays, most tend to pack up and get away for a few. I've asked Katie Hintz-Zambrano, co-founder of Mother, to give us a few tips on traveling while pregnant and how to pack for the littlest ones in the upcoming year. 

I am a firm believer in the “mommy uniform” as I've written about it many times. What was your go-to look when expecting? 

"Leggings might get a bad wrap, but they saved me both during and after my pregnancy. During those 9 months, my go-to look was a pair of leggings (I love Lululemon's Full-On Luon), my Hatch Collection sweatshirt dress or a sweatshirt tunic from The Podolls, and a pair of stylish flats by Freda Salvador."


What is your “mommy uniform” now?

"Honestly, not that different from when I was pregnant! For days working from home and heading to the park, I stick to a leggings/long tank top/sweatshirt/Freda Salvador flats/Gap trench coat formula. When I have business meetings or photoshoots, I like to slip on a comfy jumpsuit (I'm obsessed with this one from Hatch Collection), paired with Freda Salvador flats (I have nine pairs!). When I'm able to go out for a fancy baby-free night of drinks or dancing, I like to really turn it up, wearing heels and a statement dress by Rachel Comey or The Podolls. And no matter if I'm going out or staying home, I always wear my 'Diego' nameplate necklace custom-made by my friend Jessica Winzelberg."

What is your favorite place to shop for maternity essentials?

"I think it's wise to use what's in your non-maternity closet for as long as possible, and just add a few key 'maternity' pieces—a dress, some larger, extra-long tees and tanks, etc. Hatch Collection offers some incredibly cool and special pieces designed to wear before, during, and after pregnancy. Meanwhile, the new San Francisco-based brand Storq allows you to buy an affordable 'basics bundle'—leggings, a long tank, midi-dress, and midi-skirt—that you're meant to mix and match with all of your pre-baby wares. I think Asos has a great selection of affordable maternity stuff online. I also found myself wearing vintage pieces during my pregnancy, so a quick trip to a local vintage or thrift shop is always a good idea. You never know what you might find!"

What are your must haves for traveling while pregnant and/or with kids?

"I think either while pregnant or with kids, it's important to put comfort first. And that doesn't mean you can't look stylish! Splurge on good leggings or upgraded sweatpants, a cool pair of flats, sneakers, or low-heel booties, and comfortable cotton tops. I find that throwing a trench coat or sporty bomber jacket on top of the look will instantly elevate it. Other travel essentials while traveling with kids: Diapers and wipes, a blanket, lots and lots of snacks, a new toy that you can 'reveal' on the plane/car ride, favorite videos downloaded to an iPad, books, a Magna Doodle, sticker book, and lots and lots of patience!"   

Has your style changed since becoming a mother??

"I used to wear dresses all the time! Especially maxi dresses. Once I had a baby, I found wearing a long skirt really dangerous—it's so easy to trip on a long hem and stumble with your precious baby in your arms. So, now the maxi dresses are gone, and I have become a pants lover. I especially love cropped versions with stretchy waistbands (Clover Canyon has some great options), as well as distressed denim, high-waisted versions by Levi's, and the aforementioned leggings. My days are now much more predictable, and so is my wardrobe. I no longer buy things that will clearly not fit into my work-from-home, stroller-centric, playground-centric life."   

What do you pack for the little ones??

"See note above about snacks and toys! Sartorially, I like to pack light for my child with a focus on comfort—t-shirts, leggings, a few sweaters to layer on top, a swim speedo, pajamas, and two pairs of shoes. If I know that we're headed somewhere with a washing machine, then I know I don't need to pack multiple outfits per day. My biggest concern while traveling is keeping my son sleeping well. So, I am very focused on packing all of his sleep essentials, so that we can try to replicate his at-home nighttime routine while we're somewhere else. That includes packing his favorite bedtime books, his sleep sack, his white noise machine, black trash bags and painter's tape in order to make 'black-out shades' in the room he's sleeping in, and his favorite stuffed animals. When he was still using a pacifier, we packed ten of them! I like traveling with my Birdling bag, which includes compartments to keep things separated and easy to find while traveling."

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