Mothers are in the work force now more than ever before. Some have jobs that have them clock in from 8-5 (or more), and others have work-from-home jobs. Maybe you’re a teacher, real estate agent, lawyer, nurse, or have your own business, sell essential oils, skin care or makeup–whatever you do, you hustle. You’re a mother hustler. And when you have another job on top of your full-time job (being a mom), there are times when you have to travel, network, and go on work trips. I know this all too well. That’s why I’m sharing my 8 things that every mom should pack for a work trip. These 8 items will help you during your time away, but are also perfect to have afterward in the everyday madness of motherhood.

1. A good quality bag that can be reused.

Whenever I go to a work event where there is a lot of walking, networking, or even seminars where I have to sit for long periods of time, I make sure that I have a good bag with me. I need something that can hold all of my things, keep everything organized, and look pretty. That’s why Leader Bag Co is an awesome choice.

If you haven’t seen or heard of Leader Bag Co, they are a company that believes in quality bags, quality parenting. It was founded by sisters and parents in 2012 and they have designed some fashionable and cute bags and backpacks that are perfect for everyday with or without your tot. Not only that, their bags are diaper bags! So they are multifunctional! They have amazing compartments, pockets, come with a changing pad, and provide great back support. Because what parent doesn’t love a backpack that allows them to have both hands free?!

We got the Julien Canvas Backpack for our work trip, which I particularly love since I can add my enamel pins on the outside and truly make it my own. It has six interior compartments and four exterior compartments for ultimate organization, a laptop sleeve, zip sleeve, and an easy wipe clean nylon exterior. Because things can get messy. It’s an awesome backpack that met and exceeded my expectations for work life and mom life.

2. Cute and comfortable footwear.

I’m not wearing heels as often as I used to since I became a mom, so cute flats are the way to go. The same applies for work. I’m actually heading to a baby expo next week, and comfortable closed-toe walking shoes are what I need. Walking up and down a convention center will kill my feet wearing anything else. So when looking for cute shoes, I knew exactly what we needed.

I’ve always loved all things from Rifle Paper Co, but I’m totally obsessed with their Keds shoe line. I mean, come on! Could they be any cuter?! Lace up or slip on, these kicks are a mom’s dream. You don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort with these shoes. You’ll look cute on your work trip and look cute at school pickup. Don’t mind us as we get a pair in every color.

3. Supplies to take notes.

I swear as soon as I got pregnant with my son it’s as if he took half of my brain. My memory is terrible now. And it hasn’t gotten better since giving birth! I have to always take notes to remember anything, and during a work trip, a good pen and notebook in hand (or in my bag) is necessary because #mombrain. Rifle Paper & Co has cute notebooks that are perfect for jotting down seminar notes, networking details, or kids’ schedules. Their gorgeous pens write beautifully, too. 😀

4. Electronics & chargers.

This is a given. We can’t function without our electronics nowadays, so don’t forget to pack your chargers. Whether your work trip is overwhelming you or exhausting you or is much a needed vacation away from the kids, you’ll be missing their sweet little faces in no time and you’ll be so grateful for a charged phone/laptop and for some good FaceTime.

5. A big water bottle to stay hydrated.

Traveling can really dehydrate you, so bringing a large water bottle with you as you travel and work is important. We chose the 32 oz Wide Mouth with a Straw Lid from Hydroflask because it’s the ideal size for all-day hydration and is easy to sip with their Wide Mouth Straw Lid. I really love that it’s designed with their TempShield™ double wall vacuum insulation, which eliminates condensation and keeps beverages cold up to 24 hours and hot up to 12 hours. And if you’re still breastfeeding and needing to pump, you know that hydration is key. Fill ‘er up!

And Hydroflask has the cutest water bottles for kids too! So precious!

6. Snacks. Snacks. Snacks.

As moms, we are the snack queens! I have to have several snacks in my bag when I’m on-the-go, and this is no different when I’m traveling. We need to keep our energy up! And that means we need to choose good, tasty options that will help us and our bodies feel better. Here are two great choices to throw in your bag as you head to the airport.

Clio

Y’all. This delicious treat basically tastes like cheesecake in a wrapper (minus the guilt). Clio is all treat, no cheat. Clio believes in snacking clean, without compromise because why eat Greek yogurt, when you can eat Greek yogurt covered in dark chocolate? Their power snacks are filled with 8g+ protein, billions of probiotics (thanks to the yogurt), Gluten free, made with whole milk Greek yogurt with no rBST, contains 15x less plastic packaging than a yogurt cup, and requires no spoon. Yes please!

Perfect Bar

This bar company puts the nut in nutritious and believes we should never have to compromise taste for health no matter how crazy life gets. As a busy mom, I appreciate that. Perfect Bar keeps things simple by using clean ingredients, whole food protein and the perfect touch of honey to sweeten the deal. While running around the airport, convention center, or errands at home, it’s nice to know that I can throw something in my bag that contains healthy ingredients to keep me going throughout the day.

7. Network materials.

Whenever I have a work trip, I make sure that I have plenty of business cards, our portfolio, flyers, and any marketing materials to help me better example and show what we do at Baby Chick. Make sure people remember who you are, what you do, and why you’re great! And while you have a tiny boss at home, these thing will help remind yourself that you are a boss lady!

8. Things to make you look the part. Because when you look good you feel good.

There’s something about wearing a cute necklace, fun earrings, doing your makeup, (hell, taking a shower) and fixing your hair that makes you feel like a million bucks. Little things like this can go a long way and build your confidence. So splurge and get the earrings. We love these classic handwoven earrings from Esperanza Heritage for our work trip look. You can rock them during a mom’s night out in the future too!

There are tons of things that you can bring with you on a work trip, but I think these 8 things are the keys to success! I love that they can transition from work life to mom life and will have you and your business or employer happy as can be. 🙂