Must-Have Items for Traveling with a Baby

Any new parents/parents-to-be knows that babies come with a lot of stuff. But what are the baby travel must haves that will make your trip go smoothly? Now that Baby L has traveled with us in planes, trains, and automobiles (seriously!), we’re rounding up our must-have baby travel items that will make your trips so much easier.

Diaper Bag and Stroller Hooks

Before we got this diaper bag, we had another that I thought was a pretty good model. But then we were gifted the Pipibear diaper bag, and it was a game changer.

What I like more about this bag than the one we had before is the opening. The top opens fully more like a tote than a backpack. When you’re in the restroom alone with baby trying to do a one-handed diaper change while s/he wriggles on the changing table, being able to easily see everything in your bag makes all the difference.

On top of that, this bag has two full-sized water bottle holders. All nursing moms know that you basically have to consume a gallon of water daily to keep producing that milk, so water bottle storage is also key.

The bonus add-on to this bag is the stroller hooks, which I never knew I needed, but now can’t live without. These little gems velcro on to the handle of your stroller and attach to the Pipibear bag with hooks on the back. I’ve flown with baby twice on my own, and it’s a huge help to not have to have everything strapped onto my body like a pack mule. These hooks will save your upper back and neck, especially when traveling alone.

Use code MARIFAMILY to save 20% on both items through July 15, 2019.

Carseat/Stroller Arch

This toy has saved our lives on car trips. The arch easily hooks on to a carseat or stroller–we primarily use it for the carseat–and offers baby endless entertainment. It adjusts to get closer or further away based on baby’s dexterity, and some of the toys come off for closer play. Make sure to keep baby’s safety in mind and only use this while baby is supervised (one parent sitting in the back seat with him/her).

Ergonomic Baby Carrier

The Tula Baby Carrier is probably my favorite thing we have for baby. I love so many things about it from the cute pattern, to the ease of getting it on, the fact that it grows with baby, and it’s easy to shove under the stroller or into a bag when not in use. Literally the last thing I want to do when traveling with baby is deal with the Rubik’s Cube that is one of those scarf-like baby wraps. The Tula just straps right on like a backpack.

What I love the most, though, is that our son sleeps so well in it, and that’s been a game changer for when we fly with him. If you get the additional infant insert (which we did), this carrier will take you from newborn to 45 lbs! Definitely a good investment.

Lightweight Travel Stroller

This stroller is as light as an umbrella stroller, but it’s much more durable and sturdy. I love the lightweight design, especially when I’m alone with baby. I can fold and open it with one hand. The extendable sunshade is also a great feature.

Silicone Roll-up Bibs

We take baby out to eat all the time, both close to home and when we’re away. These bibs are easy to stash in the diaper bag since they rollup. You can also roll a baby spoon right into them for easy storage. After baby is done eating, you can roll them back up and toss them back into your bag, keeping the mess contained. Added bonus: the neck has a comfort-fit design, so they easily grow with Baby.

Tri-fold Pack n’ Play Mattress

Pack n’ Plays are awesome inventions as traveling playpens, but they are really uncomfortable as beds. This folding mattress makes a Pack n’ Play so much more comfortable as a bed for baby, and helps us all sleep better when we’re away.

Portable Sound Machine

Often when we travel, we end up sharing a room with baby. I am personally a really light sleeper, and I’ve always had a hard time sleeping through the sounds even on a “soothing” sound machine. What I love about this sound machine is that it times out and comes back on if baby is stirring, so I don’t have to listen to it while I’m also trying to fall asleep. We’ve also used it to help baby sleep in the stroller when we’re out and about during the day. Our baby is also particularly fond of shushing, and this is one of the few sound machines we found that offers that sound.

Crushable Toys

We love bringing along some of Baby L’s favorite toys when we travel, so he has the comforts of home. It seems like we’re always tight on space, so we try to pack compact crushable toys that can easily fit into baby’s diaper bag.

Some of his favorites are the Stephan Baby Go Fish Plush Chewie Activity Toy and Teething Blankie, which can double as a lovey in a pinch; the Goodnight Baby soft book; and the Nubby Tuggy Teether Ball.

Scented Plastic Bags

Full disclosure, we’ve had to dump diapers in trash cans all over the country. No matter where you go with baby, baby will have to go! If you’re in close quarters (like on an airplane), the only couple with a baby in a restaurant, or simply have to hold onto a dirty diaper for a while because there isn’t a trash can nearby, these scented bags make baby’s business much less noticeable.

Bonus for Mom & Dad: Back Pain Relief Roller

Traveling is hard on your back, but add in lugging around baby and all his/her stuff? Now you’ve got chronic back pain. Since my pregnancy, I’ve been a chiropractic devotee. Between visits/when I’m on the road, the Chirp Wheel+ is great for rolling out back pain. Plus, you can easily fit it in your suitcase and pack around it.