So after carefully planning, scrutinizing, and figuring out logistics, you’ve decided it’s time to take your first big trip with your little one. Congratulations! But wait, what’s that? You can feel the anxiety creeping in and you start feeling overwhelmed trying to prepare. This is where I can help! Keep reading to find my carefully curated list of the ultimate best products for traveling with your baby.
Now let’s get this out of the way up front. Will it be stressful? (Parts of it, yes.) Will they cry on the plane/in the car? (Probably.) Are there things to make it easier and help us maximize our vacation fun factor? (Absolutely!)
My husband and I became parents in July 2020 in the midst of a global pandemic, so to be honest we didn’t have to worry about long-haul travel for quite some time after our daughter was born. However, when travel started ramping up again this past summer, we were excited to take Camille to meet her extended family both in California and France (both requiring 6+hour flights).
We had been determined not to limit ourselves regarding travel once we had kids, but unfortunately, the big old C-word had other plans. So, when we were finally able to hit the skies, you can imagine how excited we were!
And, admittedly, overwhelmed. But, I am learning as I go and realizing my dream of not only successfully traveling with a little one but HELPING others, YOU, to do the same!
This brings me to the main event, my ultimate list of best products for traveling with your baby. (Note: this list is geared towards babies who are 10-15 months but most of the products can be used with younger or older babies/toddlers)
My Top 5 Best Products for Traveling with Your Baby
We have a larger stroller for home use, but this City Mini is AMAZING for travel! The handle on the seat lets you pull up and collapse with ONE HAND which is a huge help if you are by yourself and holding your little one with your other arm/hand. The large shade if great fun sun, rain or naps on the go! It’s also extremely lightweight and durable which is great for the airport and easily checkable at the gate.
While the plane or car noise themselves might be enough to lull your little ones to sleep, this machine is great for added white noise for the trip and also when you reach your destination. It’s amazing to be able to put them to sleep in a separate room and then not worry about tiptoeing or whispering
We use this at home and love it but it’s also perfect for travel! It’s small, easy to pack, and works with any wifi system to help you keep an eye on your little one while they are napping and you are on the deck enjoying the hot tub (just as, you know, a random example 😀). Its flexible “stem” makes it easy to position and it’s also such a cute little pastel-hued gadget!
This crib is the most lightweight, versatile, and easy to travel with pack and play I’ve seen yet! I love that you can use it as a bassinet when your baby is a newborn (we used ours as our main bassinet at home!) and also as a larger crib/pack and play. It packs up into a neat and sleek rectangle with backpack straps for easy carrying. When your baby is over 12 months, you can purchase the plush quilted sheet for extra coziness!
