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Traveling with a baby is not exactly easy, but definitely doable, as long as you remember to pack travel essentials for your baby.
When our daughter was eight weeks old, we travelled with her to New Zealand, and had a smooth and wonderful trip.
In fact, the only difference between travelling with our baby and staying at home was we were out exploring and having an amazing time.
Babies are one of the easiest ages to travel, especially if you are breastfeeding. This is because you don’t need too many products to travel with a baby.
In this guide, we have listed some of our essential baby travel essentials and items you need to pack to make sure your trip runs smoothly.
- List Of Baby Travel Essentials
- 1. Baby Bjorn Miracle Carrier
- 2. The Baby Bjorn Travel Cot Light
- 3. First Aid Kit
- 4. Travel-Sized Baby Toiletries
- 5. Diaper Bag
- 6. Packing Cubes
- 7. Muslin Blankets
- 8. Sippy Cup, Snack Cup, Spoon
- 9. Portable Sound Machine / White Noise Machine
- 10. Portable Pacifier Steralizer
- 11. Silicone Bibs
- 12. Baby Bottle Warmer
- 13. Breast Pump
- 14. Toy from Home
- 15. Travel Stroller
- Baby Travel Gear Checklist
- Final Thoughts
- More Family Travel Tips
- Save It On Pinterest
List Of Baby Travel Essentials
Babies don’t need much, as they will love the time they get snuggled up to your chest as you carry them around.
You’ll also find that hotels and apartment rentals come equipped with a lot of items for children these days, so no more need to lug around a portable high chair or pack a bag full of games and toys.
But to make it easier on yourself, you definitely need to have some quality essential products that help to reduce the load. Such as…
1. Baby Bjorn Miracle Carrier
When Kalyra was a baby I had a baby sling. I loved the idea of it, but it was bulky and awkward and I constantly feared that she would fall out or be smothered – plus, it hurt my back.
The Baby Bjorn Miracle Carrier is everything that sling was not.
- It is easy to wear and easy to put Savannah in.
- It is safely secured.
- Savannah is close to us at all times.
- It is designed to grow with Savannah, allowing us to carry her in it until she is about 15 months old.
- She can face towards or away from us.
- My hands are completely free and it is easy to do other activities with her in it.
- It is great for Craig to wear as well – and he loves the daddy bonding time carrying Savannah whilst doing any chores!
- It is recommended by pediatricians and has an adjustable design, padded waist belt, comfortable back support and wide shoulder straps.
- If the airlines weren’t so ridiculous, it is the perfect airplane seat belt (they make you take the bubs out and put their flimsy belt around them that they can slingshot out of easy enough).
Most of all Savannah LOVES it – like really loves her Baby Bjorn. Like loves it so much that as we were touring around Rotorua for the day she slept the entire time, only popping out for a feed.
The other guests on the tour could not believe how well she slept in it. In fact, later that night she protested all night that she now had to sleep in her cot.
That had us worried that maybe the Baby Bjorn had ruined her sleeping for good. Thankfully, she sorted it all out by the next evening and was happily back in her travel crib.
I just wish they made Adult Bjorns so Craig could carry me around all day and I can sleep.
Also on a side note, when traveling abroad, it’s unlikely that taxis will have car seats and you probably don’t want to lug a huge car seat around with you, so the Baby Bjorn is the next safest way to keep your baby safe in a taxi.
2. The Baby Bjorn Travel Cot Light
When we traveled with Kalyra we used to lug around a heavy and bulky port-a-cot; a cheap and very ugly one from Target.
The first time we opened it up to use it, it took Craig and I almost half an hour to put together, it was that tricky. Even more so when it came time to fold it back up.
I hated carrying it around with us and sometimes it just worked out better to throw Kalyra in the bed with us.
In a word – the Baby Bjorn Travel Cot is…LOVE, seriously, with capitals.
I opened the small square bag, that was as light as a feather, at only 5 kg. It’s size and shape meant I was not going to swipe out the person beside me as I walked or worse tangle it up in my own legs and send myself sprawling over the tarmac.
No, it almost felt like I was carrying a laptop bag.
And then when I opened the cot to put it together, it sprang out from my hands, popping itself out into a port-a-cot. Just like that. I did not have to do a thing. Literally just sprang out.
All I had to do was open out the thick, soft mattress and place it inside. The hardest part was then making the bed – too much effort!
The portable bassinet is small and compact, which Savannah loves. She likes to feel like she is being embraced. She does not like a lot of empty space around her. It is the perfect size to fit in the smallest of rooms.
I love the breathable mesh around the outside, which also makes it easier to keep an eye on her when she is sleeping. The fabric is guaranteed harmless to infants and I love the soft grey colors.
I would never use anything but a Baby Bjorn Miracle Carrier and travel cot, ever again. And even though these products were complimentary, in exchange for our review, I guarantee you that I stand behind these products as being the BOMB.
I would purchase them myself and I would recommend these as a must travel product for traveling with a baby.
It will make your parenting life easier, even without the travel.
3. First Aid Kit
Everyone should travel with a first aid kit, no matter whether you’re traveling with a baby or not. It’s the item you don’t want to use, but when you don’t have one, then you need it.
Make sure to pack up the essential items in your first aid kit, such as Infant acetaminophen, thermometer, bandages and plasters, gauze dressing, tweezers, hydrocortisone cream, antiseptic wipes, vaseline, and any other essential items your baby needs.
You may want to consult with your pediatrician before you go to see what items they think your baby needs. It’s also a good idea to have your pediatrician’s number written down incase you need health advice while you’re away.
4. Travel-Sized Baby Toiletries
Along with the first aid kit, you’re going to need to pack some toiletries for the baby. Chances are that you have rash cream for diaper rash, baby shampoo, lotion, body wash, and all the usual items that your baby needs at home.
In which case, you can pack those in your case, and then get some 100ml bottles to fill up with their favorite products to take on the plane as carry-on luggage.
They may need some baby lotion and creams for diaper changes at the airport, but shampoo and body wash can go into hold luggage.
5. Diaper Bag
Chances are, you already have a diaper bag, but is it compact enough for travel? In which case, you may need to invest in a travel sized diaper bag.
Choose one that has a changing pad attached, it will get used a lot! It should also have pouch or pocket organizers so you can store wipes, diapers, and everything else you need.
It should also be lightweight and not too bulky so it can fit in the overhead bin on the plane.
6. Packing Cubes
When it comes to packing up your baby’s outfits, packing cubes are a mom’s best friend. They help to keep clothes organized, so you always know where everything is.
Having a more organized suitcase when traveling with a baby will save you a lot of stress trying to find things.
7. Muslin Blankets
I don’t need to tell you that muslin blankets are essential when doing life with a baby. Not only do they provide nursing cover, but they can be used for so many things, such as wiping up spills, for swaddling, and as sun shade in the pram.
They can also be used as a mat if you want to lie your baby down but don’t have the changing mat to hand.
8. Sippy Cup, Snack Cup, Spoon
Don’t leave home without your baby’s favorite sippy cups, and if your baby is weaning, some safe weaning snacks.
Always pack as much formula or baby food as you need from home, as it’s not always possible you will find the same products abroad.
9. Portable Sound Machine / White Noise Machine
If you’re flying long-haul, or your baby is having trouble sleeping, then a mini white noise machine may help soothe them to sleep.
We personally love this one that’s so small it can fit in your pocket.
10. Portable Pacifier Steralizer
When you’re traveling abroad, you can’t always guarantee you will be able to access the equipment you need to steralize bottles and pacifiers, which is why we recommend bringing a small steralizer with you such as this one.
Also, moms, get yourself some pacifier clips so your baby never looses theirs!
11. Silicone Bibs
If your baby has moved on to the weaning stage, do yourself a favor and take a couple silicone bibs with you. We like these ones that catch spillages.
Silicone bibs are so easy to clean and pack up small, making them the ideal choice to travel with.
12. Baby Bottle Warmer
These portable baby bottle warmer machines are a game changer! No more heating up hotel kettles and faffing around trying to get the right temperature.
They are small and compact, allowing you to slip it into your suitcase without taking too much room.
Perfect!
13. Breast Pump
If you’re breast feeding and pumping, you might want to downsize your pumping equipment. These hands-free pumps are small and lightweight, and you can put them on under your clothes.
Perfect if you need to pump when out and about exploring! Here are some tips for traveling with a breastfeeding baby,
14. Toy from Home
Most of the time when you travel with a baby, you don’t need to load up with toys. The new environments and the attention they will get from locals is entertainment enough.
But bringing a handful of toys from home is a good way to make your baby feel comfortable, especially when it’s time to go to sleep.
They will associate these toys as they homely comforts and it will soothe them abroad just like they do at home.
15. Travel Stroller
You probably already have a stroller at home, but if it’s big and bulky, they might not allow you to take it on the plane. If it can’t fit in the overhead compartment, it needs to go in the hold.
If you plan on traveling a lot with your baby, or you don’t want to put their stroller in the hold luggage, then investing in a travel stroller is a good idea.
This one packs up so small it’s smaller than most backpacks! Plus you can take it on the plane with you and put it in the overhead bin.
Baby Travel Gear Checklist
Of course, there are some other items that should go in your luggage that you probably have at home already.
Of course, there are also more destination-relevant items you need to bring, such as SPF sun cream, but hopefully this baby packing list will give you some ideas of what to bring.
- Dish soap: one that doesn’t affect your baby’s skin
- Diapers: Pack enough diapers to last for the duration of your trip, plus a few extra.
- Baby wipes: These are handy for quick clean-ups and diaper changes.
- Changing pad: A portable changing pad will come in handy when you need to change your baby’s diaper on the go.
- Baby clothes: Pack enough clothes for each day, including sleepwear and extra layers in case of weather changes.
- Blankets: Bring a few lightweight blankets for swaddling, shading the stroller, or providing extra warmth.
- Feeding essentials: If you’re breastfeeding, bring a nursing cover and breast pads. If you’re bottle-feeding, pack enough formula, bottles, and sterilizing equipment.
- Burp cloths: These are useful for cleaning up spit-ups and spills.
- Baby food and snacks: If your baby is eating solids, pack enough jars or pouches of baby food and some healthy snacks.
- Bottled water: It’s always good to have some clean water for drinking or mixing with formula.
- Pacifiers and favorite toys: These can help soothe and entertain your baby during travel and in unfamiliar environments.
- Baby carrier or sling: A carrier or sling is great for keeping your hands free while exploring or navigating crowded areas.
- Sunscreen: Protect your baby’s delicate skin from the sun with a baby-safe sunscreen.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, that’s all the baby gear you need for any vacation.
Remember to check the specific needs of your baby and destination before packing. It’s always better to be over-prepared than underprepared when traveling with a baby, especially if they are fussy.
Though do remember the world is not so cut off. Unless you’re planning on going somewhere super remote, there will be drug stores where you can pick up more items that you need wherever you go.
You can read more pros and cons of travelling with a baby in our guide on tips to traveling with a baby.
More Family Travel Tips
Need more inspiration for traveling as a family? Here are some other helpful resources…
- Best Family Travel Tips
- Is family travel too expensive?
- Podcast episode: our 18 month Aussie road trip
- How to survive a road trip with kids
- Best tips for flying with kids
- Best tips for traveling with children
- Best Travel Gear for kids
- Pros & Cons of family travel
- Why you won’t travel with kids
- Is it too hard to travel with kids?
- How to travel with a picky eater
- How to balance school with travel
Save It On Pinterest
Have you used any of these travel products for family travel before? What are some essential products you need to travel with a baby? Let us know in the comments.
