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What to Pack When Traveling With Baby

Fact-checking standards, latest update:, when can you travel with your baby, read this next, what to pack for your baby in a carry-on bag, what to pack in your baby's suitcase.

Happy travels!

What to Expect the First Year , 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, Flying With a Baby? Here's What to Know Before You Go , September 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Do Babies Need Passports? , October 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Best Travel Toys for Babies , February 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Baby Products You Can Take on a Plane , September 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Flying with Baby: Parent FAQs , November 2019. American Academy of Pediatrics, Is It Safe for Families to Travel Now? , August 2021. American Academy of Pediatrics, Travel Safety Tips , August 2018. American Academy of Pediatrics, Is It Safe for My Baby to Travel in a Car Seat a Few Hours at a Time? , August 2021. Transportation Security Administration, Traveling with Children . Federal Aviation Administration, Flying with Children , March 2021. Mayo Clinic, Is Air Travel Safe for an Infant? , October 2019.

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The Ultimate Packing List for Baby Travel (+printable checklist!)

Over the years, i’ve written a lot about how to travel with a baby..

Between leaping head first into baby travel when Evelyn was 5 weeks old, to taking our special needs baby Sophie on several trips around the country, we’ve become pretty well-acquainted with the world of travel with a baby by now.

Truthfully, traveling with a baby is not all that bad. But it does require a ton of preparation for all the things that you might possibly need.

We’ve covered what to pack in your carry on before, along with everything you need to know before flying with a baby . I’ve even shared our favorite baby travel gear and travel-friendly toys .

But one thing I haven’t covered? A comprehensive, everything-you-must-pack guide to make the whole trip with baby go extra smoothly!

We were reminded of just how much stuff one little human can require as we prepared for our month-long adventure around Southern California . Our packing list felt endless . And I can say pretty confidently that we left nothing behind.

So let me spare you the stress of wondering “what am I forgetting” ?

Read on for our ultimate baby packing list of EVERYTHING you might ever need when traveling with a baby! (+a free printable checklist at the bottom of this post!)

Pin it for later:.

Baby Packing List | Travel Gear

First things first, the big stuff !

You may not need all of these items for every trip, but for the most part, we bring this same travel-friendly baby gear just about everywhere we go:

Baby Carrier | A baby carrier is a must, even if it’s nothing more than an efficient way to move through the airport. I know not all kiddos love the carrier, but we find that having both a carrier and stroller available when we travel with Sophie is essential. You just never know when you’ll run into a place with lots of stairs or uneven sidwalks, so it’s good to have a back up that will keep you moving freely. We started out with the ErgoBaby , but made the switch to the more lightweight and compact MiaMily toddler carrier with Infant Insert and absolutely love it. Still on the fence? Read up and compare all of our favorite carriers for babies and toddlers here .
Stroller | Even though our carrier is indispensable, we like to have options. For newborns, I adore the Doona Car Seat & Stroller 2-in-1 . I only wish this had been around when our girls were babies because it takes so much hassle out of traveling with a baby! For us personally, we love and recommend the lightweight and carry-on compliant Babyzen YOYO+ , which is great for older babies who can sit up on their own (don’t forget the puchase a compatible backpack carry bag – so worth it)! For newborns you can add on the bassinet pack onto the YOYO+, just keep in mind you will have to gate check the stroller with this add-on.
Car Seat | Depending on where you’re going, you may or may not want to bring the car seat. If you will need one, the Maxi Cosi and Nuna Pipa are two that can adapt to a YOYO+ without the bassinet add-on (just get some adapters like these , and you’re good to go!). For older babies, a popular choice is the Cosco Scenera Next , which is super lightweight at just 10 pounds. I recommend getting a car seat bag to keep it clean while flying, and if you’re worried about it getting banged up by luggage handlers, you can upgrade to a padded car seat bag .
Travel Crib | We’ve always brought our own travel crib, mostly because I want our kids to feel the comfort of a familiar sleeping environment, no matter where we are. We’ve been especially happy with our Baby Bjorn Travel Crib , which has held up with our travels all over the country these past 6 years. For infants, you can get away with a more compact option, like this Travel Pod Bassinet . And if you’re in a pinch, most family-friendly hotels will offer cribs for free, or you can rent one from a baby gear rental company, like BabyQuip . Read up on all our favorite baby travel cribs here .

Pro Tip: Don’t want the stress of traveling with all your gear? Use BabyQuip and get bulky items like cribs, strollers, high chairs, car seats and so much more delivered straight to your hotel or rental!

Baby Packing List | Clothes

Sure, babies require a lot of stuff to pack, but the one area where they don’t take up much space in the suitcase: clothes!

I use these packing cubes for everyone in the family and almost everything for baby can fit into just one:

Pants & Leggings | Usually 2-3 pairs. In colder months I’ll skip the rompers and dresses, and add more leggings, pants and sweaters.
Shirts & Onesies | Usually 2-3 tops, adding 2-3 more in winter months.
Dresses or Rompers | Usually 2-3 for warmer destinations, because they’re so easy to pack and don’t require mixing and matching tops and bottoms.
Socks | 2-3 pairs , even in the summer months in case we end up somewhere chilly.
Booties or Shoes | I’ve recently become obsessed with little baby shoes, but I try to stick to one simple pair of baby moccasins that match everything for travel, like these from BirdRock Baby .
Hat | A must, no matter where you’re traveling, whether a sun hat for the spring and winter, or a fuzzy hat for the fall and winter.
Swimsuit | Only if necessary, of course. These boy and girl options from Rufflebutts are our favorites.
Pajamas | I stick to just 2 pairs of footie pajamas (plus a 3rd pair worn on our travel day).

This might not seem like a lot of clothes, but if we’re traveling for more than 5 days, we’ll wash and rewear items to keep our packing light. This means making sure we have access to laundry facilities while we travel (whether it be an Airbnb with a washing machine, hotel with a laundry room, or a wash and fold laundry service nearby).

Baby Packing List | Nursing & Feeding

Things change quickly with a baby, and depending on their age and feeding habits, you may need any of the following:

Bottles | We’ve always traveled with just two bottles and been fine. Tommee Tippee and Dr. Brown’s are our favorites.
Drying Rack | I love our OXO travel drying rack ( similar option here ); it’s come in handy more times than I can count! We also have a larger version of this Boon travel drying rack at home, and would highly recommend either. It’s truly one of the items you don’t think you need until you’re balancing wet bottles around a hotel sink.
Dish Soap | Never fails, I always forget dish soap! If you’re staying in an Airbnb, there’s no need to bring your own (unless you’re particular about what you use). But if you’re staying in a hotel, for sure pack this little travel-size one for washing bottles!
Nursing Cover | There’s a good chance you’ll have little privacy for nursing during travels, and at the very least a nursing cover can help with getting little ones to fall asleep in busy places. Or for a lighter solution, a muslin swaddle is great and doubles as a blankie.
Breast Pump & Supplies | It’s a pain to lug around for sure, but if you’re going to need it, consider investing in a few pieces to make pumping on-the-go easier: a special backpack and battery pack . (and good news, the airline won’t count this against your carry on luggage allowance)
Cooler Bag | We love a little cooler bag with ultra-thin ice packs , or if you need room for more bottles, this Medela cooler bag is a great option too.
Formula Dispenser | For babies on a formula-fed diet, this little guy makes mixing bottles on the go so much easier .
Tall Insulated Mug | This simple, yet useful item is a must for an on-the-go bottle warmer. Just ask your airport coffee shop to fill it with piping hot water after you get through security, and then dip your bottle in to warm milk up in no time!
Wipe-Clean Bib | Once baby is into solids, a wipe-and-reuse bib is awesome for on-the-go feedings.
Travel Spoon | Our favorite is still this one that comes with a little case for easy storage, or try these squeeze pouch food adapter spoons .
Snack Catcher | This travel container is perfect for little cereals you don’t want spilled all over.
Squeeze Pouch Baby Food | If you’re feeding while traveling, skip the mess and squeeze it from pouch form onto the spoon!
Sippy Cup | We’ve tried many of the years, and these classic sippy cups from Munchkin or these sippy cups with weighted straws are both at the top of our list of favorites.
Bottles Wipes | It’s tough to clean bottles, pacifiers, and spoons on-the-go, but these bottle wipes are a safe and easy way to do it when you don’t have a sink handy.
Travel High Chair | If you have the space for it, I can’t recommend this travel high chair enough, which folds down flat for packing. You could also opt for a cloth seat harness for an even lighter, more compact option.

Baby Packing List | Health & Bath

Diapers | My rule of thumb is to pack a maximum of 8 diapers in the baby backpack and then buy more as soon as we arrive.
Travel Wipes Case | These no-frills travel wipes cases have become my favorite over the years. Like diapers, I load one up with as many as I can fit and then buy more once we’ve arrived in our destination.
Dirty Diaper Baggies | These dirty diaper baggies have also come in handy more times than I can count.
Baby First Aid Kit | We keep a super simple kit that includes only the basics, like travel-size diaper rash cream , infant pain reliever , a few bandages , a small thermometer , nail clipper , skin cream , etc. For all those other ‘what if’s’, we’ll buy it at our destination if needed.
Prescription Medicines | Keep liquids in their original containers to avoid any issues with TSA, and for anything needing kept cold, we use our bottle cooler bag with ultra-thin ice packs .
Sunscreen | These pocket sunscreen sticks are my absolute favorite because they’re easy to apply and take up so much less space.
Mosquito Repellent | This natural one is our favorite. No chemicals or stink!
Sanitizing Wipes | Especially good for wiping down a dirty airplane seat. I always keep a small travel-size pack in the diaper backpack.
Hand Sanitizer | For obvious reasons, I always keep a travel-size hand sanitize r clipped to the backpack.
Baby Shampoo & Body Wash | This 2-in-1 combo is our favorite, filled in a small GoToob+ travel container .
Brush or Comb | Of course.
Inflatable Travel Tub | Finally, this handy inflatable bath tub is an absolute favorite of ours and has gotten way more use than I ever thought it would. It’s definitely worth the purchase if you don’t have access to a tub or your baby is not sitting up on their own yet.

Read Next: Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling with a Baby

Baby Packing List | Play & Sleep

Play Mat | We’ve stayed in lots of Airbnbs with hardwood floors and little comfortable space for baby to play. I so wish this fold-and-go baby gym was around when my kids were little (or this similar travel-friendly option ).
Small Toys | I try to keep toys to a minimum, mostly because when you’re traveling, you’re out and about a lot anyway. Sassy brand makes a ton of my favorite simple baby toys, and I keep a little collection in one of these mesh storage bags for easy packing.
Pacifiers & Pacifier Clips | We find these pacifiers with these clips to work great!
Swaddle Blankets | Another must-pack item, Aden & Anais makes our favorite muslin swaddle blankets that double as a nursing cover or burp rag too.
Crib Sheet | Whether you bring your own travel crib or use the hotels, we like to have our own crib sheet. This crib sheet that’s designed specifically for portable cribs has traveled with us again and again.
White Noise Machine | We love our Shusher and I swear it has made all the difference in helping our babies fall asleep in new places. This portable sound machine is another favorite among traveling moms.
Favorite Blankie | Even though it can be a bit of a pain to travel with, having a soft baby blanket sure is nice for wrapping baby up on a cold airplane or having a familiar comfort from home.

FreshlyPicked Diaper Backpack | Passport Cover | Reusable Storage Bags | Dropper Stopper Tether (similar options here and here )

Baby Packing List | Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Diaper Backpack | A good diaper bag is essential, and I can’t recommend going with a backpack style enough! Having your hands free, especially in airports, is a necessity, and this FreshlyPicked diaper backpack has travelled with us all over the world!
Birth Certificate or Passport | Did you know some airlines require you to show a birth certificate for your lap baby? To be safe, I always carry a copy in my wallet. And if you’re planning on traveling internationally, be sure to start the process for your baby’s passport as soon as possible.
Dropper Stopper Baby Tether | From toys, to bottles, to snack cups, this is our favorite item for keeping all of our baby essentials from hitting the dirty airplane floor (similar options here and here )
Plastic Storage Bags | Whether one-time use, or an eco-friendly reusable , we’re always finding a need for the modest plastic storage bag. Whether for dirty clothes from a blow out incident, saving leftover snacks, keeping trinkets and keepsakes together, we’re always finding a new use for these.

Free Printable Checklist: Baby Travel Packing List!

It doesn’t matter how many times we’ve traveled with a baby, I’m always bound to forget something!

After many missed essentials, I finally created our own baby travel packing list ! We use it for every trip, and now you can use for yourself!

get it here!

Thanks for being a subscriber!

PS. You can also find this and all of our printable family travel planning tools exclusively for subscribers in our free resource library .

What are your must-have packing list items when traveling with baby?

Wife and mom to two sassy little girls, Laura has been sharing her family's travels here on Our Next Adventure since 2016! Though lots has changed in both our family and the world of travel over the years, one thing remains: we love exploring new places together!

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38 Best Baby Travel Gear Items for 2024 + What NOT To Bring

Hi All! My name is Lyric Fergusson. My husband, Asher, and I are the parents of two incredible babies named Kingsley and Aurora (pictured). Our little ones have been with us to France, Italy, Mexico, Belize, Honduras, South America, five Caribbean Islands & on a road trip to California and the Grand Canyon — and having them along has been amazing and mostly stress-free!

This said, as a mama, I fully understand how intimidating it can be to travel with a baby, especially for the first time.

We feel that having the right gear is key to making a family trip a truly enjoyable one, and we believe it is a large part of why we’ve had such wonderful travels with our babies. That’s why we created this guide for the must-haves and great accessories that will make traveling as a family way easier!

asher lyric fergusson family at grand canyon

38 Essential Baby Travel Items

1. travel stroller.

Airport security rules state that any stroller that weighs over 20 lbs (9 kgs), is too bulky, or is non-collapsible must be checked at the ticket counter .

Mamas, this means if your stroller exceeds the weight limits, you will be schlepping your baby and ALL of your bags through the airport with no stroller. Suffice it to say, you’ll regret the decision to bring a heavy stroller.

This Summer Infant 3DLite is our top travel stroller pick. It’s inexpensive, durable, only 13 lbs, and has a multi-position recline that goes practically flat for an on-the-go nap. It fits in the smallest of trunks and we’ve even hauled it (pretty easily) up and down six flights of stairs in Paris. If the 3D Lite isn’t your bucket-list stroller, check out the Nova for luxury, the Summer Two-Seater , or a foldable wagon which is always a fun idea (especially if you’re hauling around more than one toddler or headed to a beach destination!)

View on Amazon.com ➜

2. Stroller + Car Seat Combo

You can compromise with the best of both worlds – opting for this 3-in-1 Trio system by Chicco . It is designed with travel in mind, helping you create a full-blown system that your kids can grow with. While in stroller mode, the canopy expands for UV protection, or you can push it down and click it into place to activate car-seat/booster mode. It quickly folds and unfolds to suit your needs and holds so much stuff like groceries, blankets, etc.

I will say, it’s slightly bulkier than some options, but that’s the trade-off of having an all-in-one piece, which means fewer items to carry around. Overall, it will make your baggage lighter and cut down on the amount of equipment you have to keep up with.

3. Convertible Travel Carseat

While the stroller + car seat combo is ideal for infants, this option is better for families needing more weight flexibility and a car seat for growing kids.

I would never put my baby in a car without a car seat. However, I cannot imagine lugging around our 35 lb one across the airport, let alone Europe! This one weighs only 12 lbs and works for children from 5-65 lbs (check the weight limits for each mode, forward or rear-facing).

Note: All airlines will check your car seat at the ticket counter free of charge.

4. Travel Crib (a.k.a. Travel Playpen)

In our experience, the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib is the best of the best when it comes to travel cribs. It’s only 12 lbs, really well-made, and you can put it together and take it down in less than 10 seconds (without reading any instructions!) The crib has an extremely cushy mattress pad that lays flat on the Earth, (unlike the Guava Lotus which we didn’t like ) and most other travel cribs where the mattresses hover above the ground and wobble whenever your baby shifts during the night (sounds comfy, right?)

It even comes with a chic, easy-to-carry case. Our little guy has slept beautifully through the night on every trip we have ever taken and I really think it is because of this crib. You can let them play and nap in it before you head out so they can become familiar with it. They will sleep so much better!

Note: All domestic airlines will check your crib at the ticket counter free of charge. I always check with international carriers about their policy prior to traveling.

5. Quick-Dry Travel Towels

Travel towels are one of the most versatile items you can pack. It can serve as a drool rag, seat cover, packing cushion, and much more. They’re also amazing for cleaning up spills! When we discovered these, we stopped bringing along bulky towels or trying to pack fluffy ones that the hotel provides when going on beach trips. This one dries 10x faster than cotton and weighs less than half a pound — perfect for in the diaper bag!

6. Travel Insurance for Your Trip

Since your domestic provider typically does not cover you outside of the country, the last thing you want to worry about is rushing a spouse or child to the hospital and having to pay out-of-pocket for a five-figure bill. Protect your vacation investment and your loved ones with travel insurance – it’s a small price compared to anything else you’re booking, yet will cover you for flight cancellations, delays, baggage loss, theft, and expensive medical emergencies.

We use Faye because they are revolutionizing the insurance game! While most providers make the process miserable with tons of paperwork and hoops to jump through – Faye reimburses you through their mobile app, making the claims process a cakewalk. Get a customized quote for each trip and traveler. It’s very affordable for young families since it goes up in cost with age and is worth it for the sheer peace of mind.

Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

7. Diaper Changing Pad

My husband and I use the Kopi Baby changing pad religiously during travel because it folds up easily into a small bag, keeping everything clean (wipes, diapers, etc.) even when we’re in seriously dirty places.

We have used it on the airport floor, in the Louvre, and in Caribbean bathrooms that had no changing tables. Yuck! It’s honestly the bomb and really worth the spend for travel.

8. Short-Sleeved Bib

These amazing bibs from Bumpkins are my favorites because they are wearable like a shirt. Simply latch the back and your kiddo’s outfit will have full coverage from even the goopiest of foods. It’s waterproof and therefore super easy to clean — even in small cruise ship sinks — while also drying quickly and saving you a lot of cleanup!

9. Hanging Toiletry Bag

Moms deal with more STUFF than basically anyone on the planet (wipes, tissues, first-aid, snacks, toys, oh my!) Use this hanging toiletry bag to organize all of your family’s toiletries in one bag instead of dealing with unhinged chaos all over the hotel room. This is a way easier system than piling tons of plastic sacks with liquid bottles that you’re trying to keep from leaking all over your suitcase.

We’re obsessed with this bag from Eco Sun, a sustainable company in Hawaii that is made by travelers, for travelers. It organizes all of our self-care routines (and thus, our sanity!) with a leakproof design and stain-resistant material. There are 4 pockets on the inside with elastic bands to hold your bottles and brushes in place, plus 3 external compartments for smaller items that you need easy access to. It’s an elegant and cohesive system for an area of my life that would otherwise be pretty stressful on the road.

10. Stroller Clips

Whether you are using a blanket to block out the sun or to keep your little one warm, stroller clips are awesome because they’ll secure the blanket just where it needs to be. That way, your baby can sleep peacefully — and you can push them easily (no more blankets getting tangled in the wheels, blown off by the wind, or dragged on the floor).

Stroller clips are also great for attaching the diaper bag, your purse, baby’s toys, or really anything else to the stroller.

11. Stroller Protector Bag

You will typically have to check your stroller at the gate between flights and this bag will save it from getting wet or damaged as the flight crew is literally throwing it on and off the belly of the plane. The Hap Tim Stroller Bag is extremely sturdy and streamlined, which is helpful when moving the stroller in and out of taxis, hotels, and rental cars, and it has a long set of straps that make carrying the stroller a piece of cake.

12. Wet/Dry Sacks

Poop can happen at any time. In case you don’t want to mess up your nicer diaper bags, having wet/dry bags on hand at all times is beyond useful. These are just as durable as your high-end bags but not so precious that you’ll worry about them getting ruined (about what you would spend on a week’s worth of ziplocks). It also is easier to clean in the washing machine and traps the stinky diaper smell so you’re not trapped in a stink bubble all day! Besides being leakproof, you’re helping Mother Earth by going reusable.

13. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

After having items stolen out of our check luggage, we never forgo luggage locks. We bring a couple of sets for suitcases, city lockers, using backpacks in crowded areas, and more. Plus, these are TSA-approved so you won’t suffer through any hang-ups at security.

14. Insulated Food Jar

This jar has saved us so many times. If your baby is eating solids but is picky, likes warm snacks, or is just not into eating restaurant food yet (and you aren’t too keen on always giving them jars of pre-packaged food), I would bring along one of these. You can bake them a yam at grandma’s or order some steamed veggies at your hotel and throw the food in the Foogo Thermos , and it will stay warm for hours while you tour Rome or head to the beach.

15. Neck Wallet

When traveling with little ones, things can get hectic REAL QUICK while going through airports, taxis, and beyond. This neck wallet makes it super easy to keep track of where your family’s passports, phones, credit cards, cash, and plane tickets are while also preventing petty theft or sticky fingers. My hubby wears his with all four of our family’s passports and when we’re in crowded places, he conceals it under his shirt. This one also comes with RFID-blocking material to stop e-thieves from scanning your financial data.

16. Diaper Bag

For your full-blown Diaper bag, this bag is awesome for allowing you to have tons of storage in a waterproof case. This diaper bag from BabbleRoo is stylish, lightweight, and won’t break the bank. It also has 18 pockets to hold everything from diapers to a water bottle to your cell phone. And if you spill milk (or baby pukes on the bag), no problem! The wipe-clean material is super easy to clean. Bonus: It comes with a matching changing pad in case you forget your Kopi Baby !

17. Sleep Sack

We love the Woolino sleep sack! It is 100% natural, made from premium soft Australian merino wool, has an organic cotton outer shell, and is machine-washable. It also regulates the body temperature and is comfortable for baby from external temperatures as low as 60°F (16°C) to as high as 77°F (25°C).

It’s a great way to keep your honey cozy on an airplane, and so helpful for unpredictable temperatures in hotels or and even at grandma’s house. One extra bonus: we don’t have to travel with many blankets which keeps our luggage weight down.

18. Homeopathic First Aid Kit

Don’t leave home without these remedies – we certainly don’t. They are natural, safe, effective, and don’t cause harmful side effects.

They have saved us repeatedly during teething, tummy aches, or crabby spells. I can’t recommend them enough.

Camilia Teething Relief – These all-natural drops relieve painful gums and irritability from teething, as well as associated digestive distress. The single-use containers help prevent contamination.
Natural Gas Relief – Even with the grape flavor, these drops have NO artificial flavors or dyes. They provide natural relief for all the symptoms that come along with gas, like bloating, colic, constipation, and restlessness.
Baby Calm – If your baby is fussy or won’t sleep, try these tablets. They’re quick-dissolving and provide immediate relief, so you can both get back to sleep.
Earache Relief – If your baby has an earache, these all-natural drops will help relieve symptoms like fever, pain, irritability, and sleeplessness. The dosing dropper makes it super easy to apply the drops.
Echinacea Drops – Our little guy has yet to get sick while we’ve traveled, and I really think It’s due to these drops. If Kingsley looks like he is possibly heading in the sick direction I give him this and it boosts his immune system immediately. He even likes the taste.
Baby Vitamin C – Vitamin C is another awesome immune booster which I give our son a few days before we begin traveling. I give it to him again if I think he seems like he might be catching something.

19. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Did you know that you risk your private data whenever you join a public network at cafes, Airbnbs, hotels, and the airport? And many people can monitor your online activity without your permission, including cyber thieves, your internet provider, government entities, and nosy neighbors! A virtual private network (VPN) keeps all of your digital information secure from hackers so you don’t have to worry about your credit cards, passwords, or other confidential info getting stolen.

You’re bound to connect to a random Wi-Fi network when traveling, so take the extra step to encrypt your network with a VPN like NordVPN . It’s super affordable and will also limit any local censorship you may face, which can block your favorite websites like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and more. We never travel without a VPN and even use it at home to ensure a safe connection! Give it a try, there’s even a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

View options at NordVPN ➜

20. Luggage Straps

Just as every outdoorsman should carry rope – every parent should have this adjustable strap! It’s a multi-purposeful item that can serve you in a variety of ways (depending on how creative you want to get). First and foremost, it secures your checked luggage and carry-on bags for rough handling and takes the pressure off of your zippers.

Beyond this, the brightly-colored straps will help your family’s bags stand out at the arrivals terminal (where everyone and their uncle has the same black bag), so it’s a massive timesaver.

More creatively, you can tether a bunch of bags together, create a makeshift strap if one breaks, compress items that are overpacked, and basically secure anything that is falling apart. I once used these to fix my friend’s suitcase that broke, which got us through to the next flight. And the built-in contact card is invaluable if your bags end up getting lost. It’s one of our favorite discoveries and a must for any traveler’s packing list!

21. Packing Cubes

If you have ever dug frantically into a suitcase looking for a single clean baby sock while your whole family is downstairs waiting for you, you will understand why packing cubes are a necessity! I usually put my son’s t-shirts and shorts in one cube, his long-sleeved sweaters and pants in another, and accessories in another. It seriously helps us stay organized!

Available on HeroTravelSupply.com with an exclusive 15% discount using the coupon code “HERO” .

Or view on Amazon.com ➜

22. Mini White Noise Machine

You might think, “Why do I need a white noise machine when I have an App on my iPhone?” Well, let me tell you that if you use your phone for white noise, that means your phone is held hostage in the baby’s room while you are in the living room trying to make a dinner reservation or check work emails, etc.

This pocket-sized white noise machine was the best purchase we made before our Caribbean cruise adventure. Both at our hotel in Puerto Rico and on the cruise itself, we had to deal with some really rowdy people yelling at all hours of the night. We were kind of shocked – our little dude slept peacefully through the night when we had this white noise machine on. I won’t travel without it now. It takes up virtually no space and you never know who is going to be your neighbor!

23. Sanitizing Wipes

These are awesome! They are cheap and I’ve used them to wipe down airline trays, restaurant high chairs, bathroom changing tables (and of course, our hands) while exploring. The individual packets fit easily in your diaper bag or your coat pocket without being bulky. An absolute 5-star in our book.

24. Baby Carrier

Ok, I know most of you probably already have a baby carrier, but I have to mention this Baby Bjorn Carrier because it’s been amazing for us while traveling.

It’s really comfortable, not bulky, and can easily fold up and fit under the stroller. We even use it as a portable high chair! How? Well, when my little dude was too tiny to fit in a restaurant high chair but was eating solids, he could comfortably have his entire meal while strapped to my hubby. It made eating out really enjoyable and low-stress, plus the carrier is super easy to wipe down and wash.

25. Universal Power Adapter

There are 15 styles of outlets around the world, so it’s nice to avoid buying a brand new power adapter for each country. This universal option is compatible with outlets in 100+ popular destinations and has multiple USB outlets for efficient charging. Not to mention, it very well could be the last adapter you ever have to buy since it comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee.

26. Inflatable Travel Bed

This adorable inflatable toddler bed is a game-changer for kiddos who are too big for a crib but need their own space to sleep on a trip. I worry about my tots falling out of massive beds at hotels or Airbnbs, and this option is comfy, easy to blow up, and keeps them close while still giving them a sense of independence. We’ve traveled with two of these for years and our kiddos are big fans!

27. Neck Pillow for Toddlers

Speaking of difficulty in transit, a neck pillow for kids is smart to have on-hand in case your babes can’t sprawl out. For those of you familiar with the strange positions your children’s heads can get into on long car rides, this one will support your toddler’s neck and be useful in almost all traveling scenarios. Moms that are breastfeeding may consider an inflatable nursing pillow that is made for travel and lumbar support.

28. Windproof Travel Umbrella

An umbrella should always be in your travel artillery and this one weighs only 1-pound and fits in your diaper bag. It comes with a convenient carrying case and has sheltered us from some pretty vicious storms since it’s windproof and covers 2 people (plus baby if you all snuggle close!)

29. Portable High Chair

We love bringing our foldable high chair to make mealtime go much smoother whether you are at an AirBnB or at grandma’s. It works for babies up to toddlers and is a great solution for restaurants that don’t have booster seats or high chairs. It’s compact and has some sneaky pockets, plus a carrying case. The tray is free of harmful chemicals like BPA, and it’s dishwasher safe.

30. All-in-One Food Processor

A food processor is so useful for blending up fresh fruits and vegetables for your little one on-the-go. This set comes with silicon molds as a freezer tray and glass cases for storage. My babies loved easy concoctions like mangos with sweet potatoes, carrot with orange, and bananas with strawberries. Yum!

31. Cooling Towel

For any tropical escapes or warm destinations, this cooling towel is a godsend! It’s absolutely non-toxic and safe for baby to hold onto. By adding water and wringing it out, the towel magically drops to 20-30 degrees colder than the outside temp. Anytime you need more icey relief, simply add more water. It will save baby, dad and mom from heat-induced melt-downs. Try it out and you can thank us later!

32. Baby-Proofing Gear

Babyproofing is something you should consider doing anywhere you stay. Whether they’re crawling, scooting, or starting to walk, it’s a preventative measure worth taking, especially if you are traveling to a home or Bnb that you know is not baby-proofed

Of course, a gate should be kept anywhere you don’t want your little one to roam (like the stairs or outside). For your curious explorers, you may also need outlet covers , safety straps for cabinets, door knob covers , and corner protectors for tables or sharp edges.

33. Car Seat Protector Backpack

Many parents complain that their car seat has gotten dirty, cracked or damaged when they’ve traveled — especially if they check it at the ticket counter. Because of this bag, we’ve never had any trouble.

It’s padded, and although you might look a little ridiculous with it on your back, I can’t tell you how nice it is to have two free hands when you are trying to wrangle multiple children and luggage. I’m a pretty tiny woman, and I can very comfortably wear it while using my hands for other things.

34. Inflatable Baby Bathtub

Not only is this thing cute as can be, but it blows up easily to make a bathtub that’s fantastic for travel. The textured bottom means baby won’t slip around, but it’s small enough to keep them in place. It’s surprisingly scientific since it has hot-white technology that lets you know when the water is too hot, displaying a different color. It was awarded ‘top baby bath’ in 2016 and is easy to drain from the bottom without any heavy lifting.

35. Baby-Safe Dish Soap

Cleaning bottles, sippy cups, bibs, and pacifiers on the go can be a bit of a challenge, I know! And it’s really hard to get to a destination and realize you have no soap to wash your bubba’s stuff (story of my life in the Caribbean… whoops!) I now bring along baby-safe dish soap so that I can be sure that all of Kingsley and Aurora’s belongings stay clean even when I’m rushing to wash them in a tiny bathroom basin.

36. Travel Potty-Training Seat

This is excellent for traveling families with a toddler in toilet training! Not only is it adorable, but it comes in many different colors and latches onto most standard-sized toilets. The foldable design means you can store it in your diaper bag and then whip it out when necessary at hotels, malls, airports, on planes, or wherever. WAY easier than holding your kid in the air as they hover over a gross toilet seat! And super easy to clean.

37. Diaper Rash Cream

This is hands down the best diaper rash cream out there! We initially got it in a gift set with our first baby but have now bought countless tubes. It is the main diaper cream we use, especially if we are trying to treat a rash. We will sometimes use Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment if we are just preventing irritation on a clear butt. If we have a really bad rash, we will layer and use both. This cream is so thick, smells lovely, and works without the harsh chemicals.

38. Your Favorite Bedtime Story

Maintaining your routine while traveling will add a sense of normalcy to the experience. Your little one will find comfort in familiarity and it will help them sleep in a new place. So bring along your favorite book or try a new one to end the day with a sweet story. Reading aloud builds a network of words in their heads and can help them develop their language and speaking skills more quickly. Plus, your voice is so soothing to them and will help ease them into sleep.

Additional Baby Travel Gear to Consider

Crib Sheets
Travel Laundry Bag
Baby Monitor
Changing Pad
Cheap Burp Cloths
Cooling Towels
Nursing Cover-up
Breast-pump Backpack
Travel Nursing Pillow
Baby Dishes
Baby Utensils
Pacifier & Bottle Wipes
Roadtrip Organizer
Travel Towels
Soft Washcloths
Swim Diapers
Stroller Fan
Spillproof Snack Cup
Luggage Locks
Plane Window Toys
Weleda Baby On the Go Kit
Kid-Safe Bug Repellent
Laundry Soap

What NOT to Bring when Traveling with Baby

1. don’t bring a bulky stroller (no jogging strollers.

They’re hard to get in and out of a small rental car, and almost impossible to lift when you’re juggling baby AND luggage at the same time (and don’t even think about trying to collapse it!).

2. DON’T TAKE a bulky car seat

A big, heavy car seat also makes it hard to hold baby and deal with luggage, and even harder to run through the airport to catch your flight! Plus car seats can get damaged when traveling, so you don’t want to be using an expensive one.

3. DON’T PACK cloth diapers

Cloth diapers are eco-friendly, but don’t feel bad if you don’t want to mess with them when traveling. They create a lot of extra work, and you’ll already be plenty busy traveling with a baby.

4. DON’T BRING heavy toys

There’s no need to lug around your baby’s heaviest toys when you’re traveling. Bring their lightweight ones instead, and you can always buy a few new toys at your destination for added fun!

5. DON’T PACK too many blankets

It’s tempting to think you should bring tons of extra blankets “just in case.” Just don’t. Go for a sleep sack instead – they’re easier and they stay put on their own. Bringing extra blankets is asking for weight, bulk, and extra laundry!

6. DON’T TAKE too many diapers

Disposable diapers are bulky, so think about how many you’ll need before you pack (do bring some extras – just not too many extras!). Better yet, have Honest Company Diapers ship a pack to your location, or if you’re going overseas, just buy them when you arrive.

7. DON’T BRING heavy baby books

Maybe you want to use your vacation time to catch up on some reading, but this is not the time to tackle that 500-page book on everything you’re doing wrong as a parent. You’re on vacation, treat yourself to some light beach reading instead, and make it even more convenient by using a Kindle .

8. DON’T PACK too few baby clothes

I know this sounds odd, but it’s a balance. Of course you don’t want your suitcase to be too heavy, but you don’t want to spend your whole trip washing either. And honestly, it’s not like baby clothes weigh much!

9. DON’T TAKE full-sized bottles

Traveling with a baby means packing lots of liquids (baby shampoo, baby lotion, dish soap, etc.), on top of your own toiletries. So many regular-sized bottles will be way too heavy, so pack all your liquids in travel-sized containers instead.

10. DON’T PACK too many disposable items

No matter where you’re traveling, you’ll probably be able to get things like wet wipes, tissues, and plastic bags pretty easily. So just bring as many as you’ll realistically use, and know that you can easily pick up more if you end up needing them.

FAQs about traveling with a baby

1. does my baby need a passport.

Yes. Regardless of their age, your baby needs a passport for international trips, including to Canada.

To get them a passport in the U.S., you will need a copy of the birth certificate and two 2″x2″ photos of the baby (from the shoulders up), and both parents need to come with the baby to a passport acceptance facility. Single parents must present a custody agreement, and if one parent is not able to come (such as if they’re stationed elsewhere), a signed and notarized Form DS-3053 will also have to be presented.

2. How should I choose a hotel when traveling with a baby?

To minimize your time schlepping everything around, look for a hotel that’s near the attractions you plan to visit or at least near public transportation if you’ll be using it.
Having quiet at nighttime is key, so try to avoid hotels on busy streets, as well as older buildings, which may not have good soundproofing.
You’ll probably need to do laundry at some point, so check for either coin-op laundry in the hotel or a nearby laundromat.
Try to find a hotel with large rooms, which will allow plenty of space to set up a crib or playpen.
Make sure the bathroom has a tub, and not just a shower, which seems to be getting more common.
Even if the room doesn’t have a full kitchen, it’s useful to at least have a refrigerator, as well as some counter space to make bottle-washing easier.
If you’re not planning to bring a travel crib, call the hotel before you book to double-check that they’ll provide one.

3. What should I do to baby-proof our hotel room?

Ask before you arrive if the hotel offers baby-proofing supplies (or even baby-proofed rooms)
Check that all the furniture in the room (including the TV) is stable
Check the floor (including under the bed) for anything a baby could put in their mouth: coins, rocks, pills, bottle caps, etc.
Put blue painter’s tape over outlets.
Tape foam squares over any sharp corners near the floor
Tape the toilet lid down
Tape any electrical cords to the furniture out of baby’s reach

4. Does my baby need a plane ticket?

Different airlines have varying policies on infant travel, but buying a ticket for children under two years old is usually optional. Without a ticket, the baby has to be held on your lap throughout the flight, and some airlines charge a “lap child fee,” especially for international flights.

If you’re planning to fly with a child in your lap, you should inform the airline in advance. But if you’d rather have a separate seat for your baby, you can book them one at a child’s fare.

5. Which airlines are the most baby-friendly?

The best airline for you depends on what’s most important to you when it comes to flying with your baby. These airlines are regularly rated as the most family- and child-friendly:

Eithad: Their Flying Nannies are special flight attendants whose job is to help you fly with your baby, and they also offer a bottle-warming service on board.
Emirates Airlines: The Dubai airport provides complimentary strollers, and the airline provides children on the plane with an entertainment kit that includes blankets and a fuzzy “We Fly With Me” stuffed animal.
Air New Zealand: Their Economy Skycouch connects three seats and converts into a bed for comfort and easier sleeping, and the airline also provides bassinets on board.

6. How much baby food and milk/formula can I bring in my carry-on luggage?

Bring as much as you’ll need for the flight. Baby food, formula, and milk are exempted from the 3-ounce rule for liquids, but you do need to declare it at security so it can be inspected separately. They run a harmless test on excepted baby liquids, and once they’re done they will reseal it and give it back to you.

Even for parents traveling with children, water is still not allowed, so plan to buy it or bring a reusable filtered water bottle to fill up once you’ve passed through security.

7. How can I help my baby sleep on the plane?

Parents planning on using a bassinet, book a front-row seat if possible to make sure there’s plenty of space. Consider bringing a sleep sack to keep them more comfortable and a blanket or scarf to drape over the bassinet and block out light. And of course, bring their pacifier and any favorite toys. Feed your baby during take-off, which will help pop their ears, reduce discomfort, and calm them down.

8. How many diapers do I need to bring on a trip?

A good rule of thumb is to bring one diaper per hour of flight or car time, but it’s always a good idea to bring some extras beyond that, just in case.

9. Can I go camping with a baby?

If you’ve never been camping before, this might not be the best time to get into it.

Otherwise, it’s a good idea to get an okay from your pediatrician first, but many families absolutely go on camping trips with infants, and have plenty of fun! You’ll just want to be more aware of weather, drive time, cleanliness, baby-safe insect repellent , and supplies, and it probably goes without saying that your baby likely won’t sleep through the night in a tent.

10. What are the best places to travel with a baby?

Depending on your travel preferences, beach destinations and national parks can make for great baby-friendly getaways. They tend to be mellow and allow for a lot of flexibility with your schedule and activities.

Alternatively, all-inclusive resorts make things easy and will usually provide all the amenities you need – plus they tend to be VERY fun!

Of course, a staycation or a visit to family or friends are good options, too, and will probably feel a little more familiar to you and baby.

11. What kinds of things are required when flying with a baby? Do I have to have a special seatbelt?

YES, you do need a special seatbelt for toddlers and up to a certain weight. Babies will likely need their own carseat, or you can typically hold them in your lap. If the airline doesn’t require you to purchase a ticket for a lap-child, this is a great way to save money as long as you’re comfortable holding your little one the whole time.

In instances like this it’s handy to have a baby sling which can be tightened to hold baby close, or loosened to act as a lap-cradle to relieve your back and arms while baby sleeps.

Verify the TSA requirements for traveling with small children here .

Here are some links to the relevant car seat rules for the major US airlines so you can be prepared for your next flight:

Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Delta Airlines (and also here )
Frontier Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Spirit Airlines
United Airlines
Virgin America (and also here )

Lyric Fergusson

Best Baby Travel Essentials of 2024

Ready to plan a family trip? Our list of favorite baby travel gear spotlights only the best and most essential products for a successful journey. Traveling with your baby (or multiple children) can feel intimidating. If you have limited luggage or cargo space, it's tough to know what baby travel gear is travel-worthy and capable of withstanding the adventures ahead and what you might truly need.

We can ease your troubles with our travel and gear expertise.

When it comes to baby gear, we have lofty standards and equally high testing protocols. Nobody tests baby gear as extensively as BabyGearLab . Over the years, we've tested hundreds, if not thousands, of child-related products, and for each review, we've selected, purchased, and hands-on tested each product in the competition. Our testing covers all aspects of a product, allowing us to compare the contenders head-to-head. You can feel confident that only the finest high-quality products will make this list of the best baby travel gear. We regularly update this list if new and compelling gear outshines a top contender.

Our favorite baby travel gear list includes practical categories to help make your trip a success, including the most notable or budget-friendly products. There is something for every travel enthusiast in our lineup.

Transporting Your Baby

Factors like your destination, adventure goals, the number of children you're hauling, and budget will influence the best stroller or baby carrier you need .

Baby Carrier

A top-ranked baby carrier keeps your little one close as you navigate the hustle and bustle of air travel, public transportation, or locations where strollers can't go. This baby travel gear keeps you virtually hands-free so you can hold boarding passes, reach for snacks, or grab a pacifier. Plus, many parents find little ones are quieter and more content in a baby carrier.

Tula Free-to-Grow

Baby Backpack Carrier

The best baby backpack carrier can work well for treks or stroller-free trips for older babies and toddlers. It keeps your child contained and often decreases meltdowns and tantrums. Many museums and other public spaces won't allow strollers, but a backpack is usually allowed.

Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite

Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL

Umbrella Strollers

If your baby's travel gear requires wheels, pack a stroller. Many parents prefer a top-ranked umbrella stroller for travel, given their lightweight and compact design. Other stroller types might be a better fit, and we've tested those too.

BabyZen Yoyo2

Zoe Traveler

Mountain Buggy Nano Duo

Feeding On-the-Go

Bring the baby travel gear you need to make feeding time during vacation more convenient and manageable. While it might feel like you're lugging around a lot, we think you'll be glad you brought the extras.

Kids Lunch Boxes

Grab one of the best lunch boxes for kids to carry snacks in one place.

Bentgo Deluxe Lunch Bag

Protect clothing and make mealtime cleanup a breeze with a travel-friendly baby bib. A silicone bib is easy to clean, dry, and stow after mealtime.

Happy Healthy Parent Silicone Bib

Don't rely on fast food vendors to offer smaller spoons. Stash some of the best baby spoons in your diaper bag for baby's mealtime.

Munchkin Lift Infant Spoons

Snack Catcher

Keep little ones busy and stave off hunger and low blood sugar-related meltdowns with a snack catcher. A helpful snack catcher encourages independence and keeps hands and mouths busy.

Sippy cups allow for independent drinking without worrying about spills and loss of liquids. Little ones like to help themselves, and a water-filled sippy cup can help prevent dehydration.

Pura Kiki Vacuum Insulated Toddler with Sleeve

Munchkin Miracle 360 Stainless

Portable High Chair

A portable high chair or the table booster seat may not be a travel necessity, but they could be helpful if you are staying in one location for some time. A designated place for your child to eat can make a new place feel more like home, and they can enjoy mealtime with other family and friends.

Mountain Buggy Pod

Prince Lionheart SQUISH

Soothing Must-Haves

Packing gear that entertains or soothes your child is essential. If you're flying, you should plan on bottle-feeding, nursing, or giving your baby a pacifier (if they take one) to help ease ear pain caused by altitude changes while flying. Sucking and swallowing motions are the best way to relieve altitude-related pressure changes in the inner ear.

Sucking on a pacifier is a great way to relieve pressure in little ears during air travel, especially for take-off and landing.

Chicco PhysioForma Soft Pacifier

Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier

Baby Bottle

Alternatively, a favorite baby bottle (if your baby knows how to) can help babies relax and prevent ear pain when taking off in an airplane or traveling swiftly from one altitude to another.

Nursing Clothing

Travel is a great time to capitalize on breastfeeding your baby, especially during altitude changes or if the situation might be upsetting, new, or stressful. Nursing can relieve ear pain and calm your baby when you need it most, and a nursing bra can make the task easier to achieve with some modesty when paired with a nursing top with openings for feeding.

Bravado Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra

Ingrid and Isabel Seamless

BOOB Classic Short Sleeve

Fun in the Sun

If you're hitting the pool, lake, beach, or splash pad while vacationing, be prepared with some essentials that keep things safe and the good times rolling.

Sunscreen for Kids and Babies

Protect your child from the sun's powerful rays with one of our favorite sunscreens . We've tested various high-quality sunscreens to help you find the best option for your little one. Any outdoor time should include sun protection, even in the winter.

Babo Botanicals Baby Skin

Swim Goggles

A great pair of swim goggles can make time in the water more fun. Whether you're in the pool, lake, or ocean, swim goggles can improve visibility and comfort in the water for children.

Speedo Hydrospex

Kids Lifejackets

If you're planning time on the water with boating, kayaking, or paddle boarding, a kids' life jacket is a must-have.

Hardcore Life Vest

Road-Trip Essentials

Ready to hit the road? Ensure your child has a safe and cozy seat from our lineup of favorite car seats appropriate for their size and age.

Convertible Car Seat

For many kinds of travel, a top-ranked convertible car seat is a safety must. We recommend finding a safe seat that is lightweight and easier to carry while traveling.

Graco SlimFit 3-in-1

Booster Seat

Choosing the best booster seat is a must for little ones who still need a safety seat. You don't want to lug a heavy or large seat while on travel. Our pick is small, lightweight, and easy to carry.

Baby Toiletries

Like adults, you'll need to pack some toiletries for your child. We consider some health-related products essential.

Baby Shampoo

Baby shampoo can typically double as a body wash, which limits what you need to take on travel. Most adult or hotel-supplied soaps are not suitable for little ones, so don't forget to toss a favorite baby shampoo in with toiletries.

Honest Truly Calming Lavender Shampoo and Wash

Baby Lotion

Baby lotion is essential for soft and comfortable skin, especially if your travel plans include a dry climate or water fun with salt or chlorine.

Baby Dove Lotion

Baby Nail Clippers

You might think you can leave your baby nail clippers at home, but we recommend packing them. Not only do they take up little space, but you never know when a hangnail might need attention. Better to have them and not need them than the other way around.

Easy Grip Nail Scissors

Kid's Bandages

Boo-boos happen, even on vacation. We recommend keeping some bandages in your carry-on, wallet, or other easy-to-access location for accidents away from home.

Band-Aid Bandages Family Pack

Thermometer

Germs are everywhere; the further you go from your bubble, the higher the likelihood of little ones coming down with signs of illness. Having an accurate thermometer on hand can help determine if your child needs medical attention.

Digital Forehead and Ear Thermometer

Dental Care

Don't let dental care slide on holiday. Little ones need to brush regularly, even when away from home. Don't forget your favorite baby toothbrush and a top-ranked kids' toothpaste .

Jordan Step 0-2 Years Toothbrush

Tom's of Maine Children's Toothpaste

Nursing On-the-Go

If you're planning on pumping your breastmilk while traveling, you'll want to equip yourself with the right gear. Here are some pumping products, including some convenient products, that make the process more manageable.

Breast Pump Bag

Carrying a breast pump typically includes a plethora of accessories. One of the best breast pump bags can help keep it all together, offering functionality and extra storage.

Sarah Wells Abby

Nanobébé Duet

Breast Pump

Depending on your travel goals or plans, you might need a full electric pump to meet your needs, but you could potentially get away with a more transportable handheld pump. Check out our favorite breast pumps for recommendations before making a decision.

Spectra S1 Plus

Baby Buddha

Bottle Drying Rack

If you bottle-feed or need to while traveling, a travel-friendly bottle drying rack can help keep things clean away from home.

OXO Tot On-the-Go

Diapering Essentials

Traveling and diapering doesn't have to be challenging. You can carry all your supplies in one place, making it a smooth and efficient operation.

Disposable Diapers

On-the-go diapering is often easier with disposable products , even if you are a die-hard cloth diaper lover. It could be challenging (and stinky) to carry dirty diapers in a bag until you find a way to launder them.

Parasol Clear and Dry

Disposable baby wipes are good for travel and incredibly messy cleanups. Being able to throw yucky things away instead of keeping them for laundering later is a big win away from home.

Mama Bear 99% Water Baby Wipes

Diaper Cream

Diaper rash can result from changes in diet and habits, which are common on travel. Don't be caught without a soothing diaper cream for tiny tushies in distress.

A+D Zinc Oxide Cream

Go for a top-ranked diaper bag that's easy to carry and holds enough items for your travel needs. Also, don't forget a changing mat to make diaper changes on-the-fly easier.

Ju-Ju-Be Be Right Back

Ju-Ju-Be B.F.F.

Gear for Sleeping

Although you can't bring your at-home nursery on the road, you can create a sleep-inducing atmosphere with some handy and portable gear. Keeping your little one on a regular sleep schedule in a calming environment is key to successful travel with little ones.

Travel Cribs

Many parents consider one of the best travel cribs a necessity if their little one hasn't transitioned to a bed. If your baby still sleeps in a crib, you'll find a travel crib to be a big benefit while away from home. It provides a safe and comfortable place for little ones to get some shut-eye. Trying them out at home can help familiarize your child with the new sleeping digs before you go.

BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light

Lotus Travel Crib

Baby Joy Travel Crib 2-1 Playpen

Swaddles and Sleep Sacks

Top-ranked baby swaddles and sleep sacks offer comfort to little ones away from home. Familiar sleep garments and consistent coverage can help toddlers sleep soundly.

Burt's Bees Baby Beekeeper

Night Light

New places can be scary for little ones, and a night light can offer comfort by illuminating the dark, providing a feeling of safety in a strange room or sleep area.

Hatch Baby Rest Night Light

Sound Monitor

A simple and cost-effective top-ranked sound monitor can be useful while staying in new spaces where you might not be by your baby's side every moment. A dedicated unit is easy to set up and use in any location with electricity.

TimeFlys QQ Portable

Sound Machine

If you plan to travel to hotels or with family, nap times might be loud. One of the best sound machines can provide masking of ambient noises and a calming environment conducive to sleep.

VTech Myla The Monkey

Outdoor Travel

If you're an adventurous parent who wants to explore the great outdoors with your child, we've got the inside scoop on some must-have gear. Although flying hinders what you can pack, this list is best for road warriors with a car, trailer, or RV space to spare.

Kid's Bike Helmet

Keep heads and brains safe with our favorite kids' bike helmets ready for every adventure, from a passenger in the bike trailer to a pedal bike and beyond. Don't skimp on safety just because you're away from home.

Schwinn Thrasher

Keep the bugs at bay with a top-ranked bug spray . While young babies should be protected with clothing and netting (not chemicals), older babies and children should use a suitable repellent to help avoid bites, discomfort, and insect-borne illnesses.

Sawyer Insect Repellent

Kid's Fishing Pole

Fishing can be a fun and bonding experience for family and friends. Finding an easy-to-use child-sized fishing pole can help bring joy to the water for pint-sized fishing.

Kid's Bike Seat

Riding your bike with a child on board can give your little one a new vantage point on fun and the environment. Be it a city sidewalk or park, a bike seat can be a fun form of sightseeing for children.

Keep'em Entertained

Wherever you roam, avoid boredom by packing some entertainment. And, if you read books before bed at home or use bath toys , continue the routine on vacation. Children thrive on routine.

Toddler Books

Books can be heavy and perhaps not the best travel partners for planes, but entertaining toddler books can be a great resource for road trips and stays at Grandma's house.

The Pout-Pout Fish

Children's Books

Older children may be more interested in books for older children . Plus, reading can help make time pass while traveling.

Room on the Broom

Teething Toy

Babies cutting teeth will find relief and entertainment with the best teething toys . You don't need a baby in pain from erupting teeth to have a meltdown in public if a teething toy can help ease their discomfort.

Comotomo Silicone Teether

Bathing in an unfamiliar bathtub can be more fun and engaging with the addition of fun bath toys from home. Little ones can stress when exposed to new places; bringing part of your home with you can help.

Munchkin Fishin' Bath Toy

Older Kids on Travel

Traveling with older kids takes different gear for safety, hydration, and entertainment. Consider some of our favorite products if your child is old enough to monitor their supplies.

Kid's Headphones

A great pair of kids' headphones lets little ones watch shows and play games or listen to music without disturbing those around them. If you have multiple kids, headphones can stop the fighting between siblings listening to two different things. Headphones with Bluetooth capabilities are a plus, so you don't have to deal with cord-related snags, tangles, and drops.

Puro Sound Labs

Kid's Backpack

Many kids love independence and want to carry their own gear. Check out some of our favorite backpacks for kids . Plus, it can help ease the burden of carrying too much stuff in an airport or train station for you.

Everest Basic Backpack

Kid's Water Bottle

Nothing leads to a meltdown or tantrum like hunger or dehydration. Little ones need regular snacks and water to keep in top form. We recommend providing a kid-friendly water bottle , so they can stay hydrated. You might want to avoid frequent restroom breaks, but, trust us, thirsty kiddos are far more of a travel hindrance than the frequent need to pee.

Thermos FUNtainer

The best masks for kids can help prevent your child from contracting all kinds of germs. Indoor public places increase their risk of transmitting all sorts of viruses that could put a damper on your travel fun. A great mask can make all the difference in getting to your destination illness-free, so everyone is ready for fun.

Kimberly-Clark N95 Pouch

WWDOLL Kid KN95 Face Mask

More Information

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The ultimate packing list for traveling with a baby

Be prepared for just about everything with this tried and tested list.

What to pack when traveling with a baby

What to pack for your baby in a carry-on, free printable baby packing list.

Pre-kids, my husband and I were the people who'd show up at the airport 40 minutes before a flight, breeze through TSA pre-check, refill our water bottles, and walk right onto the plane with our carry-ons.

After I had two children, this strategy pretty much went out the window. It didn't matter if we were going away for one night or two weeks: when we started traveling with a baby , we packed nearly everything we owned. It took four years and countless trips, but I've since perfected the art of flying with a baby .

Ahead, find out exactly what you'll need to pack for a baby.

To make the packing process easier on yourself, start with the BabyCenter-approved list below. You can print it out and make any changes as needed – such as eliminating items your baby has outgrown, adding new things they need, and making adjustments based on the length of your trip and the climate.

It's helpful to start gathering supplies about a week in advance, laundering anything that needs to be cleaned (such as a pack 'n' play sheet), and shopping for used-up supplies (such as travel-sized toiletries).

If you're looking for more guidance, get extra-detailed tips below.

Travel gear

To get your baby from point A to point B, you'll need a few basics.

Travel stroller

If you're running late to catch a flight, it's much easier to push your baby in a lightweight umbrella stroller than to carry them through a long terminal. Some travel strollers are Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved and fold to fit in the carry-on bins on board, but most get gate-checked. Remember to bring the travel bag that came with it to protect the stroller from damage.

Add bag hooks and a stroller caddy (the Colugo Opens a new window one even doubles as a fanny pack), and utilize the under-basket storage. Some travel systems allow you to hook the car seat on top of the stroller, meaning you have one less item to lug around.

While you can rent car seats at your destination, experts highly recommend bringing one with you. "Renting one often comes with challenges, including risking it not being appropriate for age, weight, or height," says Chandani Patel DeZure, M.D. , a pediatrician and BabyCenter Medical Advisor . "In addition, it is safest to fly on an airplane with a baby in a car seat – just make sure the car seat is FAA-approved."

You can also use it for car rides to and from the airport.

Car seat bag

One of the best perks of traveling with a car seat is using a car seat bag, a giant lightweight backpack that fits a car seat. Usually, you can stuff extras – such as a package of diapers, swim floaties, or other odd-shaped items – that won't neatly fit in a suitcase.

Baby carrier

Parents swear by baby carriers for airport travel. I find them most effective for babies under 6 months . (After that, they get heavy!) Just don't baby wear on the plane during take-off or landing, per the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

The same sleep safety rules apply when you travel: Your baby should sleep alone in a crib or bassinet with nothing in it. Borrow a crib, bassinet, or pack 'n' play from your hotel, or try a reputable rental company (such as BabyQuip Opens a new window ).

Consider bringing a SlumberPod Opens a new window , which is a blackout tent that goes over the pack 'n' play. If your baby sleeps best in dark spaces, you can also pack travel blackout curtains or tape black garbage bags over the windows.

Don't leave home without the sleep accessories your baby is familiar with, such as a white noise machine, sleep sack or swaddle, and pacifier.

Breastfeeding, pumping, formula bottles, and solids feeding supplies

Depending on how you're feeding your child, you'll need certain gear. (And if you have a newborn, you'll also want a burp cloth on hand.)

Breastfeeding

Pack a daytime nursing bra, sleeping bra or tank, travel breastfeeding pillow (Boppy makes an excellent one Opens a new window I used on a plane with my then 4-month-old), and any nipple skincare products you use (creams, butters, pads, and the like).

You may also want to bring some sort of shawl to drape over the baby for in-public feeds. (This doubles as a way to keep both of you warm on chilly flights).

I've also traveled with breast pumps – both the Spectra (an electric pump ) and the original Elvie (a wearable pump). If the latter works for you, I highly recommend it as I was able to use it during the flight . You'll also need pump cleaning supplies (such as a brush, soap, drying rack, and on-the-go cleaning wipes), a pumping bra , milk storage bags , and bottles to feed the baby. And don't forget to bring a charger for the pump!

If you plan to freeze any extra milk, bring a freezer bag and ice packs. Frozen breast milk is easier to get through security than fresh milk, which may require testing. Read more about breast milk travel regulations .

Formula feeding

Ensure you're packing enough formula for the trip by measuring what your baby eats in a day and then bringing extra. You'll want more than enough in case of travel delays or spills. For in-flight travel, you can pre-measure formula , and store it in a Ziploc bag or bottle. Bring filtered water, or buy it at the airport to make a bottle in a snap.

You'll also need to bring bottles (I typically bring two), nipples, and bottle washing supplies (like a brush, soap, and drying rack). If your baby prefers warmed milk, you can pack a thermos. For your travel day, fill it with hot water and use that to warm up a bottle on the go. There are also travel bottle warmers .

First and foremost, you'll need to bring enough food for the travel day. (Squeeze pouches are always a great idea.) Additionally, pack kids' silverware ( spoon and fork), grippy plates and bowls, a sippy cup for water, spill-proof snack cups, and food storage containers. We always travel with an easy-to-wipe silicone bib (which also can save an outfit if your baby is a messy eater).

Unless your baby is going to sit on your lap for every meal (which might be miserable for you), you'll need to rent a high chair or bring a fold-up one (like the Bombol pack-up booster Opens a new window , which packs flat).

The easiest way to get a high volume of diapers to your destination is to send a package to the hotel in advance. Otherwise, throw a sleeve or two in the stroller bag or car seat bag (as diapers take up precious space in suitcases) and buy more when you get there.

If you are bringing diapers with you, count how many diapers your baby typically uses in a day. Then add enough for at least one extra day, since you never know how a trip will pan out. Here are some quick calculations, but note that every child is different:

Newborns: eight to 12 diapers per day

2-3 months: eight to 10 diapers per day

3-6 months: seven to nine diapers per day

6-12 months: five to seven diapers per day

You'll also need wipes (throw extra packs in the car seat bag!), a travel changing mat (or disposable changing pads), diaper disposal bags, and diaper creams (Aquaphor, butt paste, etc.). Remember to bring swim diapers if you're going somewhere with a pool or beach.

Clothing, outerwear, and shoes

Little ones, especially newborns, go through multiple outfit changes a day thanks to spit-up, blowouts, and other unexpected events. Pack about two outfits per day and extra pajamas (as the same principles apply overnight). Don't forget socks, shoes if you have a walker, and layers. (Babies get cold and hot quickly.)

If you're headed somewhere tropical, toss in a swimsuit, hat, and UPF clothing. For cooler climates, make sure your baby has cozy sweaters, booties, and a warm hat.

Some hotel rooms only have showers, and if your baby typically washes in a tub, you'll need to get creative. We've used an oversized kitchen sink as a makeshift bathtub, and we've also rented baby tubs or brought an inflatable one. Plan this in advance.

You'll also want to bring travel baby shampoo , body wash, and lotion – especially if your little one is sensitive to fragrance. We've also brought a baby towel and familiar bath toys to help our kids adjust to a new setting.

Health and safety

You won't regret traveling with a baby first aid kit. It can include band-aids, infant pain reliever, any other medicine or prescription ointments your baby uses, a thermometer, insect repellent, and baby-safe sunscreen. Pro tip: Throw in a few vomit bags for potential motion sickness incidents.

Consult with your child's pediatrician with any questions for this packing category.

Entertainment

What you pack comes down to parental and baby preferences. A tablet, preloaded with shows and movies, can be helpful to get through a flight or long car ride. If screentime is not on your agenda, try books, activity pads, coloring books (specifically the "magic marker" ones Opens a new window for less mess), and reusable stickers (great for sticking on plane or car windows).

Once you're there, you might want to have tummy time mats , sand toys , or baby dolls on hand. You can have toys delivered to your hotel from services like BabyQuip Opens a new window , or pack a selection of "surprise" playthings yourself. And don't forget your baby's favorite stuffie or lovey!

You'll never be prepared for all situations, so level-set expectations, but you can still be very prepared for most!

To start, your baby will need a passport if you're traveling internationally .

Also, grab extra diapers (at least a day's worth), a pack of wipes, a travel diaper pad, and diaper creams for mid-flight diaper changes . Pack an extra change of clothes for both you and the baby, because if they're sitting on your lap, any mishaps (spit-up, throw-up, or massive poop) may end up on you, too. Plastic bags – to catch vomit or store stained clothes – also come in handy.

Bring a full day's worth of food and some extra, as well as anything you need for breastfeeding and pumping. If your flight is delayed, you'll be so grateful to have a pump, milk bags, and a cooler on hand. (It's happened to me.)

Add in the first aid kit and meds. Then stuff as many toys as you can in the extra space left.

Print or download our BabyCenter-approved checklist for easier packing when traveling with a baby.

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BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies .

American Academy of Pediatrics. 2023. Tips for Traveling with Young Ones this Holiday Season. https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/health--safety-tips/american-academy-of-pediatrics-tips-for-traveling-with-young-ones-this-holiday-season Opens a new window [Accessed February 2024]

American Academy of Pediatrics. 2023. Safe Sleep. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/safe-sleep/ Opens a new window [Accessed February 2024]

Transportation Security Administration. Undated. Is Breast Milk, Formula and Juice exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule? https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/breast-milk-formula-and-juice-exempt-3-1-1-liquids-rule Opens a new window [Accessed February 2024]

Lauren is a New York-based content director, writer, and brand consultant. She is a #girlmom to a school-age daughter and a toddler.

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The Best Baby Travel Essentials for Your Next Family Trip

All parents know that bringing baby anywhere pretty much guarantees a bag (or two) brimming with gear —and when you’re packing for an extended trip, the prospect of carrying everything around (and remembering it all!) can be daunting. Thankfully, there are plenty of sanity-saving baby travel essentials out there, all designed to lighten your load. From on-the-go changing and feeding accessories to feather-light strollers and packable playards , these trusty products will make any trip more seamless. Below, browse our handy baby travel essentials checklist, then shop our favorites for an array of categories.

Baby Travel Essentials Checklist

Packing for yourself and your little one doesn’t have to be a headache. To make sure you don’t forget any baby travel essentials, keep this checklist handy as you prep:

Travel car seat

Travel stroller

Travel crib

Baby carrier

Portable high chair

Travel diaper bag (and diaper bag essentials , of course!)

Travel changing pad

Wet/dry bag

Portable wipes dispenser (and your favorite wipes )

Diapers (or training pants !)

Travel potty seat (for little ones who are potty training )

Travel white noise machine

Travel nursing pillow (if you’re breastfeeding )

Baby bottles

Insulated food jar

Formula and snack dispenser

Portable baby bathtub (for newborns and younger infants)

Pacifier clip

Travel toys

Baby Travel Essentials To Shop

Missing a few key items, or not sure where to start when it comes to picking out baby travel essentials? We’ve got you covered. Here, check out top-notch travel strollers, portable high chairs, diaper bags, car seat toys and everything else in between so you’re prepped for any and all travel plans.

Best travel car seat

Searching for a top-notch infant travel car seat? You can’t go wrong with this design from Nuna . It’s made from premium materials, has a secure five-point safety harness and can easily be installed with a seatbelt (no base needed!). This car seat is also Aircraft-certified and can be seamlessly connected to any Nuna stroller. Another feature you’ll love: It has a removable, full coverage canopy that’s UPF 50 to keep baby shaded in sunny weather.

Dimensions: 27.25” (L) x 17.5” (W) x 23” (H) | Weighs: 6.9 lbs. | Maximum capacity: 32 pounds

Best travel booster seat

Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120 Booster Car Seat

Traveling with a tot or a kiddo? Don’t forget to bring along a travel booster seat . Our favorite is this design from Peg Perego . It can be adjusted in four different ways to ensure your little love is comfy and safe while en route to your destination. This booster can be installed using just a seatbelt and folds easily for added convenience. When inevitable messes occur, you’ll also love how the cover is machine-washable.

Dimensions: 26” (L) x 22” (W) x 17.25” (H) | Weighs: 14.8 lbs. | Maximum capacity: 120 lbs.

Best travel stroller

Talk about on-the-go: This lightweight travel stroller is just 16 lbs. and meets International Air Travel Association (IATA) requirements, meaning it can be stored in a plane’s overhead compartment. When on the ground, unfold it in seconds and enjoy features like the spacious underseat basket, the protective sun canopy and the advanced four-wheel suspension. Better yet, you don’t have to sacrifice sturdiness for the small size—the stroller can be used from 6 months up to around the four-year mark.

Dimensions: 36.42” (L) x 17.72” (W) x 40.31” (H) | Weighs: 16 lbs. | Maximum capacity: 48.50 pounds

Best travel crib

Wherever you’re headed, making sure baby has a safe place to sleep is a top priority. Thankfully, the Lotus solves that problem. This lightweight travel crib (13 lbs.) folds into a compact carrying case that fits in the overhead compartment and can be worn as a backpack. Once you’ve reached your destination, it sets up in 15 seconds and is super-sturdy for peace of mind. Plus, it doubles as a playard, with a side zip door so baby can crawl in and out.

Dimensions: 45.5” (L) x 31.5” (W) x 25.5” (H) | Weighs: 15 lbs. | Maximum capacity: No weight limit

Best toddler travel bed

Need something a bit more tot-friendly? Then this toddler travel bed will have your (and your kiddo’s) back. Highlights include the sleeping pad, the adjustable sunscreens and the secure anchor straps. This portable bed can be used by little ones between the ages of 6 months and 5 years old, so you can count on it for many outings to come. The best part? It easily folds into the included carry bag when not in use.

Dimensions: 19” (L) x 3.5” (W) x 19” (D) | Weighs: 3.65 lbs. | Maximum capacity: N/A

Best baby carrier

A carrier will let you walk around with baby without having to work hard—and still have the freedom to use both hands. Pro tip: Wearing baby through the airport will let you wheel along your luggage and sail through security without taking baby in and out. A longtime parent-loved brand, Ergobaby stands out for form and function, giving you the option to wear baby in multiple positions.

Dimensions: 6.2” (L) x 9.1” (W) x 10.4” (H) | Weighs: 2.2 lbs. | Maximum capacity: 45 pounds

Best portable high chair

Clip it on, clip it off; this portable high chair creates seating for little ones where there otherwise is none. Suitable for up to 37 pounds, it’s sturdy and durable enough to last through the toddler years. Best of all? It packs flat into the included travel bag. Now comes the hard part: Picking just one of the cute colorways available.

Dimensions: 14” (L) x 17” (W) x 11” (H) | Weighs: 4.96 lbs. | Maximum capacity: 37 lbs.

Best travel diaper bag

Road, train or plane trips with kiddos are what this weekender bag was made for. It weighs only 3 lbs., but don’t let that fool you—there’s plenty of room for your gear, thanks to the convenient mesh packing cubes included and the wipe-open compartment. Need to be hands-free? No problem. Just adjust the strap to turn it into a crossbody. Other highlights include a cushioned changing pad, an insulated bottle pocket and a handy luggage sleeve—score!

Dimensions: 17.5” (L) x 9” (W) x 14” (H) | Weighs: 3 lbs. | Maximum capacity: N/A

Best travel changing pad

Make on-the-go diaper changes a bit less messy with the help of this travel changing pad. No matter where you are, it will offer a hygienic, cushioned surface for baby to lay on while they get cleaned up. We love how this one can be opened with just one hand—plus, it features two storage pockets for diapers and wipes. When you’re all done, fold it flat and tote it in your diaper backpack , your carry-on bag or your suitcase.

Dimensions: 13.8” (L) x 8.4” (W) x 1.6” (H) | Weighs: 7.04 oz. | Maximum capacity: N/A

Best wet/dry bag

What do you do when you’re nowhere near home and you’ve got a handful of dirty cloth diapers and soiled clothes? Grab one of these totes, which separately store wet and dry items in the same bag. Sealed seams prevent wicking and leaking, and a snap handle makes it a breeze to carry.

Dimensions: 12” (L) x .05” (W) x 15” (H) | Weighs: 3.2 oz. | Maximum capacity: N/A

Best portable wipes dispenser

When it comes to on-the-go diaper changes and post-meal cleanups, you’ll likely have your hands full. This is why OXO designed a dispenser that, with a one-handed push of the button, reveals a large opening for easy access to wipes. The handy strap and slim shape mean you can hang it from your stroller or tuck it neatly into your bag. Dimensions: 1.5” (L) x 6.2” (W) x 11.3” (H) | Weighs: 4.9 oz. | Maximum capacity: N/A

Best travel potty seat

Jool Baby Products Folding Travel Potty Toilet Training Seat

Thanks to this cool design, potty training doesn’t have to stop just because you’re out and about. When nature calls, unfold this travel potty seat and place it on any adult-sized toilet to create a smaller, more comfortable seat for your kiddo. Then, simply wipe it clean, fold it back up and place it in the included travel bag.

Dimensions: 13.75” (L) x 11” (W) x 0.75” (H) | Weighs: 12.8 oz. | Maximum capacity: 50 lbs.

Best travel white noise machine

Yogasleep Hushh White Noise Sound Machine

If you’re traveling with a little one who’s still lulled by white noise, this is a must-have. It has all the features you’d want in a sound machine—a variety of white noise and sound options, volume control, long battery life and a lock—all in a compact, highly portable design. There’s even a clip to hang it from baby’s stroller or car seat.

Dimensions: 3.5” (L) x 3.75” (W) x 1.75” (H) | Weighs: 6.72 oz. | Maximum capacity: N/A

Best travel nursing pillow

Nursing pillows are the perfect companion to long breastfeeding sessions—and this one is ideal for on-the-go moms. The unique sling style offers you and baby support, with the distinct advantage of folding into a convenient travel bag, thanks to its slim, lightweight design.

Dimensions: 22” (L) x 3.5” (W) x 5” (H) | Weighs: 1 lb. | Maximum capacity: N/A

Best baby bottle

Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle with Natural Response Nipple

Bottles are essential baby travel gear for families with newborns or infants. Our favorites are these from Phillips Avent, which have natural response nipples that allow baby to control their feeding pace. They also have a no-drip design, making them perfect for taking out and about.

Dimensions: 2.8” (L) x 8.39” (W) x 6.54” (H) | Weighs: 11.04 oz. | Maximum capacity: 9 fl. oz.

Best insulated food jar

If your little one has moved onto solids , this insulated food jar is the perfect way to keep their food fresh while you’re not at home. The container keeps contents warm for seven hours and cold for five—plus, it even comes with built-in utensils for an on-the-move meal.

Dimensions: 3.5” (L) x 4.7” (W) x 3.5” (H) | Weighs: 8.2 oz. | Maximum capacity: 11 fl. oz.

Best formula and snack dispenser

Keep snacktime contained with this handy container. It seals shut for ultimate freshness and is complete with removable inner sections that let you pack different snacks all in one place. What’s more, its convenient spout makes formula storage and transfer a breeze.

Dimensions: 3.94” (L) x 3.94” (W) x 6.10” (H) | Weighs: 3.68 oz. | Maximum capacity: 27 fl. oz.

Best portable baby bath

Baby is practically guaranteed to make a mess wherever you go—but a portable tub will help you deal with the aftermath. This lightweight one by Stokke folds completely flat, so you can easily fit it in your luggage.

Dimensions: 33” (L) x 10” (W) x 20” (H) | Weighs: 9.5 lbs. | Maximum capacity: 46 pounds

Best pacifier clip

Trying to keep a pacifier in baby’s mouth and off the yucky sidewalk (and all other dirty surfaces) can be next to impossible—that is, without a pacifier clip. This one is a traveling parent’s best friend, thanks to its soft (and washable!) design and easy-to-use plastic clip. This pack of six will have you covered for many adventures with baby to come.

Dimensions: 6.3” (L) x 5.43” (W) x 0.71” (H) | Weighs: 1.58 oz. | Maximum capacity: N/A

Best baby travel toy

Last but certainly not least on our list of baby travel essentials is this best-selling car seat toy. Your little one will love how it’s super-soft and features plenty of engaging textures, patterns and activities to explore. On the other hand, you’ll love the convenient clip-on design that keeps it within baby’s reach—perfect for when you’re driving, or traveling in general. It’s easy to see why it has tens of thousands of glowing Amazon reviews !

Dimensions: 5.3” (L) x 2.8” (W) x 11.5” (H) | Weighs: 15.36 oz. | Maximum capacity: N/A

How We Chose the Best Baby Travel Essentials

We get it—parenting requires a lot of gear, and it can be hard to find the best fit for your family every time. To streamline your shopping (and packing) experience, we browsed baby travel essentials from an array of leading baby brands and trusted online retailers. We considered a list of criteria when sourcing products, such as ease of use, weight, size, portability, quality and durability, value, style and, of course, safety. We also read user reviews to understand how these products have worked for real families on the go, and didn’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating. What’s more, we also looked for products that meet IATA requirements or have Aircraft Certification where applicable.

Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here .

Plus, more from The Bump:

12 Awesome Car Seat Toys for Families on the Go

The 5 Best Infant Car Seats

30 Tips to Keep in Mind When Traveling With an Infant

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How to pack — and prepare — for travel with a baby

About to take your first trip with a new baby ? Or maybe this isn't your first time traveling with your little one , but you'd like to pack more efficiently this time around.

It can be hard to know how to prepare and pack when you have a baby in tow. Babies often change so quickly that anticipating their needs can be complicated — especially if you're planning a longer trip.

In addition to typical packing concerns, such as the weather in your destination or luggage size restrictions, it's not always clear what you can carry on or must check when it comes to your infant. Here's our advice to help you prepare, pack and travel better with your baby.

Choose accommodations wisely (and pack accordingly)

If you're traveling by car, you can easily pack a travel crib and other larger baby items.

However, if you're flying, choosing the right accommodation is the key to packing lighter, which is the goal. Toting around an infant is strain enough — staying somewhere that provides baby items means you can leave the extras at home.

Check with your hotel to see if it offers cribs or other baby items, as well as if it provides laundry services or facilities where you can do your own. Some hotels will even provide an extra fridge for milk storage upon request.

Often, a home rental might be a better choice than a hotel, assuming you pick the right one. Airbnb allows you to filter properties by items such as "crib" and "high chair." You can also message hosts to see if they have any other baby-friendly items available.

For example, I recently filtered an Airbnb search in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic to show only rentals that included a crib, high chair, washer and dryer. I ended up picking a rental that included not only the aforementioned items, but also a bottle sterilizer, bottle warmer and a few other infant-friendly items, which allowed me to pack less.

Some rentals I've stayed in even provided baby toys, books and cutlery. The key is communication. Don't hesitate to message and confirm the equipment again with hosts as you pack. You can also request or confirm that everything will be set up and ready for the baby upon your arrival.

Access to a washer and dryer is important since babies tend to have accidents or leaky diapers. Being able to do laundry also lets you pack fewer clothes. Also, if your rental is not a stand-alone house or a unit on the first floor, check that there is an elevator. A five-floor walk-up in a multi-unit building can be difficult with a stroller, shopping bags and baby in your arms.

Call your airline to understand the regulations

Depending on your airline, fare class and destination, you may have to adhere to different rules when it comes to traveling with an infant.

Those regulations can also vary depending on whether you've purchased a lap ticket versus a separate seat for your baby. In almost all cases, airlines allow travelers with an infant to gate-check a stroller or buggy, and some may also allow a car seat. Check with your airline ahead of time to understand baggage rules for your little one to avoid getting caught off guard at the airport or paying extra, especially when flying low-cost carriers like Ryanair or Spirit .

Flying with an infant in a car seat and hoping to bring it on the plane? Make sure it's approved for air travel. You may also want to request a bassinet for your baby, if the aircraft you're flying offers one (check the weight limits, however). Ask for an aisle seat, as it makes standing up with your baby much easier.

Invest in travel-friendly baby items

Having a dedicated (foldable) travel stroller will be useful beyond air travel. It's the perfect item to have when exploring a new city. Other key travel baby items to consider taking along are:

Travel diaper backpack.
Portable changing pad.
Travel car seat.
A bag for a car seat or stroller so these items aren't damaged if checked.
Portable baby monitor.
Baby carrier or wrap.
Swaddle or baby blankets.
Inflatable bathtub .
Pack 'n Play or travel crib.
Travel neck pillow (use it while feeding your baby).
Baby chair strap.
Disposable bottle liners.
Disposable bibs.
Portable blackout shades for travel cribs or strollers.

Purchase (or preorder) diapers, formula and more at your destination

Depending on how long your trip is and where you're headed, calculate (and it's always best to over-calculate) how many diapers you'll need for the trip.

If your baby uses a specific formula or baby food, make sure you know where to buy it at your destination. Amazon and other delivery services can be useful for ordering these items -- and remember, these services are available internationally, too. You can also compare ingredients to see if you can get a similar formula or food at your destination, so you won't have to load up your suitcase with diapers or formula.

Don't worry if you forget baby socks or another basic item. Babies live all over the world, so you'll likely find many basic items available for purchase wherever you are. If your baby requires something specific, though, pack it just in case.

There are also companies that rent baby gear in many destinations around the world. Research ahead of time to find out exactly where and how to obtain these necessary items, especially when traveling abroad .

Carry on the essentials (and extras)

Always pack your baby's key essentials in your carry-on . This includes comfort items like their favorite toy or pacifier, and extra clothes for both your baby and you (in case their wardrobe disaster becomes yours, as well). You should also pack enough food, diapers and other key items to last you through the trip, plus more for any possible delays and/or cancelations.

Here's a list of items you may want to keep in your carry-on bag :

Extra clothing for you and your baby.
Layers of clothing or blankets (plane temperatures are often extreme).
Pacifier and clip (and backup).
Comfort toy(s) or blanket.
Extra diapers.
Breast pump.
Snacks (for you and your baby).
Baby wipes.
Sanitizing wipes.
Extra bibs.
Ziploc bags for stowing soiled clothing (or a reusable, waterproof bag).
Baby Tylenol or any infant medications.
A basic first aid kit.
Small toy(s).

The rest of your baby's items, like additional clothing, blankets and more, can go in your checked bag. If you're checking more than one bag, split your baby's items among different checked suitcases. That way you'll be covered if the airline loses one of your suitcases.

Know the security regulations and have a backup plan

On a recent call to Iberia Airlines , I was told I could bring "reasonable quantities" of formula and breast milk through security. However, the representative also told me that in some cases during security checks, certain agents might not allow me to pass these items through security at the Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) . What?

Not all security checks, Transportation Security Administration agents or customs agents are alike, and each country, airport or airline may have specific regulations. Call ahead of time and prepare for things to not go as planned. If you do use formula, take your bottles already mixed, but also bring extra powder in case you need to prepare new bottles on board.

If you're pumping, it might also be a good idea to bring both a hand pump and an electric pump in case you have limited access to electricity or encounter issues with electrical outlets or voltage when traveling internationally.

Arriving at the airport early is always a good idea, because you may not breeze through security as you might have in your pre-baby days. Everything takes longer with an infant, so having that extra time can ensure a low stress travel experience. Take advantage and board the airplane first to give you extra time to get settled. If your airport has a family security line, use it.

Make sure you understand any remaining COVID-19 regulations

As mask rules and COVID-19 testing, entry and vaccine regulations continue to evolve in countries around the world, stay on top of exactly what you need to know and bring for your baby to get to your destination (and back home again). It's important to understand whether you'll need masks for your 2-year-old or need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 tests upon arrival at your destination or re-entry into the U.S. when traveling abroad.

Remember that airline staff members also struggle to keep track of ever-changing rules, so if you know something has recently changed or a rule seems specific, make sure to bring along proof of this information and whatever documentation you need in case you have trouble when boarding.

Photocopy important documents and always have extras. I loathe having to take paper documents along when traveling. However, having them may mean the difference between getting through customs, being able to board or being stranded at the airport. This is especially true if your phone battery dies or you're left without service for any reason. While being denied boarding is always dramatic, it's even worse with a baby in tow.

Download the right apps

Mobile phone apps can help you anticipate what you need, as well as keep your baby (and yourself) comfortable during travel.

A white noise app is key for better sleep for your baby — and therefore better sleep for parents — and allows you to leave a white noise machine home. Nightlight apps are also helpful during travel.

You can also connect most modern baby monitors to your phone and use an app to access the video of your baby so you won't need a separate viewing device.

Parents may find an app to track sleeping and feeding especially helpful during travel, particularly when switching time zones. A general packing app could help you keep track of what you need to bring for your infant, as well as the entire family. Make sure these apps are accessible offline if you need them while flying.

Don't forget their passport

This one is obvious, but you'd be surprised. Don't forget your baby's passport when traveling.

Look into identity and consent documents, as each country has its own requirements, especially if your partner isn't with you. If you have any older children, make sure to check that their passports are valid, as children's U.S. passports expire in just five years.

Traveling with a baby might seem like a lot. However, once you get the hang of it, packing, prepping and traveling with your infant becomes second nature. Ask for help when you need it and accept help when offered.

And when things don't go quite right, stay relaxed (remember, baby can feel your moods) — you'll figure it out. While it may seem tragic in the moment (like that major diaper blowout on board a plane), it will be an epic story to share one day.

Bottom line

When in doubt, bring enough baby supplies for a few extra days or a flight delay, but don't overpack. Make sure to be clear on any and all regulations that will cover your travel, from having the right documents to understanding what baby items you can bring through airport security . With these tips, packing and traveling will be a more enjoyable experience for the entire family .

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28 Best Baby Travel Accessories in 2024 (from Real Parents!)

Written by Becca

Updated on April 17th, 2024

From road trips to flying, what are the must-have accessories and products for baby travel? See the top recommended gear ideas in strollers, carriers, sleep and feeding.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Best Travel Accessories for Babies

Travel Stroller
Baby-wearing during travel
Travel diaper bags
Travel feeding products for a baby
International baby travel essentials
Miscellaneous baby travel accessories

The first time we traveled with our baby, we couldn’t believe how much “stuff” we needed to pack. We needed baby stuff for taking walks, and baby stuff for a flight, and baby stuff for a road trip and baby stuff for feeding.

To find out about what young parents recommend for trips with babies, I polled my friends and collected the best of the baby products that they pack for trips. In this list, find those suggestions, along with the travel products that have performed well for us when we travel with our child.

Here are tried and true must-haves for traveling with a little one, organized by category.

Travel Stroller

Wow, there sure are a lot of travel strollers to choose from. Here are some of the ones I and my “mom friends” really have, along with what they think about them

UPPAbaby Minu Travel Stroller

We chose to get the UPPAbaby Minu travel stroller for ease of use with our car seat and larger Vista stroller from UPPAbaby. As I mention in my UPPAbaby Minu Travel Stroller review , the Minu stroller is NOT the lightest and smallest of the options out there, but we like it for flying, as well as road trips with a baby .

However, it is great quality, and it survived being packed in its UPPAbaby travel bag and gate-checked, the first time with flew with it to Halifax, Canada . Folded up, it fit great in the trunk of our compact rental car for our day trips from Halifax . We were able to get the car seat adapters so that we could pop our UPPAbaby Mesa car seat right into the Minu frame.

Shop my pick

We appreciate that it folds down and pops back up with just one motion. We also think it’s a great size for our baby growing into a toddler and using this stroller well into her early years.

Doona Travel Stroller and Car Seat

Both my friends Melissa AND Cait say to bring along the Doona stroller on any type of trip, and it is highly popular. The Doona can be installed as a car seat for an infant on a plane, so many parents choose it for flying with a baby for the first time .

Basically, the Doona goes from “car seat” to “stroller” in just a few seconds. The ENTIRE stroller frame folds down within the car seat, so you’re ready to go with strollering from being in the car. You’ll also see that parents love the Doona while being on the go in big cities, like taking a baby to NYC .

Doona Travel Stroller

The Doona is a revolutionary car-seat-to-stroller travel product approved for aircraft travel!

Zoe Jogger City Tour 2

My friend Sam recommends the compact Zoe stroller for travel , which is called the Baby Jogger City Tour 2. It’s ultra-compact, durable and lightweight, with a one-step fold. It’s easy enough to fold with one arm while you’re carrying a baby in the other!

This stroller weighs only 14 lbs. and folds up into a neat shape for transportation. The travel bag comes included.

Baby-wearing during travel

I never thought I’d be a mom who “wore” her baby! I think a baby carrier is an absolute essential for trips. I used a baby carrier in the airport for our first flight with our baby, as well as during hikes on one of our road trips, and walking around cities during our travels.

Here are some personal recommendations, and for more, check out a list I wrote with my friend Rachel about the best baby carriers for traveling .

Shop the best baby carriers for travel

Baby Tula Carrier Lite

This brilliant baby travel product is a lightweight nylon carrier that folds up into a fanny pack for travel days.

This is a wrap-style carrier that can be used from infant to toddler. It packs down small like fabric in your bags.

I can’t say enough good things about my Baby Tula Carrier Lite . It’s the most compact and travel-sized baby carrier I’ve seen, yet it’s fully supportive (for children under 30 lbs.). I used it every day on our Canada trip, for getting our daughter into a nap while on the go, to boarding and deplaning our flights. It’s incredibly lightweight and folds up into a fanny pack that you can wear on travel days. I think it’s a brilliant product that I’ve recommended to so many parents.

If you’re taking a road trip and have space to spare, I recommend a more cushioned baby carrier. See my Baby Tula Explore carrier review to learn about another option!

The Moby Wrap is my friend Jamie’s favorite baby carrier for travel days. She notes that this one depends on the baby’s age. It might be better for small babies who like to be kept inward-facing close to a parent, and it can be great for naps while on the go. The soft and stretchy fabric folds into your luggage just like clothes.

Travel diaper bags

It took a while for us to find diaper bags for travel that really let us feel in the groove, as parents. For now, these two below are our top picks for road trips and flying.

Nike Convertible Diaper Bag

The Nike Convertible Diaper Bag works great for us because it doesn’t look like a diaper bag. It looks like a gym bag that’s cool for either Mom or Dad to bring around. We like the top tote-style opening and the three ways to wear: backpack, shoulder bag or tote bag (with the handles). It has features like tons of pockets inside for snacks and bottles, a Nike pacifier holder that snaps onto the exterior and a Nike bottle cooler!

I talk more about it at our Nike Diaper Bag review , with more photos.

Shop my picks

The Nike Diaper Bag is totally unisex, and disguises itself as a gym bag. Inside it’s spacious and has room for all the diaper bag essentials.

Kibou Diaper Bag Fanny Pack

I brought the Kibou bag on every trip we took with our baby as soon as I got it. I think it’s such a smart product for parents, and it’s the only diaper bag you’ll be able to fit in a tiny airplane bathroom!

I brought the Kibou all through the airport and used the fold-out changing pad with my diaper essentials stashed inside. It is cool for Mom or Dad to wear, and comes in lots of nice colors in vegan leather. You will want it for doing a diaper change on a plane .

An essential for every day and for being on a trip, the Kibou fanny pack diaper bag is a minimalist changing bag that’s comfortable, modern and super useful.

Check out more photos at my Kibou Fanny Pack Diaper Bag review .

Travel feeding products for a baby

I’ve written at length about how to feed a baby while traveling because there seem to be quite a few helpful products required. Whether you are breastfeeding, formula feeding or have a baby already eating solids, here are some accessories to consider for traveling!

Formula Dispenser Combo Dispenser

This travel-sized handy formula-feeding accessory that my sister uses has an 8-ounce capacity and makes bottle-feeding easy while on the go.

Hakka (Travel-Sized) Hand Pump

My friend Rachel says to bring a Hakka, for breastfeeding mothers. A silicone hand pump like this comes in a travel-sized version that I’ve used, and it’s squishy silicone, fitting in a diaper bag or in luggage with limited space.

Snack Wheel / Snack Spinner

Recommended by my friend Shira, this “snack wheel” has different compartments that fit 1/4 cups of solid food. It’s convenient and leak-proof, great for road trips and flights.

There are SO many accessories you can bring on a plane with your little one to make the time pass and to make the experience acceptable. Check out the recommendations from my friends and family below, and for all other ideas, check out my best tips for flying with a baby !

Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat

Recommended by my friend Daniela, this car seat is certified for use on an aircraft and holds a child from 5 to 40 lbs.

Suction cup spinning toys

Pass the time on a flight with a baby with these spinning toys that suction to the airplane window, or the seat tray! These are my cousin Andrea’s idea and she took them on a flight with her baby.

Lightweight blanket

This idea comes from my sister Lily, who flew with her 5-month-old and said having a blanket is handy for if the flight gets cold, or to use as a darker canopy on a sleeping child during the flight.

“Unfamiliar toys”

My friend Rachel says for a flight, bring random unfamiliar toys that are new and novel for your little one. This is a great trick! It means being on the flight and introducing a brand new toy that creates excitement like any time your little one sees something new. Remember to bring flight-friendly items like busy books or sensory toys .

If you have read my list of tips for sleeping in a hotel room with a baby , you know that the whole family’s sleep during a trip is a big deal for me. See the baby sleep essentials that are crucial for how to get better sleep during travel .

Travel Crib

We tried out the Guava Lotus Crib and compared it to similar brands’ cribs like the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib . It’s lightweight, modern and safe, and folds up compactly into a backpack that I can wear through the airport before checking it as a bag.

You can see all the step-by-step fold-out and pack-up photos in my Guava Lotus travel crib review .

Guava Lotus Travel Crib

This travel crib packs down into a backpack-style carrying case, and is lightweight, attractive and quick to set up.

Travel sound machine

My friend Daniela is very good at traveling with her baby, who is now a toddler . She recommends having a travel sound machine , and I recommend it, too! We’ve used a travel sound machine for nap time and night time in Airbnbs and hotels.

Yogasleep Travel Sound Machine

We like how small this travel sound machine is, and the sound quality is pretty good, too. Always make sure it’s charged!

Nanit Pro Baby Monitor

Daniela recommends the Nanit monitor as one to bring with you on vacation. This baby monitor was really made for being on the go — you can stow it away in a large purse with its carrying case for travel (so cool). Many parents recommend this baby monitor for families who travel often.

Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor & Flex Stand

The Nanit baby monitor works via a phone app, so you can eliminate having to travel with a monitor screen.

Slumberpod Blackout Canopy

My friend Ariella, as well as baby travel sleep expert Daniela, recommends the Slumberpod as a sanity-saving product during travel with a baby. The Slumberpod is like a blackout tent that you can pop up in a hotel room or Airbnb, whether you’re sleeping in the same room as your child, or not. It creates a dark environment and the baby’s own “space,” which can make new places feel more familiar.

Slumberpod Blackout Tent

The Slumberpod fits over cribs and mini travel cribs to create a blackout sleep canopy for a baby or toddler. It makes sleeping in the same room as a baby possible.

International baby travel essentials

If you’ve traveled internationally without a baby, you know that there are some things that are just better to bring from home! Here are some must-have products to bring for traveling with a baby outside the country, from our experiences and from parents who’ve done international travel with an infant.

Metal Seatbelt Lock

My friend Cait told me that in Europe, the seatbelts don’t lock when you pull them all the way out! So, she bought a seatbelt clip product that holds the seatbelt in place in order to use an American infant car seat in a European car or taxi. She had no idea that they needed this until they arrived in Italy, and couldn’t get the seatbelt to “lock.” This gadget saved the day for their son’s safety.

Infant thermometer & medicines

When we traveled to Canada , our daughter ran a fever the first day. We wound up having to go to a local pharmacy, only to get a baby thermometer in Celsius degrees! A baby thermometer was the one thing we forgot to bring from home, although I had remembered to pack Infant Tylenol that we were really glad we had.

My recommendation is to bring your tried and tested medications and thermometer from home, so that you know they work and that your child does not have any adverse reactions to them. Having medical essentials from home, especially in your native language and Fahrenheit (if you’re American) is crucial when you’re under stress.

Shop the picks

This seatbelt lock helps with setting up a baby’s car seat in a taxi or car in other countries.

Digital Baby Thermometer

Travel with a three-way-use thermometer for unexpected health scenarios while on the road.

Miscellaneous baby travel accessories

There are a few bonus items of all sorts that could be useful during a trip with a baby. See the ideas from my friends below.

Travel baby bath

My friend Daniela has bathed her child using this inflatable baby bath that many parents consider an essential when away from home. It’s portable and foldable, which makes traveling with it quite simple. It can be used in a hotel or vacation rental shower or bath tub.

Baby item clips

For being on the go, the last thing you want is to lose something. Bringing “items with clips,” according to my friend Jesse, is smart. This includes pacifiers or teething rings on clips , mittens with clips and toys attached to leashes for a stroller bar . Here are a few ideas that we’re currently using:

Pacifier and Teether Clips

We used these clips from Babygoal for months on end, for pacifiers, teething rings and whatever else needed to be clipped to our child during travel days.

Baby mitten clips

To avoid having a single lost mitten while traveling in a winter destination, use mitten clips for keeping gloves attached to jackets.

Stroller and car seat toy straps

I wish I knew about these sooner: leashes for attaching toys, bottles or teethers to a stroller bar or car seat.

Painter’s tape

Yes, you read that right: three of my friends have recommended bringing painter’s tape for traveling with a baby for various reasons. My friend Bona (who was featured in my list of family-friendly places to travel ) says to use painter’s tape for anything you can think of: “Label stuff, cover up any lights from any source, tape up trash bags as ad hoc blackout curtains, and more!”

Painter’s tape can be used on a flight for a baby to play with.

Travel potty seat

Daniela now has a potty-trained toddler, and while this isn’t necessarily a baby item, it’s so brilliant that I can’t leave it out of this list. Check out how this toddler-sized potty seat folds up into a carrying bag. Incredible for travel days.

Travel potty

This potty seat turns any adult-sized toilet into one that a toddler can use! It folds up so that it can even fit in your diaper bag or luggage.

A grandparent

My friend Jordan says to bring a grandparent as one of the best things you can bring along for travel ( wink ). It’s true: having an extra set of hands, or two extra sets, with bringing along two grandparents, grants Mom and Dad some alone time during a trip. I know plenty of friends who’ve traveled with some of their child’s grandparents in order to have more adults available to help take care of a baby far from home.

Melissa says: “Bring a nanny.” If you already have a live-in au pair, or a full-time nanny, why not bring them along to have some extra help? Having your nanny with you on a trip may make sense if you have two or more kids, and can ease the idea of splitting up if an adult wants to stay back with a baby and some smaller children want to do an activity.

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Carry-On Packing List for Flying with Babies & Toddlers

A baby and toddler carry-on packing list is essential. Trust us, you want to have these things handy!

Printable version: have baby will travel carry-on packing list.

This baby and toddler carry-on packing list may seem excessive. But, if you’re flying with a baby or toddler, needing something and not having access to it would be awful. And airports and airplanes do not have great selections of baby products on hand.

If you split the contents between the usual three bags of carry-on luggage by most airlines for two adults and a lap baby, you should be able to avoid needing a mule to carry everything 🙂

And as with our Mother of all Packing Lists , depending on the age of your baby and your travel plans, you won’t necessarily have to bring everything on this list. But having a comprehensive baby and toddler carry-on packing list ensures you won’t forget anything essential.

carry-on packing list, baby travel packing list, baby packing list, baby travel checklist

Baby & Toddler Carry-On Packing List:

Divided among all carry-on bags and diaper bag:.

Printed travel itinerary (flights/accommodation/contact information)
Passports & other ID
Consent form if both parents are not traveling
Credit cards and money
Travel insurance information
Smartphone & charger
Tablet or laptop & charger, headphones
Camera & charger
Prescription medications
Baby’s ‘Woobie’ or special blanket or toy (guard this with your life!)
1 diaper per every hour of your journey
Wipes, wipes & more wipes (diaper wipes)
2 changes of clothes for baby
At least 1 change of clothes for you
Plastic bags to hold aforementioned possible laundry
Snacks for you and for baby
Food for baby – at least two more meals than you think you’ll need
Formula or milk for baby – at least 2 more feeds than you think you’ll need
Clean bottles or sippy cups
Breast pump & accessories (if you’re pumping)
Extra pacifiers (if baby takes them)
Disinfecting wipes

2 one-litre zippered plastic bags for you and adult travel partner containing:

toothpaste (travel-sized)
mouthwash (travel-sized)
hand sanitizer (travel-sized)
moisturizer (travel-sized)
liquid dish soap (travel-sized)
deodorant (travel-sized)
shampoo (travel-sized)
conditioner (travel-sized)
disinfecting liquid, like alcohol or peroxide (travel-sized)
small tube antibiotic ointment
toothbrushes
a few cotton swabs
fabric bandages

1 one-litre zippered plastic bag for baby containing:

liquid baby antihistamine
liquid baby acetaminophen
baby wash (travel-sized)
baby moisturizer (travel-sized)
diaper cream (travel-sized)
baby sunscreen (travel-sized)
baby laundry soap (travel-sized)
a few oral rehydration freeze pops (unfrozen)

Buy the Baby Travel Kit with TSA-approved bags and toiletries at Amazon

I know, I know, this carry-on packing list seems like A LOT OF STUFF.

But, split amongst 2 ½ of you in easy-to-carry (or pull) carry-on baggage, it’s totally doable.

We’ve taken a gazillion flights with our kids and never once have I had to regret not bringing something when we were mid-flight or stuck in a delay. One of our delays was four hours, and I know that’s lucky.

Travel regulations limit the amount of liquid you can bring through airport security. But if you’re traveling with a child under two, you are exempt from those limits (within reason). We’ve had no trouble with our kids’ milk, formula, food, and medicines. We keep it in the original packaging and separate it from the rest of our things.

Lastly, all of the travel-sized toiletries and baby’s mini-pharmacy mentioned above should fit in your one-litre zippered plastic bags. Ours did.

Happy Travels!

Have Baby Will Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program . If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission. Click here to check out our Amazon Store .

*Image courtesy Michelle Spollen/Unsplash

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73 Responses to Carry-On Packing List for Flying with Babies & Toddlers

Yikes! That list is a little overwhelming but I can see where it’s all necessary. My husband and I have flown with the baby before, but in a few weeks I’ll be embarking on my first solo flight with the one-year-old. I have a question for parents who have flown alone with their little ones on a long flight — How do you go to the bathroom?

Can your 1-yr-old stand? I’ve gone to the washroom with a baby who’s able to stand and just kind of hang on to them as you do what you gotta do. Everyone gets thoroughly washed hands afterwards! You could also try a front carrier – but take extra caution when it comes to your balance, as my 1-yr-olds were 25lbs+!

What do I need to bring with my 6month old that breastfeeds and a 2year old on a plane. Other then clothes and shoes

Make sure you have lots of snacks for your toddler!

Will you have a stroller? Strap your little one in and use a handicap stall!

I’ve flown with my infant more times than I can count, and they were solo flights. Go to the restroom very carefully! lol. I flew solo with my 8 month old and had to pee. He couldnt stand and I had no one to hold him. I kind of held him in one hand, used the other to deal with business. Did I mention this happened during turbulence. It was a stressful couple of minutes hoping I wouldnt pee on myself or drop him but you have to do what you have to do! I wouldnt assume this, but on one flight the flight attendants carried him around, almost like showing him the plane. I’ve also had other mothers sitting next to me who have been through it before and they’ve offered to hold the baby so I could either fish something out of the diaper bag, etc etc.

I’ve been there, Nikki! We moms certainly can do a lot when holding a baby 🙂

Thanks for posting this nikki! I will be flying with my 7-month old baby next month and was wondering how was I supposed to pee!! I guess, moms can do it all! How did you manage bringing your baby, luggage, carry-on, diaper bag and stroller??!! and how did you make your baby sleep? The airline won’t give me a bassinet and it is a 6-hour flight at night.

So I have traveled with my little one when he was 3 months, and then when he was 6 months and now that he he is one we are going again. I think the best advice to give is… be organized! Make sure you have a pocket for everything. Use the stroller as long as you can and pack it full of all the bags and extras to walk through the airport. When you are on the plane make sure you have the blanket or the must have for comfort (pacifier, toy). I used a carrier in the past but he will not have it now. He wants to be free. He did in the past sleep the whole time and the flight attendant gave me water when I asked for it right when I sat down. This is important if you need it for formula b/c it helps with their ears. For my little one I will have a cartoon or movie on the tablet. he is really into the videos. But ORGANIZATION is key. If you know where it is then you can get it faster and you feel like you have more control. Hope this helps.

a carrier (ergo) or something similar will free up your two arms to be able to bring everything and will potentially help put baby to sleep on the plane.

Practice makes it perfect ;). I have done it so many times, holding baby in one arm and using other to do your business. Tiny restroom in the airplane makes it harder but it is still doable.

Love your site!! This list is soo helpful. I’ll be travelling to my 8month old son next week. I was so confused about what to carry on my carry on. You’re a life saver. Thank you Corinne.

Thank you for the kind words, Maisha–have a wonderful trip!

When you have have to pee I’d suggest asking a mom next next to you to watch him if they’re friendly.Also, try to use the bathroom when your 8 month old is sleeping then it’ll be easier for the person to watch him. I know it’s not that much of a good idea but honestly I always travel with my husband and family who are old enough to watch the baby, thank goodness so I don’t have any experience about that

With the little one. Sad but true. Wear something you can pull up and down with one hand or better yet take them into the potty room strapped onto you in their carrier. What else are you gonna do hand them to a stranger?

I flew with 8 month old twins. I asked the cabin if anyone could hold a baby for a moment and it turns out there was an entire tour group of grandmothers a few rows back. My babies were cuddled the whole 8 hours, fed, everything and I got to rest my weary arms. I still had to change diapers though. There are limits to kindness of strange grandmothers. My girls are now seven and I STILL use this packing list as guide.

I love this story, Leigh. Thanks so much for sharing (and for your kind words :))

I peed with my baby still in the carrier. Did it take some skill? Yes. Worth it to not have them touching anything? Also yes.

I’d like to suggest two more things – saline solution and a nasal aspirator – especially on long flights. Oh, and another one – a hoodie or a sweater in case the plane gets too cold for the baby. We’re about to embark on a 24 hour trip here, so I’m thinking of all the things my baby may need! Thanks for this blog, btw. SO HELPFUL!!!

Thank you, Kristine – those are great suggestions! I do actually suggest to dress babies in layers in … I wonder if I should cross-reference the post somehow?

I also would suggest this little gadget called ear-ease.(or something similar). it’s wonderful for earache releif on flights (i’ve never had to use it yet, thank goodness, but i lent it to a very grateful mom with a screaming baby on a 9 hour flight once). And for the mother of all packing lists, I would suggest a travel sized portable nebulizer, sounds wierd but I dont go anywhere without it, and even take it as carry on. On a trip to miami (from brazil where we live) my daughter started weezing in the middle of the night and I used it immediately. When i took her to the pediatrician the next day we found out it was croup and if we hadnt done that we would have ended up in the ER. But even in nonextreme cases, it works great for regular cold congestion and allergy issues… Love your site, had never been on here before, glad I found you!

Thanks, Thaby – those are great ideas!

I wonder if I should create a separate list for those traveling with babies and children with health issues and/or allergies? I would never have thought of the nebulizer but my nephew has asthma and uses it quite often.

Good list. I have twin boys who are now 3 and having things organized made the biggest difference when I was traveling with them. We used packing cubes from Motodori to help separate all the different items including inside the diaper bag and carryon luggage on a recent flight to Utah from California. These made a huge difference and provided much needed organization to a typically chaotic situation.

Very comprehensive and complete list for travel. If it’s a road trip, then instead of the plane tickets, add one extra pair of car keys to the list.

Question about the Consent Form if both parents are not traveling. Does it need to be notarized? Seems like an overkill unless someone had a bad experience regarding this. Appreciate the effort to put together this list! Thanks!

Thanks, Sachin! I agree about the notarization seeming like overkill. Apparently in the US it’s a lot easier to get that done. I just travel with a neatly typed note that we both sign, and haven’t had any issues. If you’re going to do a lot of solo travel with your baby, you can get a general note notarized that’s valid for a year – might be worth it for lots of travel, especially to the US. Hope that helps!

Hellio I am travelling with our daughter who will be 3 at the time, I am wondering if I should get one carryone for the both of us to keep everyting together or should I get a separte carry on for her? Thanks for any advice.

Hi Kayla! Your daughter is old enough now to pull her own bag that she packs herself (supervised by you, of course!) Just in case she tires of pulling it, though, make sure it has a shoulder strap so you can lug it if need be. Have a great trip!

Excellent list! It looks overwhelming at first but everything is on there for a reason. It’s easy to forget one (or more!) things when you have kids and are traveling a lot. I have bookmarked this list!

This list has some important things one should remember to pack when flying with an infant!

I’m planning a solo trip with my daughter who will be 18 months at that time. I’m concerned over this note from both parents that you’ve mentioned. My daughters father passed away a few months ago and she has his last name, not mine. Is this going to be a problem in my vacation planning?

Hi! Loving this list, am planning a solo flight soon with 4.5yo & 20mo, 4.5 will have her own seat, 20mo will be in my knee. I’ll be bringing stroller with me and wondering would you suggest: 2 cabin bags and fit in all our stuff for 5 days or 1 checked bag & 1 cabin bag? I’m thinking I won’t manage a checked bag as I’ll have it, stroller & another child so not enough hands?? But with 2 cabin bags my 4yo can wheel hers & I can put mine on my back while pushing the stroller? Also a question about a not from other parent, my partner doesn’t like the sun so is happy for me & the kids to go away for 5 days, do I need a consent letter? We’re not married but both kids have double barrelled surnames on their passports? Thank you!

Hi Sarah! Bring a letter just to be on the safe side. I had my hand slapped once for not having one and only now just realized how lucky I am he let me through. I have traveled in a very similar situation with our kids at similar ages, and I did check a suitcase since travelling light is not in my genes. Luckily my stroller was easy enough to manage so I could push with one hand and pull the suitcase with the other. My daughter had just turned five and was pretty good about pulling her carry-on, although I did end up lugging that as well once the suitcase was checked 😉 Good luck and have a great trip!

This is an awesome list! Reading it confirms that if your a mommy you can never be too prepared .. I have a question. We will be flying with our 8 month old and I know that my husband and I will need an id but will we need one for the baby?

Hi Jacqueline! Depending on where you are going, you might need a passport for baby. Even if flying domestic, it’s a good idea to have their birth certificate handy. Have a great flight!

I am a foster parent traveling for the first time with a 5 month old and a 4 yr old. I have my court papers showing I have custody but my husband will not be with me. Should I have a note from him just to be safe?

Hi. I’m gonna travel with my 7 month old on a 24 hour duration. Will there be hot water in flight to mix formula or if we need to take sealed water bottle is there any specific brand

Hi Anitha! You should be fine with any bottled water. Prior to your trip, try to get your baby used to room temperature formula, to save the hassle of heating. The flight attendants might be able to help you with heating the bottle, depending on your airline. Have a great flight!!

I’ll be travelling on a 20hr flight with my 8mo old son 2 wks from now. My husband can’t come with us so my mom will accompany us. My mom will be packing her stuffs separately from my & my son’s stuffs. So handcarry-wise, it’s like i’m flying solo with my kid. Your list would be for a diaper bag PLUS a cabin size luggage, right? Or do i cram all those in the carry on luggage? Stressing out already on how and what to pack!

Hi Janis! This list is for most airlines’ policy of one carry-on bag AND one diaper bag allotted for a lap infant. Double check with your airline to see what they allow. So great that your mom can travel with you!

Hello, we’re going to travel to Cancun with my 1 year old on laps. We didnt pay for the seat for him but we did pay the tax (for international flight). I know that we can check in one stroller and carry on one diaper bag, but do they allow 1 free carry on for my toddler too ? I’ll be travel with United airline. Thanks a lot.

Hi Kristy! Did you purchase your toddler a seat? You will need to double check directly with the airline. Thanks!

The 2 times I traveled out of country I was allowed a 10-15 lb bag that could be checked for free with my lap baby, but again check with airline carrier.

How was your trip to Cancun. I am traveling soon a long with my 1 year old on laps with United. Do you have any recommendation? Thanks.

Hi I’m wondering what the oral rehydration unfrozen freezer pops are for? Is it just for them to drink for rehydration from flying? Thanks.

Hi Candice! Just in case your baby vomits or has diarrhea–they may need the electrolytes from the oral hydration pops that water or juice can’t provide. Plus they’re sweet, so fussy babies or toddlers will usually take them 🙂

I will be traveling with my 4 month old and 28 month old by myself in 1 week. I have tried to plan things out as best as I can, and actually did a test run of pushing carry-on with stroller in driveway, but am very concerned about getting 2 checked bags, 1 carry on, 1 diaper bag, 2 car seats, 1 stroller, and 2 children to the check-in desk from the shuttle service with only 2 hands…I plan on strapping my 4 month old on with Boba wrap, hanging his car seat from the side of my BOB stroller with a big clip, strapping the 28 month old in the stroller, pushing my carry-on through the airport, but am at a loss trying to also push the other two checked bags as well as the toddlers car seat to the counter. I read a tutorial about strapping the car seat to the checked luggage, but other than that i still need two more hands! :S Any suggestions?

Hi Rochelle! I have done what you are doing but with one less checked bag. It was not easy! Possible to get a larger suitcase to replace the two checked ones, or even bungee them together to roll? Backpack diaper bag + shoulder strap carry on, or maybe invest in a double stroller that you can travel with and wear baby while using unoccupied side of double for car seat/suitcase? Does any of these ideas help? I may post your query on my FB page if that’s ok?

Hello, are we allowed to bring calpol (paracetamol) for the baby on board with us ? Thank you

Yes, absolutely. Keep it with your other baby care items.

I am so excited about this list! We are traveling to Portugal with our little one (she will 11 months right before we return). I am so nervous! We are staying with family which helps a bit! (no car seat/crib to travel with!) my husband is a very nervous flier and I am just nervous in general! I have printed this list and I am obsessively checking it and the “mother of all packing lists” to ensure I have everything I need!!

Thanks, Amanda–have a great trip!

Hi! Planning on flying with my 4 month old. For formula, have you brought in liquid formula or do you always bring powder and mix it after TSA checks? Thanks! I am so happy I found your blog, it’s great!

You can probably bring along liquid formula, but it would have to be unopened. It’s pretty heavy, so I personally chose to use the powder just to save the weight.

This is brilliant, makes life so much easier! I have also found that i need to make sure I pack outfits for both cool and warm temperature as you just never know! I can see you love your ziplock bags haha!

Flying with an infant is both fun and challenging. It’s great to have a comprehensive packing list that makes traveling easier.

Essential things for all moms. Baby carrying is important things when you are going to travel and touring. It is easy to carry your kids and comfortably visiting. It is useful things when you’re going on an abroad. Much more needed for women traveler.

Great list! Worth printing in preparation for a long trip:)

Travelling to Disney from Australia next year with a 15 month old. I will have one checked bag with all our stuff plus the cabin baggage. Any suggestions for cabin baggage? Will another wheely suitcase be too hard, possibly a backpack instead and then my handbag?

Great post! Will help me to pack properly for my next flight.

I was wondering about the number of diapers I should bring. One per hour sounds just about right. It’s important to remember that you are definitely going to spend around 10 hours total of traveling for a 7-hour flight.

Hello! I have a quick question. Traveling with my little one soon. why would you pack unfrozen oral rehydration freeze pops? I have some so I was just curious!

Just to have on hand in case you need them. Stuff like that is not always available where you’re traveling. I am a classic overpacker!

I love road trips and I always miss to take something important, which I realize half the way into the trip. The list in this article is very handy. It looks like this was written long back but the list is valid till date. Thank you!

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11 Best Strollers for Travel in 2024

Whether you're going to grandma's or Disney World, we've got wheels that will make taking your kid a breeze.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have reviewed over 30 strollers over the course of the past five years and for this story, we pulled ones that can fit in tiny spaces (some, in the airplane overhead) and ranked the ease of carting around and stowing each stroller.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Travel Stroller

Bugaboo butterfly.

Best Value Travel Stroller

Summer infant 3d mini.

Best Lightweight Travel Stroller

Baby jogger city tour 2.

Best Travel Stroller for a Newborn

Doona car seat to stroller.

Best Travel Stroller for Flying

Colugo the compact.

Best Compact Travel Stroller

Munchkin sparrow.

Best Travel Stroller That Holds An Infant Car Seat

Uppababy minu v2.

Best Double Travel Stroller

Zoe the twin+.

Best Umbrella Stroller for Travel

Chicco liteway.

Best Travel Stroller for Frequent Travelers

Whether you want your travel stroller to last for years or just need one inexpensive set of wheels to get you through a specific journey, there is something for you on this list, and something for any kid from birth to age 6 (plus a double stroller , if you're taking two). A lightweight stroller will help you tackle the toddler years with your sanity intact. Plus, these travel strollers have an additional focus on being compact and folding quickly (we gave them all a try!) so you can move like a travel ninja.

At the end of our story we've got a shopping guide that can help you narrow down which features are most important to you, along with more on how we test strollers. And if you bring baby with you on your morning run, consult our guide to the best jogging strollers .

We called this a "first-rate folding stroller" when we named this a Good Housekeeping 2023 Family Travel Award winner. The real key is it doesn't sacrifice comfort for compactness , so expect the usual Bugaboo high-quality fabric, deep seat, real sunshade (no skimping on sun protection here!) and extendable leg rest, just in a more tiny, adorable form that's perfect for travel.

One tester mom of a toddler geeked out about the fold, specifically. "The button to fold it is on the handle, so you just push down and collapse it quickly. Our regular stroller requires ducking down and pushing a lever," she said. "Also, the glide of the Butterfly is comparable to much larger strollers. I can push my son uphill easily, with one hand!"

Another note about that fold: The folded stroller can stand up by itself, great if you need it to sit a minute while you get your kid in the car or otherwise tend to things. You don't need to lean it anywhere. But some users note that unfolding the Butterfly takes some finesse and practice — you shake it out and need it to lock in place before you can set your kid inside.

If you're only taking one big vacation and don't plan to travel often, you might want a no-drama lightweight stroller that won't set you back more than a hundred bucks. This little 3D Mini might cost the same as checking a piece of luggage each way, and at just 11 pounds it's easy to handle on a trip .

The basket is small — an average-size diaper bag is too big to fit down there — but there's a zippered parent console that holds two drinks. It's got a reasonable sunshade, and the seat can lean back. There's no seat padding, nor is there springy suspension for the five-inch plastic wheels. It's built for the convenience of getting toddlers and young preschoolers around flat pedestrian areas, and it does that just fine.

The 3D mini folds long, to the size of a traditional umbrella. (Get it? That's why they call this style an "umbrella stroller.") It doesn't stand up when folded — like with umbrella, you have to prop it against a wall or a car, or lay it down, say in your car's trunk, or carry it in one hand, which is made easy by its light weight.

Not only does this weigh less than 15 pounds but its robust wheels — made of molded rubber, not plastic — can tackle a sandy beach path. Our tester did just that, saying, "We took the risk and rolled this along a nature trail in Puerto Rico and it did great! It was hot that day and so we preferred this to putting the 1-year-old in an infant carrier ." The City Tour 2 is smooth-rolling on city streets, too. It's fully featured with a deep seat that reclines almost flat, a comfy calf rest plus a wide sun-protective canopy.

The fold is easy and starts with squeezing a button on the handle. But when folded this is not as small as some others; it can stand when folded but will not fit in an airplane overhead. It comes with a carry bag that makes it easy to gate-check at the airport. The handle sits just under 40 inches tall, making it a little tough for tall parents to push.

Nothing else comes close to being an ideal car seat and stroller combo for travel with a newborn. The Doona is an infant car seat for a vehicle, then you pop the wheels down to stroll with it .

No need to travel with both a car seat and a stroller since this is a two-in-one. If your travels include ride share vehicles or various family members' cars you'll be happy to have this innovative gear that doesn't have you shifting your infant from one seat to another. The car seat is also FAA-Approved for aircraft travel . "Now I tell every mama that she needs this," says one tester who started traveling with her baby in the Doona at 2 months old.

It's got a sunshade (though you can buy an extension for total protection from bugs, rays and rain) and its telescoping handle adjusts to different heights. It does not have any basket storage, but Doona sells a compatible storage bag or you can hang your own from the handle. Because it's only for toddlers up to 35 pounds and 32 inches tall, most families outgrow it by their child's second birthday.

"I found it totally worth it for the first two years of each of my three kid's lives," says Good Housekeeping Institute's former Chief Technologist Rachel Rothman . "It is just that versatile and useful for trip sanity!" Note that it does come with a LATCH-compatible car-seat base but it can also be strapped in using seatbelts if you are traveling without the base.

RELATED: Doona Car Seat and Stroller Review

Lots of the choices on our list are great for flying because of their fold and compact size. But if you fly often — as in to and from grandparents four or five times a year — we like that the Compact can be carted around several ways.

It's important because a kid is in and out of their stroller all the time in the airport. Use the carry strap on the back to sling this over your shoulder when you're on a moving walkway, say, with one arm holding your kid. Or put the stroller in the included backpack-style bag so it's easy to carry your kid and wear the stroller on your back as you step onto the plane, where the stroller can fit in most overhead bins. (If the flight crew says the overheads are full, the bag makes it easy to gate-check.)

When we named this a Good Housekeeping Parenting Award winner, we called out some of the other great features: a more generous basket than most compact strollers, so you can fit the diaper bag; a parent cupholder (because caffeine ); and a rain cover in case it's pouring when you step outside. Our one issue is that you can only buy direct from the brand, and sometimes it's sold out. Also, this is not a choice for a newborn; your baby has to be at least 6 months old to ride in this.

It's all about the fold! The Sparrow folds into the neatest little 15" x 14" rectangle and tucks into its own carry case. Not only will it fit in an airplane overhead but we can imagine a bunch of other travel scenarios for this: tucked into a drawer in your hotel room or cruise-ship cabin, at your feet as you ride the train around Disneyland, on your shoulder while you hold your child and ride an escalator.

To get that small it has a lot of flexible joints and tiny wheels. Also, this weighs less than 13 pounds. The combination can make the Sparrow feel more rickety than others on our list. It performed well enough rolling around smooth New York City sidewalks but, especially if you have a lightweight baby inside, it bounces over cracks, bumps and curbs. Fortunately, if you're mostly steering this through airports or through a theme park, you should be good to go.

A few other notes: The handle is low (not great for tall parents) but the seat is high (so a toddler is not leg-draggingly close to the ground). The basket is tiny and blocked by two bars, so it can't hold very much, maybe just a stroller blanket and water bottle. The tiny sunshade is minimal.

Another Parenting Award winner, we've said this is "a perfect balance between a convenient compact and a sturdy full-size stroller." We feel it deserves a spot on the list of best travel strollers, too, because it's also able to hold an infant car seat if you need that — either the UPPAbaby Mesa or any other brand (be sure to buy the correct adaptor for your brand).

If you use this in an airport you will have to gate-check it; it won't fit in the plane's overhead. But its small, self-standing fold means it takes up very little room in your home or hotel room. You get all the bells and whistles of a full-size stroller including a generous sun canopy, leatherette bumper bar you can use to hang a few toys and a basket that can hold up to 20 pounds. Tall parents will appreciate that the handle sits over 40 inches from the ground.

Taking two on your travels? We've called this stroller "the best double stroller for Disney" based on testers' real-world experiences. It meets the Disney park size requirements but weighs less than 20 pounds so it's not too tough to schlep on and off transport, plus it stands up when folded so it's easy to set it down and pick it up again without having to lean the stroller on something.

Each seat has a large canopy (so important for long, sunny outings!), separate reclines so either kid can lean back when needed and bumper bars for toys and to help keep preschoolers from leaping out if they spot Mickey. The handle height works for tall parents but the basket is pretty small and tucked way under the seats. The Twin+ comes with one parent cupholder and the brand sells travel-savvy accessories, such as stroller carry straps and a storage bag, separately.

Little travelers who are a bit older, age 2 and up, do well with an umbrella-style stroller like this one that gives them a place to sit when they need a break but does not cost parents much cash. Mesh sides provide airflow when you're visiting warm places and rear suspension provides a smoother ride than other, cheaper umbrella-style models.

The handle style is two grab handles versus one long bar, and because this is umbrella-style, it has a long, thin fold that has to be rested on the ground or against something. You engage the fold with your foot rather than your hand, kicking up near the basket and stepping down on a lever at the side. The seat cushion is machine washable and it comes with a parent cupholder. It's best for toddlers and older; there is no good place to attach toys for a baby nor does this take an infant car seat.

If travel is a big part of your lifestyle, don't skimp on anything — this comfy, well-made compact stroller comes with a long list of amenities including a carry bag, a magnetic buckle so you can quickly snap your baby in place, plus a no-rethread harness so it's easy to adjust the shoulder-strap height as your child grows.

You can use the TRVL from birth until your child weighs 50 pounds (which is often about age 6) and you can use it with the lightweight Nuna Pipa infant car seat without needing any extra adaptor (the car seat rests against the bumper bar).

All-wheel suspension helps this roll more like a full-size stroller. The underseat basket can't hold as much as a few other picks on this list. But fans of the TRVL rave about the fold, which can be executed with just one hand while you hold your baby in your other arm. When folded it stays standing up on its own. Note, however, that it's just a few inches too big to fit in an airplane overhead bin, so plan to gate-check this stroller.

Evenflo Gold Otto

If you love the idea of a self-folding stroller that collapses at the touch of a button while you're holding your baby in your arms, this model does just that and at a nice price, too. Getting in and out of vehicles is easy because the Otto, when folded, can be carried by its bumper bar. You can use an Evenflo car seat with this without any separate adaptor, and the molded-rubber wheels have suspension in the front.

There is a gap between the seat and the canopy that lets airflow in but also allows a kid to squirm around and see you, which can either be a pro or con. We noticed online reviewers writing that the wheels squeak, which we did not experience in our Lab tests but seems to be an issue during real-world use. This model comes with a parent cupholder. Note that the Otto is heavier than most of the other single strollers on our list but still weights less than 20 pounds.

How we test the best travel strollers

a good housekeeping expert tests to find the best travel strollers

We test both in the Good Housekeeping Institute Labs and in real-world conditions to assess how strollers work for families who are traveling.

In the past five years we've tested more than 30 strollers with an eye to what is easy for travel, looking at a dozen factors including stroller weight, ease of fold, size of stroller when folded, whether it comes with a travel bag, size of the sunshade and basket, whether the seat can recline for rest and more. We roll strollers along varied terrain and time how long it takes to assemble strollers out of the box.

What to look for when shopping for a travel stroller

First your dose of reality: There are some things you will not get in a travel stroller that you would get in a big, full-size stroller. A compact travel stroller won't have a huge basket because it must fold down small. It won't have large, heavy wheels either, which means it will not roll as smoothly as a stroller with air tires. Expect small, nimble wheels on a compact frame — that's a travel stroller.

Here are the features you'll want to consider:

✔️ Just how tiny do you need it to fold? If you want to roll your stroller right onto the plane and throw it in the overhead bin, look for a travel stroller that promises to fit up there. The International Air Transport Association suggests that carry-on luggage not be larger than 22'' x 18'' x 10".

✔️ A carry bag makes a nice backup plan if you're flying. If your stroller is supposed to fit in the overhead but the plane is too crowded, having a carry bag lets you easily gate-check it. Plenty of families, including many of our Lab experts, just plan on using gate-check to begin with. You roll your child to the gate, wait until boarding, then fold and bag the stroller and have airline personnel put a tag on it so you can pick it up on the jet bridge when the plane lands, allowing you to stroll your child to baggage claim.

✔️ Check the Disney Park requirements , if you're going there. Unfolded, your stroller should be no larger than 31 inches wide and 52 inches long for a day at one of the parks (which means no stroller wagons ).

✔️ Pay attention to age grading. If your infant is still only a few months old, they will be potentially unsafe and uncomfortably upright in a stroller for ages 6 months+. If you'll be traveling with a newborn, look for a travel stroller that works from birth. Sometimes that means using one that can hold your infant car seat. Also, always check with your pediatrician so you know your baby's current weight and height, and read the requirements specific to your stroller to ensure it's appropriate. If you have to wait a few months to use the stroller, you can consider traveling with your infant in a baby carrier .

✔️ What happens when it folds? We like a stroller that can stand while folded, because you can set it and forget it while you deal with other travel and packing hassles. However, sometimes an umbrella fold, which is long and skinny, is nice for road trips when you have a tightly packed car. You can almost always wedge an umbrella stroller in there! Watch videos online to see how travel strollers fold down and how you are expected to carry them in their folded position.

✔️ We like a canopy. We're nuts about sun protection (see our best sunscreens for kids ) and that's why all of our picks have at least some sunshade. We do not recommend one of the ultra-cheap sling-type strollers lacking any sun visor. But not all canopies are equal: Some extend far out, some have mesh panels for ventilation and many large canopies have peekaboo windows that let you easily peer down and see how your baby is doing. Some sunshades make noise as you move them in and out and some are silent. Finally, some are made of UPF 50+ sun-blocking fabric, which is preferable.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

For more than a century the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have been dedicated to helping consumers make safe and sound choices when purchasing items for their home and family.

This list was written by contributing writer Jessica Hartshorn who has followed the juvenile-products industry for decades, most recently for American Baby magazine and Parents magazine.

Coverage of travel strollers and much other gear for little ones was overseen by former Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director Rachel Rothman , a 15-year veteran of the Institute and mother of three kids ages 6 and younger. Both experts have tested travel strollers in the Lab and on trips with their own family, and they lean into consumer testers for additional feedback and opinions.

Jessica (she/her) is a freelance writer with several decades of experience writing lifestyle content and evaluating home and parenting products. A mom of two teens and two cats, her previous work can be seen in American Baby and Parents .

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The trains and stations of the Moscow Metro

2 Comments · Posted by Alex Smirnov in Cities , Travel , Video

The Moscow Metro is the third most intensive subway system in the world after Tokyo and Seoul subways. The first line was opened on May 15, 1935. Since 1955, the metro has the name of V.I. Lenin.

The system consists of 12 lines with a total length of 305.7 km. Forty four stations are recognized cultural heritage. The largest passenger traffic is in rush hours from 8:00 to 9:00 and from 18:00 to 19:00.

Cellular communication is available on most of the stations of the Moscow Metro. In March 2012, a free Wi-Fi appeared in the Circle Line train. The Moscow Metro is open to passengers from 5:20 to 01:00. The average interval between trains is 2.5 minutes.

The fare is paid by using contactless tickets and contactless smart cards, the passes to the stations are controlled by automatic turnstiles. Ticket offices and ticket vending machines can be found in station vestibules.

Tags: Moscow city

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow. Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?