travel gear infants

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!

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

• Baby & Toddler
• Baby Health & Wellness
• Toddler and Baby Gear

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

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

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

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

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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Childproof your next trip with these must-have baby travel gear items

Editor's Note

As a new parent, traveling with your baby can seem like an insurmountable goal. You want your baby to feel safe and comfortable, but you can't pack up your entire nursery to do so. Here at TPG, we've spent a lot of time traveling with children, and we've tested a lot of baby gear along the way.

Related: 43 real-world family travel tips that actually work

We know every trip — and every baby — is different, but these items can keep you and your baby happy whether you travel by plane , train or automobile and, of course, once you reach your destination.

GB Pockit Travel Stroller

Weighing in at only 10.4 pounds and folding up small enough to fit in most airplane overhead compartments, the GB Pockit was named the world's most compact stroller by Guinness World Records. This travel-friendly stroller folds up in two easy steps, but don't let its small size fool you. It still has a weight capacity of up to 55 pounds and can handle a bumpy sidewalk as well as it handles the moving walkway at the airport.

Related: These are the 10 best travel strollers for your next trip

The GB Pockit doesn't come with all the accessories other strollers come with (which is why it folds up so easily). However, it has a mini sun canopy, an adjustable harness and a small storage space underneath the seat. It is also designed for babies 6 months and older, so parents of newborns will have to wait a bit to use this small but mighty stroller.

To buy : GB Pockit Travel Stroller on Amazon , $193.59

PAK Reve Wilder Bundle

Even before testing Pak Reve's line of travel bags, we knew they would stand up to anything parents could throw at them because they were designed by globe-trotting travel writer Jordi Lippe-McGraw . You can buy the full-size backpack, mini backpack, waterproof wristlet and insulated lunchbox separately. However, they all attach together to create one fully functional travel system, so we recommend purchasing the full bundle.

Dubbed The Wilder Bundle, this travel system connects and disconnects with ease. Having the full system on the plane or on a long road trip ensures you have every bottle, snack, change of clothes and toy close by. You can use just the pieces you need when you arrive at your destination. You may only want the mini backpack for a quick excursion, or you can bring along the waterproof wristlet, so you have somewhere to store dirty clothes in case of an accident.

The full-size backpack has tons of organizational features, including a front pocket that converts into a jacket sleeve, theft-proof pockets, a laptop sleeve, a keychain ring and exterior water bottle pockets.

To buy : PAK Reve The Wilder Bundle , $335

Snoozeshade Pack n' Play Cover

The Snoozeshade Pack n' Play Cover is life-changing when you have to share a hotel room with your baby. You no longer have to hide the crib away in a bathroom or closet. Now, you can give your baby the environment necessary to get some rest while keeping them close by.

Related: 21 best all-inclusive resorts for families

While your baby is snoozing away in their dark and cozy crib with a breathable mesh shade, you can (quietly) enjoy your vacation. This shade is machine-washable and comes with a convenient carry case.

To buy : Snoozeshade Pack n' Play Cover on Amazon , $59.99

Tula Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier

There are dozens of baby carriers out there, and which one works best for you will largely be based on personal preference, but we have found the Tula Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier to be a great go-to carrier.

This carrier can be used for babies from 7 to 45 pounds, making it a great choice for newborns and toddlers alike. The front mesh panel keeps you and your baby cool, and the adjustable straps and waistband ensure a comfortable fit for you and a secure fit for your baby. The padded shoulder straps provide additional comfort, and you can use the carrier in front-carry and back-carry positions.

To buy : Tula Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier on Amazon , $179

Enovoe Portable Diaper Changing Pad

The Enovoe portable changing pad is ideal for changing your baby on the go anywhere. It's not too bulky, which means you can easily slip it into a carry-on bag. It also has storage space for a few diapers, a small pack of wipes, an extra pair of pants and a onesie for good measure.

Even though it's fairly slim, the head area has additional padding for the baby's comfort, and there's an attachable strap to hang it from the stroller when you're on the move. The changer comes in handy when you're at the beach, on a long road trip, at the park or pretty much anywhere. As an added bonus, it's unisex and cute.

To buy : The Enovoe portable pad is available on Amazon for $19.99.

Nuby Lightweight High Chair Booster Seat

Finding vacation rentals with high chairs is ideal, but it's not always possible. This Nuby travel booster seat attaches to chairs and is fairly portable — and it can be tucked into a checked suitcase . The chair is soft yet sturdy, so little ones don't mind eating in it.

The straps are durable and fairly secure. Just remember, the chair is only for short periods while your baby is eating, and you should never leave your baby unattended in this seat.

To buy: The Nuby Easy Go Booster Seat is available on Amazon for $22.99.

Bumpkins Silicone Grip Dishes

Bumpkins silicone plates grip whatever surface you set them on so your baby can't throw the plate on the floor. They are ideal to tuck into your bag and bring to a restaurant, hotel or vacation rental when traveling. Easy to clean, dishwasher safe, BPA-free and oven safe, they come in a variety of colors and patterns to suit your taste.

To buy: Bumpkins silicone plates are available on Amazon, with prices as low as $10.99.

Bottom line

It can be hard to decide what to pack and what to leave at home when traveling with your baby. It can also be overwhelming to figure out which travel stroller to buy, which baby carrier to get and all the other essential items you will need on your journey.

While these choices are largely personal and depend greatly on your family and the nature of your trip, these products are favorites among the frequent-traveling families at TPG.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or expert traveler
• The best travel credit cards
• Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without

The Best Baby Travel Gear To Pack For Your Next Holiday [2024 Guide]

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. FIND MORE INFO IN MY DISCLAIMER.

Our youngest daughter Avie has been on more flights and trips than we can count.

When you travel with a baby as often as we do, you manage to weed through all the travel gear for baby to work out which travel gear for babies are truly worth the money.  

As a result, we have written many reviews & guides on our family travel blog to help you find the best baby travel gear for your situation.

In this article, I want to provide you with a comprehensive list of all, in our opinion, the best baby travel accessories that you will need to help make your trip a success.

Our Pick of Best Baby Travel Products in 2024

Find below a handy table to give you a quick overview of our top baby travel products. Keep reading further to read more about why we love each of these products so much.

The Best Baby Travel Gear That we Currently Use!

The right gear is key to making a trip with a baby a truly enjoyable one. It will also ensure that your trip is stress-free (or as much as a trip with a baby can be anyways). 

No matter where you are heading, or how long you are going for, the travel essentials for babies that you will definitely need all revolve around eating ,  getting around, diapering  and  sleeping . 

I wanted to point out that I do not recommend that you purchase all of these items. You should find the age appropriate items that will make your holiday easier (not harder). 

1. Best Travel Baby Gear for Sleeping

We all know just how hard it can be to travel with a baby that is not getting enough good sleep. It can be horrible. And that is why it is absolutely essential to have the best baby travel gear for sleeping!

a) Portable and Lightweight Travel Cribs  

Most hotels will provide you with a baby crib. Some will charge you a small fee for this, but most of the time they will offer it for free.

We have had so many issues with hotel issues cribs - some were ridiculously tiny and our baby was uncomfortable in the tiny space, some weren't secure and would disassemble when she pressed on the sides (YIKES!), many were just simply 'gross' and really needed to be replaced.

Read our comprehensive guide to help you find the best travel crib for your next trip.

1. KidCo Peapod

So! The simplest way of ensuring that your baby will have a safe, comfortable and clean space to sleep in, is to simply take along your own travel crib.

We used the KidCo Peapod throughout all our travels in Japan. It is a great option as you can fold it up and pop it in your luggage (if you space). You open it up and it simply pops-up. The crib is super lightweight and weighs a small 2.45 lbs. It is perfect for small hotel rooms.

We did find the velcro and zip slightly annoying for night-time feeds, but they were small annoyances considering how easy the crib was to carry, unpack and pack pack up.

>>> Click here to see the KidCo Peapod .

2. Lotus Travel Crib 

For those after more of a 'crib' option, I recommend you check out the Lotus Travel Crib.

They are slightly bulkier to tag along, but I love that it can double up as a travel playpen for a baby and of course it is easier to pop baby in and out for those night-time feeds.

It is the better option for babies who are still little and who wake up regularly at night.

It is 11 lbs which is a lot heavier than the 2.45 lbs Kidco Peapod, but at least it comes with a handy backpack style carry bag.

>>>  Click here to see the Lotus Travel Crib  .

b) Sleep Sack or Sleeping Bag

We find that a sleep sack is truly invaluable on trips.

Firstly, we use a sleep sack at home, so it helps to keep baby in her normal sleep routine.

Secondly, we find that airplanes are either too hot or too cold, so it is a handy product to have in your baby carry-on bag.

Thirdly, hotel rooms are always cold! And many don't allow you much flexibility when it comes to the aircon settings. And we have NEVER been provided with blankets for the hotel baby crib. 

Fourth, it means you can leave your baby blankets at home, which helps to keep luggage weight down.

We love the Woolino Baby Sleep Bag .  The sack will regulate the body temperature and can be used with external temperatures as low as 60°F (16°C) to as high as 77°F (25°C).

The sack is 100% natural and made from the soft Australian merino wool!

>>>  Click here to see the Woolino Sleep Sack .

c) Baby Monitor

We always take our baby monitor with on our trips with our baby. Our baby monitor has a video screen so we can watch her sleep.

We find it invaluable when we are away - for peace of mind mostly, but it is also handy when you are staying in a private villa that has a pool - so you can be outside in the sun whilst your baby is napping.

We simply tag along our home monitor. We love the Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor .

d) White Noise Machine

A white noise machine is also a good idea, espesially if your baby is a light sleeper.  Many hotel rooms are noisy, even more so when you are trying to get your baby to have a nap in the day (and kids in the next rooms are busy running, playing and shouting). 

We love this small baby white noise machine , they don't take up much room and do an excellent job at blocking out distracting noise.

You never know who is going to be your neighbour! Better be safe than sorry.

>>>  Click here to see the white noise machine.

e) Baby Blackout Curtains with Suction Cups

I don't know about you, but our baby wakes up with the sun. Which means that if we can keep the room darker for longer - we can get more sleep. It is also super helpful to have a dark room in countries where the sun only goes down at 9 or 10 pm.

These travel blackout curtains are brilliant as they come with suction cups. Not only do they create a darker room, but they also block harmful UV rays and reduces outside noise.

Measurements: 78 x 50" 

We love staying in Airbnb's and this is an absolute lifesaver for us.

>>>  Click here to see the black out curtains.

2. Best Travel Items for Baby for Getting Around

Getting around with a baby overseas can be stressful for many parents.  You might not know what to expect - will there be a car seat for my baby? Will the terrain be stroller-friendly? Figuring out which travel with baby gear you should take along can be pretty tough. 

Here are some tips to help you decide what to take and what to leave behind.

a) Travel Strollers 

We always take a travel stroller along, every single time. It doesn't mean we always use it, I think we barely touched our stroller in Bali, but I always take it along for peace of mind.

A stroller has many benefits (in comparison to a baby carrier):

• Your baby might fall asleep easier in a stroller
• The stroller will have a shade roof to keep the sun out of baby's eyes
• You don't have to struggle under the weight of your baby (so true when they are older and weight more!)
• You won't get as sweaty - hot destinations + baby carrier = sweaty combination for both you and your baby.

It is important thought o find a stroller that folds up small and that is fairly lightweight and easy to take along.

1. Mountain Buggy Nano 

One of the most compact travel strollers that we have used is the Mountain Buggy Nano . It folds up so small that you can take it as a carry-on and stow it away in the overhead lockers. This is a MASSIVE bonus because I still remember carrying my sleeping baby through massive airports - talk about dead arms! Having your stroller at your side is a big win!

This stroller is not only compact but it is also lightweight (11 lbs). It also works with most universal car seat adaptars so that you can add on your infant capsule if your baby is still too small to sit upright in the stroller.

It has a sunhood, can recline and comSummer Infant 3DLitees with a travel bag. 

>>> Check out the Nano here

2. GB Pockit+ All Terrain Baby Stroller

Another popular stroller for travel purposes, is this GP Pockit+ Stroller . This is a great option for older babies from 6 months +. It also folds up really small (you can pop it in the overhead locked), it is   only 9.5 lbs, and has a recline for nap time.

>>> Read more about this stroller on Amazon here

b) Baby Carriers

Baby carriers are brilliant and again we always take one along. 

Here are the reasons why we love them:

• Even though we have a lightweight compact stroller, many airlines request that we check ours in to the oversize luggage counter.  Which means that we are stroller-less for the duration of the airport. A carrier is a lifesaver whilst you deal with scanning your luggage, handing over tickets and passports etc.
• When you get stuck on an overnight flight where the baby bassinets are all taken, a carrier is a lifesaver to allow both you and your baby to get some sleep.
• So many tourist sights and attractions have stairs, making exploration by stroller unpractical.
• They allow you to enjoy hikes out in nature.

1. ErgoBaby Carrier

We personally use and love our Ergo Carrier. We use the ErgoBaby 360 which is great for babies from birth (you will need to purchase the newborn insert for babies under 4 months) to 36 months. 

We love this carrier because you can have baby facing in our out. When Avie got to around 1 years she hated the carrier when she had to face in as the wanted to see what was happening in the world. You can also use it on the front, the hip or on your back.

Helpful that you can breastfeed whilst baby stays in the pouch. We have also made good use out of the  tuckaway baby hood as well.

>>> Click here to see the ErgoBaby 360

>>>  Click here to read more about how to choose the  water baby carrier .

>>> Click here to read more about how to choose the best baby carrier .

2. Baby Hiking Carrier

If you are planning on doing a lot of hiking, you might want to invest in proper baby hiking gear.

In that case, I would suggest that you leave the ErgoBaby behind and that you invest in a comfy good quality hiking carrier instead.

We highly recommend the Clevr Cross Country Baby Backpack Carrier . This is one of the most popular baby backpack hiking carries that we have seen.

They are great for babies who are 6 months and older (up to 4 years).  They are lightweight at only 5 lbs. Has a canopy to protect your baby from both rain and sun and they are comfy to carry with their thick padded shoulder straps.

>>> Click here to learn more about this hiking carrier .

c) Travel Car Seats

The  American FAA strongly recommends that you use an approved child restraint device when travelling with infants less than 2-years old. Ultimately car seats are the safest and most comfortable way for infants to travel on a plane. But it also means that you need to pay for that extra seat ticket!

The bonus of tagging along the car seat for the airplane is of course that you will also have a car seat to use in your transfers and taxi's during your holiday. So whilst it is a bit of a pain to take a car seat along, it really comes down to simply keeping your baby safe on both the plane as well during holiday transfers.

We highly recommend the   Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat   for babies as the seat offers enough padding to keep baby comfy. It is FAA approved, it is lightweight and slim enough to fit on the airplane seats. It works as a rear seat for infants or a forward-facing seat for older babies and toddlers.

Don't forget to grab a great travel seat carrier as well. We love using this car seat travel bag .

>>> Find a   best car seats for travel  here or browse through some great car seat alternatives for travel  here.

d) Primo LapBaby

For those who can't afford the extra seat for the car seat, this is a great alternative to keep your little one safe. It will also allow you to get some shut eye as well. You can also use it whilst eating as well.

It isn't as friendly for breastfeeding which is a bit frustrating and you can't use it during take-of and landing, but it is great for peace of mind.

>>>  Click here to grab a Primo LapBaby .

3. Best Infant Travel Gear for Diapering

a) Travel Diaper Bag

Forget about a shoulder diaper bag when you are traveling. Diaper backpacks are so much better as they allow you to have two free hands when traveling.

Look for a diaper bag bag backpack that has loads of pockets and compartments.  Ensure it has enough space to fit all your bottles! I've shared the video here to show you how much we can pack in our favorite diaper bag: RUVALINO Multifunction Backpack Diaper Bag .  We can fit 4 bottles in the side bottle pockets. Love this bag, it has been to many many countries with us!

>>> Click here to see a full guide on the best travel diaper bags

b) Clean Hands Changing Pad

There is nothing worse than changing your baby in a space that just doesn't feel very hygienic. Even worse when they get to that age where they reach for everything and start rolling around. 

These changing pads are brilliant for travel. The sides fold up and create a barrier that you can use for attaching hanging toys to keep your child’s hands occupied whilst you go about changing them. It folds down to a small small clutch size which is great for those tiny plane cubicles.

>>> Click here to grab these from Amazon

c) Booster Diaper Pads

Another fabulous trick is to use booster diaper pads . These pads will help you get more bang out of your diaper buck. These long-wearing extra-absorbency disposable pads increase absorbency of your diapers by 8 fl oz.

Hooray for diapers lasting longer whilst traveling!

d) Packing Cubes

We LOVE packing cubes and use them to sort and organize all our families luggage items.  I love using the smaller sized packing cubes in my diaper bag as I find them so handy.

• You could use a small cube for a set of spare baby clothes.
• Also handy to hold all of your babies food and snacks for the flight.
• Once baby is older, you could use the cube for all the baby toys. Handy because you can easily keep this cube with you during the flight.
• We also use a cube for a quick-to-grab diapering cube - it has the changing pad, 2 x diapers and a small container of wipes.  So handy for those insanely small airplane toilet cubicles!

We use two different brands at home and my favorite is the PRO Packing Cubes .

>>> Click here if you want to compare packing cube brands .

4. Best Baby Travel Gadgets for Eating

Here are some of the most essential baby travel items for mealtimes:

a) Inflatable Travel Nursing Pillow

For my breastfeeding mums, this pillow will be worth the weight in gold. We know how important good posture and support is when we breastfeed. How incredible is this inflatable nursing pillow!? Obviously it won't be as good as your decent pillow at home, but I reckon it is a good compromise. 

The nursing pillow deflates and folds up so small that you can pop it in your handbag.

>>>  Click here to grab an inflatable nursing pillow from Amazon

b) Travel High Chairs

Once baby is eating solids, you will also need to think about dragging along a travel high chair. We find that it can be rare to find baby high chairs in restaurants in various destinations overseas.

You really want something that is lightweight and easy to pack. We love the   First Years On-The-Go Booster Seat . It is very easy to use, fold up with a carry handle, and it does not take up much space at all. 

Further Reading: Here is our guide on the best travel high chairs .

c) Other Eating Accessories

1. silicone bibs.

Leave the wipe-able bibs at home as they will get grotty and you won't have any easy way to wash them.  Instead pack in some silicone bibs. Silicone bibs are great as they have a handy lip to catch any food.  

You ca also give them a quick wash in your hotel or restaurant bathroom sink after use. We love the amazing silicone bibs by Happy Healthy Parents . You should definitely add those to your list of travel accessories for babies.

2. Bottle Babies

If your baby is drinking from a bottle, you will have to pack some bottle feeding supplies as well. We always take a tub or two of the formula that we use at home. And take 2-3 bottles, so that you always have a clean one on hand.

Don't forget a baby bottle brush  to clean them and a  formula dispenser  for when the plane and for when we were out and about.

You also have to think about how you will be warming the milk as well as how you will be sterilizing the bottles.

Click here to grab a handy baby warmer that you can take on the plane .

3. Babies on Solids

If your baby is eating solids, we also highly recommend that you pack in loads of food jars and snacks that they are used to eating. If your baby is a fussy eater, you might also like to invest in a portable insulated food jar . 

The Foogo Thermos will keep food warm for hours whilst you are out and about exploring. So the food will be warm and ready for whenever baby gets hungry.

Also a great idea to always have a nice soft little spoon on you as well. We love this On-the-Go travel spoon .

5. Best Bath-Time Baby Travel Items

Next problem is having to give your little one a bath. We often try to shower our baby, but man add a bit of soap and your little one really turns into a slippery squirmy baby. Our youngest really loves to bath but hates showering, so to keep the peace we travel with this awesome item.

a) Sink Bath (0 - 6 Months)

Find it hard to shower your little baby? This is such a brilliant product. The Lotus Bath works in all sinks. The plush, soft, flower creates a wonderful way to safely cradle and clean your baby. What's better is that it lays flat when not in use and only weighs 1.1 pounds!

>>>  Click here to grab these from Amazon

b) Inflatable Baby Bath (6 Months +)

This is a great option for little ones aged 6 - 24 months. You inflate it and pop it in the bath. It is lightweight (1 pound) and just so easy to use and pack away. What a fabulous baby travel item to pack in if your hotel or Airbnb will have a bath. 

6. Best Playtime Portable Baby Travel Equipment

Another item you might need to think about taking along is an activity station. Our daughter got super frustrated on the ground from around 3 months of age, so a portable activity station was a lifesaver (until she started crawling at 7 months).

a) Portable Baby Activity Station

This KidCo portable light weight 7 pound activity station is designed to fold and go. It also includes a carry bag!

It has 4 adjustable heights and includes a snack and drink holder. It has 5 nylon loops where you can attach your little one's favorite toys. 

7. Best Baby Accessories for the Plane

And lastly, I think it is the plane bit that normally seems the scariest when we book that holiday. So here are some items to make your life on the plane that little bit easier.

a) Baby Banz Earmuffs

If your little one is sensitive to noise or tends to wake up with every noise in the house, these earmuffs might just save you a lot of frustration. Airplanes are noisy, people moving about, announcements going off or food being served.

These earmuffs are perfect for little ones from 0 months to 2 years. They are cushioned with foam and the headband is covered with high quality, soft leather. They do a fabulous job at cutting out loud noises.

b) Baby Portable UV Sterilizer

If your little one uses pacifiers or bottles, you will need to sterilize the nipples at some point. This can be tricky whilst you are flying or stuck in an airport. This UV sterilizer can be a real lifesaver. It safely eliminates 99.99% of E. coli and other viruses and bacteria in less than a minute.

It has a built-in USB rechargeable battery, and it is the ideal appliance for traveling. It can last up to 2-3 weeks when fully charged. It is small and lightweight and something you simply should have in your plane diaper bag.

c) Spill-Proof Snack Container

Once your little one is eating solids, we also suggest you grab some of these spill-proof snack containers ... and fill them with food that takes forever to eat. Your little one will enjoy digging them out and it will keep them busy for a while. 

Snacks that work well is things such as dried fruit - raisins, yogurt coated berries, baby biscuits etc.

Best Baby Beach Gear For Those Beach Vacations

Are you heading off for a lovely beach holiday?  We have some really handy guides that you might like to read to help you pack and prepare for your trip.

• Click here to read about the best baby beach gear to take along
• Click here to read more about the best baby beach tent to pack
• Baby swim shoes are really important to help protect soft little feet. Click here to see our favorite baby beach and swim shoes .

Other Handy Baby Travel Accessories

A travel playpen or Pack 'n Play is also handy to have once baby is mobile and moves around a lot. If we know that we will be spending loads of time in a car, I also often take a baby car mirror with.

And when we head to countries (especially in Asia), that we know will be steaming hot, we always take a fan for the stroller too - although you can often buy these on the streets in those destinations as well.

Another item that is fairly important to have on hand is a digital temperature reader.

I don't like playing guessing games when it comes to temperature, so I love to have an accurate reader on hand. I love the Anthsania Forehead Thermometer . 

 And of course once you start toilet training your toddler, you will also want to take along your own travel potty as well. 

We would love to know if you love using any baby products for your travels that we have not included in our list? What do you think are the best baby travel products?

Further Reading:

• See a list of all of our travel gear recommendations .
• Check out the best kids suitcase on wheels
• Grab some more tips for how to travel with your baby here .
• Here is a list of the most  baby-friendly travel destinations .

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Traveling With Little Kids Can Be Tough. The Right Gear Can Help.

By Kerry Davis McGuinness

Traveling with your littlest people can feel overwhelming for new and experienced parents alike. Equipping yourself with portable, practical gear can help—from making the trek to the airport gate smoother to getting a good night’s sleep in an unfamiliar space.

We polled well-traveled parents and caregivers for their must-haves when they leave home, then we compared the top choices, including favorite travel car seats, strollers, high chairs, travel cribs, blackout shades, and more.

Above all, we looked for lightweight, easy-to-use equipment that can be packed down to fit into a suitcase or toted around easily—giving you one less thing to weigh you down on your next flight or road trip.

Travel car seat

Travel crib, toddler travel bed, portable blackout shades, portable high chair, portable baby monitor, portable sound machine, kid headphones, travel stroller, on-the-go toys.

Cosco Scenera Next

Top-pick convertible car seat for travel, buying options.

Top-pick backless booster car seat for travel

One of Wirecutter’s picks for the best travel car seats , the Cosco Scenera Next is light enough (only 6.8 pounds) to chuck into a car-seat backpack and hustle through the airport, as I do every time I fly to see my in-laws. And once I arrive at a new destination, I can install it in taxis, Ubers, or the grandparents’ cars in two to three minutes. One drawback of this convertible car seat, though, is that some kids may outgrow it early because of the low position of the shoulder straps. We recommend the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 as our pick for kids who have outgrown the Scenera Next but aren’t yet ready for a harness-free booster. For those who are ready, the no-frills Cosco Rise booster seat is great for older kids who are at least 40 pounds or 43 inches tall.

Guava Lotus Travel Crib

Staff-favorite travel crib.

With a smart travel bag that can be either carried in-hand or worn as a backpack, the 15-pound Guava Lotus Travel Crib packs a lot of versatility. We compared it with the similarly designed Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard and BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light , and we liked the Guava Lotus Travel Crib the most for its portability, comfortable mattress, and large side zipper opening that allows you to nurse or cuddle your child, then roll away—making it easy to transfer a sleeping baby, especially in a strange room. Breakdown is clear enough (match stars and moons to fold up the frame), but you do have to fit it in its bag just right; it doesn’t have a lot of wiggle room.

JetKids CloudSleeper

Staff-favorite toddler travel bed.

Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Safety Bumpers

A cheaper (but bulkier) toddler travel bed.

The JetKids CloudSleeper inflatable travel bed efficiently packs down into an 11-by-15-inch travel cube—about the size of a thick sheet cake—and comes with a manual pump inside the bed that inflates it in a few minutes. The sides are raised higher than the middle, creating a cozy cocoon feeling that makes my 2½-year-old son feel safe. Plus, I like that it’s large enough to last until he’s 6 or 7. The downside is that it isn’t a bargain. The Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed is more affordably priced but also much bulkier packed up (roughly two basketballs side by side).

Tommee Tippee Portable Blackout Blind

Staff-favorite blackout shade.

The Sleepout Portable Blackout Curtain 2.0

For an even darker room.

If a completely darkened room helps your child go to sleep, the Tommee Tippee Sleeptime Portable Blackout Blind may be worth the packing space. One 78-by-51-inch shade—large enough for a standard-size window—folds down easily into a legal-envelope-size travel bag. We’ve found that the shade’s many suction cups stay up well, though it can be irritating to attach the tiny Velcro sections along the edges so it fits a smaller window. If an absolutely blacked-out room is essential, you may want to consider The Sleepout Portable Blackout Curtain 2.0 . It costs about five times as much, but it has cleverly designed angled suction cups that prevent any light from bleeding out the top of a window, and it stays up for days without needing to be readjusted.

Phil&teds Lobster Clip-On Highchair

Also-great high chair.

Fisher-Price Healthy Care Deluxe Booster Seat

Another also-great high chair.

Phil&teds’s foldable Lobster Clip-On Highchair can be used at home, then easily packed up into its travel case to take on a trip. One of our picks in our guide to the best high chairs , it works for babies and toddlers up to 18 months and allows a tot to sit more upright than similar clip-on seats. It also works on more tables than other clip-on chairs, with claws that can safely grip tables between 0.8 and 3.75 inches thick—a broader range than other similar seats. The 4-pound high chair is small enough to fit into a suitcase, and the fabric zips off to be washed.

We also love the Fisher-Price Healthy Care Deluxe Booster Seat , a longtime pick in our high chairs guide. It’s much less expensive than the Phil&ted high chair but also bulkier, making it more appropriate for a road trip rather than air travel.

VTech VM5254

Budget-pick video baby monitor.

If you want to leave a pricey monitor at home but still want to keep tabs on your child while on the road, the VTech VM5254 is an inexpensive local-video monitor (meaning it doesn’t require internet access to connect) that also comes with a convenient night-light. Another of our picks in our guide to the best baby monitor , the more versatile VTech RM7766HD , can pull double-duty at home or on the road since it can be easily set up with or without Wi-Fi—plus it comes with a night-light to save your toes in an unfamiliar room. Note that due to security concerns , we recommend connecting baby monitors to Wi-Fi networks you know and trust, and not unsecured, public networks such as those at a hotel.

YogaSleep Hushh

Staff-favorite portable sound machine.

The YogaSleep Hushh Portable Sound Machine is made by the same company that makes the YogaSleep Dohm , one of our picks for the best white noise machines . The size of a hockey puck, this compact version includes three sound options and can carry an eight-hour charge via USB, so you can hook it onto a backpack, stroller, or baby carrier for naps on the go. My family has found the Hushh machine invaluable for camping trips too. Just be wiser than me, and make sure it’s charged so it lasts overnight—or you too might see your baby’s eyes pop open at 5 a.m. once birds begin to sing.

Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet

Top pick noise-canceling kids headphones for travel.

One of our picks for the best kids headphones , the Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet includes active noise cancellation, making it ideal for travel and helping sensitive ears navigate noisy spaces. Kids can connect wirelessly to a device (such as a tablet ), or you can use the included cable to watch onboard movies or daisy-chain headphones together so two kids can listen to the same device. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Onanoff BuddyPhones Explore+ , our budget pick for toddlers, is also a sturdy set of headphones with volume-limiting circuitry to protect young ears.

Uppababy Minu V2

Top pick travel stroller.

Our pick for the best travel stroller , the Minu V2 , is comfortable, sturdy, and handles bumpy streets better than the competition. It’s also easy to fold one-handed, an important feature when navigating airport security lines. The stroller also includes an underseat basket that holds up to 20 pounds, a simple recline option that’s good for napping, and a handy backseat pocket for storing odds and ends. Of the travel strollers we tested, it has the easiest harness to adjust, and the most intuitive brakes. It also has a large, zip-out sun canopy and can be used—without attachments—with children as young as 3 months, and with Uppababy’s bassinet or select car seats with newborns. A kid doesn’t officially outgrow it until they reach 50 pounds. And if you’re looking for a less-expensive option for travel, the Summer 3Dlite is the best umbrella stroller . It’s not as full-featured as the Minu V2, but it’s also a quarter the price.

Melissa & Doug Water Wow On the Go Travel Activity

Staff-favorite travel toy.

We’ve been recommending the Melissa & Doug Water Wow On the Go Travel Activity as a great kid gift for years, and they’re especially well suited to travel. The pages are reusable, and the water brush adds color to the pictures. Once the page is dry, the color disappears, allowing your child to start over and rediscover the trucks or butterflies again and again.

We also love the Schleich Farm Animals 4-Piece Set for packability—and potential to keep little hands busy during travel. One of our favorite gifts for 2-year-olds , the life-like figurines can inspire stories about going to a grandparent’s house or searching for lost treasure—or something else that buys you at least 15 minutes. The trick, of course, is to wait until travel begins to unveil any new goodies (you can even wrap them to make it extra special).

This article was edited by Ellen Lee and Kalee Thompson.

Meet your guide

Kerry Davis McGuinness

Kerry Davis McGuinness is a freelance writer based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Tech reporting has been her main beat for 10 years, but she has branched out into covering baby gear since becoming a parent, which has also made her obsessed with trying every packaged toddler snack she can find.

Mentioned above

• After testing 17 lightweight, portable car seats, we have six good options for infants, toddlers, and big kids to recommend. The Best Travel Car Seats  
• Our favorite high chair is one-fifth the price of competitors—and it’s far easier to clean and use. The Best High Chairs  
• The humble Fisher-Price high chair is easy to use and can go anywhere. Why We Love the Fisher-Price Healthy Care Deluxe Booster Seat  
• Local-video? Wi-Fi? Hybrid? Audio-only? The best baby monitor for you depends on your needs and preferences. We have picks in all four categories. The Best Baby Monitors  
• A white noise machine can mask irritating noises that make it hard to sleep or difficult to focus. The LectroFan EVO is the most effective option for the price. The Best White Noise Machine  
• Whether you need kids headphones for entertainment, school, or travel, we have recommendations—and they all limit the maximum volume to protect young ears. The Best Kids Headphones  

Further reading

How to Sleep Well (or at Least Better) While Traveling

by Christine Ryan

Our sleep and travel editors recommend gear for coping with travel-induced insomnia, vetted through hours of testing and years of personal experience.

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Haley Perry

You don't have to be a digital nomad to travel like one. Here are a few gadgets and accessories to make travel as painless as possible.

The Best Underwear for Travel

by Liz Thomas

We tested 37 pairs of travel underwear and found that ExOfficio’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief and Patagonia Women’s Active Hipster panties are the best around.

The Best Travel Strollers

by Elise Czajkowski

After testing seven travel strollers on various trips and excursions, we’re confident that the Uppababy Minu V2 is the one to get.

The Complete Guide to Baby Travel Gear

Ready to shop for baby travel gear? Have Baby Will Travel  is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program.

Please visit our Amazon Store if you’re considering purchasing baby travel gear. We may receive a small commission.

Baby Travel Gear: An Overview

Since 2007, Have Baby Will Travel experienced some awesome, excellent, great, and sometimes not-so-great baby travel gear. Whether it’s a travel crib or a travel stroller , or which is the best car seat to travel with , we’ve likely tried it. In most cases, we shared what we know. Except for the bad stuff, because my mother always taught me that if you don’t have anything nice to say…

Baby Travel Gear Essentials

Just getting started? Prepping for your first trip with baby? These baby travel gear essentials will give you an idea of what you need to bring, and what you can leave behind.

Baby Travel Gear Guides

All the latest and greatest gear for Eating , Sleeping , Playing , and Getting Around with your baby in tow.

Travel Strollers

I have a bit of a stroller problem, so we’ve traveled with a number of different strollers. I don’t necessarily believe you need to purchase a separate stroller for travel, but if traveling is going to be a big part of your lives, you might want to invest in a daily stroller that travels well. Check our all our travel stroller reviews and our picks for best travel stroller .

Car Seat and Stroller Alternatives

Not everyone has the space or money to keep adding to their baby travel gear stash. If you’d like to avoid buying a second  car seat for travel  or a specific  travel stroller   but these are two items you know you might need, here are some LEGAL and SAFE car seat alternatives and stroller alternatives for travel with toddlers and small children.

Travel Car Seats

Flying with a car seat is not a picnic, but for better or for worse (and for used and for not) we’ve always traveled with ours . And we’ve never regretted not having it with us.

Toddler Headphones

When something is this cute, functional, and reasonably priced – you tend to shout it from the rooftops. We adore these headphones for toddlers , and think you will too.

Baby Travel Beds & Sleep Gear

Whether you’re visiting family or friends or jetting off on a much-deserved vacation at a swanky resort, the question of where baby will sleep is bound to arise. Even if you co-sleep at home, chances are that where you’ll be sleeping while you’re away will not have your baby’s safety as their main priority, so obviously you need to make it yours. Make sure you consider all your baby travel bed options.

Portable Travel Beds for Toddlers

The Best Toddler Travel Bed Options Sleep usually is easier to figure out once your baby becomes a toddler. EXCEPT when you’re traveling. Chances are they will outgrow their travel crib or portable cot much sooner than their crib at home. If you’re shopping for a portable toddler bed for travel, you will want it to be big enough and last long enough to justify the expense. Check out our recommendations for the Best Toddler Travel Bed .

The Best Travel Bassinets & Baby Travel Beds

If your baby is older with an established sleep routine, a  travel crib that can be set up elsewhere as a second bed might be the right choice. Or, if your baby is older and more active, you might be better off with a more sturdy portable toddler bed  instead.

But if you’re planning to  travel with a newborn  or young baby and/or co-sleep, a travel bassinet or portable baby bed might make the most sense and get you greater value for your money.

Baby Beach Tent & Beach Travel Umbrellas

Shade is absolutely the most essential piece of  baby beach gear  required if you’re planning a family beach vacation. And if you’re not 100% sure your resort will have appropriate palapas or beach umbrellas available, your best bet is to bring your own. YES, I’m suggesting you add One. More. Thing. to your already  massive pile of luggage . But if the beach is where you’re headed with a baby or toddler in tow, you NEED shade.

Car Reviews

We road-tested 10 small and mid-sized SUVs to see which one would fit our family best… For our busy daily life in the city, and for road trips with the family.

Baby Travel Gear Rentals

Sometimes it’s just easier to rent, rather than ship it all with you. Check out our extensive list of baby travel equipment agencies – and please let me know if you have or know of a business that belongs here.

Baby Travel Gear Shipping

Depending on where you’re going, and for how long, it just might be easier to have your baby necessities shipped in advance. Here’s a list of places that will do just that.

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 .

• Tips for Flying with an Infant or Toddler
• Information & Tips for Traveling with a Baby or Toddler
• Just Say No to Baby Flight Goody Bags
• Planning Your First Trip with Baby
• How to Sterilize Baby Bottles in Hotel Room Sinks
• Tips for Flying with a Large Family

16 Responses to The Complete Guide to Baby Travel Gear

I hope this message finds you well! I love your site; such a great resource for families. I wondering if it would b possible to get my business Mainely Babies listed in your guide of baby gear rental companies. We serve the Greater Portland, ME area and beyond, and are the areas first and only baby gear rental company. We pride ourselves on offering top notch gear and superior customer service. Our goal is to alleviate the stress of families traveling to our great state with little ones in tow. Let us know if you have any questions at all. We’d love to be listed on our site.

All the best,

Rebecca Spear & Cari Turnbull

Hello Rebecca you are right.

I find this blog today & love this article. I also visited all of your pages about baby.

I also have a site named – pickbabystroller.com on this site you can get lots of informative articles about newborn baby related.

BEBE GEAR WE PROVIDE BABY FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES TO ACCOMMODATE YOUR BABY NEW BORN INFANT AND TODDLERS, HOTEL MOTEL RESIDENTIAL HOME OR BUSINESS DELIVERY. CRIBS HIGHCHAIRS STROLLERS and more………….www.bebegear.com 1 800 258-0960

We have used BeBeGear in the past with disastrous results. Check out their Yelp reviews. Just terrible. They changed their name to Baby’s Vacation. Same terrible service. Avoid this company at all costs.

Hello Corinne, My name is Andrew Kucera and I am the founder and owner of VeaKids. We are an innovative company specializing in renting family travel gear right at your destination airport. We have just launched the company and are into our second week of operations at Denver International Airport. Now you can fly in or fly out of DIA and not have to carry all of that equipment: (strollers-single and double, carseats-infant,convertible,and booster, playard cribs and kid carriers) you simply just leave it all at home and pick up everything here in Denver. We meet the customer when they arrive at the baggage claim or at our offices right off the concourse trains. I am writing to you today to see if we can partner with you to get the word out about this service. Let’s face it, the travel industry for travelling families is decades behind and the services they provide are inconvenient and expensive. We are trying to ease that burden and provide high quality, immaculately clean gear for families. We are planning on expanding across the country so this service can be enjoyed by the majority of families travelling in the United States and eventually, the world. We are also the only supplier of sundry items at DIA specifically for kids, i.e. diapers, wipes, formula, squeeze food packs, pacifiers and snacks of all kinds. We are so excited to serve families and make their vacations easier. ‘The Journey can be as Rewarding as the Destination.’ I am attaching our press release at Denver International Airport. Please check out our website at http://www.veakids.com or on facebook.com/veakidsbiz/

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via email or on my cell phone: 763-221-3834

Respectfully, Andrew Kucera, COO, VeaKids, Inc.

Hi Andrew! Please email me at Corinne (at) havebabywilltravel (dot) com. Thanks!

Hi Corrine, love your site. My daughter has been on 3 return flights before the age of 1 – and then we learned that she has a severe tree nut allergy (analphylactic) and Air Canada’s allergy policy is almost non-existent. We’re flying again in Feb and March, so, I have been trying to think of the best ways I can protect my toddler from the cashews (and other nuts) that Air Canada insists on serving and selling on our flight and previous flights.

I found these seat covers, which are great for kids with allergies!!! http://niceseats.net/ The airline lets you board first to wipe down the seats and put these nifty covers on (that thankfully come in black and grey).

Thought I would share!

Thanks for this, Chris!

Hello Corinne, Love your site and the work that you do!

I’ve recently founded a whole new approach to baby gear rentals, we are democratizing kids gear, giving parents who own baby gear at home, have it stored away or just laying around unused, an opportunity to earn from the items they already own!

So parents can list their items for rent to parents traveling with infants in their area. Think of it as Airbnb but for kids. That way local parents and family travelers benefit on both sides, saving costs, making global connections and is benefiting from a sustainable lifestyle.

It would be great to get your feedback and thoughts on how we can collaborate to spread the word about this sharing economy website for parents!

website: http://www.kangoora.com thanks!

Just wanna say..its really a huge travel gear. Thanks a lot for share.

Hi Corrine. Would like to be listed on your directory and get some information on advertising

There are many baby travel gear available on the market. Choosing best one is really tough. Thank for help to choose best one for my kids. Really helpful to choose best baby travel gear.

Traveling with a baby really taught. I think every mom agree with me especially for the new mom. Baby travel gear really essential for mom. I have to travel with my baby most of the times. I am searing best one for my baby. Thanks for sharing best baby travel gear. It’s really helped me a lot. I recommend every mom to use it to make traveling easy and comfortable with the baby.

OMG! Thanks a lot for sharing such an informative page about Complete Guide to Baby Travel Gear. I have read your valuable page and gotten much information. I have learned a lot from you that I did not know before. I confused for choosing the Baby Travel information what would be the best for everything but now my confusion has cleared by your review. I hope your all information will help me and my elder sister’s daughter. Thanks again Corinne and Keep it up………..

Thanks for sharing this helpful information. You are inspiring me to travel with kids. I love traveling to different places. But I was worried about choosing the best baby travel gear? Which one is the best for everything? Actually, I got a lot of information from your blog.

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The Best Baby Carriers for Travel (Packable, Comfortable and Lightweight)

Written by Becca

Updated on April 26th, 2024

What are the best baby carrier brands and products for travel, especially for families? Check out this list of the best compact, packable and comfortable slings, carriers and wraps.

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 Baby Carriers for Travel

• My personal favorite baby carriers for travel
• Best travel baby carriers for newborns (under 10 lbs/4.5 kg)
• Best travel baby carriers for packability
• Best travel baby carriers for “long carries” and hiking

Baby-carrying resources

• Why did I write this guide?

But my friend Rachel is a baby-wearing expert (and hobbyist) who has owned 11 baby carriers to date.

I would’ve been remiss if I didn’t ask her which baby carriers are best for travel, from the ones that are compact enough to pack in a suitcase to the ones that won’t kill your back if you choose to go hiking with your baby, up through toddlerhood .

Rachel was kind enough to provide a ton of the info you’ll see below, about all her baby carrier picks. I think this will help any parent a great deal based on all her incredible knowledge of a variety of baby-wearing products. Also, scroll all the way to the bottom of this article for some cool baby-carrying resources Rachel would like all parents to see!

Let’s get started on seeing which baby carriers are best for your style of travel, starting with a bit of a background.

My personal favorite baby carriers for travel

Before we get into ALL your options for travel-friendly baby carriers, I’ll call out the baby carriers I’m currently using with my child!

I use the Baby Tula Carrier Lite , which I talk about in this in-depth review . It folds up into a fanny pack that you can use as a purse for a few handy essentials and it’s one of the best baby travel accessories .

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It’s packable, lightweight and pretty comfortable, all at a moderate price and in a few fun designs and neutral colors. I’ll be taking it on every trip, and it’s great for the airport. When I’m not traveling, I keep it in the car!

For road trips, when I don’t need to pack down small, I focus on comfort, support and ergonomics with another Baby Tula carrier. I’ve been using the Explore Carrier, which has a forward-facing wear option, and has been great since our child aged past 6-7 months.

It is an incredibly well-built product with cushioned shoulder supports, a wide and strong waist belt and size inclusivity for parents of all sizes. See my review of the Baby Tula Explore Carrier for more photos.

Best travel baby carriers for newborns (under 10 lbs/4.5 kg)

Rachel calls out that newborns get their own section of the list of the best baby carriers for travel, because most carriers in the other sections are not ideal for babies as small and fragile as newborns. If your baby is bigger or older, skip this part!

Also, consider that babies born with lower birth weights may be at an average “newborn” weight for longer than babies born at average or above-average birth weights who gain weight quickly after birth.

Stretchy baby carrier wraps

Stretchy wrap carriers are an excellent choice for very small babies. Stretchy baby wraps pack up tiny, are super comfy and are truly “one size fits all,” making them a one-and-done solution for your baby-wearing during a trip.

They come in a variety of weights, patterns and colors, so it’s easy to dress them up or down in every season. The catch is that tying them up and fastening them safely has a bit of a learning curve, though in Rachel’s opinion, “it’s well worth it.”

I can say the same, from my experience in using the Solly wrap as the first baby carrier I ever tried with my newborn!

There are a ton of products in this category of newborn baby carriers for travel, and they differ only in look and fabric weight/composition.

Stretchy baby carrier wraps: Carry options

When talking about “carry options,” this will refer to how your baby will be carried on your body. With stretchy wrap carriers, your baby faces inward, frontward toward your body and against your chest and torso.

Best stretchy baby wrap carrier for travel: Boba Wrap Carrier

The Boba Wrap Carrier is a favorite option for baby-wearing while traveling with newborns because it’s affordable and packs up into a packing cube like clothing would.

It comes in quite a few different designs, from solid colors to polka dots and geometric patterns. What’s great about a wrap carrier, aside from fitting neatly in your suitcase for your trip, is that it can be worn by either parent or any relative. The “wrapping” becomes intuitive after watching a few video tutorials.

Rachel’s Ratings:

• Weight & packability: 5/5
• Comfort: 5/5
• Ease of use: 5/5
• Style & looks: 5/5

Full buckle newborn carriers

A “full buckle newborn carrier” offers a cuddly, lightweight and adaptable carry solution for parents who don’t want to learn how to tie a wrap carrier (and this is very valid!).

Note that some popular baby carriers in this product category (BabyBjörn Mini, Infantino Swift) do not have a hip-healthy design, and may exacerbate hip dysplasia and other postural issues.

This being said, check out the ideas for your carrier options below, for your next trip.

Full buckle newborn carriers: Carry options

For “full buckle” baby carriers that work nicely for newborns, the carry style is frontward and inward-facing, just like a wrap carrier.

Best full buckle newborn carrier for travel: Ergobaby Embrace

The Ergobaby Embrace newborn carrier holds a baby between 7-25 lbs and has a safe and supportive design through both a padded waist belt as well as cross straps, and neck support. It comes in a knit version as well as a mesh version .

Rachel’s Ratings: Ergobaby Embrace & full buckle newborn carriers

• Comfort: 4/5
• Style & looks: 3/5

Best travel baby carriers for packability

Now that you’re a traveling parent, I know what you’re thinking: “I want to take a baby carrier that packs small into my luggage.”

Packing is one of my biggest challenges when I travel, as I talk about in my (attempted) guide to being a minimalist on the road. Here are some options for easy-to-pack baby carriers that will fit effortlessly into your bags.

Ring sling baby carriers

As the ultimate choice in packable convenience, Rachel describes “ring slings” as “a length of woven fabric with two rings (usually aluminum) sewn into one end.”

With some practice, they can be an extremely quick and convenient way to carry your baby comfortably, for up to around 30 minutes or maybe even longer.

Many parents keep a ring sling carrier folded up in the diaper bag, just in case their independent waddler or toddler gets tired of walking, or just wants to be held.

Ring sling baby carriers: Carry options

Ring sling carriers will have the baby facing inward, and to the front of your body as the baby-wearer. Usually, the baby will also be supported at the hip.

The best ring sling baby carrier products for travel

Here are a few ring sling recommendations from Rachel, to consider for your next trip at home or abroad.

Wildbird Linen Ring Slings

The Wildbird ring slings are made of linen and come at an affordable price point. I had one, and personally decided that it wasn’t for me, so I gave it to another mom. It might be for you, though, and Rachel likes these a lot.

Didymos DidySling

The Didymos ring sling is made of heavyweight cotton and has a precise amount of stretch. The price is on par with the Hope & Plum ring sling mentioned next.

Hope & Plum Hemp Ring Slings (water safe!)

These beautifully-patterned ring slings are made of a hemp blend fabric for a soft feel and full support. The price is about double that of the Wildbird.

Rachel’s Ratings: All packable ring slings for travel

• Comfort: 3/5
• Ease of use: 3/5

Apron-style carriers

Rachel describes compact apron-style carriers as full buckle carriers that have less material, structure and padding. They fold down to become very small, and give a sleek look when worn, but can become uncomfortable after a substantial length of time, especially with a larger baby.

Apron-style carriers: Carry options

With an apron-style baby carrier, you’ll have the baby facing front and inward toward you.

For a baby aged 6+ months, you can consider doing a “back carry,” if their neck is strong and supportive.

The best apron-style baby carriers for travel

Happy baby original carrier.

This carrier is fully adjustable, breathable and is made of linen, making it 50% lighter than many other similar options.

IntegraBaby

This apron-style carrier and is good for petite women because of the short straps. Note that it comes in three sizes, from “baby” to “preschooler.”

Sakura Bloom Scout

This apron-style carrie ruses rings instead of buckles, and is a more luxury type, ranging from the linen carrier to the leather and silk option , among other high-end materials.

Rachel’s Ratings: Apron-style baby carriers for travel

• Weight & packability: 4/5
• Ease of use: 3-5/5
• Style & looks: 4-5/5

Onbuhimos are a traditional Japanese carrier style in which the child sits up high on the back of an adult, and is secured by shoulder straps, but no waist belt.

As it uses very little material, the onbuhimo packs down very small, which is great for taking one on a trip; however, its lack of a waist belt can make it harder to wear comfortably for long periods of time without superior upper back strength.

It’s a favorite of pregnant mothers, as it provides a supportive carry with no waist pressure. This is great to know (thanks, Rachel!). Some models of these baby carriers can be worn on the front with smaller babies.

Onbuhimos for travel: Carry options

Using an Onbuhimo baby carrier on your trip will have your child facing front and inward. For babies older than 6 months, you can try back carrying if they support their head well.

Best Onbuhimos baby carriers for travel

Sakura bloom onbuhimo.

This one uses rings instead of buckles, available in a wide range of fancy textiles, from raw cotton to silk or linen.

Didymos DidyGo

The DidyGo is made from cross twill and is great for toddlers who are constantly going up and down.

Rachel’s Ratings: Onbuhimo baby carriers for travel

Best travel baby carriers for “long carries” and hiking

We’re calling out the types of carriers that are best for carrying your baby for a long time (think all-day sightseeing while traveling) as well as hiking, because the features that make them the ‘best’ are a bit different from the ‘best for packing’ carriers recommended above.

The baby carriers that will be best for wearing your baby for many hours during a travel day or during a hike (aside from hiking-specific baby carrier backpacks, which we’re not getting into in this list) will support you and your baby.

They might not be quite as packable for travel, but they prioritize comfort for longer periods of time. It’s kind of like you have to choose packability versus comfort and figure out which feature you prioritize for your upcoming trip.

Full Buckles

Full buckles are the carriers you probably already know about. They look kind of like backpacks for a baby, with padded shoulder straps and structured waist belts. I have been using the Ergobaby Original carrier and it’s a full buckle one.

The panel for a baby is often padded with canvas or another material, instead of being constructed simply out of fabric, in these types of baby carriers.

Rachel noted that there are a ton of styles and companies in this product space, and you can find something for every price point, fabric and taste. At the end of the day, there is no wrong choice here, except for carriers that are not hip-healthy. This includes many BabyBjörn styles, so keep an eye out for those.

Full buckle baby carriers: Carry options

With full buckle carriers, you’ll have the baby facing inward toward you in the front. At 5+ months, some models of full buckle carriers will have the carrier on your front, with the baby facing outward. Our baby enjoyed this option at 5 months!

Starting at 6 months, you can use a full buckle carrier on your back. Also, some models will let you carry a baby on your hip in these, but it’s rarely comfortable if you see how it looks.

The best full buckle baby carriers for travel

Ergobaby 360 or omni.

I think the ErgoBaby 360 is great! The Omni model offers the option to cross the straps for more petite wearers, like me.

Tula Explore , Tula Standard , or Free to Grow

Baby Tula is one of my new favorite brands. The standard model is for babies 6+ months old, whereas only the Explore faces forward and doesn’t have a hip option. The Free to Grow is for children from 7 to 45 lbs. There’s also the Preschool carrier for bigger kids.

Wildbird Aerial

This full buckle carrier has crossed straps only, and no front-facing or hip option.

Didymos DidyFix

This one offers the option to cross the straps for more petite wearers. Note that there’s no front-facing option.

Rachel’s Ratings: Full buckle baby carriers for travel

• Weight & packability: 1-3/5
• Ease of use: 4/5
• Style & looks: 1-5/5

Woven wraps

Rachel says that woven wraps are simply lengths of fabric that can be used to wrap children of almost any size (yes, even big kids up to four years old!) to your body.

She makes a point that the learning curve is very very steep, but once you’ve got the hang of it, a shorter wrap can be a remarkably packable, comfortable and adaptable option for front and back carry.

Woven baby wraps for travel: carry options

Like many of the other baby carrier choices Rachel recommends, woven wraps are either for front and inward-facing carries, or, for babies 6+ months, back carrying.

Best woven wrap baby carriers for travel

These woven cotton baby wraps are beautiful, and also come in linen, bamboo viscose and cotton-silk blends.

Rainbow Frog Textiles

While this company doesn’t have too many different products in baby carriers, they specialize in ring-spun cotton warp and all products are made by hand. They also do custom requests.

Rachel’s Ratings: Woven wrap carriers for travel

• Weight & packability: 3-5/5
• Ease of use: 1-2/5

Half buckles and Meh Dais

Rachel introduced me to half buckle carriers, and Meh Dai carriers ! These types of baby carriers are crosses between woven wraps and more structured carriers.

Meh Dai is a traditional Chinese baby carrier style made of a panel of fabric with four woven straps. Two straps tie around your waist and two over your shoulders.

“Half buckles” are Meh Dais with padded and buckled waists for convenience. They both offer the comfort and compactness of a woven wrap, with a fraction of the learning curve.

Half buckles and Meh Dais: Carry options

Half buckle baby carriers and Meh Dai baby carriers can have your child facing front and inward by default, or on your back (for older than 6 months). Lastly, hip carrying is also an option.

Best half buckles and Meh Dais for travel

Check out these suggestions of which ones Rachel thinks are the best!

• Didymos DidyKlick
• LennyLamb LennyHybrid
• Hope & Plum Meh Dai
• Didymos DidyTai

Rachel’s Ratings: Half buckles and Meh Dais

• Weight & packability: 3-4/5
• Comfort: 4-5/5

For parents looking for a central resource on hip-healthy baby carriers and hip-healthy certified carrier database, along with research partners, check out the International Hip Dysplasia Institute .

Additionally, you can post “baby-wearing fit checks” in r/babywearing on Reddit.

And lastly, the Center for Babywearing has a baby-wearing consultant locator tool so that you can find a babywearing consultant near where you live.

Why did I write this guide?

As a new parent who got into “baby-wearing” during our baby’s first month of life, I found out that there was a lot to learn. I started “wearing” my child in a baby wrap and then a more traditional baby carrier. The question was, though, which one should I take with me during a trip?

As my daughter has grown, I have been through several baby carriers (okay, four of them) and I’ve finally landed on which ones I like. Seeing that different parents have many different preferences of what works best, as well as which type of travel they engage in, I had to learn all about baby carriers for taking trips.

Transparently, I’ve tried four carriers (which is even quite a few), and I have my own opinions about which one is best for packing, which one is best for flying on a trip with a baby and which one is best for comfort.

I’m grateful to Rachel for helping me with the research, as she has tried different brands than I have. I hope you enjoyed this guide and that you’ll find what works best for taking around your baby comfortably.

Some background on baby-wearing during travel

Rachel says that there is “no single best baby carrier for travel,” but there is for sure an excellent baby carrier out there for any type of traveler and any type of trip.

Depending on your child’s size and developmental stage, and depending on your destination, you may even want to bring multiple baby carriers with you when you pack your backpack or suitcase. Of course, this is easier if you’re taking a road trip with your baby and have the luxury of space to throw things into the car, rather than flying.

Rachel also recommends keeping in mind that (except for some wraps) no baby carrier is “one size fits all.” Certain brands or styles may be much more or less comfortable for you and your baby, based on both of your body types (because babies, as well as adults, come in many shapes and sizes!).

If at all possible, it’s a good idea to find a local baby-wearing group or library, or participate in a “try-before-you-buy” program.

By the way, Rachel has provided her ratings (I’m calling them ”Rachel’s Ratings,” which I think she’s going to get a total kick out of) of all the baby carriers listed below, based on her experience with a bunch of baby-wearing options. I truly don’t know anyone who has more experience across so many brands and styles! Thanks, Rachel — you rock.

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40+ Must-Buy Baby Travel Essentials

Nasreen Stump

I’ve got four kids. There are 13 years between the oldest and the youngest and it blows my mind how much baby gear has evolved. So many things exist now that were never around when my oldest was an infant. When we watched a friend’s 2-month-old, it made me realize that baby travel essentials aren’t just for travel . Since our friend had all “the gear” she was able to easily leave us what she needed to watch her baby so she could attend to a family emergency. Shopping for your little one can be mind-boggling. Then you ask for recommendations and it gets even harder! Everyone loves something different. There are so many options that decision fatigue sets in. These are the products my fellow SheBuysTravel contributors and I use and love.

Travel Car Seats

The question here is: infant car seat vs convertible car seat? Each has advantages. Convertible car seats can be more expensive to buy, but they save money over time because they are “convertible.” Evenflo’s All4One convertible car seat took us from infant through preschool. Some even convert into booster seats. That means they carry your big kid all the way to regular seat belt use. Here’s the downside: They are beasts. They’re heavy. Many don’t fit standard airline seats and transferring them from one car to another is a chore, let alone moving them from plane to rental car. On the other hand, an infant car seat is lightweight and easy to move baby around in. Some even pair with lightweight stroller options , which makes them work great for travel. The downside? You’ll end up buying another seat once they grow out of it.

One we love is the Peg Perego Primo Viaggo. In my opinion, it’s one of the best on the market for under $300. My paramedic husband referred to this as “Fort Knox for babies.” Some of the reasons we love it include its narrow base which helps it fit into a backseat with other car seats and European safety features not yet required in the US.

Read More: Learn how to install a car seat with no base, what to look for in a travel car seat and the one car seat safety travel tip most parents overlook.

Travel Strollers We Love

This post is intended to be the quick and easy overview to our favorite travel baby products. Rest assured we’ve done some really in depth articles if you want more information. Here are our picks for strollers in all price ranges for all family types. And here is the quick scoop on our favorites: If you’re bringing an infant in an infant car seat, choose a lightweight stroller with a folding basket base. They are lightweight and easy to use. The infant car seat sits on top. Best of all, you can easily transfer a sleeping baby from car to stroller.

Baby Trend makes one that accepts numerous brands of car seats . If you plan to travel extensively or are out and about a lot, choose the upscale Doona, which sells for $550 on Amazon . It’s an infant car seat that turns into a stroller! Seriously, it’s like magic. The wheels come right out of the car seat. If your baby is slightly older, the Pockit can be a great choice. This is the Swiss Army knife of strollers. It’s easy to get through TSA and folds small enough to fit into an overhead airplane bin.

Must-Have Diaper Change Supplies

While you’re traveling, you won’t have a changing table and diaper pail nearby. But there are ways to make roadside diaper changes easier and more comfy for baby. The first thing you’re going to want is a nice folding changing pad . There are a LOT of choices. In my opinion, there are two key things to look for: a handle and a spot to carry bags. This makes it easy to carry the diaper changing supplies and the baby. Plus, it gives you the ability to wrap up stinky diapers in a bag when you’re in tight spaces (plane, car) without that odor-blocking diaper pail.

Most good changing pads will have a couple of mesh sections or pockets for baby wipes, a change of baby clothes, extra diapers and even butt cream if diaper rash is a concern. These changing pads are great for a quick run into a restroom or an airplane diaper change. To tote all the goods, though, you’ll want to consider a full diaper bag. In my humble opinion there are two things that make a diaper bag worth having: good accessible space and easy portability. We’ve veered towards backpack styles that can be easily carried and large tote bag style travel bags for overnights.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t limit your internet search to “diaper bags” only. Sometimes the best bags have been gym bags or regular backpacks. One of my all time favorites was a Champion gym tote . For $25, it had great straps and enough room for supplies when we were cloth diapering. Learn More: Here’s how to change a diaper on an airplane .

Baby Travel Essentials: Feeding

Keeping baby happy and fed on the road doesn’t have to be a hassle. I look for space-saving items that make my life easier. No SheBuysTravel is going to haul a high chair on the road. Luckily, there are some fun travel ones to make feeding time easier. Some are fabric and some are basically mini versions of high chairs . Personally, I think the fabric ones are more versatile but the mini ones come with trays, so they tend to feel more familiar to little ones. What did we do before the squeezable baby food pouch? Seriously, those things are travel life savers.

One product I promise you will love as much as I do is this pouch with a spoon that screws right onto it . It is perfect for babies who are still being spoon-fed and can’t hold and squeeze the pouch themselves. Pouches are easier to pack and less likely to break. The spoon addition makes them perfect. I also bought reusable food pouches . They’ve been used through one baby/toddler. My older kids use them for yogurt and snacks at school. Two years later, they’re still going strong. It’s a great way to serve applesauce or yogurt for snacks.

How to Keep Baby Bottles Clean When You Travel

For bottles and sippy cups, it’s important to bring what your kiddo is used to. There are disposable sippy cups on the market that can be convenient for travel, but if your toddler has never used that type before, it might not be a success. I strongly recommend giving any new bottles or sippy cups a test run at home before you hit the road. My oldest daughter would only drink from Dr. Brown bottles . They have a bunch of small parts.

I was SO happy to discover microwave sanitizing bags . I tuck the parts into the bag and pop the whole thing into the hotel room microwave. It’s super easy. The bags can be used to sanitize everything from baby bottle parts to pacifiers to breast pump attachments and teethers . If you want to bring a bottle brush, I recommend a silicone one so you can easily dry it off before repacking. We all know that babies are messy. Bring bibs. There are some plastic wipe-clean ones that are great for travel. Baby swaddle blankets and muslin blankets also are great for protecting baby’s outfit. They’re thin and can easily provide a food or breast milk barrier and are great for cleaning up spit up.

Sleeping Away from Home: Baby Travel Gear You Need

When you’ve got a new baby who has settled into some sort of routine, sleeping away from home can present some challenges. One way to make it easier? Plan for future travel even if you don’t know when it will happen. How? Well, for us it was using a small sound machine every night. At home, it was necessary because of those three older (loud) siblings. It paid off when we traveled, though. Our son associated the white noise with sleep. In Pavlovian fashion, he fell asleep easily in hotel rooms once we turned on the machine.

Now, let’s talk about cribs. By the fourth kid, we were done with cribs. In fact, my husband wrote an entire post on why you don’t need a crib. Our youngest slept in a pack-and-play-style bed until he graduated to a tent-style pack-and-play. Most hotels say they have cribs available. Ninety percent of the time those “cribs” turn out to be pack n’ plays. So if kiddo is used to it, they’ll sleep better. Pack an extra pack-and-play sheet and a baby blanket in your luggage. They’ve been missing in many of the places where we’ve stayed. Serious travelers may want to consider a more travel-friendly option like the Lotus travel crib , which folds down into a backpack-sized case.

Traveling with a newborn? A pack-and-play is awkward to use and feels way too big for baby. The Munchkin Brica Baby Travel Pod opens with the push of a button and is lightweight for easy travel.

Other Baby Travel Essentials for Sleep

Night lights . Although “no one puts Baby in the corner,” we’ve definitely had our baby sleep in a closet. When you’re trying to get one kid to sleep without making everyone else turn in, placing the crib creatively is the answer. Our youngest has slept in a Four Seasons Jackson Hole closet (with the door cracked open) larger than my upstairs bathroom and we were glad we had the nightlight with us to cast that comforting warm glow.

Soother. This is baby’s comfort item. The best baby can go from chill to crying if a loved soother is forgotten. If your kiddo has a favorite stuffed animal, do not forget it. Also, new moms, if there’s an item that your baby loves, please learn from my mistake. Buy two. Inevitably, at some point it will go missing or be left behind and having a substitute is worth its weight in gold.

Sleep swaddle. Hotel rooms can sometimes be chilly, so consider packing a heavier sleeper or even sleep swaddle to bundle up baby. They’re often easier to pack than baby blankets and easier to wash. We used to keep the blanket for the car and use swaddles at night. Also not to age myself but sleep swaddles are amazing! When my oldest was young we didn’t have them and had to baby burrito him by hand. Sleep swaddles are one of my all-time favorite baby products.

Baby Travel Items that Make Bath Time Easier

Bath time can be a little tricky if you’re staying in hotels that don’t have bathtubs. We might have been a bit more casual about baths while traveling and given some baby wipe baths. But a lot of folks use bath time as part of their nighttime routine. Travel bathtubs have gotten way better over the years. Even folded in half, they were huge. Now, plenty exist that pack completely flat.

I highly recommend a lay-flat baby bath over an inflatable tub. There’s room for mildew and trapped water and no one wants to be drying a tub off as they’re trying to get out of a hotel room. The sponge-y material ones can turn any sink into a spot for baby to bathe .

Read More: All the Tips You Need for Taking Baby on a Road Trip

How to Ditch the Baby Bath Tub

Another method is to get baby used to the shower. My oldest daughter had colic and breastfeeding was a struggle for us. One of the ways I calmed her was to take her in to a warm shower with me. The water soothed her. Why am I telling you all this? Well, I obviously didn’t want to hold a slippery baby every time I showered, so I found a baby carrier designed for swimming and water. It changed everything. Now, bathing baby on the road is as simple as putting the baby in the ring sling.

For safety reasons, always choose a sling with metal rings (plastic can degrade). The rings should have no visible seams on them. Pick a pricier option that’s been safety tested. Beachfront Baby has great options in a variety of colors. The slings have been chlorine tested, too. If a ring sling seems hard to use, consider a  Boba Air soft structured carrier (SSC) . The nylon material is quick drying and it folds up tiny. We used it at water parks several times.

A Baby Travel Monitor

Not necessary for hotel stays, but a baby travel monitor is helpful when visiting relatives’ homes or when staying in a multi-room vacation rental. The VTech DM221 Audio Baby Monitor has a soothing night light too – we love products that do double duty!

Baby Carriers: The Must-Have Travel Baby Product

Baby carriers are my all-time favorite baby travel essentials. I started with a Baby Bjorn with my almost 18 year old son and have worn every baby since. It is easy for me to fall down a baby product black hole when talking about carriers. So I’m going to mention some of my favorite soft structured carriers that are readily available to the general public.

Tula is a brand name that many new parents know. There are two main types: solid fabric or the Coast, which is a mix of fabric and mesh. Whichever one you buy, add Frogg Toggs to the order if you’ll be wearing it in the summer. These cooling towels absorb cold water and don’t drip. You can use them to make a cool layer between you and your older baby. You will stay cool without getting wet. I prefer the Tula because it is easy to switch so it also fits my larger husband. In addition, it easily went from baby to toddler.

We also had an ergobaby for my daughters but design changes over the years weren’t my favorite. If you have back problems the LILLEbaby can be a good option; it offers additional lumbar support. There are some cheaper entry brands like Infantino . As baby grows, they may not have some of the comfort elements for you that the pricier carriers offer.

Name Brands Do Matter

No matter what you do, look for name brands. Baby carriers are required to be safety tested in the US. No name options shipping on Amazon may not adhere to those requirements. Love hiking with baby? Check out hiking style carriers for added storage room and stability. (And read our tips for hiking with babies!)

Baby Products that Make Road Trips Easier

If you’re road tripping with baby, you want to be as prepared as humanly possible. I totally get it. Road trips can hold a lot of unknowns (traffic, potty stops, etc) so being ready for anything is essential. The good part? You’re the captain of your destiny. Here are 6 things I always pack for to make road trips easier.

A Silicone Bucket

Puke happens. If baby is tiny, you obviously won’t be able to use a bucket for spit up (and you won’t really need one). But a bucket is useful for other things — dirty clothes, toting toys and even playing with at stops. Silicone buckets are a lifesaver because they collapse. They are space saving until you need them.

It doesn’t have to be fancy. Buy one before your trip. Trust me. I found myself in upstate New York panic buying one at Target. Fun story, they don’t carry the cheap ones in store. I ended up with an expensive one that played music and had a remote control. After dropping $40 on that, I had to go back in and buy scissors to open the package. Don’t make my mistakes. Get a simple cheap baby mirror . If you’re sitting in traffic you’ll be glad you can see baby.

Did you see the story above? Make sure there are scissors in the car. Yes, they’re not a “baby item” but there will be a reason to use them. In fact, get trauma shears . They can cut through practically anything (and can replace those special seat belt cutting safety tools).

First Aid Kit

Seriously, it’s not just because my husband is a paramedic but yes it kind of is. Bring a basic first aid kit when you travel. Even if you do something as simple as getting a minor cut it becomes complicated if you have to go on a band-aid hunt with a baby.

Seat Back Organizer

A seat back organizer , even a super basic one, will come in super handy on road trips with baby. You can fill it with diapers, wipes, bottles of water and more so that everything is easily within reach at stops.

Extra Binkies/Teethers

If your baby likes to chew on things bring extra. For some reason, cars become binkie black holes on road trips. They enter but never come out. Buy in bulk.

The Right Toys

You want Junior to stay entertained in the car but please take this advice to preserve your own sanity: Limit toys that make noise, have parts, or are hard to clean. My secret? Tub toys . They’re sturdy, washable, easily sanitized and are usually bright and popular with babies. Bathtub books are also very easy for another child to read to baby and they double as a chew toy!

Sunscreen and a Sunshade

If you’ll be hitting the road for hours at a time, consider sunscreen for the baby. While sunshades are great and can help block glare, constant car sun exposure can have an impact. We round up our favorite baby and toddler sunscreens in this post. I’m a huge fan of the sunshades that come with both window clips (that go over the window as it rolls up) and suction cups. That way nothing falls off the window. We share way more about road tripping with a baby over here. Check out our full post of tips, tricks and what you need to know.

What other baby travel essentials do you pack when you travel with baby? Have a question or need a recommendation? Drop us a comment and we’ll help you out!

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Baby Travel Gear: Complete List of Travel Essentials

• Updated June 29, 2023

Traveling with a baby may seem like a STRESSFUL business, but you can have fun with the entire family as long as you know what to bring!

This list contains all the portable baby travel gear items you might need to bring when you’re planning a local or international trip.

Best Baby Travel Gear Essentials: Travel Items Packing List

Don’t just pack all the baby travel items you think you might need—plan accordingly to where you’ll be staying so you can have the optimal experience when traveling with a baby!

1. Baby Travel Car Seat

Babies can be fussy when sitting down, so you want something that will strap them in safely.

This item is one of the best baby travel essentials parents can purchase when they hit the road.

Travel car seats will be your best friend on the road and plane ride if you don’t want to carry your baby on your lap all the time and end up with a NUMB LAP.

While you might already own a car seat for daily life, a car seat for travel will be different.

Ideally, you’ll want one that’s easy to lug around during your trip and one that’s as compact as can be.

If you decide to bring this seat type to a plane, make sure it’s ALSO appropriate for use on an airplane .

If it is, you’ll be able to find a label that says “ This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft ” on it.

You can find a list of non-toxic car seats here to bring to your next travel destination.

NOTE: If you have a newborn baby, avoid using a forward-facing seat. It’s much safer for newborns to sit on a rear seat that’s facing the BACK of the car!

2. Baby Carrier

Imagine walking through the streets of Rome and catching all the beautiful sites before you.

Except you can’t because you’re too TIRED from carrying your baby around to enjoy your trip.

That’s why you’ll most likely need an organic baby carrier with you when you travel with a baby. We have a few organic baby carrier options , so you don’t have to scour the internet.

Aside from that, a baby carrier will be helpful if you ever need to do something else with your hands, like preparing your baby’s formula or handling another one of your kids if you have one.

Baby carriers are also perfect for places that aren’t stroller-friendly, so that’s something to keep in mind when planning for your next trip!

3. Lightweight Travel Stroller

Don’t just bring any everyday stroller to your trip — especially not a bulky stroller! Be sure to bring a baby stroller that’s lightweight and compact .

You’re not going out for a day trip to a park. You’ll need something to easily transport around sightseeing spots, hotels, and other travel destinations.

It’ll be a real hassle if you find yourself tiring over having to carry a heavy stroller around.

You’ll preferably need foldable strollers that fit a small rental car or the overhead compartment of an airplane.

If you’re boarding an airplane, make sure to check the dimensions and weight requirements of strollers with the airlines you’ll be using.

Aside from passing travel requirements, get a non-toxic stroller. You can find a comprehensive list of non-toxic strollers over here .

Stroller Cover

If you bring your baby out in a stroller during the day, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll need to cover the front with something so that your baby doesn’t get sunburn .

While you could attach a blanket to your stroller to use as a shade, your baby might feel too hot from it, especially during the summer.

Stroller Clips

Stroller clips help keep blankets in place .

No longer are the days where you have to chase after a blanket during a windy day or fix the blanket after your baby kicks it up in their stroller.

4. Portable Baby Bassinet

If you have a newborn infant with you when you travel, take a portable bassinet with you.

That way, you can allow your baby to sleep in comfort and feel safe even if you go out to eat or walk through the beach.

Be sure to bring a cover for the bassinet to block out the sun when out on a sunny day.

5. Baby Travel Crib or Travel Tent (a.k.a Pack ‘N Play)

If your baby is older than six months , bring something more sturdy like a portable travel crib or tent so they can sleep well even in your hotel.

While hotels offer cribs to rent, you might want to bring your crib sheets, especially for babies with more sensitive skin.

If you want to get rid of the uncertainty that comes with renting cribs, buy your own travel crib and let your baby sleep or play in it so they can get used to it.

However, if you have a toddler with you, bring a portable toddler bed or travel tent for them to sleep in instead.

6. Baby Swaddle and Sleep Sack

Infants can be fuzzy before sleeping, and that holds especially true when you’re in an UNFAMILIAR place.

Giving them a swaddle can give them more comfort, meaning they can sleep wherever they want to.

Be that an airplane, a hotel room, or even just grandma’s house.

If your newborn is old enough, then consider using sleeping sacks for babies instead.

7. Portable Diaper Changing Pad

This one is an essential item, especially if you plan on hiking or walking around.

Your baby will need to change their diapers whenever they need to. If you let your baby keep their dirty diaper on for too long, they could get a diaper rash.

A portable diaper changing pad lets you change your baby’s diaper on the go . These include filthy places without a diaper changing station.

8. Diaper Bag

This isn’t even a debate.

A handy diaper bag is going to be full of equipment you’ll need when changing your baby.

You’ll need to fill your diaper bag or diaper backpacks with items like:

• Diapers (preferably disposable)
• Extra Clothes
• Diaper cream
• Bottles and Formula
• Baby food and snacks

You might want to find one that has more space to avoid worrying about not being able to bring baby gear like these during your trip.

9. Wet-Dry Bag

Parents who don’t want to use disposable diapers don’t need to give up their ideals for a trip.

All you need to do is bring a wet-dry bag for your baby’s used cloth diapers.

Aside from dirty diapers, you can use wet-dry bags for soiled clothes or dirty bibs .

Be sure to bring two for dirty clothes and stained bibs so the mess doesn’t mix.

10. Baby Toiletries

Parents absolutely cannot leave the house without these baby travel items:

• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Shampoo and Body Wash
• Baby Lotion
• Sunscreen (optional)

While the sunscreen might depend on where you’re going, it’s never a bad idea to bring the other baby travel products on the list.

You want to keep your baby feeling fresh and clean all the time when you travel, that’s for sure.

11. Breastpump

Not keen on having to breastfeed your baby in PUBLIC?

Bring this piece of baby gear, use it, and put the milk away for later.

Even if you don’t breastfeed your baby, bring one just in case.

You might want to go out to have time for yourself and leave a bottle or two for your baby while you’re gone, or maybe your partner will take the baby out while you relax in bed.

If possible, bring a manual pump in case you get stuck in a place with no electricity or experience a power outage (fingers crossed this doesn’t happen, of course).

12. Nursing Cover

While it’s perfectly okay for mama bears to breastfeed in public without a cover, this depends on your comfort and safety .

Bringing one is one way to ensure that the woman breastfeeding your infant will feel safe or keep the locals comfortable.

13. White Noise Machine

Picture yourself getting ready for bed in a hotel room.

You’ve put away all your things, got changed, and have your baby in a crib.

You’re settling down in your own bed, but then your neighbors start acting up next door.

Next thing you know, your baby can’t sleep due to all the noise.

Bring a white noise machine as part of your baby gear to help your babies and infants settle in for their sleep routine .

If you don’t want to purchase one, you can get a white noise app on your cell phone for the same purpose.

Just make sure you don’t need to use it in the evening when your baby needs to use the white noise app to sleep.

You’ll be surprised to know that this is exactly what your baby will need to sleep soundly when you’re away from home!

14. Portable Travel High Chair

Sometimes restaurants don’t have high chairs for your baby when you need to dine in.

You can obviously just let your baby sit on your lap while you have your meal, but it might not be as comfortable, especially if your baby kicks up a fuss.

Bringing a portable/foldable high chair might save you a lot of strength and give you the rest you might need, so make sure to get the most convenient travel high chairs possible.

15. Baby Bibs

It’s no secret that babies and toddlers alike can make a mess when they eat .

Pack a baby bib .

It might not stop your baby from getting a stain on their clothes, but it DEFINITELY helps.

16. Table Mat

Aside from the mess a baby or toddler makes on their clothes, they’ll also leave their mark on the table.

Bring these particular baby travel accessories to make cleaning a breeze for you and the people around you.

17. Bottles, Sippy Cup, and Spill Proof Snack Cup

Baby travel essentials like these are one of the best baby travel essentials for families when traveling with a baby.

Baby Bottles

You’ll need to feed your baby using reliable nursing bottle when they’re hungry, so be sure to bring one whenever you go out of the house , even if it’s just a short day trip.

Don’t Forget Dish Soap!

We also recommend bringing your own baby bottle dish soap for longer trips so you can clean your bottles without worrying about bacteria and the like.

If you have a toddler, then they’ve most likely graduated from drinking from baby bottles and have begun to drink from sippy cups.

You can start to give your toddlers something to drink aside from milk, so you can give them more options to choose from (water, 100% juice, etc.).

Just be sure not to make it a habit to drink sugary beverages since it can lead them to grow UNHEALTHY habits.

Spill-Proof Snack Cups

As your child begins to grow up, they’ll start developing a taste for solid food as well.

Sometimes your transportation can go through bumps which could cause a mess when it comes to snacks. To prevent that from happening, get feeding supplies like a spill-proof snack cup .

All your toddler needs to do is reach through the flaps or silicone covering of the snack cup and get their baby food and snacks from the inside.

Bring more than one spill-proof snack cup so you can give them more than one kind of snack while you’re on a journey.

18. Inflatable Travel Bathtub

If bathing in a bathtub is part of your baby’s or toddler’s bedtime routine, try not to skip on it just because of your trips to a different place.

An inflatable bathtub is one way to help your baby or toddler to ease into their new environment faster and, in turn, get them to sleep with ease.

If you can’t get one, you can use a sink if they still fit or wipe them down with a warm cloth.

19. Baby Travel Toys

You don’t need to bring your baby’s whole box of toys wherever you’re going to go.

Just bring two or three toys for your baby or toddler. It’ll be a lifesaver so they won’t get bored and cause a ruckus.

If your baby gets bored with their toys, play a game with them instead.

That way, you can also bond with them!

BONUS TIP: You can even consider buying toy steering wheel attachments for car seats!

20. First Aid Kit

While it’s a parent’s worst nightmare for their baby or toddler to get sick, you’ll need to be prepared anyways.

Bring these essential baby travel items to save yourself the headache:

• Thermometer
• Baby Tylenol
• Teething relief
• Baby vitamins

You can find a drugstore to buy all those items, BUT it’s not worth the risk of running around not knowing where to go while your baby or toddler doesn’t feel well.

Packing for Baby: How Much to Bring on a Trip

The first thing to note down:

Do. Not. Over. Pack.

Remember, your baby is not the only person going on this trip. You will end up hauling WAY MORE things than you want to if you overpack your suitcase with things you might not even need.

Leave the baby stuff you won’t need at all during your travels. At worst, you’ll have to go out and buy something you didn’t bring.

Where Are You Going?

Now that you’re packing under that first principle, remember where you’re going to go .

We mentioned bringing sunscreen, but you won’t need that item if you’re planning to go to a place like Tokyo during the winter season.

Or are you going for a day trip to a nearby beach? Are you really going to need that stroller when you can’t even push it through the sand?

Better bring a bassinet with a cover or an umbrella instead.

How Long Will You Be Gone?

If you’re not staying overnight to whatever place you’re going, skip the crib.

Your baby can always sleep in their stroller while you push them through a park.

There’s a crib waiting for them at home anyways.

That said, there’s no need to worry about overnight items if you’re going home at the end of the day.

Don’t Have Space?

If you lack the space to bring all the essentials with you, you can find a reputable baby equipment rental company at your destination.

You won’t have to worry about somehow getting all your baby’s items in your already overstuffed bag.

Baby Travel Tips: How to Travel With a Baby Safely

How to Travel With a Baby in a Car

Before you hit the road with your baby or toddler, be sure to check that you have everything you need; all your baby travel essentials and other products you might need while you’re stuck in a car.

How Soon After Birth Can a Baby Travel By Car?

Most families bring their newborn infant home with a car, so there aren’t any real restrictions for going on a road trip.

However, you’re going to need to be prepared for a road trip to keep your baby safe and comfortable throughout the car ride .

We recommend you take short practice trips with your baby to get a feel of what they’ll need during the car ride.

This is one way for you to know what particular baby products you’ll need , and how long your baby will last without kicking up a fuss .

Most importantly, everything else you’ll need to keep your entire family happy .

If you’re looking for a specific range on how soon your newborn can travel long distances by car, around 3 months old is a good range to keep your baby safe.

How Do I Keep My Baby Cool in Car Seat?

We’ll go through all the most important things you’ll need to know to keep your baby cool in a car.

• Choose light-colored car seats instead of dark ones. Dark colors absorb heat more and will cause your baby discomfort.
• Use a car seat cover to keep the car seat cool when your baby uses it. You can also buy a car seat cooler which is the same thing but is meant to be frozen overnight.
• Dress your child appropriately for the heat. Don’t overdress them, and don’t use clothes with materials like fleece, wool, or flannel.

The last thing you’ll want is your baby getting sunburnt or overheated while you travel.

How Long Can I Travel With My Baby?

According to The Lullaby Trust , your baby should NOT be in a car seat for more than 2 hours at a time and should be taken out frequently.

Make sure that you let your baby rest by taking frequent stops during the drive. During your breaks, stretch your legs and let your baby take a breather.

If possible, keep one adult in the back seat as well to keep an eye on the baby. If your baby changes its position, be sure to adjust them to the correct position .

If you’re traveling alone, stop the car as soon as possible and adjust their position yourself.

How to Travel With a Baby on a Plane

Before you leave for your flight, be sure you have all your baby travel essentials and everything else you need, like your passports, gadgets, and snacks if you need them.

Can a 2-Month-Old Baby Travel By Plane?

While there are no actual restrictions to newborns flying on airplanes, it may not be safe, especially for long-haul flights.

To really play it safe, ask your doctor for more information.

Make sure to check the country or place you’re visiting for information about the weather and if any diseases are spreading there.

How to Travel With Baby Formula on the Plane?

You’re probably aware of the 100 ml liquid rule strictly imposed in airports when you travel to a different destination in your country or to another one.

However, according to the TSA , baby formula or milk is exempted from the rule . You can bring it in carry-on luggage but should keep them separated from other liquids.

When Can You Travel With a Baby?

Many parents want to travel to different places with their children, which is perfectly understandable.

Before your infant reaches the 3-month mark , their immune system won’t be fully developed yet, making them prone to catching colds and other infections .

That doesn’t make it impossible to travel with your newborn, though. The CDC recommends that you ensure that the water you give them is clean and the hotel you stay in passes the safety standards .

Can a Baby Travel Without a Passport?

Even if your kid is a baby, you will need to get them a passport to go abroad .

They’ll need it to leave your home country and re-enter it. However, there are exceptions to the rule, like when traveling from the U.S.A. to Canada and vice-versa.

REMEMBER: Your children will eventually grow up, meaning they will have plenty more required documents to obtain.

Getting them a passport at a young age will give both you and the child an easier time handling such requirements. 

Can a Baby Travel With a Birth Certificate?

Families traveling with a baby from the U.S. to Canada won’t need a passport for their child. That’s GOOD NEWS if you find it difficult to head to your nearest embassy.

Minors below the age of 16 only need a birth certificate to leave and re-enter.

Check the passport and visa information of the place you’re going to travel to be sure.

Can a Baby Travel Without a Plane Ticket?

Luckily, there’s no need to worry about getting kicked out of the boarding gate because some airlines don’t require you to buy a plane ticket for your baby .

Some will give charge you a fee for a “lap child” especially for international flights. You might want to take advantage of this perk while your children are still young.

While most of them charge 10% of an adult’s ticket , some taxes could rack up a lot of money so stay cautious.

In the end, you can buy another ticket for your baby to keep them comfortable when you travel.

Can I Go Camping With My Baby?

YES! You can go camping with your baby!

However, you’ll need to make extra preparations like getting mosquito-repellant , checking the weather and temperature , boiling clean water , and other things.

However, if it’ll be your first time camping as well, don’t go and wait until your kid is a bit older.

Indeed, you won’t have to worry about breastfeeding and keeping everything incredibly clean.

Leaving the Nest Together

The thing about babies is that it doesn’t have to be stressful when you bring them to travel.

In fact, there are MANY families out there who get to have more fun when they bring their kids.

So remember to pack your baby travel essentials ONLY.

Don’t go pack everything you see without a thought and make sure to plan things thoroughly.

But most importantly…

Have a great time while you travel with your baby! After all, enjoying life is the secret to HAPPINESS!

About the author

Angelica Graham

A few years ago, Angelica found out about all the plastic and toxic ingredients that got into most children’s products. And this worried her to no end. Because of this, she began to research what the best ingredients and materials were for children and made it her mission to share this information with other mothers.

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Traveling with a baby? Here’s what you need.

12 products that’ll make your trip so much easier.

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For expecting parents, travel can seem like one of those parts of life that’s off the table after having a baby. The ability to be spontaneous, to just pack a carry-on bag and head to some far-off destination for a few days, to run around exploring new cities, restaurants, beaches — all of it seems impossible. It doesn’t help that many parents and grandparents who have been there before will warn you to travel now, “while you still can!”

But as the parent of a now-16-month-old, I can say from experience that this is categorically false. I’ve now taken my daughter on many trips, including flights to the Midwest and Canada, and road trips to upstate New York and Washington, DC. The first trips we took were nerve-wracking: Did we pack all the right things for her? Would she sleep okay in the new place, thus allowing us, her parents, to sleep okay? Did we remember every possible item we might need to have at arm’s reach in the event of catastrophe while in transit?

With each successive trip, though, we got more and more confident. Each time, we learned a little bit more about how to optimize our travel routine. We learned what items we needed and what we would be fine without. We learned that you should definitely pack a lot of wet wipes, and that navigating the airport is a lot easier with a lightweight travel stroller than with your big everyday stroller.

You can absolutely travel with a baby, as long as you accept that it will look a little bit different from the way you traveled before. And one of the ways it looks different — besides having to juggle your vacation plans around the baby’s nap schedule — is that you need a lot of gear.

Specifically, there are a number of things that can make traveling with a baby or toddler much, much easier. There is a wide world of products out there, some of which are for making plane travel smoother, while others make vacation at your eventual destination more enjoyable. Wading through the options can be overwhelming, and it’s hard to know which products are worth the money and/or packing space.

The recommendations we’ve put together — by talking to travel experts, parenting specialists, and seasoned moms and dads on the Vox staff — are not meant to be one-size-fits-all. Pick and choose what feels most useful and valuable to you based on your travel style and budget. You might, for instance, be totally fine skipping a travel high chair if you don’t mind having your baby sit on your lap for meals. You might feel your regular stroller works well enough for vacation and you don’t need a travel stroller.

And remember: You don’t always have to spend money to get these products. A secret of modern parenting is there is a whole economy of parents swapping baby and kid stuff they’re done with. Ask friends and family who have kids older than yours if they have what you need, or source from a neighborhood parent group or local Buy Nothing group . If you’re able to get (or borrow!) something for free, that can be more valuable than having the “best” brand .

Things to pack that are genuinely useful

Travel stroller.

That perfect stroller that you spent months researching and selecting before the baby was born? It may not be very well-suited to traveling, particularly if it’s a big, heavy model. When traveling, you want something that’s lightweight and compact, since you’ll need to fold up the stroller when going through TSA checkpoints and when gate-checking it.

All of this means traveling will be easier if you get a second stroller specifically designed for travel. There are two kinds: travel strollers , which generally fold up into thirds in a little compact rectangle, and umbrella strollers , which tend to be cheaper than travel strollers and fold up more like a long stick or umbrella shape.

I have the Summer Infant 3DLite stroller, which is a relatively inexpensive, light umbrella stroller. This thing has gotten us through trips big and small.

Summer Infant 3DLite stroller , $79

For a travel stroller, Vox audio producer Victoria Chamberlin recommends the GB Pockit+ All-Terrain stroller: “We took this to Germany, Scotland, and Italy. It folds to half the size of a rolly suitcase and can go under most seats and in all overhead compartments,” Chamberlin said. “Highly recommend if you have an international flight connection because if you gate check a stroller, you will not get it back until your final destination. When we got stranded in London overnight, I was very happy I had this in my hot hands.”

GB Pockit+ All-Terrain Stroller , $280

And Corinne McDermott, author of the travel website Have Baby Will Travel , recommends just bringing your regular stroller on trips, provided it can play double duty. “It’s not necessary to purchase a second stroller specifically for travel if your main one works well,” McDermott says. “A stroller is not just a stroller when it comes to travel with babies and little kids. It is a bed, a high chair, a buggy for all of your stuff, and a baby jail for when you need to know your baby is in a secure spot while your hands are full and attention is elsewhere. Our beloved stroller was the UPPAbaby Vista, which was our everyday stroller that worked great for travel. It is easy to maneuver, the basket holds a lot, it’s high enough to push up to a table for mealtimes, and the deep recline was great for naps.”

UppaBaby Vista V2 Stroller , $969

Travel car seat

One of the most annoying things about traveling with a baby is that you need to lug your car seat around everywhere if you plan to take a taxi or ride in any car at all. You could try bringing your regular car seat if it’s small, like an infant car seat — but otherwise, most parents I know recommend leaving the heavy convertible car seat in your car and getting a much lighter travel version.

Vox video managing producer Val Lapinski recommends the Cosco Scenera Next, a travel car seat that weighs just 10 pounds. Says Val: “It’s ubiquitous for a reason — it weighs nothing.”

After having a miserable time dragging our bulky convertible car seat through Newark Airport and around our destination of Toronto, my husband and I bought the Cosco car seat upon Val’s recommendation to use for our future travels. Just a month later, we took it on a trip to Chicago and immediately knew it had been worth it. It was much lighter and easier to carry around; my husband’s shoulders were grateful.

Cosco Scenera Next car seat , $60

Travel bags for both the car seat and stroller

If you’re flying, most airlines allow you to gate-check a stroller and a car seat for free. But items can be damaged during the gate-check process, so it’s a good idea to invest in travel bags to protect them from scratches and other wear and tear. I have these simple red bags from J.L. Childress.

J.L. Childress Car Seat Gate Check Bag , $20

J.L. Childress Stroller Gate Check Bag , $23

A lightweight baby carrier

If your baby is still small enough for babywearing , bring a carrier — it’s nice for carrying the baby around the airport once you check or gate-check your stroller, and it’ll be helpful when you want to do short outings where a stroller might feel cumbersome, like going to a restaurant.

Emily Oster, an economist and author of the parenting books Expecting Better , Cribsheet , and The Family Firm , recommends the BityBean carrier: “It’s a very lightweight baby carrier that goes front or back and can range from a very small baby up through a 2-year-old. I spent many an hour in the back of an airplane flight bouncing a kid in this thing. Generally, in my view, the less gear the better, so this was a big win when we discovered it.”

BityBean Ultra Compact Baby Carrier , $70

Travel crib

Unless you’re staying somewhere that offers a crib, you will need a travel crib that folds up compactly and is easy to carry around to provide a safe sleep space for your baby.

The Graco Pack ’n Play is beloved by many parents (including myself). It’s easy to assemble, fold up, carry, and store, and comes with a bassinet attachment for younger babies.

Graco Pack ’n Play Playard , $80

Chamberlin recommends the Guava Lotus travel crib: “This is way lighter and easier to put together than a pack and play, and takes up less space as a backpack than similar models. Also, it has a bassinet insert you can get if your baby is that little.”

Guava Lotus Travel Crib , $249

Travel high chair

You most likely already have a high chair at home, but when traveling, you might want one that’s easy to collapse and carry.

Says Chamberlin: “This is our go-to travel high chair. It is good for the floor, and also attaches to a dining chair. And if you take the tray off, it’s a camp chair. We have used it for travel to visit family, camping, and hotels.”

Summer Infant Portable Booster Chair , $30

Baby headphones, if you’re into screen time

Screen time can be a godsend on vacation when you want to have a nice dinner at a restaurant and need your toddler to sit still and be quiet for a little while. Bring your iPad with preloaded shows, but don’t forget baby headphones so the rest of the restaurant’s patrons don’t have to listen to Ms. Rachel. I use these.

BuddyPhones Explore+ Headphones , $30

Portable white noise machine

One of the most important keys to a successful vacation with your baby is sleep. Maintaining a baby’s sleep schedule and making sure they get adequate naps and good sleep at night, even in a new setting, is crucial. If you use a white noise machine at home as many parents do, then you likely want a small portable one to pack on vacation. I use this one, which is chargeable and has a little hook that makes it easy to strap onto your stroller or car seat for naps on the go, too.

Yogasleep Hushh Portable White Noise Machine , $27

Portable blackout curtains

Many kids need total darkness to be able to sleep, and the varying light situation in hotels and Airbnbs can wreak havoc on daytime naps. Many Vox parents recommend portable blackout curtains to create that perfect darkness — everyone will be happier if the baby has had a solid nap.

Catherine Spangler, a supervising producer on Vox’s video team, says: “These blackout curtains with suction cups have been lifesavers across three continents for us.” The suction cups make them easy to attach to any window, and they’re lightweight and easy to fold up and throw into your carry-on bag.

Tommee Tippee Portable Blackout Curtains , $19

A diaper bag that holds everything you need for the flight

A diaper bag that holds and organizes all the essentials you might need in flight — from diapers and wipes to snacks and bottles and the iPad and headphones and an extra change of clothes — is important to a less stressful flight.

Your everyday bag might work, but Jessica Darrington, who runs the baby travel website and Instagram Where Is Briggs, also recommends the ultra-structured travel diaper bag from No Reception Club. Says Darrington: “This diaper bag has been a game changer when traveling with a baby because it has kept all of our gear organized. I’m amazed at everything I can fit inside and love that this bag counts as a personal item and can go under the seat in front of me on the airplane.”

No Reception Club “The Getaway” Bag , $235

Things you can probably skip bringing

Tons of diapers.

Save your suitcase space and bring only enough diapers to get you through the trip — you can always buy more diapers when you arrive at your destination.

The SlumberPod

As far as I can tell, this is basically a tent for babies to sleep in , but the entire $180 tent is made of blackout shades. Some parents I know love it, but we’ve never invested in one — portable blackout shades have worked just fine for us and are much cheaper.

Travel baby monitor

Travel baby monitors are things that exist, but there are also a million baby monitor apps that turn devices like iPads, with cameras and microphones, into monitors that stream to your phone. Save your money and skip buying a travel-specific device.

How to travel now

• Respectful Tourism
• Solo Travel
• Flight Advice
• The “Perfect” Vacation

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19 Products That Make Traveling with a Baby Easier

By Cassie Shortsleeve

Last summer, a few weeks after my daughter was born, my husband and I made a trip to Block Island . Deciding to travel as we had pre-baby, we opted to go car-free, as lightly-packed as possible. We wound up requiring a few oversized dollies to carry armfuls of baby gear on and off the ferry—and the help of uncles and ferry attendants alike to do so.

The lesson was learned the hard way. Traveling with a baby requires a lot of stuff—no matter the means of transportation.

Fortunately, the baby gear industry accommodates to the particular needs of traveling families : There are strollers that maneuver down airline aisles with ease, baby carriers that transform into six different positions when strollers aren’t allowed, strollers that double as car seats, sweet animal-inspired sound machines that clip on to car seats. You get the point.

But the objective remains the same: When traveling with a baby, bring as few things as possible and have as seamless and as easy of a trip as possible. The items below—from diaper bags and food mats to strollers and traveling high chairs—help you meet that goal.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Noah Kaufman.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Doona Infant Car Seat/Stroller

The Doona is a game-changer for travelers. The rear-facing stroller is super-compact, measuring just over 17 inches across, and fits babies weighing four to 35 pounds or up to 32 inches long. It works perfectly in cramped spaces like crowded trains or markets, thanks to an adjustable handlebar that lets you maneuver the stroller the same way you would a wheelie bag. But the Doona’s most useful feature is that it transitions easily into a car seat : Just press a button on the back, glide the seat forward, and the wheels seamlessly tuck under the seat. The stroller also fits down the aisle on most planes , so just roll to your row, then convert the stroller into a car seat for the flight—no need to gate check or lift anything into the overhead bin. (See more of our favorite strollers for travel here .) While the stroller comes in colors like blush pink and cool gray , we like the Midnight edition, a luxe all-black look with a faux leather handlebar cover.

Dagne Dover Diaper Bag

You won’t make it far with a baby and no diaper bag (as many new parents—this one included—learn the hard way). The conundrum? You don’t want everything you own to scream baby . That’s where this Dagne Dover neoprene diaper backpack, made from the same fabric as wetsuits, comes in. Part cute carry on, part super-functional baby gear, the bag comes with storage galore, a mini changing mat, extra pouches for creams, wipes, and the like, and clips so you can strap it to a stroller. Better yet: It fits most 15-inch laptops, meaning there’s room for your work (or baby’s entertainment) to join you on your trip.

Ceres Chill Breastmilk Chiller

Breastfeeding might be somewhat travel-friendly (feed the baby anywhere, fewer bottles to pack), but storing milk always presents a challenge: You either need a super reliable freezer bag, an actual freezer, or this solid steel bottle that keeps your milk cool for over 20 hours. It stands out from your average steel water bottle in that it’s compatible with all major breast pumps. The top part of your pump will fit on one of the bottle’s inner chambers, which means you eliminate inevitable and messy spillage. Now all you need to do is find a place to pump (many airports and major transportation hubs have Mamava pods, free-standing lactation areas where you can pump in peace).

+Elvie Wireless Breast Pump

If you can swing it, having an extra pump for travel can simplify and de-stress life on the go (no more worrying about locating the nearest outlet). This one checks all of the boxes: It’s small, fits inside a nursing bra, has only five parts to put together and take apart, and connects to an app to track milk volume in real time. The charging cable also connects to a USB source, so your computer can double as a source of power in a moment of need. Plus, Elvie is one of the quietest pumps on the market, which might not matter much under the loud hum of a plane but will be nice if you need to pump in the quiet car of a train or at a restaurant.

Caitlin Morton

CNT Editors

Jessica Puckett

Zoli Formula and Snack Dispenser

Depending on who you ask, snacks might be the most necessary thing to have on hand when traveling with tots. In that case, you're going to need a snack dispenser. This stackable container from Zoli is compact and handy for storing multiple snacks on the go. It can also be used as a formula dispenser.

Líllé Baby Carrier

Several museums and tourist attractions don't permit strollers. Having a baby carrier on hand is essential for those crowded, stroller-free environments—and if you're traveling with a newborn, it's sometimes just easier to let them sleep on your chest than worry about transferring them out of a stroller. The Líllé carrier transforms into six different positions that correspond to the baby's age (it can hold up to an 18-month-old), and has an oversized pocket in the front so you can go hands-free and store the essentials, be it your cell phone or a pacifier.

The Lotus Travel Crib by Guava Family

This travel floor crib has a side zipper door that allows the crib to double as a playard, a comfy waterproof mattress, and the option to bundle it with Guava’s bassinet (which can be used as a rocker for small babies). It’s a good pick for growing families, and because the carrier can be worn as a backpack, it’s an incredibly easy option for a crib on the go. If you're staying at a hotel, though, be sure to call ahead of time—some accommodations provide cribs and in that case, there’s no need to lug anything around.

LulyBoo Baby Lounge To-Go

This super-light travel bassinet collapses into a backpack that you can easily sling on during a walk to the park or onto a plane. It's also sturdy, with just enough cushion, so you won't feel like your newborn is sleeping on an unsupported flat mat. It's indoor/outdoor ready, waterproof with a shade for the sun, and it comes with a cute, removable "toy bar" with two dangling stuffed dice.

Ezpz Fun Mini Mat

Traveling with babies can get even more complicated when you're eating every meal out, but this suction mini mat helps make it a little easier. The all-in-one placemat and plate suctions to the table surface, creating a stable base for your child to eat from with multiple compartments (two two-ounce sections and a larger four-ounce one). The silicone material is easy to clean and lightweight, and it comes in a reusable bag for compact storage.

Sun Bum Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50

Did you know it’s still possible to get sunburned on a plane ? (UVA rays from the sun can actually penetrate glass.) And while you can rely on double-duty SPF face lotions, derms and pediatricians alike usually recommend mineral-based blocks (those with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in them) for babies’ sensitive skin. This one from Sun Bum fits the bill, gives broad-spectrum coverage, and is non-greasy but will easily blend onto your baby’s skin. Plus, it’s small enough to throw into a diaper bag or purse.

My Little Seat Travel Highchair

You usually don’t realize how much you need a highchair until you find yourself without one. The other issue: Even ones made for travel tend to be cumbersome, awkwardly-shaped, and tough to move from point A to point B. Fortunately, your little one doesn’t need anything fancy when it comes to providing a place to eat. My Little Seat’s highchair is essentially a pillow-back getup with a five-point harness that clips onto any chair and works for babies who can sit unassisted up to 35 pounds. Sure, there’s no tray, but your child will likely love sitting at the table with you, and this product’s packability is a perk that outweighs the need to spoon-feed purees.

Inglesina Fast Table Chair

Another option: Inglensina’s Fast Table chair, which attaches directly to any table and straps your baby in at the perfect height to both see and interact with you. It’s ideal for kids too small to use the clunky generic high chairs that public places often provide. Plus, it comes apart and folds down flat into an attached travel bag that makes it a cinch to stow inside luggage.

WavHello SoundBub

If your baby drifts off to sleep at home with the help of a sound machine, it’s best to replicate that aspect of their environment on the road. The SoundBub plays six different white noise tracks for naps on the go or overnight sleep somewhere new and easily clips to a stroller or car seat. Just charge it up when it dies. Another major perk: It’s Bluetooth-enabled, so you’ll have music while on a walk, at the beach, or just hanging out. It’s also durable and chew-safe, so you don’t need to worry if your baby wants to play with it.

WeeFarers Sunglasses

By no means a requirement for traveling families, these baby wayfarers (weefarers!)—which, might we add, appear to be near indestructible and beyond bendable—are adorable additions to any baby’s travel day outfit. But they also serve a purpose beyond sun protection: They give your child their very own pair of sunglasses, which any parent knows tends to be the number one grabbed-for parent accessory of all time. Hey, it could buy you a few minutes of much deserved downtime.

Flyaway Kids Bed

This may not be suitable for a baby’s very first flight—they’ll have to be old enough not to be held the entire time—but the inflatable flyway bed transforms a kid’s seat into a mini lie-flat. Because it takes up almost all of the seat space when inflated, it has the added bonus of helping to stop toys and pacifiers from dropping and rolling around on the floor. It can be inflated in less than two minutes and meets all of IATA’s standards.

Slumberpod Privacy Pod

The chances that any new parent has had more than three hours of consecutive sleep recently are, well, small. And while you may not have control over whether your baby wakes up crying in the middle of the night, a Slumberpod—essentially a blackout tent placed over a crib—can help kids from feeling out of sorts when sleeping in a new room for the first time. A nice side effect is that parents can stay up and keep the lights on when they’re sharing a hotel room with an infant. Condé Nast Traveler contributor Sarah Firshein even found it successful when keeping her little-one down after a red-eye flight.

Clear Membership

Babies are not known for their patience, so forcing them to wait in a long TSA line to get scanned may not go over well. Alleviate that wait with a Clear membership , which will let you and your kids (who are included in a family membership for free if under 18) bypass the long lines.

Arlo Baby Monitoring Camera

We’ve gone back and forth on whether to pack a baby monitor when we travel. On the one hand, in a hotel it’s less likely a parent would be so far from their baby they couldn’t hear them wake up. On the other, it sure would be nice not to constantly be listening for every little rustle of a blanket. The bottom line is that on every trip we forgot to bring it, we wished we had the monitor with us, especially if it’s as easy to use as the Arlo. The camera connects to any Wi-Fi network and shows audio and video on your phone, so the camera is all you need to bring. It can also run on battery power for about a night, so if it’s a short trip, there’s no need to pack the cable. We would suggest leaving the cute bunny ears and feet at home to keep it as compact as possible.

Eagle Creek Isolate Clean/Dirty Cube

Traveler editors love packing cubes of all sizes to help us stay organized. But the needs are a little bit different when there’s a baby involved. With separate compartments for clean and dirty clothes, Eagle Creek's cubes will let parents deal with the fact that everything their new addition wears becomes wet, sticky, or wet and sticky in a matter of minutes by preventing those items from messing up everything else in their suitcase.

The Best Baby Travel Gear – A Complete Guide

Baby and travel. They’re not two words that new parents would think can be put together, but guess what. They can! You can totally travel with a baby, it just needs some extra planning. And to help you out, I’ve put together a list of the best baby travel gear so you don’t forget anything. This is a comprehensive list of the best baby travel products to ensure your first trip with baby goes as smoothly as possible.

Stroller clips

Change of clothes, baby monitor, spill-free snack pots, first aid kit and medication, faq’s for traveling with a baby.

Our son started travelling when he was four months old when I drove and took the ferry from Wales to Ireland to visit our family. The journey, in total, was 7 hours each way and was a baptism of fire. A few months later we were jetting back to Ireland for weekends with family before heading to Gran Canaria for our first family holiday.

Since then he’s covered over 70,000 nautical miles, as well as having many miles of road tripping under his belt. But, when travelling with him as a baby, things were a lot different to how they are now he’s older. We learned along the way, found out what we absolutely needed and some things we didn’t, and there were even some mistakes made and items we wished we had known about to make travelling with a baby even easier.

So, with all of that in mind, I’ve put together this list of the best baby travel gear, which includes some of our all-time favourite baby travel items, and some we didn’t know about at the time but have since realised would have made those days much easier.

Best Baby Travel Gear

When you are a new parent embarking on your first trip as a family, one question that is probably going around and around in your head is

What to pack when traveling with a baby.

There are certain items of baby gear travel that are a necessity and some that are “nice to have”. When traveling with a baby, portable baby stuff is also a must and small baby travel items are too. To help you prepare and learn exactly what you might need to bring for your first family trip, I’ve listed out my top picks for the best baby gear for travelling. These are divided into sections for generally getting around, travelling by airplane, eating, sleeping and other great accessories to consider.

Best Baby Gear for Travel – Getting there and around

Let’s start with how you are getting to the destination for your first vacation away with your baby and how to safely get around while you are there. And safety is key when it comes to transporting our babies while travelling.

Baby Travel Car Seat

A must-have for baby car travel is a baby car seat . In most countries around the world it is illegal to travel in a car with a baby without them being in a child restraint seat or baby seat. No matter where you are travelling with your baby in a car, a baby safety seat is a must. If you are going to be taking a road trip with a baby, for added security ensure your baby car seat is an Isofix one.

Our choice of baby car seat for our son was a Maxi Cosi seat with an Isofix base . It was super easy to lift the baby seat in and out of the car, which meant if he was asleep, we were highly unlikely to wake him up. Lifting him from the car seat to his crib was another matter!

Once your baby grows out of their baby car seat, you need to invest in a child safety seat in the next group up. These safety car seats can be easier to move between vehicles and our child safety seat of choice was a Klippan Triofix for my car, the one we used the most. This is a group 1-3 model which comes with an Isofix base and can be used rear facing until your child is 18kg. Our son was rear facing until almost 5 years of age when his legs started becoming too squashed.

For my husband’s car which we used occasionally with our son, our choice of car seat was a Graco Slimfit .

Baby Travel Stroller

To ensure you have the best baby gear for travel and can get around easily to enjoy some exploring on your family vacation, you are going to need to think about a stroller . Now, I am not talking about your travel system you have for when you are home and out and about. I am talking about a lightweight, versatile stroller that can go all the way to the airplane door with you. Note that for most airlines, any stroller over 20lbs or 9kgs must be checked in.

We realised we would need one after I had to haul our travel system stroller with me, in the car, all the way to Ireland and back. It took up a lot of room in the trunk and I soon realised it wasn’t going to be easy to use while taking a plane. So, we went in search of something better and landed on a Maclaren stroller that was umbrella-style. Maclaren is a brand that has been used in my family for decades and I knew it would be well-made and durable. Which is what you need if baggage-handlers are going to be hauling it from terminal to plane and back again.

Whether you go for an umbrella-style, lightweight travel stroller, or a folding one, it needs to be lightweight. Friends of ours went with an UPPAbaby MINU Stroller which weighs just 15.2lbs or 6.9kgs and has one-hand folding.

Another addition to the market since our son was a baby is the Pockit+ . This super lightweight stroller can be folded in two easy steps and actually taken on board as hand luggage. It’s small enough to fit into most overhead compartments. The weight of this stroller is just 10.4lbs or 4.7kgs. It is recommended only for babies that can hold their own head up. Had this been available when our son was a baby, we would have bought this for flying.

Travel Baby Carrier

One of the best baby travel items I had was a baby carrier . While my son took some time to adjust to it, our baby carrier was a lifeline, both at home and while travelling. I could get my housework done while he slept as he hated being put down in the early days. And it made flying solo with him so much easier. There is nothing worse than landing and having to struggle to cart the diaper bag, other bag and baby from the plane to the carousel while you wait for your stroller to arrive.

Having a baby carrier frees up your two hands and make life easier. We were gifted a Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier and it was just brilliant. It was super comfortable to wear and made travelling with a baby easier.

Stroller and Car Seat Cover

If you are going to be heading somewhere warm and sunny, you may want to think about investing in a stroller and car seat cover.

A car seat cover will help shade your baby, keep bright lights off them and help them to sleep while on the go. The Snoozeshade Car Seat Canopy Lite is a universal car seat shade that will create a dark space for your baby to sleep in while also shading them from harmful UV rays.

We didn’t have a car seat shade but we did invest in the Snoozeshade Stroller Sun Cover which helped keep the bright sun of the Canaries off our son. It also worked at home in Wales on sunny days.

One word of warning though. Use this only when your baby is due a nap and try to keep them out of the sun during the heat of the day if you are in a hot country.

We found that it got quite warm inside the stroller, even with the shade, when we were in the Canaries, so use it sparingly with your baby and monitor the heat inside if you are in a hot environment.

When I discovered stroller clips for my diaper bag, they changed my life. Ok, that’s a bit of an exaggeration but they did make travelling with my son super easy.

Not only can they be used to attach your diaper bag to your stroller and keep it secure, they can use used to attach other items to your stroller like a blanket for shade or your baby’s favourite toys. They can even be used for grocery bags. There are various types available on the market but my personal favourite were the ones shown in the image.

Best Baby Airplane Travel Gear

This section is dedicated to the best baby airplane travel gear. Flying with a baby can be nerve-racking for the first time but these items can help make you a bit less nervous and hopefully steer you towards a great flight with your little one.

Sanitizing wipes

Something we don’t get on an airplane without these days are sanitizing wipes . Our son picked up what we were told was flu, on a set of flights from Portugal to Thailand in December 2019, and he became seriously ill. So much so, he needed to see a doctor as his fever was not going down.

Now, we take sanitizing wipes in our hand luggage and clean all surfaces on and around our seats before we do anything else. It is a precaution and some passengers may look at us like we are crazy, but if it prevents one of us from becoming ill, then we’re happy to do it.

Make sure to sanitize all surfaces including belt buckles, arm rests, tray tables, the whole surface around it and any plastic/metal surfaces you or your baby may touch. We also, always, carry hand sanitizer too.

Stroller Protector Bag

One of the baby air travel essentials that you might not have considered is a stroller protector bag. I’m sure you have had a suitcase come out on the carousel looking like it’s gone twelve rounds with Mike Tyson.

Now imagine your stroller coming out in that state and discovering it has been damaged beyond repair. Or you arrive at your destination to pouring rain and your stroller arrives soaking wet.

Enter the stroller protector bag. Not only can these help keep your stroller dry, they can add a bit of protection to them and encourage baggage handlers to take a little more care with them. If you have an umbrella-type stroller for travelling, then we recommend this stroller protector bag .

Car Seat Protector

Just as above, you need to protect your child’s car seat if you are bringing it on the flight and it is going in the hold.

A car Seat Protector bag will help keep your baby’s seat dry and free of germs, and if you pack it with towels and blankets, you can add further protection to it as well. If your car seat manufacturer does not do custom-made bags, consider purchasing this car seat protector bag for your next flight.

Lightweight blankets

Planes can get pretty chilly, especially long-haul. So, to ensure your baby has an as comfortable flight as possible, bring along a few lightweight blankets . They need to be light so as not to take up too much weight or room, but should be sufficient enough to help keep your baby warm.

Travel toys

Although babies don’t need a huge amount of entertaining, not compared to toddlers or older kids, it is still wise to pack a few toys in case they start to get a bit bored. Try not to pack too much (weight) and try to avoid noisy toys that may annoy your fellow passengers.

Make sure you pack at least one change of clothes for your baby in your carry-on luggage, more if you are flying long-haul. Travel sickness could hit or your baby might spit up their feed and you don’t want your baby to be uncomfortable along the flight. It is also a good idea to at least pack a change of tops for you and your partner in case they get you in the process.

This was one of those tips for flying with a baby that I heeded from the very start. You can find lots more tips in that post including making sure you have more than enough diapers and food for your baby for the trip and anymore unforeseen delays.

Travel Baby Gear – For sleeping

You are also going to want the best travel baby gear to ensure they nap and sleep comfortably. Their sleep patterns may be disrupted somewhat, but there are some things you can use to ensure this disruption is minimal.

Baby Travel Sleep Bags

In my opinion, the best gear for traveling with baby has to be baby travel sleep bags. We were gifted a Grobag for our son after he was born and they literally transformed our lives. From then, and until our son was about one and a half years of age, we used Grobags both at home and when we were travelling. We never experienced any significant disruption to his sleep because they were part of his nap and bedtime routine.

Now, you don’t have to just go with Grobags. Any baby travel sleep bags will do just as well. Make sure to assess the tog rating as you don’t want a 2.5 tog in a very hot country, and vice versa.

If you are looking for an all-seasons baby sleep bag, then I highly recommend the Woolino Merino Wool Sleep Bag . This optimal weight merino wool bag can be used in four seasons, negating the need for different baby sleep bags in different togs, meaning you only need one for home and away!

In our travel gear for baby items we had for our son, one of the best investments we made was in a sleep pod. Originally called the Sleepyhead, the Dockatot is a versatile, lightweight and portable baby lounger that we used mainly for safe co-sleeping and as a place for our son to sleep while travelling.

It came with me on that first ferry trip home to Ireland and not only did my son stick to his sleep routine, he slept soundly because his sleep pod smelled like home. He didn’t really realise we were in strange surroundings. Combined with his Grobag baby sleep bag, his sleep was not disrupted, then or on future travel trips.

White noise machine

Another great baby item in our arsenal was his white noise machine. We bought a Ewan the Dreamsheep that has four different white noise sounds and both he and I regularly fell asleep listening to the harp song. It was seriously that relaxing. Putting Ewan on when our son was in his sleep bag and placed into his sleep pod let him know that it was time to sleep. And although the song played for 22 minutes, he never got to the end of it.

Any white noise machine that is lightweight and portable could be your secret weapon to ensuring your baby sticks to their sleep patterns and routine, even when traveling. I prefer the ones that are incorporated into a cuddly toy so that it can even be brought onto the plane to help with nap-time.

If you cannot get Ewan, this rabbit white noise machine from Amazon looks super cute. It has 10 lullabies, a night light and doubles up as a sleep comforter.

Blackout curtains

Another one of those must-have items for traveling with baby are blackout curtains. Unless you are going to the Arctic Circle in the depths of winter where there is very little daylight, you are probably going to struggle with creating a dark enough environment for your baby to nap in. That is where portable, travel blackout curtains come into play.

We purchased the Gro Anywhere Blackout Blind and even used it at home during the bright days of summer. It meant daytime naps were easy thanks to the dark room they helped create.

They fold up small and come with their own storage/carry bag. So, if you are going to be travelling somewhere that is likely to be bright and sunny during the day, invest in some travel blackout blinds.

Travel Crib

If you don’t like the idea of a sleep pod, another option is a travel crib. Also known as travel play pens, these can double up as somewhere for your baby to play safely while also being your own sleeping crib in hotel rooms or other vacation accommodations.

Pro tip: Get them used to the space at home before you travel so it is a familiar place for them.

The LuckyDove Portable Travel Crib and Pack ‘n’ Play is a perfect travel crib. This travel crib provides a safe place for your baby to play and sleep in, and it has a side zipper door for easy access for parents. It weighs just less than 14lbs or just over 6kgs and comes with its own bag for easy transport, even on planes. Don’t forget your crib sheets!

Baby Travel Tent

Another sleeping option is a baby travel tent, such as the KidCo PeaPod Plus Travel Tent. Baby travel tents can be used for sleeping, playing in and many can be used at the beach, making them multi-purpose.

The KidCo Travel Bed Tent is lightweight, portable and comes with its own carry bag. It weighs just 3.5lbs or just over 1.5kg and packs down small enough to fit into standard carry-on bags. The built-in UV protection makes it ideal for using outdoors as well as indoors and it can even be used camping. This is recommended as a travel bed for children between the ages of 1 and 5.

Our first family holiday abroad to the Canary Islands saw us leave our baby monitor at home. Big mistake. Although we had a terrace directly off our room, the door could not be left open if we needed the air con on. And it needed to be on. The heavy patio doors also meant hearing our son wake from naps was quite difficult.

Next time, we didn’t make that mistake and brought our baby monitor with us. This made us more comfortable staying in hotels and accommodation and sitting on the balcony and terrace in the evenings while still being able to keep a close eye on our son in the bedroom beside us. And more importantly, that we could leave the air con on if necessary. We could close the door so no insects or mosquitos entered the room, keep the rom cool, all while still chatting or reading our books while our son slept.

Whatever type of monitor you have will suffice but we went with a Motorola video baby monitor with two-way audio. It has sufficient range to work wherever we were and lasted until we retired it when our son was three years old.

Best Travel with Baby Gear – For feeding

One thing your baby won’t let you forget is to feed them. So, in this section you’ll find my recommendations for some of the best travel gear for baby for feeding. Whether your baby is still milk fed or they have moved onto solids, you’ll find ideas for some of the best travel items for baby feeding on the go here.

Large muslins

Muslins were a godsend when our son was a baby. Burp cloths, nursing cover-ups, ideal for placing on surfaces when you’ve forgotten a blanket or towel. They have a multitude of uses. We had regular, small sized ones and I also had a few large ones. These I used as a cover for nursing but they also came in handy as a stroller shade if I forgot our Snoozeshade.

The Aden and Anais essentials swaddle blankets are lightweight muslin blankets that fit the bill. Plus they are such a pretty design. Do not head off on your travels as a family without muslins!

Portable high chair

One of the best travel baby items we were gifted when our son approached 1 years old was a portable high chair. It meant that if we were dining anywhere as a family that either did not have any baby high chairs, or all the available ones were taken, we could still sit and enjoy a family meal.

We had one of the Totseat portable travel high chairs that is made to fit almost any seat or chair. It was also washable too which is always handy with a weaning baby and is suitable from the age of 6 months old when your baby can hold their own head AND sit independently.

However, even better was the portable high chair our friends had for their baby 12 months later. The Chicco Quickseat hooks onto dining tables and comes with a tray table for babies and toddlers.

It folds up quite flat for easy transport and storage and was a nifty looking baby travel gadget. Part of me wished we’d known about that when our son was a baby.

Portable UV sterilizer

If your baby uses a pacifier or dummy, then having a portable UV sterilizer to clean it after they drop it is a must when traveling. And the Munchkin Portable UV Sterilizer is the idea travel item for the job.

With 99.99% efficacy against bacteria and viruses, it is battery or USB powered and can be used for pacifiers, mouth guards, teething toys, bottle nipples, anything that will fit comfortably inside.

Thermos flask

One baby travel item that made traveling with our son easier was our Tommee Tippee thermos flask . It made preparing our son’s bottles on a plane or ferry very easy.

For flying, we passed security with it empty. Then, once we were in the departures area of the terminal, we got boiling water from one of the food retailers and the thermos flask kept the water hot until we needed to use it. We topped it up with bottled cold water to ensure our son’s bottle was the right temperature. For long-haul the cabin crew were more than happy to give us some boiling water in the flask so we could make our son’s feeds when necessary.

It was also very handy on road trips too if we were going to need to stop to feed our son. Any thermos flask will do but I can highly recommend the Tommee Tippee one from personal experience.

Baby food jar thermos

If your baby is anything like my son was and does not like cold food and you are going to be traveling when they are due a meal, then invest in a baby food jar that keeps food hot.

The Thermos Foogo insulated stainless steel food jar is perfect for keeping your baby’s food warm. It keeps food hot for up to 5 hours and food cold for up to 7.

Silicone baby bibs

Instead of packing a million cloth bibs, or worse, disposable ones which add to landfill, why not pack some easy-to-clean, waterproof silicone bibs.

The best ones are those with a catcher at the end to try and keep restaurant floors as clean as possible. These soft, silicone washable bibs are the perfect baby travel item to have in your bag. Ideal for babies over 6 months old.

Snacks and drinks are a must when traveling with kids of any age, and babies have simple needs when it comes to these. You will need a sippy cup for them to drink water from and we found the best ones for our son were those with handles. Any other kind were just too difficult for him to handle.

And these Nuby sippy cups were the best we found for preventing spills when he let the cup drop too. They can be used from 4 months to encourage self-feeding and drinking.

As your baby gets a bit older and is looking to feed themselves more, spill-free snack pots will ensure minimal spills and mess, especially important for plane or car journeys.

Munchkin snack catchers are the pots we used with our son for snacks such as strawberries, baby rice cakes and even smaller things like rice krispies! Even if your baby holds it up-side-down, the snacks stay inside.

Best Baby Travel Accessories – Other Essentials

There are lots more items that need to be considered and in this section I list out the other best baby travel accessories and essentials you may need for journeys, both at home and abroad.

You cannot travel anywhere with a baby without one essential baby travel item, your diaper bag. Whether you use cloth or disposable diapers, the fact is, babies go through a lot of them and you don’t ever want to get caught short.

So, you need a bag to carry it all in. Your choice of diaper bag is a personal one but I recommend going for a diaper backpack .

A diaper backpack can leave both your two hands free to carry your baby from their stroller to the plane and will mean that the bag isn’t constantly slipping off your shoulder. Make sure it has plenty of compartments for everything you will need for a road trip or flight.

Diaper changing pad

An item that often comes with diaper bags these days are changing pads. However, if your bag of choice doesn’t come with one to place your baby on, invest in one to ensure you always have somewhere clean to place your baby to change their diaper.

This portable diaper changing pad is an ideal one as it comes with a detachable pad, insert for wipes, mesh compartment and can even hold things like your phone and car keys. It can be popped onto your stroller handle or off one of the bars and is padded and wipe able.

This is also ideal for taking into airplane toilets where space is at a premium. Just load it with diapers and wipes before going in and use it to keep your baby out of direct contact of the changing table.

Inflatable Baby Bath

When putting together your baby travel list, an inflatable baby bath is something to consider. If you are traveling with a baby that cannot sit independently, you are going to need some sort of aid for bathing them in hotel rooms or in your vacation accommodation. Enter an inflatable baby bath.

This inflatable baby bath (as shown) comes with a middle column to help prevent your baby from slipping down into the bath. It weighs just 2.24lbs or just over 1kg, has an anti-slip base and is perfect for traveling, especially road trips or when visiting friends.

If your baby is not sitting independently then a baby bather like the Boon Puff Inflatable Baby Bather is another option for you.

Thermometer

One thing we try to never forget when travelling with our son is a thermometer. You just never know when you might need it. Our thermometer of choice is a Braun No-touch Forehead Thermometer .

This thermometer doesn’t need to touch a baby’s forehead, meaning you can monitor their temperature, even while they sleep. While it does have audio, you can turn it off, making it silent at the same time. Perfect.  When making your baby travel essentials list, make sure one of these is on it.

Wet and dry bag

Your baby travel stuff should also include a wet and dry bag . These can be super handy if you are using cloth diapers to store them until you reach your destination.

They can also be used for wet clothes after leaks or spit-ups. And you can even use them for your swimming costumes if you decide to start swimming lessons with your baby at home!

You should never leave home without a basic first aid kit that includes baby pain relief, teething relief and nappy cream. These are essential items to have with you whether you are traveling out for the day or heading off to a far-flung destination for a family vacation.

Basic pain relief would include infant paracetamol (Calpol in the UK). Ensure that the pain relief is suitable for your baby’s age and seek medical advice beforehand if necessary. Teething relief to include in your first aid kit is Camilia Teething Relief . And for diaper rash and healing, add a tube or two of Aquaphor to your baby first aid kit.

Other teething relief you may want to consider putting on your list of baby travel gear are teething toys. This Haakaa Teether is suitable from 3 months and can be sterilized even in steam sterilizers.

This completes my list of the best baby travel gear. Many of these items we used when our son was a baby and some came onto the market or were used by friends after our son was a baby and were items we would have purchased had they been available or had known about them at the time.

What not to add to your baby travel list

Here are a few items I would suggest NOT packing when traveling with a baby (unless in your own car)

• Bulky jogging strollers – they are just too cumbersome for travel and are often impossible to get into the trunk of small rental cars.
• Your expensive, bulky car seat. Unless you really need your own car seat and have a bag protector for it, leave it at home and rent one if you really need to.
• Heavy, bulky toys. Leave them at home. Your baby won’t miss them and you won’t miss the extra luggage space and weight!
• Cloth diapers. I touched on this already and unless you have access to laundry, just go with disposable ones for the duration of your trip. It will just make things that little bit easier. And while we are on the subject, don’t take too many diapers unless you are traveling somewhere that is unlikely to have disposables readily available. Bring enough for the first day or two and stock up once you land.
• Don’t pack too many blankets, especially if you are bringing your baby’s sleep bag. One lightweight blanket and some large muslins are enough.
• Don’t bring full-sized toiletries. Save space by bringing travel toiletries and stock up once you land. It will free up weight. This is one of my top tips for packing for a family vacation . And only bring enough baby wipes too. You can buy them when you land unless you know they are not readily available like disposable diapers.
• Heavy baby books. You just don’t need the added weight.

Top tip: Make sure you bring enough baby clothes, especially if you don’t have access to laundry. No-one wants to spend half their time handwashing stained baby clothes!

Yes. There was a time that babies could be added to their parent’s passports but now, for most countries, your baby requires one of their own. You should organise this as soon as you can and well before any travel you have planned with your baby.

Most airlines allow a baby or child under the age of two to travel “free” on their parents lap. You may need to pay an admin fee. But, you will need to keep them on your lap for the entire flight. You could purchase a seat for your baby but you may need to call the airline if this option is not available through online booking. Be aware, there will be a fee for the seat.

Personally, we found hotels hard with our son. Kettles were not always readily available to make his bottle when we switched to bottle feeding, nor was there any easy way to heat his foods or sterilize his bottles. Private accommodation with kitchen facilities are much easier. Hotels do not always provide a bath in rooms too.

You can bring as much as you need for the flight and these are exempt from the liquids restrictions. Some airports may ask you to taste it but most have move to non-invasive testing at the security desks. You need to remember to declare it at the desk when you approach it so have it ready. Remember that, even for babies, water is not allowed over 100ml so wait until you are through and buy bottled water to put into your baby’s sippy cup.

This depends on the age of your baby. Infants can be held on your lap but older babies will need to be secured with an extra seatbelt which the airline will provide. If you purchase a seat for your baby, you could use an airline-approved car seat.

If you are lucky you can get a seat where the bassinet is located. These are limited so either pre-book it or get to the check-in desk early and request one. Use any of your baby’s favourite items for sleep to help them drop off. Bring their baby sleep bag, white noise machine, pacifier if they use it, comforter and try block out light with a cover or dark muslin.

There are two options. Either feed your baby on take-off or landing, or use a pacifier. Our son never had any problems with his ears as we gave him his pacifier. Even when we got rid of it, we made him drink some water at these times. Even now that he’s older, we still make him drink to help equalize his ears.

This list is comprehensive and contains the best baby travel gear we personally used, or travel gear for babies that we have since learned about and wish we had known about or wish was available when our son was a baby. You don’t have to purchase everything on this list, but the majority will make traveling with a baby easier and smoother.

Passports and Adventures is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. To learn more about affiliate links, read my  Disclosure Policy here .

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The Best Gear for Traveling With Kids

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Best In-Car Entertainment Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Read more

Best Headphones JLab Audio JBuddies Folding Headphones Read more

Best Travel Car Seat Wayb Pico Car Seat Read more

Best Car Seat Alert System Copilot Alert System Read more

Parenting involves more than a little magical thinking. If I go anywhere that parents gather, sooner or later a desperate mom or dad will ask me for the one thing that will make it easier to travel with a baby or small children. I can't make a 4-year-old avert a meltdown at an airport gate, or change a dirty diaper in a cramped airplane bathroom for you. But I can make a list of travel gear and gadgets I've found to be indispensable for the past four years while taking my kids on planes, trains, and road trips. If you need a tablet, compact stroller, or baby monitor, read on.

Be sure to check out our other guides on the best gift ideas for new parents , best baby monitors , best baby carriers , and our picks for a great travel mug .

Update December 2019: We added a few new picks and new product information.

Best In-Car Entertainment

Amazon's Fire HD 8 Kids Edition is the best children's tablet for the money. Amazon's FreeTime Unlimited platform restricts kid content by age, which means that you won't be constantly looking over their shoulders to see if they've found something unsavory on YouTube. FreeTime also includes Audible books, so a kid who has carsickness can listen and look out the window. It's small size makes it great for portability, and the tablet has a 3.5-mm headphone jack.

If your kid wants a bigger screen, the new Amazon Fire HD 10 is a great alternative, with slightly better performance and it's the first Amazon device with a USB-C charging port, making it convenient to juice up if you're already using a USB-C charger for your phone or laptop. Read our best Amazon Fire tablets guide for more options.

Best Headphones

Senior writer Lauren Goode pointed out that if you want to watch movies on a plane, you'll need headphones with a 3.5-mm headphone jack. And with kids, it might always be best to avoid more complicated wireless options. These corded, affordable JBuddies can easily switch between a tablet and a plane's screen. They have a built-in volume limiter and ear cushions to protect little ears and fit both my 2-year-old and 4-year-old.

Best Travel Car Seat

The best piece of kid travel gear I've tested in the past year is Wayb's Pico Car Seat . Children have to be in car seats until they fit a seatbelt properly , at 4 feet 9 inches or 80 pounds, but the manpower required to drag a 25-pound car seat on a trip is exhausting. The Pico weighs a mere 8 pounds and folds into a backpack. It's easy to carry, not only on planes but also while roaming a city and getting into different Lyfts and rental cars.

In November 2019, I did get an update stating customers that purchased Pico car seats with a model number ending in -001 sometimes reported a cracked head tube. It's not a safety issue, but Wayb is currently voluntarily replacing seats with that model number.

Best Car Seat Alert System

Tragically, parents sometimes accidentally leave their very young children buckled in closed, parked cars . It's hard to see a child in a rear-facing car seat, and it's far more likely to happen when you're tired, stressed, or there's a break in the routine, like traveling. Both car and car seat manufacturers are working on making visual and audio alerts standard practice, but in the meantime, this simple Bluetooth-enabled clip is simple, foolproof, and easy to install. Just replace the chest strap on your infant's car seat and attach the fob to your keychain. If you walk more than 10 feet away from a buckled clip, the fob alerts you.

Lauren Goode

Aarian Marshall

Benj Edwards, Ars Technica

Best Stroller

I've tried the Bugaboo Ant and other awesome lightweight folding strollers , but my favorite one is still Ergobaby's Compact Metro. It folds down to a mere 21 inches tall and has a handle to carry it like a suitcase. It has an easy one-handed opening mechanism, a silky, expansive fabric canopy, and it goes into a full recline for toddlers that need to take a relaxing nap while touring a museum. It's also slim enough to walk through the turnstiles at metro stations in cities like Washington, D.C.

Best Baby Monitor

At the end of a long day of traveling, the last thing you want to do is fiddle with a Wi-Fi-enabled baby monitor and figure out how to prop it up on a bedside table. Eufy's SpaceView monitor is compact and can stand independently. It has a ridiculous 330-degree horizontal and 110-degree vertical rotation, so I can put it almost anywhere in a room. It's not Wi-Fi-enabled, so I don't have to spend endless minutes waiting to connect it. Read our baby monitor guide for more options.

Best Streaming Device for Travel

Children must learn to be adaptable and flexible. But not in the 10 minutes before bedtime, when they're tired, cranky, and just want 10 minutes of Paw Patrol to wind down before passing out. Google's Chromecast Ultra lets you "cast" videos from your phone to any TV. It's easy to use, supports 4K resolution, and has an Ethernet port in case the Internet is wonky. It also works with Disney+ (wait, you don't have Disney+ yet? Go get it. We'll wait here).

Best Kid Tracking Device

I have mixed feelings about tracking my kids , but I've never been as terrified as the moment I lost sight of my preschooler at a neighborhood parade. The Jiobit is as small as an Oreo and easy to attach to my kid's clothes with a hair tie. It's rated IPX8 for waterproofing—you can swim with it—and uses a combination of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular data, and GPS satellites to track your kid almost anywhere on earth. Watching my kid run around in its live-tracking mode was like having a real Marauder's Map on my phone.

I've also tried the Monkey Kid sensor and the Relay , but the Jiobit is still my favorite.

Best Cheap Toy

Even if you're fully prepared with familiar toys and snacks, a tiny surprise will often delight and distract smaller children. These adorable, tiny erasers are affordable and are a surprise hit in my house. You can also get food or truck sets . Package them up individually and whip them out when you see that telltale downward mouth turn that signals an impending tantrum.

Best Travel Bag

The Yeti Camino Carryall won't work as a travel bag on a plane. It won't fit under a seat and the top doesn't zip shut. But if you're taking a road trip for the weekend, it easily transitions from diaper bag to beach bag to grocery bag. If your toddler squishes an entire carton of berries at the bottom, just tip it over, rinse it out with a hose, and dry it with a towel. Once, I lost track of it for a few hours. I complained to a friend that it felt like I'd lost my arm.

Best Snack Box

Small children are powerless beings, so when they find a way to exert control, they do so with relish. The specific way that my children have chosen to torment me is by eating only very tiny portions of lots of different things. I could buy lots of prepackaged snacks for traveling, but it's easier to reduce waste by filling this durable, leakproof bento with six blueberries, two graham crackers, and so on. It also comes in a mini version .

Best Water Bottle

I've tried dozens of BPA-free kid water bottles, with different types of lids and drink tops, and this is the only one that can be tossed in a bag without leaking all over. Both of my kids have had the same bottle since they were old enough to drink from a straw. My two-year-old can easily carry it with the top's loop, and he can fold the straw's lid closed himself to prevent spills. It also has double-walled vacuum insulation to keep milk cold during a four-hour flight, and it's steel, so it doesn't break or dent when dropped (or thrown).

Best Clean-Up Kit

Name one parent who doesn't have easy access to five packets of wet wipes at any given second. I'll wait here while you think. My son has eczema, and Water Wipes have been approved by Allergy UK and the French Association for the Prevention of Allergies, as well as the National Eczema Association here in the US. They're moist and durable enough to scrub at car seats and clothes, as well as faces and hands.

A Useful Tool

As a mom, I find light, sturdy carabiners to be almost as useful as hair ties or wet wipes. You can clip a small pouch to the back of your seat pocket so that you're not constantly reaching under the seat for your bag. You can hang your backpack off the floor in a filthy restroom. If your kid is in a travel harness with a leash, you can clip them to your belt! You can clip a tiny Bluetooth speaker to their car seat to listen to story podcasts or a meditation on Insight Timer to put them to sleep! And because climbers carry dozens of these at a time, each one weighs about an ounce. Carry several.

Best Travel Outfit for Mom

My friends have dubbed this, the "momper." Patagonia's insanely comfortable romper is made from stretchy, light, and durable recycled polyester and Spandex. It has also been treated with durable water repellent (DWR) so goopy messes can be wiped right off, and the crossover straps are easy to peel off to use the bathroom. In addition to two capacious front pockets, it also has a concealed zip pocket for keys or lip balm. I've worn it while hiking, biking, and skateboarding, so sprinting after two toddlers is a breeze.

Nena Farrell

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Tips to travel Iceland on a budget, plus travel expert-approved gear

Where to get local deals, take a dip in a hot spring and more.

Need some summer vacation ideas that won't break the bank? "Good Morning America" is off to Iceland and packing expert tips to help create the perfect travel bucket list on a budget.

From free dips in hot springs to the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall, ABC News' Ashan Singh explored the Nordic island nation and shared the top ways to enjoy every stop of the trip without overspending.

"Iceland is a tremendous deal from the Boston area in particular -- flights are only about five hours in each direction -- you could take just a long weekend there and still get an action-packed trip," Eric Rosen director of travel content for The Points Guy, told "GMA."

TPG has seen deals for as low as $400 and for travelers who don't care where they're seated on the plane, some fares drop as low as $230.

When it comes to hotels, Rosen offered another simple tip, spend now on credit cards from brands like Hilton or Marriott that, once the spending threshold is reached, offer large bonus points.

"Hilton cards for instance, offer anywhere from 130 to 180,000 points typically as part of their bonus," he said. "And that's going to be good enough for two maybe even three nights at some of these hotels in Reykjavik. And that could be your whole trip right there."

Iceland activities on a budget

Get a taste of the city's culture with the Reykjavík City Card, which gives visitors access to multiple museums, art galleries, pools and even bus transportation for free.

Enjoy going home with a fashionable souvenir? Local knits are quintessentially Iceland, but with handmade sweaters priced up to $500, Singh sought out second hand store, Extraloppan to score a sweater as low as $50.

Rent a car. Singh found deals for as low as $86 a day.

Save on a more extravagant meal by finding a deal through the Dineout Iceland app, which for a small fee offers discounts all over the land of fire and ice.

Looking for a cheap and quick local bite? Try a roadside hot dog for just $4.

Visit the free National Parks and take in sights like waterfalls and geysers, but Singh suggests skipping the Blue Lagoon, which can cost $350 for a family of four, instead opt for taking a dip in a local, free hot spring.

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EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter One International Wall Charger AC Plug Adaptor with 5.6A Smart Power and 3.0A USB Type-C for USA EU UK AUS (TA-105, Grey)

Action Camera 4K 20MP Sport Camera 40M Waterproof Underwater Camera Volg Video Camera WIFI Wide Angle Helmet Camera EIS Stabilization Dual Microphone

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4Monster Camping Towels Super Absorbent

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Take Your Best Ever Photos on Vacation: The Essential Gear You Need

From cameras and filters to bags and tripods, this is the gear you should take for pro-standard travel photos.

• Shortlisted for British Photography Awards 2022, Commended in Landscape Photographer of the Year 2022

Vacations can provide amazing opportunities for gorgeous travel photos, whether you're jumping on a jet to a tropical island, hiking into the mountains or spending a long weekend away in your local countryside. And with powerful cameras stuffed into phones like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Galaxy S24 Ultra , along with a plethora of  amazing mirrorless cameras from the likes of Canon, Sony and Fujifilm, getting great images doesn't mean hauling a huge kit bag with you. 

I've been a professional photographer for over a decade and have traveled the world taking photos. Here, I'll take you through the essential gear you need to bring with you on your trip. I'll also recommend some extras to consider if you want to return home with creative pieces of art, rather than just holiday snaps. 

Read more:   Take Pro Travel Photos This Summer With These Easy Tips

Choose the right camera

While you're unlikely going to buy an entirely new camera system just for an upcoming trip, if you're in the market already for a new camera then an imminent vacation is a great excuse to invest. While traveling with a camera used to mean hauling a bulky DSLR in your backpack everywhere you go, modern mirrorless cameras are typically much smaller and lighter, making them superb for traveling. I took just my Canon R5 and a small, lightweight 50mm f1.8 lens on a three-week trip to Sicily and loved the shots I got from this compact setup.

The R5 doesn't come cheap, nor is it the smallest camera around, but it offers stunning image quality from its full-frame sensor, amazing video skills and has pro features like in-body image stabilization. Want something a bit smaller? Look towards a micro four thirds camera like the Fujifilm X-S10 or the fixed-lens X100VI. Check out my guide to the best cameras if you want inspiration on which model to go for. 

Keeping your lens choices to a minimum will help reduce the weight. A standard zoom like a 24-70mm gives a great range for capturing wide, sweeping vistas, while providing enough zoom to get closer up on your subjects. I'd also recommend packing a small prime lens (like the 50mm f1.8) as these tend to be lightweight and compact enough to always have in your bag or slung around your shoulder for whenever inspiration strikes.

Read more: Best Camera Phone for 2024

But maybe you don't need a camera at all -- today's top phones can take amazing images and can shoot in raw format allowing for the same sort of editing you'd typically do with images from regular cameras. The iPhone 15 Pro Max takes gorgeous images -- especially using Apple's ProRaw format -- and its multiple rear lenses give creative shooting options for whatever scene you find yourself in front of. 

Canon's EOS RP offers full-frame quality but in a very compact size, particularly when paired with the tiny 50mm f1.8 lens.

The best travel tripod

A tripod certainly isn't essential for all travel photography, but when the light fades and you need to slow the shutter speed to several seconds to get a good exposure, you'll need one to secure your camera. You'll definitely need a tripod if you want to nail those nighttime shots overlooking a gorgeous bay, capture the stars above those snowcapped mountains, or pull off those artful long exposures of waterfalls.

By using a sturdy tripod, I was able to slow the shutter speed right down to capture the motion of the water and clouds over the Forth Bridge.

Again, size matters and you should look for a compact, travel tripod that can easily fit in your backpack -- or attach to the outside of it. Modern materials like carbon fiber will keep the weight down, but they also tend to be more expensive, so you'll need to decide how much you're willing to shell out. 

As its name suggests, the Peak Design travel tripod is a great tripod for traveling, thanks to its small size when folded down and its light weight. I've done all-day hikes with this strapped to my back and barely noticed its presence -- something I can't say for most tripods. Make sure to check out my full roundup of the  best tripods you can buy . Or, if weight is really an issue, you can even try using your own DIY tripod .

A proper adventure backpack

A dedicated photo bag should be high on your list. After all, you don't want your fancy new gear getting knocked around and breaking, do you? A good bag will have compartments to keep your camera safe and secure, but will also let you access it quickly. It's important, too, to find one that also has plenty of space to keep other items you'll need while out and about.

If you're going to be out with it all day, I recommend a backpack with two shoulder straps, rather than a single-strap messenger bag. It'll spread that weight over both your shoulders and keep you comfortable longer. Look for things like side-access zips, so you can quickly get your camera out when inspiration strikes; plenty of additional pockets for batteries and snacks; weather-resistant materials; and mounting points to help carry your tripod. 

I've done a lot of the hard work for you in rounding up my top photography backpacks . There are options for all kinds of photography, from short city breaks to multiday hikes with lots of gear. Have a read through that list, and make sure that what you're taking is suitable for where you're going.

Always keeping your camera handy means you're ever ready to shoot when you see a good opportunity.

The important extras

The list above is really the essential stuff you'll need to take with you. How much more you bring will depend on how seriously you take your photography and the sort of images you hope to take. Those of you going on wildlife safaris, for example, will benefit from packing a big telephoto zoom lens. Always consider having multiple spare batteries and a charger, as even the best cameras will tend to give you only a day of photos. There's nothing worse than getting to a beautiful afternoon destination only to find you exhausted your power in the morning. Keeping a spare in your bag will let you swap it out and keep on shooting into the evening.

Read more: Best Accessories for Photographers

The same goes for storage. It's easy to take hundreds of raw images a day in a beautiful location and all those shots can quickly fill up your card. Thankfully, SD cards are pretty cheap these days, so it's worth buying a few 64GB or 128GB cards to keep with you. 

Then there's the wide array of photographic filters that may help you get certain shots. A circular polarizer can be used to help make blue skies more vivid, or reduce the reflection on water, while a neutral density filter darkens the image, allowing you to use long exposures to blur the motion of water, cars or people. 

By using a neutral density filter, I was able to blur the motion of the water until it became a smooth and silky surface.

If you want to shoot video on your travels, you may need additional equipment, such as microphones, higher-capacity, faster storage cards and perhaps even video tripods or gimbals for smoother, professional-looking footage. Check out my guide to the  best accessories for video production  for more info. 

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Free-range kids are becoming a problem at the airport. What's the solution?

Have you noticed all the kids at the airport lately?

Not so long ago, you could only find them at the terminal playground areas or the gates, where their parents kept a watchful eye on them. But no longer.

"It's a free-for-all," said Lisamarie Monaco, an insurance saleswoman from Jacksonville, Florida. She knows a thing or two about traveling with youngsters as the mother of seven kids. And she's been appalled at what she's seen lately.

"Parents let their kids do whatever they want at the airport," she said. "It drives me crazy."

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Passengers are complaining about free-range children running around the airport unsupervised. How bad has it gotten? When I lived in Santiago, Chile, last year, one young passenger jumped on a luggage belt and took a joyride . Airport workers eventually retrieved the child, who was unharmed.

The anything-goes attitude is often a preview of the flight to come. Who can forget that viral video of the toddler using her tray table as a springboard on an eight-hour flight? Or the frustrated United Airlines captain who wanted to divert his flight because of unruly schoolkids in the back of the plane?

Air travelers disapprove of free-roaming kids

Passengers are almost unanimous about this problem: 90% of travelers say parents should not let their kids roam free, according to a recent survey by Kayak . After all, your fellow passengers are not babysitters.

“These encounters with kids have become a bigger issue,” said Howard Pratt, a psychiatrist at Community Health of South Florida who specializes in treating children. "Not everybody traveling looks forward to interacting with kids who are not their own. So it’s not just a question of protecting your kids from strangers, but also about protecting other passengers from the potential stress they may experience from having to deal with kids, they don’t know, yet who they may feel responsible for.”  

What's a parent to do? If you're flying with young kids, you may wonder if it's OK to let your kids run free anywhere at the airport. When are they old enough to let them out of your sight? What are parents' responsibilities when it comes to allowing their kids to interact with fellow passengers? And also, what if you're on the receiving end of attention from someone's unsupervised child?

Should you allow children to run free in the airport?

Yes – and no.

"In a safe unpopulated area such as a terminal gate that is full of empty seats," said Ashanti Woods, a pediatrician at Baltimore's Mercy Medical Center . "Children need to play and burn energy, especially if we want them to sleep on the flight."

But there's a catch: Parents have to keep one eye on their kids and another at the departure gate to ensure the flight doesn't leave without them. 

So, should you let your kids run free in the airport? No, experts said.

"Children should not be allowed to run free in the airport," said Bidisha Sarkar, a pediatrician at ClinicSpots , a travel medicine site. "It's essential for safety and courtesy to keep them within reach at all times."

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What is an appropriate age to allow your kids to explore the airport without adult supervision? 

It depends. Timon van Basten, who runs tours in Spain , said he's seen kids as young as 8 who have no trouble being independent in the airport terminal – and behaving. But it depends on the child and the airport.

"Busy airports like London Heathrow might prove too overwhelming for some kids," he said.

Sarkar said parents have to assess their kids' maturity and ensure they know all the airport protocols (no leaving the secured areas, be back in time for boarding). 

"Parents also have to ensure their children do not disturb others," she said.

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What is a parent's responsibility when it comes to allowing their kids to interact with fellow passengers? 

I can't believe I have to say this, but parents, you are responsible for your children at the airport.

"It’s the parent’s responsibility to keep their child from disturbing other passengers as much as possible," said Brandi Taylor, a travel concierge ."If your child is trying to strike up a conversation with a stranger, keep an eye on the stranger’s reaction. If they are enjoying the interaction, then there’s no need to intervene. But if the stranger would obviously prefer to be left alone, you’ll want to redirect your child."

Again, it depends on the child. When my kids were toddlers, they would talk to anyone, and not everyone wanted to be talked to. I erred on the side of caution and avoided the free-range kids problem.

"Parents should use the occasion to demonstrate many of the foundational etiquette skills that will serve them well their entire life, such as being mindful of others, respecting people's personal space, being polite yet direct, and setting boundaries," said etiquette expert Nick Leighton.

What if you have an encounter with an unsupervised child?

Don't panic. The parents can't be far away. But if you can't find the parent, track down an airport or airline employee and ensure they know the free-range child is on the loose. 

Etiquette experts said – and I agree with them – that you'll gain nothing by approaching a free-range parent angrily. They already know what they've done, and they probably don't care.

A lighthearted "Look who I found?" might be the best approach. Yelling or finger-wagging will just stress you out even more, and it won't change the parents' behavior.

Those signs warning of child trafficking in the bathrooms are a good start. If that's not enough to put the fear of God into a parent, I don't know what is. More designated areas for kids to play would help, too. 

But ultimately, it's up to parents to teach their kids good manners and responsible behavior.

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

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REI Is Kicking Off the Weekend With Up to 70% Off on Outdoor Gear — Shop a Former Full-time Camper’s Top Picks

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Kelsey’s writing has appeared in outlets like Condé Nast Traveler, TripSavvy, Edible Magazine, and TimeOut. Some of the most standout experiences in her travels include living in Tokyo, abseiling in Vanuatu, surfing in Costa Rica, and cycling through the Pyrenees mountains.

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My first night camping in a travel trailer was the beginning of two years spent living full-time on the road in a vintage 1969 Airstream Overlander. I rolled all the way from Florida to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, from Austin to Arizona, and spent a spring camped out steps from the crisp rushing water of the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest. I never considered myself a rugged outdoorsy type, but after jumping in head first to the van-lifer lifestyle, I picked up a few skills, hacks, and gear tips that made life on the road a lot more comfortable . 

As an RV camper, I chased an endless summer, following fair weather in order to camp comfortably year round. But for most of North America, spring and summer are peak camping seasons and great times to take stock of your camping gear as REI drops prices to make room for new inventory . You’ll find normally pricey outdoor gear with major markdowns (think: up to 70 percent off) that will delight any camper, hiker, and adventurer, as well as last-chance savings on winter apparel essentials and ski accessories. But, you'll have to act fast to snag the best deals; they're selling out fast. Read on to see what one former full-time camper recommends picking up from this limited time REI sale. 

When I started camping, I was as far from Bear Grylls as you could get. I didn’t grow up camping and the hobby felt intimidating, but I soon learned that you don’t need to have all of the high-tech gear and equipment to have fun exploring the great outdoors. I started building my outdoor gear kit with the basics: a quality puffy jacket, base layers, a headlamp, and long-lasting boots, and made sure to rent a simple and compact four-person tent — but you can get this Northwood backpacking tent for 60 percent off , bringing it down to about the same price as a two-day rental.

However, the most important thing to have with you on a camping trip is a curious mind and a love for the surprises of nature. After that, you’ll want dry socks , plenty of layers , a raincoat , and extra water — don’t forget the extra water, even if you don’t think that you’ll need it. Whether you’re an avid outdoorsy type, or just want to be prepared for anything, these top REI spring deals will set you up for a summer season of well-traveled adventures.

• Flylow Women's Sarah Insulated Jacket , $150 (originally $300)
• Smartwool Outdoor Light Cushion Ankle Socks , $16 (originally $20)
• Flylow Women’s Micropuff Insulated Jacket , $69 (originally $230)
• Wallace Women's Lake Flannel Shirt , $22 (originally $75)
• Mazama Designs Intake LT Water Reservoir , $13 (originally $25)
• REI Co-op Men's XeroDry GTX Jacket , $52 (originally $179)
• Picture Organic Clothing Women's Face It Insulated Jacket , $140 (originally $280)
• Patagonia Women's Wind Shield Pants , $84 (originally $169) 
• The North Face Base Camp Voyager Roller Bag , $169 (originally $240)
• Northwood Series II 4-person Backpacking Tent , $113 (originally $285)

Patagonia Women's Wind Shield Pants

Best travel bag & luggage deals.

Tactical outdoor bags are designed for usability and durability, making them a carry-all that can withstand all kinds of adventure. Many are equipped with features that come in handy no matter how you travel: waterproof exterior, RFID-protected pockets, ripstop fabric, washable interiors, alternating carrying straps, water bottle pockets, and collapsible capabilities. 

When I traveled to Paris last year, I packed my collapsible REI duffel (now 30 percent off), folded compactly in its carrying envelope, in my carry-on. By the time I made my way back home, I had acquired so many souvenirs, vintage clothes, and French pharmacy beauty essentials that I filled up the duffel and checked it on my way back. On my next trip, I’ll be packing this on-sale convertible tote so I can transform it into a backpack when I need to hop on an e-bike to zip around.

• Mountain Hardware AMG 55 Pack , $290 (originally $420)
• REI Co-op Pack-Away 45 Tote , $40 (originally $80)
• Osprey Arcane Roll Top Pack , $59 (originally $110)
• Patagonia Fieldsmith Roll-Top Pack , $70 (originally $129)
• Sherpani Cabo Convertible Pack , $52 (originally $75)
• Outdoor Research Field Explorer Pack 20L , $59 (originally $99)
• The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel 32L , $89 (originally $125)
• Mountain Hardware Camp 4 Duffel 95L , $112 (originally $160)
• Eagle Creek Tarmac Wheeled Luggage $225 (originally $319) 
• Osprey Arcane Crossbody Bag , $48 (originally $65)

The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel 32L

When I was camping in the Airstream, I’d always have a “setup beer” and “breakdown coffee.” In the afternoon, once I arrived at a new campsite, I’d crack a cold one and pour it into an insulated thermos to keep it chilled while slowly setting up camp. In the morning, a piping hot coffee would go in the same stainless steel thermos so it stayed warm as I broke down and packed up. All that to say, a versatile beverage bottle that can do it all — for both hot and cold drinks — is a camper’s right-hand. REI sources some of the best brands for insulated drinkware, like Hydro Flask, whose Coffee Cup travel tumbler has been marked down to $26 this weekend.

But the retailer has more than just bottles on sale right now; REI’s other travel accessories are designed for smart, savvy adventures — like this Sherpani Women's Lima Shoulder Bag that's perfect for any outing and 30 percent off, or the Thule Subterranean PowerShuttle Travel Case that'll make packing a breeze.

• Hydro Flask Coffee Cup With Flex Sip Lid , $26 (originally $35) 
• MicroLite Flip Cup Vacuum Water Bottle , $14 (originally $28)
• Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack 3-pack , $42 (originally $60) 
• Yeti Daytrip Lunch Box , $64 (originally $80) 
• Sherpani Women's Lima Shoulder Bag , $42 (originally $60)
• Eagle Creek Packable Waist Bag , $22 (originally $30)  
• Thule Subterranean PowerShuttle Travel Case , $21 (originally $30)
• REI Trail 2 Waist Pack , $21 (originally $30)
• Sunday Adventures Adventure Stow Hat , $32 (originally $42) 

Thule Subterranean PowerShuttle Travel Case

In the spring, retailers make massive markdowns on last-season’s stock in order to make room for new season colors and styles. Fluffy fleeces and layerable flannels come in handy on chilly camp mornings, which are common in the summer if you’re pitching a tent in destinations like Michigan’s Upper Peninsula or the Rockies. And you might not need these high-tech insulated running leggings now, but you’ll be thanking yourself for jumping on their discounted price come those chilly fall mornings (which are just a few months down the road).

• Smartwool Men's Merino Plant-Based Dye T-shirt , $60 (originally $80)
• Flylow Lupine Women's Insulated Jacket , $69 (originally $230)
• REI Co-op Women's Trailsmith Fleece Jacket , $22 (originally $90) 
• Patagonia Men's 8-inch Multi Trails Shorts , $47 (originally $79)
• Patagonia Women's Long-sleeve Flannel Shirt , $29 (originally $99)
• Kuhl Women's Freeflex Cargo Shorts , $40 (originally $89)
• Patagonia Women's Wind Shield Pants $84 (originally $169)
• Pearl IZumi Women's Attack Cycling Tights , $30 (originally $100) 

REI Co-op Women's Trailsmith Fleece Jacket

If you want to instantly blend in with the camping crowd, grab yourself a pair of Blundstone Classic Chelsea Boots (currently marked down by a rare 50 percent in select colors and selling out fast). The Tasmanian-made boots are on the feet of mountain town residents everywhere. But more than just a fashion statement, the fan-favorite boots are simply well-made and incredibly versatile as an everyday shoe. I’ve worn my Blundstones with a silk skirt and cashmere sweater, and also hiked them across muddy Appalachian trails and streams — they’re simple boots that can do a lot.

Now’s also the time to get your hands on the Nikes of the outdoor gear world: Chacos. The best (in my opinion) hiking sandal brand, Chaco's new-and-improved Z/Cloud 2 Sandals are 25 percent off ahead of all of your summer hikes. 

• REI Co-op Women's Swiftland MT Trail-Running Shoes , $39 (originally $130) 
• Chaco Women's Z/Cloud 2 Hiking Sandals , $75 (originally $100) 
• REI Co-op Men's Flash TT Hiking Boots , $85 (originally $170)
• La Sportiva x Janji Jackal II Trail-Running Shoes , $70 (originally $175) 
• Altra Women's Lone Peak 7 Trail-Running Shoes , $105 (originally $130) 
• Hoka Men's Arahi 6 Road-Running Shoes , $113 (originally $140) 
• REI Co-op Men's Swiftland MT BlueSky Trail-Running Shoes , $75 (originally $150)
• Keen Women's WK400 Leather Walking Shoes , $80 (originally $160)
• Merrell Men's Moab Speed Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Boots , $128 (originally $170) 
• Sorel Men's Mac Hill Lite Mid Waterproof Boots , $87 (originally $175) 

REI Co-op Men's Flash TT Hiking Boots

Headlamps may look goofy, but they’re incredibly useful at the campsite. When you’re camping you always need your hands free, so things like flashlights actually aren’t super useful. The best headlamps have various light intensities (like your car’s headlights), and a red-light setting so you’re not blinding your fellow campmates and you can better view Dark Sky parks. This Snap Solo Headlamp from Princeton Tec has an articulating and removable lamp head and its 48 percent off. 

Don’t forget to pack a small gas canister or portable stove , which are absolutely essential for boiling water — and most importantly, making coffee. Speaking of this essential elixir, don’t be caught on the trail with coffee grounds and no way to use them. Have a collapsible pour-over that lives in your camping kit, like this one from Pourigami that's 26 percent off. 

• Alps Mountaineering Dash Chair , $45 (originally $120)
• MPowerd Luci Pro Series Inflatable Solar Lantern , $35 (originally $50) 
• Alpine Mountain Gear Weekender Tent 4 , $65 (originally $150) 
• Mountainsmith Antero Sleeping Bag , $65 (originally $120)   
• IceMule Clear 15L Cooler , $55 (originally $110)
• Trekmates Bomberlite Sleeping Pad , $54 (originally $119) 
• Big Agnes Goosenest Inflatable Cot , $163 (originally $300) 
• Coleman OneSource Heated Stadium Seat , $61 (originally $140) 
• Miir Pourigami Coffee Maker , $22 (originally $30) 

Trekmates Bomberlite Sleeping Pad

It doesn’t have to be ski season to have a chilly morning at camp, where you need some extra comfort. If you’re camping in the Southern Hemisphere in the summer months (say Patagonia or Australia), then you can hit the jackpot on winter apparel before your trip. But even summer Alaska cruises call for insulated layers. 

Winter gear is notoriously expensive, so spring sales are the best time to get good deals. Start with staple base layers that both insulate and wick away moisture, like this core base layer top from REI Co-Op that's 30 percent off. The gold standard of cold weather gear is a “puffy,” or down jacket. This Lole puffy (now 59 percent off) is a jacket that you can wear down to the threads. Still not warm enough? Stock up on Ignik's hand and toe warmers (one pack is currently less than a dollar), so you always have some on hand (pun intended). 

• Flylow Women's Laurel Down Vest , $45 (originally $150) 
• Picture Organic Clothing Men's Testy Bib Pants , $125 (originally $250) 
• REI Co-Op Men's Midweight Base Layer Bottoms , $27 (originally $55) 
• Anon Women's WM1 Snow Goggles and MFI Face Mask, $140 (originally $280) 
• Lole Women's Piper Insulated Jacket , $90 (originally $219) 
• Burton Women's Gore-Tex 3-in-1 Mittens , $59 (originally $85) 
• The North Face Women's Freedom Insulated Snow Pants , $140 (originally $220)
• REI Co-op Women's Merino 185 Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top , $56 (originally $80)
• Smith Method Mips Snow Helmet , $84 (originally $140) 
• Salomon Men's S/PRO MV 100 GW Ski Boots , $350 (originally $500) 
• REI Co-op Women's Powderbound Insulated Bib Snow Pants , $99 (originally $199) 
• Sorel Women's ONA Rmx Glacy Waterproof Boots , $75 (originally $150)

Sorel Women's ONA Rmx Glacy Waterproof Boots

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Migrants, desperate to reach the U.S. border, are traveling inside cargo trucks. Some never make it.

Telemundo News and the Latin American Center for Investigative Journalism (CLIP), together with other partners, corroborated through official records the journey of some 19,000 people who attempted to reach the U.S. border inside cargo trucks through Mexican roadways, including some 3,000 children. 

The heat inside the cargo truck was suffocating. The women were squatting against the walls holding the children on their legs; the men sat in rows, one behind the other, at the center. About 170 people were traveling in the container, in the dark and in forced silence.

Two weeks earlier, on January 4, 2019, Yanira Chávez had closed the reddish wooden door of her house in Armenia, a small town in northern Honduras. She had paid $5,000 — an amount she would have never been able to save with her salary at a banana packing house — to a local coyote (smuggler) who promised to take her to the United States along with her children, Samir, who was 9 years old, and Emely, 5. Her husband, Erling Rosales, had paid for the trip and was waiting for them in New Orleans, where he had been living for two years now.

Chávez was carrying two huge black suitcases “with little wheels” that she bought for 1,200 lempiras (about $48) in a nearby town because the coyote assured her that they were going to cross Mexico by plane and “they couldn’t look like immigrants” at the airports. Upon arriving in the United States, the family would have to pay the smugglers another $5,000.

From San Pedro Sula they traveled by bus to the Guatemalan border with Mexico, which they crossed through a river by boat. “I’m now a little closer to you,” she wrote in a text message to her husband. “We didn’t know, it didn’t cross our minds, everything we still had to go through,” Chávez recalled last October in an interview with Telemundo News. She spoke from Long Island, New York, where her family lives in uncertainty, after their asylum request was denied.

In Mexico, she said, they were taken to Villahermosa, a city in the state of Tabasco, where they expected to finally catch a plane. But there they had their phones taken and were forced to throw away their suitcases and board a trailer truck.

“We said: ‘We’re not going,’” Chávez recalled, “but by then it doesn’t matter if you want to get in or not: you have to go, because if you don’t, they threaten to turn you over the cartel.”

They hadn’t gone two miles when the truck stopped at a checkpoint and a child, around 2-years-old, began to cry. “Either you shut him up or I do,” a coyote demanded of the mother, while outside the vehicle was being inspected, according to Chávez. The smuggler, who was armed, snatched the boy from her, held him dangling by his head, and put one hand on the back of his neck and another on his face, covering his mouth: “The mother just started crying. Then the boy fell fast asleep,” she recalled.

They had barely any food or water. There were plastic buckets at each end of the trailer for those who couldn’t hold in their bodily needs: “People were fainting. A young woman told me not to let the children fall asleep,” Chávez said.

They crossed 900 miles (almost 1,500 kilometers) from Villahermosa to Reynosa, in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. In four days they got off the trailer only twice. At one of the stops, already near the border, they walked for several hours up a mountain until nightfall to go around a police checkpoint. “It was so cold it was horrible,” Chávez said, “we felt so weak, I couldn’t walk as fast since I had my daughter. We hadn’t had water in two days.”

The 36-year-old woman claims that when she arrived in Reynosa, the coyotes who greeted them kidnapped her along with her children and her sister-in-law, who was traveling with two children, and held them in a hotel for two weeks with almost no food while they extorted her husband in New Orleans. Rosales paid $14,000 to have them released, she said. Finally, on February 3rd, after traveling for almost a month, Chávez and her children crossed the Rio Grande and surrendered to the Border Patrol in McAllen, Texas.

“I think about the people who die in those containers. It’s horrible to have to beg them, because they could maybe open the door, but they don’t care. They want the money and to deliver the package, because they don’t look at you as a person. They look at us as if we were cattle or animals,” Chávez said from Long Island, New York, where her family lives in uncertainty, after their asylum request was denied.

Chávez and her children survived the harrowing journey, but many others have not.

For seven months, Telemundo News and the Latin American Center for Investigative Journalism (CLIP, in Spanish), together with Pie de Página and its allies Chiapas Paralelo, En un 2x3 Tamaulipas, and reporters in Veracruz, Plaza Pública in Guatemala, Contracorriente in Honduras, ICIJ in Dominican Republic and Bellingcat, investigated the flourishing business of smuggling migrants in tractor-trailers across Mexican highways.

We interviewed survivors, researchers and former officials, and reviewed thousands of pages of documents. Based on statements from federal institutions and press reports, we created a database with more than 170 cases of trucks that were involved in traffic accidents or were detained or abandoned between 2018 and 2023, which offer important clues about how smugglers operate. 

About 19,000 migrants have traveled in these cargo trucks, including more than 3,200 minors. At least 111 migrants who were traveling in tractor-trailers in Mexico have died in the last six years, suffocated to death by the heat and lack of oxygen, or in traffic accidents, among them the trailer that overturned in December 2021 in the state of Chiapas, when 56 people died.

Due to the inconsistent quality of the data, and because Mexican authorities only began tracking cases since 2022, following the Chiapas accident, the data reveals only a small portion of this form of human trafficking.

To continue reading the special report, click here.

Àngela Cantador is a journalist with the Centro Latinoamericano de Investigación Periodística (CLIP).

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Moscow to Khabarovsk Flights

Whether you’re looking for a grand adventure or just want to get away for a last-minute break, flights from Moscow to Khabarovsk offer the perfect respite. Not only does exploring Khabarovsk provide the chance to make some magical memories, dip into delectable dishes, and tour the local landmarks, but the cheap airfare means you won’t bust your budget. So no matter whether your ideal itinerary involves flying one way, non-stop, or round trip, you’re bound to find flights that match your schedule on Expedia, and at prices that won’t shock your wallet.

Bagging a cheap flight from Moscow to Khabarovsk may mean more dollars to spend on for one-of-a-kind souvenirs when you arrive, but it doesn’t mean you have to skimp on your travel experience, as Expedia offers a sizzling selection of cheap airlines that’ll put you in your happy place on their planes, whether that’s getting lost in a hair-raising airport thriller, dreaming on the passing landscape over a glass of bubbly, or jotting down your vacation bucket list at 38,000 feet. There’s also bound to be plenty of opportunities to snap a few photos of the high life that will make your friends green with envy. After all, enjoying the journey is part of the fun.

With so many affordable flights and so many wonderful adventures awaiting you, there’s no reason to put off booking a fantastic flight from to today. So don’t leave it to the last minute to make your dream trip a reality: pack your bags with your go-to travel accessories, put together your list of must-see attractions and can’t-miss activities, and get ready to broaden your horizons – with Expedia, the wonders of Khabarovsk are only a plane trip away. Book your travel arrangements with us today!

If you would like to book flights to Khabarovsk more flexibly many prefer to purchase one-way tickets with options to take different airlines. A one way ticket to Khabarovsk is now!

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"Remain Vigilant": India Issues Travel Advisory Over Israel-Iran Tensions

Earlier on April 14, the Indian embassy in Israel issued an advisory to Indian citizens in Israel to stay calm and adhere to the safety protocols issued by the local authorities.

Ministry of External Affairs said that India continues to closely monitor the situation in the region.

Amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday advised Indian nationals travelling to the two countries to "remain vigilant" and stay in contact with the Indian Embassy.

In response to a media query on travel advisory to Iran and Israel, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We continue to closely monitor the situation in the region. We have also noted that Iran and Israel have opened their airspace for several days now. We advise Indian nationals to remain vigilant while travelling to these countries and be in touch with the Indian Embassy."

The embassy further highlighted that they are closely monitoring the situation and are in touch with the Israeli authorities.

"In light of recent events in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to stay calm and adhere to the safety protocols issued by the local authorities (https://www.oref.org.il/en). Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and is in touch with the Israeli authorities and Indian community members to ensure the safety of all our nationals," the Indian embassy in Israel said in a statement.

📢*IMPORTANT ADVISORY FOR INDIAN NATIONALS IN ISRAEL* Link : https://t.co/OEsz3oUtBJ pic.twitter.com/ZJJeu7hOug — India in Israel (@indemtel) April 14, 2024

The embassy further mentioned an emergency helpline number for Indian citizens in Israel.

"For any urgent assistance, please contact the Embassy at 24*7 Emergency Helpline/ContactTel: 1. +972-547520711, +972-543278392. Email: [email protected]," it stated.

Recently, two weeks ago Israel launched missile strikes against Tehran on April 19.

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The missile launches come after Iran launched several drones and missiles on April 13 towards Israel in retaliation for an alleged Israeli air strike on its consulate in Syria, resulting in the killing of three top Iranian generals.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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