10 Must Haves for Travel Gear for Babies 13


Not just little kids are entitled to Christmas Wish Lists!

To be honest, I am actually not a big gift person when it comes to the Holidays. Mr. EE and I came to an agreement long ago that instead of spending money on each other, we’d rather save the money for travel or other things in life.

In past years, I’ve even opted to give to charities in the name of family members instead of giving them purchased items.

However, this year, I find my wishlist much longer than normal…all because Lil’ Baby B will be here soon!
While I know that travel is going to drastically change once Little One is here, I am hoping that with our passion for travel, in addition to being heavily armed with the best resources, tools and gear, that we’ll continue to tackle Europe and the world, one cobble-stoned street at a time!

 

After tons of research on the best products, talking to countless other traveling mamas and reading hundreds of reviews, here are 10 items that I would argue are must-have travel gear for babies  for anyone who is an extensive traveler with their family.

 

10 Must Haves for traveling with a baby- I love the idea of #4!

 

Baby Christmas Wishlist of Travel Items

 

1) Baby Carrier

I have not heard a single person speak negatively about their Tula! They are ergonomically safe, comfy for all and can carry kids up until they are toddlers! While strollers are great for stashing items, I can see how baby-wearing is the way to do it while traveling, especially while on paths and cobble-stoned streets that aren’t very stroller friendly!

 

Tula Baby Carrier

2) Travel Stroller

While I want to baby-wear as much as possible, I also know the realities that sometimes, a stroller is just going to be the better route. However, in order to not have baby gear take up ALL our allotted baggage or hands while traveling, something small, light-weight and yet durable is a necessity, like this Quinny Yezz Travel Stroller.  Why I love this particular one?  It should fit in an overhead bin (no more gate checks!) or even UNDER the seat.  When Little One isn’t riding in it, it is so light-weight, you can throw it over your shoulder!

 

Quinny Yezz Stroller

 

 

3) Light-Weight Travel Crib

While I normally wouldn’t spend this amount of money on something, I LOVE the fact that the Lotus Travel Crib is carry-on size and super light weight. To me, this means that I can take it just about anywhere, so Lil B can get used to ONE place for sleeping and “hopefully” (is that wishful dreaming?) he can go down more easily in an airport corner, at the hotel or wherever else we may be.

 

Lotus Travel Crib

 

4) Flyebaby

This is one of those items that I wonder if it is just another item to pack or pure genius!? Small enough to easily stash in your carry on, I’m so willing to figure that out! We fly a lot and I can see how placing a sleeping baby in one of these Flyebaby swings would be so much more comfortable for everyone involved!

 

Flyebaby

 

5) FAA Airline Approved Car Seat

While the Flybaby might be great for the littlest of ones, it is still highly recommended for the safety of the child to have a car seat when flying, according to the FAA .  Not to mention the fact that I’m not so sure I want to be holding a baby in my lap for 12+ hours on those long, international flights!  However, not all car seats are approved or will fit, so finding one that meets all the right requirements and yet is still light-weight and easy to use is pretty important!  For example, the Graco SnugRide 30 is only 7.5 pounds and is approved for flights.

How do you know if your car seat is FAA approved?
Look for a sticker on the SIDE of the car seat that says something along the lines of ” “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.”  Here is a great article on more info for flying with car seats.

 

FAA/ Aircraft Approved Car Seat

 

6) Car Seat Travel Trolley

If I’m going to be taking a car seat while traveling, then being smart about how to transport it is a given! Travel carts and trolleys like this Britax Travel Cart or the Go-Go Babyz Travelmate are both perfect for handling your luggage and baby gear all at once, making going through a busy airport less intimidating!  And of course, don’t forget about the actual car seat!  I loved this article on keeping your cool like flying with a cumbersome carseat!

 

Travel Cart for Car seats

 

7) Clip-On High Chair

For trips out and about for the day when I don’t have to worry about packing light, I have heard raving reviews about these types of Traveling High Chairs that clip right onto most tables. Especially here in Europe, where high chairs are sometimes harder to come by, I could see the benefit to having a small, light-weight travel version!

 

Clip On High Chair

 

 

8) Back Pack

While most people do diaper bags, I am all about functionality and packing light, which is why I fully plan on using a Back Pack as a Diaper Bag
instead of a traditional over the shoulder diaper bag. One with plenty of pockets and places that stashes both baby and adult items is essential. However, it also needs to be one that Mr. EE would be willing to wear easily as well when we are out and about.

 

Back Pack Diaper Bag

9) Cloth Diaper Supplies

Once again, maybe completely on the dream-worthy end of the spectrum, but we hope to cloth diaper….even when traveling. Which means that we need to be prepared with all the cloth-diapering goods, including a Wet Bagso we aren’t smelling poopy diapers all day and easily packable Ultra-Absorbent Diapers so that we only pack what we need and nothing more!

 

Cloth Diaper- All in one

 

10) Breast Pump

Every mom is going to do what works best for her and her baby.  Whether you formula feed or breastfeed, you’ll need the right supplies while traveling.  For me, that is going to mean needing to take along a travel friendly, light-weight Breastpump.  The best part about this?  US insurance is now required to cover at least a partial payment for your pump!

 

While this truly is a WISH LIST, I can see the benefit to having each and every one of these items depending on the type of trip and travel you plan on doing with your little one. Of course, there are the given items, like baggies, extra clothes, toys and more to also pack.

But, if you could put ANYTHING on your wishlist of travel gear for your baby, what would YOU want?

 

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LeAnna Brown

Author and Creator at Economical Excursionists
Former teacher turned blogger turned mom turned full time travel addict, LeAnna has never been one to live life by the rules. Whether she is moving to a farm in Switzerland to learn to make cheese (Yes, CHEESE), jumping off a mountain to paraglide over Cinderella castles, or taking her baby all over the world with nothing but a backpack on their backs, LeAnna designs and defines her OWN life. LeAnna, her husband Andy, and kiddo, "Lil B" love to live a minimal lifestyle, not only for the "thrill" of pinching pennies but in order to save for traveling the world. Considering over 40 countries and 90+ cities have been explored, we'd say they are doing something right!

About LeAnna Brown

Former teacher turned blogger turned mom turned full time travel addict, LeAnna has never been one to live life by the rules. Whether she is moving to a farm in Switzerland to learn to make cheese (Yes, CHEESE), jumping off a mountain to paraglide over Cinderella castles, or taking her baby all over the world with nothing but a backpack on their backs, LeAnna designs and defines her OWN life. LeAnna, her husband Andy, and kiddo, "Lil B" love to live a minimal lifestyle, not only for the "thrill" of pinching pennies but in order to save for traveling the world. Considering over 40 countries and 90+ cities have been explored, we'd say they are doing something right!

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13 thoughts on “10 Must Haves for Travel Gear for Babies

  • Julie

    As a pretty regular traveler, here’s my take on these….

    1. Carrier – ABSOLUTELY! They are the best. It’s so much easier to carry baby than deal with strollers, plus there are so much more emotional/psychological benefits of carrying. Plus, you will use it day-to-day around the house! Get one that both you and the hubby are comfortable wearing, so daddy can wear too. 🙂

    2. Stroller-it depends what your main purpose of use is. If you want it specifically for traveling, then this one is good. I have a BOB jogging stroller and LOVE IT! I wanted it to be outdoors with my daughter to go on runs, but it’s also great for being out and about. But probably not the best (compact-wise) for travel.

    3. Travel crib – all depends on what you are planning on doing with baby. I haven’t even used my daughter’s pack n’ play yet…..she sleeps with us when we travel. But people have their own opinions on that topic, so whatever works best for you.

    4. Flyebaby- I didn’t know this thing existed….pretty cool! Overseas and larger flights with provide a bassinet for you….so it depends if you want it available for all flights or not.

    5. FAA Airline Approved carseat – Sure! Yes! I know friends who use one all the time!

    6. Trolley – Don’t see it as necessarily helpful in all situations.

    7. Clip on high chair – Most places have high chairs you can use. I had a friend who had this and it was fine, unless the table wasn’t appropriate for it…or their kid started to get heavier.

    8. Backpack – Sure. You want a good diaper bag. I have found backpack style to be great, or something you can put over your shoulder.

    9. Cloth diapers – I love cloth. I use cloth. Cloth can be a bit more difficult for traveling, but it’s totally do-able.

    10. Breast pump – Good to have to get a stash built up for later, whether you plan on staying home or not.

    Happy shopping!

  • Teri

    Teri Clark
    I think the breast pump is a must have even if you don’t travel. Then I would say it is a toss up between the car seat and the stroller. We had a few times if the flight want sold out they would let us bring his car seat on which is nice, always ask! We would always do a plane side check with a little umbrella stroller, but he had to be a little older for that kind of stroller. You could take a regular stroller but they are more bulky and the guys treat your stroller as nicely as your checked luggage… Keep that in mind…

  • Samantha White

    Hello Dear!

    I would say hell yes to the carrier! I have an Ergo and I love it! You can talk the baby anywhere and you have your hands free! I would not of been able to get anything done around the house the first few months without it. He loved it. It also saved us big time when we were going through the “witching hour” every night! It was one of the only things that would calm him. I got a workout too! Lol It is difficult to eat a lot of things while baby carrying. At least it is for me…but I drop a lot of food it seems.

    Stroller is great too….so you can eat and not drop schnitzel on baby B.’s head!

    The travel play pen would be a big one too. You really need somewhere you can put them and know they are safe. You do have to put them down some times!

    Big yes on the breast pump too. Even a hand held manual one would be good in a pinch and probably great for shorter trips. Sometimes you just REALLY need one!

    I tried cloth diapers and it just didn’t work out for me. They leaked every time. I tried doing some research and trying suggestions, but it just never worked out. I still have some and they are convenient to have in case I run out of the others.

    Yay baby B!

    Take care!
    Samm

  • Jen Joslin

    Such a great list of travel gear for people with babies! I would imagine these products make traveling with a little one much easier. Definitely passing this on to a few of my girlfriends with babies!

  • Erica

    Although I don’t have any baby, it’s nice to have an idea for the necessities when traveling with one. Because I sure as hell don’t plan on stopping my travels when I have kids!

  • Carolann -One Modern Couple

    This is a great list! I now know what I’ll be getting for some of my family with babies! The stroller is great – we actually just witnessed someone at the airport who had trouble through security because of the size of their stroller – it wouldn’t fit through the scanner.

  • Stephanie

    I don’t have a baby but if I did I would certainly invest in a baby carrier! Here in Japan nearly every mother uses one and prams are bascially obsolete. I think its a great feeling for the baby to feel so close to their mother at all times, and its probably good exercise carrying the weigh all day!