The Ultimate Baby Travel Checklist: Best Baby Travel Essentials

Why You Need a Baby Travel Essential Checklist

Hey adventurous families! If you’re like us and can’t wait to explore the world with your little one, then this blog post is for you. Trust us, traveling with a baby is an incredible experience, but it does require some extra planning. That’s why we’ve created this ultimate baby travel checklist to make your life easier.

Importance of planning when you travel with a baby
When it comes to travel, you can’t just wing it with a baby on board. From feedings to naptime and everything in between, planning is your best friend.

Related articles:

21 Best Tips For Stress-Free Travel With Toddlers

17 Best Travel Essentials of 2023 |Tried and tested

Overview of what the checklist will cover

From must-have baby travel essentials to tips on how to make plane travel a breeze, this checklist is your one-stop-shop for stress-free family travels. So let’s dive in!

Baby Packing Checklist: Your One-stop Guide

Baby Necessities

Diapers: Your Baby’s Bottom’s Best Friend

• Cloth Diapers: We’ve used cloth diapers with both of our munchkins, and we swear by them! Not only are they eco-friendly, but they’re also cost-effective in the long run.
  • Our Top Pick: Pop-in brand. These were just unbeatable in terms of fit and absorbency! We highly recommend it.
  • BumGenius: Known for their quality and durability.
  • Charlie Banana: These offer a two-in-one system and are super soft!
• Eco-Friendly Disposable Diapers:
  • Bambo Nature: Biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals.
  • Seventh Generation: Made with sustainably sourced materials.

Wipes: Because Mess Happens

• Washable Wipes: We find washable wipes create less mess and are also much better for the environment. They’re the best for us!
  • Our Fave: Cheeky Wipes. They’re soft and easy to clean.
• Eco-Friendly Disposable Wipes:
  • WaterWipes: Made with just two ingredients—water and a drop of fruit extract.
  • Caboo: Made from bamboo and are biodegradable.

Changing Mat: Keep It Clean, Folks!

• Bambino Mio: Easy to fold and has a waterproof layer.
• Gathre Micro Mat: Leather, wipes clean easily, and is free from harmful substances.

Baby Lotion: Smooth Operator

• Puracy Organic Baby Lotion: Free from harsh chemicals and fragrances.
• Earth Mama: A blend of organic herbs and oils.

Diaper Rash Cream: For Those Oops Moments

• Green People Organic Babies Diaper Cream: Zinc-based and great for sensitive skin.
• Weleda Baby Calendula Diaper Rash Cream: Made with organic calendula extract.

Feeding Essentials

Breast Pump: Not All Heroes Wear Capes

• Medela Flex: I’ve tried many pumps, but the Medela Flex took the cake! Absolutely the best for avoiding any “bottle confusion,” especially if you’re keen on breastfeeding like I was.
  • Spectra S1: Known for its strong suction and quiet operation.
  • Haakaa: Great for manual pumping and super eco-friendly.
  • Other Options:

Milk Bottles: The Right Bottle Makes a Difference

• Medela Bottles

Hey there, Medela fans! If you started off breastfeeding with Medela pumps, it makes all the sense in the world to stick with their bottles too. I personally stuck with Medela bottles, especially for our second little tyke. The transition was as smooth as that first sip of coffee in the morning.

• Comotomo

If you’ve got a baby that’s particular about texture (because who isn’t picky at that age?), Comotomo bottles are a dream come true. Made from silicone, they mimic natural breastfeeding. Perfect for a fuss-free feeding experience when you’re on the move!

• Philips Avent Natural Glass Bottle

Thinking about Mother Earth while you’re jet-setting around her? Philips Avent Natural Glass Bottles are not only eco-friendly but also a breeze to clean. Talk about a win-win!

• Dr. Brown’s Bottles

Last but not least, let’s talk about Dr. Brown’s bottles. These bad boys are well-loved for reducing feeding issues like colic. If your baby has a sensitive tummy, this bottle might just be your new best friend.

Formula: Because Fed is Best

• Choose Wisely: Formula varies from baby to baby, so pick what suits your little one.
  • Holle Organic: No artificial ingredients and uses sustainable farming practices.
• • Kabrita USA: Goat milk-based and easy on the tummy.

Bibs: Mealtime Game Changers

• Bumkins: Made from easy-wipe waterproof fabric.
• Green Sprouts: Made with organic cotton.
• Aden + Anais: Snap bibs made with muslin cloth.

Baby Food: Skip the Purée, Try Baby-Led Weaning!

• We swear by the baby-led weaning method! It gave us the freedom to skip the hassle of preparing purées.
  • BLW-Friendly Food Picks: Soft fruits, well-cooked veggies, and pasta.

Sippy Cups: Baby’s First “Big Kid” Cup

• Munchkin Miracle 360: Spill-proof and easy to clean.
• Take & Toss: Reusable and affordable.
• Pura Kiki: Stainless steel and comes with a silicone spout.

Snack Containers: Munchies on the Move 🚗

• Mothercould Snack Containers: Just launched her own, and they’re excellent! Comes in a two-pack.
• Grid Containers from Amazon: These are awesome for keeping things organized.

Cooler Bag: Chill, Baby, Chill!

• PackIt Freezable: Just fold and freeze the entire bag.
• Skip Hop: Comes with a gel-freezer pack.
• Fridge-to-Go: Keeps items cool for up to 8 hours.

Travel Drying Rack: Keep It Clean!

• OXO Tot On-The-Go: Folds flat and great for drying bottles.
• Boon Trip: Comes with a built-in bottle brush.
• Munchkin Deluxe: Foldable and comes with a nipple brush.

High Chair Cover: Eat Out in Style

• Crocnfrog 2-in-1: Doubles as a shopping cart cover.
• Infantino Compact: Easy to fold and carry.
• Summer Infant: Machine washable and has its own carrying case.

Sleep Essentials

Portable Crib: Rest Easy Anywhere

• Lotus Travel Crib: Our go-to for sure—easy to set up and super comfy for the baby.
  • BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light: Lightweight and easy to assemble.
  • Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go: Comes with a full-sized bassinet attachment.
  • Other Snooze-Worthy Picks:

Fitted Crib Sheets: Snug as a Bug

• Lotus Cotton Fitted Sheet: Designed to fit the Lotus crib like a glove.
  • Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Sheets: Soft, organic, and earth-friendly.
  • American Baby Company 100% Natural Cotton: Affordable and well-fitting.
  • Comfy Alternatives:

Baby Blankets: Cozy Up

• Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets: Super versatile—you can use them for swaddling, as a stroller cover, and more.
  • L’ovedbaby Organic Cotton Blanket: Made of 100% certified organic cotton.
  • Saranoni Luxury Blankets: A bit of a splurge, but they’re incredibly soft and luxurious.
  • Warm Picks:

Sleep Sack: Easy-Peasy Sleepwear

• Halo SleepSack: A great alternative to blankets and helps prevent overheating.
  • Woombie Original Nursery Swaddling Blanket: Promotes natural motor development.
  • Ergobaby On-The-Move: Transitions from a sleep space to a playspace.
  • More Snug Options:

White Noise Machine: Hush Little Baby

• Hatch Rest: White noise, night light, and time-to-rise alert all in one.
  • Marpac Dohm: The original white noise machine, and it’s super portable.
  • MyBaby SoundSpa: Compact and battery-operated for those on-the-go moments.
  • Sound Choices:

Health and Safety

Baby First Aid Kit: Be Prepared for Anything

• Safety 1st Deluxe Healthcare & Grooming Kit: A complete set with 25 pieces including baby-safe medication.
  • Little Remedies New Baby Essentials Kit: All-natural ingredients, and cruelty-free.
  • Welly Bravery Badges: Cute, eco-friendly bandages that kids will actually want to wear.
  • Eco-Friendly Picks:

Baby Monitor: Keep an Eye (or Ear) Out

• Nanit Plus: Offers sleep tracking and breathing monitoring.
  • Lollipop Baby Monitor: Made with non-toxic silicone.
  • iBaby Monitor M6T: Offers air quality measurement to keep the baby’s environment safe.
  • Eco-Friendly & Portable Options:

Thermometer: Because Fevers Happen

• iProven Dt-R1221AWG: Accurate and easy to use on babies.
  • Kinsa QuickCare Smart Thermometer: Eco-friendly materials and provides medical guidance.
  • Braun ThermoScan 7: Recyclable tip filters and energy-efficient.
  • Eco-Friendly Choices:

Baby Sunscreen: Sunshine Without the Burn ☀️

• Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+: Mineral-based and free from harmful chemicals.
  • Badger Baby Sunscreen SPF 30: Biodegradable and coral reef-safe.
  • Blue Lizard Baby Sunscreen: Bottle changes color in harmful UV light, reminding you to cover up.
  • Green Picks:

Hand Sanitizer: Clean Hands, Healthy Family

• Babyganics Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizer: Free from alcohol and fragrances.
  • Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer: Organic, fair trade, and a familiar name.
  • CleanWell Botanical Hand Sanitizer Spray: Uses a biodegradable formula and cruelty-free.
  • Eco-Friendly Sanitizers:

Baby Wearing & Transport

Stroller: For Smooth Rides and Happy Strides 🍼

• GB Pockit Lightweight Stroller: Known as the world’s smallest folding stroller—perfect for globetrotting.
• Babyzen Yoyo: A bit pricier, but its convenience and durability make it worth every penny.
• Eco-Friendly Option:
  • UPPAbaby MINU: Made from recyclable aluminum and comes with a carry bag.

Baby Carrier: Snug and Secure 🤗

• Baby K’tan: This carrier is lightweight and snug, almost like a wrap but easier to put on.
• 360 All-Position Baby Carrier: Offers multiple positions and is designed to distribute weight evenly.
• For Newborns and Eco-Conscious:
  • Liliputi Buckle Carrier: Great for newborns and made with eco-friendly materials.
  • Baby Tula Free-To-Grow: Organic and adjustable, allowing you to use it as your baby grows.

Stroller Rain Cover: Because Weather Happens ☔

• Manito Elegance Alpha Cover: Universal size and UV protection.
• Jeep Deluxe Stroller Weather Shield: Budget-friendly and gets the job done.
• Eco-Friendly Pick:
  • Sashas Rain and Wind Cover: Made from high-quality, eco-friendly material.

Car Seat: Safety While Soaring ✈️

• Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller: A car seat that converts into a stroller; airline approved.
• Cosco Scenera NEXT: Light, compact, and also airline-approved.
• Eco-Friendly Option:
  • Clek Fllo: Made without toxic flame retardants and 100% recyclable.

Clothing

• Onesies: A few extras for accidents.
• Sleepers: For bedtime.
• Socks and Booties: At least a couple of pairs.
• Hats: A sun hat and a warm hat.
• Mittens: For cold weather.
• Swim Diapers: If you plan to go swimming.

Entertainment & Comfort

• Pacifiers: If your baby uses them.
• Soft Toys: A couple of favorites.
• Teething Toys: If your baby is teething.
• Interactive Toys: To keep the baby entertained.
• Books: Small, travel-sized ones.
• Baby’s Favorite Blanket: For comfort.

Miscellaneous

• Baby Wash: For bath time.
• Baby Shampoo: Travel-sized.
• Towels: One or two small ones.
• Laundry Bag: For dirty clothes.
• Packing Cubes: To keep things organized.
• Wet Bags: For soiled clothes or diapers.
• Camera: For capturing those special moments!
• Baby Spoons: If your baby is eating solids.
• Nail Clippers: Baby nails grow fast!
• Ziplock Bags: For storing snacks, used bottles, or dirty clothes.
• Conclusion: Your Ultimate Baby Travel Companion

Conclusion: Your Ultimate Baby Travel Companion

So there you have it, folks! Whether you’re flying to a tropical paradise, road-tripping across the country, or simply visiting grandma, we’ve got you covered. From the tiniest spoon to the most efficient car seat, we’ve listed all the must-haves to make your family travel as smooth as your baby’s bottom!

Just a recap for the forgetful mommies and daddies out there (because let’s face it, parenting can be a whirlwind):

• Feeding: Don’t forget bottles, bibs, and baby food options.
• Sleeping: Portable cribs and sleep sacks are a lifesaver.
• On-the-Go: A stroller and a comfortable baby carrier can make a world of difference.
• Safety: A baby first aid kit and a good car seat are non-negotiable.

Remember, preparation is key but flexibility is also important. Things might not go exactly as planned (because when do they ever?), but you’ll be well-equipped to handle any bumps in the road—or sky!

Safe travels to all the jet-setting families out there! And don’t forget to capture those memories; they’ll be the stories you tell for years to come. 📸✨

Happy adventuring! 🌍👨‍👩‍👧‍👦💖

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Feel free to download our printable checklist and make sure to follow us on Instagram and YouTube for more family travel tips and tricks! Happy traveling, families! ✈️🌍👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

FAQ:

Q: What are the essential items to pack when traveling with a baby?

A: When traveling with a baby, some essential items to pack include a diaper bag, baby carrier, car seat, baby food, baby clothes, baby monitor, and travel stroller.

Q: What should I pack in my diaper bag for traveling?

A: In your diaper bag for traveling, you should pack diapers, wipes, extra clothes, a changing pad, bottles, formula or breast milk, snacks, toys, and any necessary medication.

Q: Do I need a separate car seat for traveling?

A: It is recommended to have a separate car seat for traveling to ensure the safety and comfort of your baby during road trips or flights.

Q: What are some must-have baby travel gear items?

A: Some must-have baby travel gear items include a baby carrier, travel stroller, portable baby monitor, and a travel high chair.

Q: What should I pack when traveling with my baby?

A: When traveling with your baby, you should pack the essentials such as diapers, wipes, baby clothes, feeding supplies, toys, and any necessary medication.

Q: What are the baby travel essentials I’ll want to bring?

A: Some baby travel essentials you’ll want to bring include a diaper bag, baby carrier, travel stroller, baby monitor, and comfortable baby clothes.

Q: What are the baby travel items I must not forget?

A: Some baby travel items you must not forget are diapers, wipes, baby food, bottles, and a baby blanket.

Q: How can I entertain my baby while traveling?

A: You can entertain your baby while traveling by bringing their favorite toys, books, or soft plushies. You can also play soothing music or sing to them.

Q: Is it safe to travel with a baby on a plane?

A: Yes, it is safe to travel with a baby on a plane. However, it is important to follow the airline’s guidelines and take necessary precautions to ensure the baby’s safety and comfort.

Q: What are some essential baby travel tips for traveling with babies and toddlers?

A: Some essential baby travel tips for traveling with babies and toddlers include packing extra essentials, planning for breaks during long trips, bringing enough snacks and drinks, and being prepared for any weather conditions.