Top 25 Products for Traveling with a Baby

You’re ready to go on an adventure with your little one, and while the prospect of traveling is exciting, it can also feel a little overwhelming. Here’s the thing: babies have a lot of needs, and when you step out from the comfort of your home where all of these needs are met, it’s intimidating.

Don’t stress too much – you know your child’s needs.

You’ve got this!

Here are our top 25 products that we absolutely recommend when traveling with a baby.

Here at Ergobaby, we make it a priority to create products that are comfortable and functional for both baby and parent, as well as staying on top of all the other products that will make life easier for you and your little one. Comfort and function are the two most important things to look for in travel products with your baby, and we have totally got you covered!

Please keep in mind that this isn’t everything you’ll need for your trip. The day-to-day items like clothes, diapers and bottles? We know you’re totally on top of that. We wanted to cover the items that maybe aren’t top of mind. So, whether it’s nifty new travel gear or items you already have in your home, these items are sure to save you a lot of hassle for the next time you find yourself preparing to travel with a baby!

In the Car

Whether you’re driving for an hour to get to the airport or you’re embarking on a family road trip together, there are a few items that you will want to have on-hand in the car. Keeping your baby comfortable in the car, no matter what their schedule is, will make a huge difference in everyone’s overall experience, so making this a priority is definitely going to pay off!

  1. White Noise Machine
  2. Pacifier Clip
  3. Car Seat Mirror
  4. Wet-Dry Bags
  5. Spill-Proof Snack Container + Sippy Cup
  6. Freezer Lunch Bags
  7. Small Toys
  8. Clean-Up Towel
  9. Car Seat Gap Cushion

White Noise Machine

Ok, it’s not exclusively for the car, but if you’re going to be driving for an extended period of time and your little one falls asleep, you will be very happy to have a portable white noise machine to drown out other sounds that might wake them up.

The Yogasleep portable white noise machine will do the trick. It’s rechargeable via USB, has different types of white noise, and volume control. And at only 3.5 inches in diameter, you’re not sacrificing too much space to bring it along. 

You can also download a white noise app; however, we caution against playing white noise through the car’s Bluetooth as this may make the driver drowsy too. A white noise speaker can be placed close to your child’s head so that it sounds louder to him or her and quieter to everyone else in the car.

White noise machines run between $20-80. The most important quality to look for is long battery life and portability. The smaller the speaker, the harder it is to get those deeper, soothing frequencies in the “brown noise” spectrum.

Pacifier Clip

Source: Mushie[1]

We get it – there are few combinations worse than a crying baby and a lost pacifier. A pacifier clip makes it infinitely easier to keep track of your little one’s binky; you won’t want to leave the house without it. For the car, we love these Mushie pacifier clips – they’re functional and adorable, perhaps one of the best combinations. If you’re taking some time to get a break from being in the car, our Omni Breeze carrier has a built-in pacifier clip loop to help you keep it close.

It’s fairly common for a toddler to lose track of their pacifier even while in a car seat (as silly as that sounds). A clip makes it easier for you or your child to locate a pacifier that has fallen out of their mouth which is especially useful when you’re short on helping hands.

Pacifier clips are usually around $5-15. Some parents prefer quantity over quality because, ironically, pacifier clips get lost often.

Car Seat Mirror

A car seat mirror can bring both you and your baby peace of mind by giving you the ability to see each other while you’re in the driver’s seat. And there’s just something about mirrors that gets babies excited, giggly, and, most importantly, happy. Keeping your little one content on your drive is a must, and fastening a mirror to the headrest is a great way to do it.

Parents love the Enovoe baby car mirror because, compared to other car mirrors, it stays put and doesn’t fall off when you’re driving. Any mirror that wraps around a headrest should work in your car. Look for products with reviews that highlight how well the mirror stays in position.

Car seat mirrors are usually priced between $10-30. You want to look for slight curvature and firm positioning (potholes in the road can jar it out of position).

Wet-Dry Bags

Wet+Dry bags can be a huge lifesaver while traveling. These Logan + Lenora wet bags are waterproof and machine washable.  Use them to keep soiled clothes (we all know it’s bound to happen), cloth diapers, or even dirty disposable diapers when there’s no trash can available. These bags can also double as packing cubes for organizing snacks, toys, or first-aid items. Having these easily accessible is one of the best ways to prepare for a long day of traveling.

Spill-Proof Snack Container + Sippy Cups

Once your baby starts to get a little older, eating and drinking while traveling can get really messy. But it’s an essential tool in keeping your child occupied and awake.

Ergobaby’s Deluxe Feeding Set includes both a sippy cup and snack container that are great for on the go!

SHOP ERGOBABY Feeding Sets

Freezable Lunch Bags

These are lunch bags with built-in freezer packs. You store them in the freezer until you’re ready to bring them along and they are great for storing things that you want to keep cold or frozen for as long as possible like Otter Pops, breast milk, formula, or fruit (which can be difficult to come by in the middle of your road trip).

These usually run around $15-25 which makes them a great value.

Small Toys

Keeping your baby occupied in the car could be the difference between a happy baby and an incredibly frustrated one. Having some small toys in your bag to keep your little one busy is going to be worth the diaper bag space! The best toys to bring will depend on your child’s age – this guide by Family Vacation Critic[3] is a great place to start.

Clean-Up Towel

Babies who get car sick and road trips don’t bode well. Messes are inevitable, so why not come prepared? It’s good to always have a towel on hand to clean up. Try packing a few ziplock bags or an extra wet and dry bag to keep dirty towels in. You can thank us later. If you’re quick to the draw, a wax-lined paper bag can also serve you well (airplanes come equipped with these).

Car Seat Gap Cushion

Source: Drivewel[4]

We’ve all been in the situation where something falls in between the car seats, never to be found again. These car seat gap cushions go right in between the crack to save you from lost crayons and pacifiers. You can get them in a variety of colors and sizes to fit your needs. Thank goodness for this brilliant invention!

If you want a frugal option, simply roll up a towel and squeeze them between the car seat’s cushions.

On the Plane

  1. Travel Stroller
  2. Bassinet Seat
  3. Pacifier Sterilizer
  4. Baby Safe Sanitizing Wipes
  5. Inflatable Travel Foot Rest
  6. Nursing Cover
  7. Lollipop or Pacifier
  8. Change of Clothes 

Stroller

Having a good travel stroller is going to be a huge game-changer at the airport. We made our Ergobaby Metro+ stroller with traveling in mind – it’s adjustable, comfortable and 100% certified ergonomic. 

Not to mention it’s incredibly easy to fold up and store when not in use. When it’s folded up, the Metro+ is only 54 cm by 25 cm. This will make it especially easy to bring on the airplane with you. You and your little one will both be so glad you brought it along!

The introductory price for the Metro+ is $299 though you may score one on a great sale. Regardless, they hold their value really well.

SHOP ERGOBABY Strollers

A Bassinet Seat

A bassinet seat on a flight provides space for a bassinet to be attached to the bulkhead wall of the plane, making it easy for your baby to get some rest during the flight. This is a fantastic option for traveling parents, however, since the seating by the bulkhead wall is limited, there are only so many bassinet seats permitted per flight. Keep this in mind when booking your flight.

This is a fairly complex topic, but it doesn’t hurt to ask your airline what options are available for your baby.

Pacifier Sterilizer

Source: Papablic[5]

Making sure your pacifiers are clean and sterilized is going to provide a great deal of peace of mind, so a portable pacifier sterilizer is going to be a must-have for your flight. Traveling is already a germ-filled experience. Sanitation is on everyone’s mind when traveling. When your baby drops a pacifier on the floor of the plane, there’s no telling what germs it picked up.

That’s why parents love the Papablic pacifier sterilizer because it’s lightweight and gets the job done in under a minute. This one even has space for two pacifiers at once!

You can pick up a portable UV sterilizer for only $20.

Baby-Safe Sanitizing Wipes

There’s a lot of germs that go around while traveling, especially when flying. Baby-safe sanitizing wipes are perfect for wiping dirty hands or faces. Babyganics Hand Sanitizing Wipes are perfect for cleaning plane seats and public changing tables. They’re safe for babies and alcohol-free so they won’t dry out your baby’s skin.

These take up little space and are super affordable.

Inflatable Travel Foot Rest

Airplane seats are already uncomfortable, but holding a baby while they sleep on a plane is a whole new level of discomfort. These inflatable cushions are used for babies through toddlers and can allow them to sleep comfortably on airplanes. Simply inflate and place them in between the seats. The Flyaway Kids Bed is worth the investment if you travel a lot. Check with your airline about their policies before bringing them along.

For a cheaper option, you can also purchase a cube inflatable travel footrest. These also help toys not fall under the seats and they can be easily cleaned with wipes while on the go. Letting your kids get a good sleep on the flight is one of the best gifts you can give yourself when traveling.

Nursing Cover

Be prepared for less-than-ideal lighting and sound conditions on a plane. If you plan on your child napping during a daytime flight, pilot announcements, passengers with windows open, and other people can make it difficult to simulate the distraction-free environment your baby has at home. Additionally, nursing in public might be a struggle for the baby and mother. Nursing covers help mitigate that.

With nursing mamas in mind, we have a privacy hood included in almost all of our baby carriers, making it easy to maintain coverage while breastfeeding. Additionally, keeping your baby in the carrier during the flight is an easy way to keep her close and comfortable. 

These range from $15-50 but are worth the price.

Lollipop or Pacifier

When you’re taking off and landing you’ll need something for your baby to suck on to help their ears pop. For a baby, either a bottle, nursing, or a pacifier does the trick. For toddlers or older kids, try bringing along a lollipop or candies for them to suck on. Something as simple as this can help you avoid fussiness when landing and taking off.

Change of Clothes

Having a change of clothes on hand at all times is a must, especially when flying. Make sure this isn’t in your checked bags or carry-ons up above you because you won’t want to take the time to search for it. You’ll want to pack this in your diaper bag so it’s ready at any moment (because you never know when the next blowout might happen). 

On the Trip

Now that you’ve arrived at your destination, what do you need to have at your disposal to make your trip a success?

  1. Baby Carrier
  2. Travel Crib
  3. Baby Sleep Sack
  4. Power Strip
  5. Privacy Pod
  6. Inflatable Travel Bathtub
  7. Night light

Baby Carrier

Whether you’re sightseeing, hiking, or even walking around the airport, you’re going to want to keep your little one close – especially when the danger of losing sight of your child is high.

First and foremost, you’ll want a baby carrier. Whatever you have on your agenda, you’ll be glad to have something to safely keep your baby as close to you as possible. Whether you’re opting for the Embrace to keep your newborn cozy or you’re wanting the Omni so it can adjust as your little one grows, you’ll be happy to have a baby carrier on-hand.

Ergobaby carriers are affordably priced and last a lifetime. That’s why we made the Everlove campaign.

Travel Crib

Keeping your little one comfortable for their nap and during the night is going to play a big part in how much you enjoy your vacation, so a travel crib will need to be on your list. The Lotus Everywhere travel crib is a great way to go because it’s lightweight and easy to transport from place to place. 

It even comes with a case that can either be worn as a backpack or carried as a bag, which is a major plus for traveling!

While many hotels and B&Bs offer cribs, the quality of the crib might be subpar. There are several new companies popping up that will rent out high-end cribs as well. It’s always nice to have that option in case you don’t like the crib provided where you’re staying.

Baby Sleep Sack

Your baby will sleep soundly when she’s warm and cozy. Especially if you use a baby sleep sack at home, having one while you’re traveling is going to make a world of difference. Not only will your little one be as comfortable as can be, but nighttime diaper changes will be that much easier with the simple, zip-up design on our sleep sacks.

We often have these on sale but you can pick one up today for only $30!

Power Strip

After a long day of traveling it’s time to recharge. Sometimes we don’t remember just how many plugs we’ll need until we check into the hotel. Your phone, your partner’s phone, the baby monitor, the baby monitor’s camera, and the white noise machine all need an outlet. When it comes down to it, it’s always better to be prepared by bringing a power strip to ensure you have enough space to charge your personal items on top of all of your baby items. 

Privacy Pod

These portable sleep nooks help babies to get a good sleep in different environments you may be in while traveling. They help block out light and distractions which is a great option when sharing a hotel room or any small space. This is especially important if you travel across several time zones and you want to keep your infant on the same sleeping schedule. SlumberPod offers easily foldable pop-up tents that are highly recommended for travel. Another great option is blackout curtains that you can hook onto your stroller or car so baby can nap on the go. 

You can grab these pods for around $100-300.

Inflatable Travel Bathtub

When you’re traveling you don’t always have the comforts of your own home, but we can assure you this will make bath time on vacation much simpler and safer. There’s a variety of inflatable or collapsible tub options that you can pack without taking up too much space. If you’re staying somewhere for more than a few days, you’ll definitely want to bring this along.

Night Light

Whether it’s for you or the baby, a night light is always a good idea. It’s helpful for toddlers who may get a little scared sleeping away from home. It’s also a good idea to give yourself some light, especially when caring for a newborn, because new spaces are difficult to maneuver in the dark. Luckily, this is a small and simple fix that fits right into your suitcase.

Time for an Adventure

Traveling with a baby can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right tools on hand, you’re bound to have a wonderful time and make meaningful memories together. So stock up on the essentials and get ready for your adventure!

Packing List

When it comes time to pack there’s no need to sweat. We’ve compiled the list here to make packing easy: 

In The Car

  • White Noise Machine
  • Pacifier Clip
  • Car Seat Mirror
  • Wet-Dry Bags
  • Spill-Proof Snack Container + Sippy Cup
  • Freezer Lunch Bags
  • Small Toys
  • Clean-Up Towel
  • Car Seat Gap Cushion

On The Plane

  • Travel Stroller
  • Bassinet Seat
  • Pacifier Sterilizer
  • Baby Safe Sanitizing Wipes
  • Inflatable Travel Foot Rest
  • Nursing Cover
  • Lollipop or Pacifier
  • Change of Clothes 

On The Trip

  • Baby Carrier
  • Travel Crib
  • Baby Sleep Sack
  • Power Strip
  • Privacy Pod
  • Inflatable Travel Bathtub
  • Night light

Sources:

  1. https://mushie.com/
  2. https://www.familyvacationcritic.com/best-airplane-toys-for-babies/art/
  3. https://drivewel.co/
  4. https://papablic.com/
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Kirsten Metcalf is a writer, editor and mother to a hilarious but very strong-willed toddler and a beautiful baby girl. She started writing short stories in elementary school and years later became a sports reporter and editor. Now, she mainly writes marketing, religious and parenting-related blog posts. Even before she knew she wanted to be a writer, Kirsten knew she wanted to be a mom. She knows being a mom is one of the most rewarding but hardest jobs out there, which is why she loves being able to share parenting knowledge and support to other moms through her writing. When she actually wins negotiations with her toddler, Kirsten likes to reward herself by watching KU basketball, eating cheesecake, or going on a Target run by herself.

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