Our tried & true list of baby travel essentials based on our experience traveling with our 3 babies/toddlers.
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We are a family of 5 (3 kids under 4) who love to travel! We have tried out lots and lots of toddler and baby travel products over the years.
I am sharing the toddler and baby travel essentials that have been most helpful and useful for us, both on the go and in our daily lives.
This is a versatile and practical list of baby travel essentials that you can add to your baby registry or refer to as you plan your travels with your little one(s).
The best thing about many of these products is that while they are very useful when we are on vacation or traveling, we use most of them daily in our everyday lives as well!
Quick Note About Baby Registries
Even if you aren’t having a baby shower, I still recommend setting up a baby registry, as it helps to keep you organized and ensure you have everything you need.
Plus, many registry platforms offer freebies or discounts that you can use even if you are buying the items yourself.
I used the Babylist Baby Registry with my first baby because you can add items from any store and have them all compiled in one location.
I created an Amazon and Target registry for all three of my babies because both offer a 15% completion discount. The Target discount can be used for almost anything – even groceries and household items!
Baby Travel Essentials
Feeding Items
1. Travel Booster Chair
We use this little travel chair all the time. It is a nice place for your little one to sit and play, and it doubles as a portable high chair/booster seat.
You can take this with you if you are going to stay with family or if you are staying in a hotel or vacation rental.
We also use it for picnics and eating outside at home.
The tray can be easily wiped down or put in the dishwasher. The only thing I don’t like about this chair is that the fabric does not come off the chair, so it can be difficult to get the fabric part clean. I would love to find a version with detachable fabric that can be thrown in the washing machine.
2. Snack Cups
These snack cups are super convenient for on-the-go and around the house. They give your baby independence but help limit some of the mess.
3. Silicone Bibs
We use silicone bibs like these at home and on the go. They are super easy to clean and the little pouch is helpful for “recycling” all the food that gets dropped.
These bibs can easily be rolled up to take on the go – you can even stick a little spoon inside so you are all set.
4. Face & Hand Wipes
Face & hand wipes always seem to come in handy on the go! We usually use Water Wipes or the Burt’s Bees Face & Hand Cloths.
Water Wipes are nice because they are all-purpose and can be used for diaper changes, face, hands, or whatever else you might need.
5. Sterilizer Bags
These sterilizer bags are awesome. You can use one of these bags 20+ times, so you likely only need to bring one if you are going on a trip.
I use these to sterilize bottle and pump parts, and pacifiers or toys that are dropped on the germy floor while traveling.
At home, we use a sterilizer setting on our dishwasher, but you could use these bags for everyday use at home if you want to.
6. Pump Bag
This pump bag has worked well for me. I use it whenever I am away from home and need to pump on the go (work, vacations, visiting family, at a friend’s house, etc.).
It holds a lot – I usually pack my Spectra pump, bottle brush set, extra pump parts, a couple of bottles, pump charger, hand sanitizer, bottle soap, and a sterilizer bag.
7. Travel Bottle Warmer
Baby’s Brew Portable Bottle Warmer is a battery-powered bottle warmer that can heat baby’s milk in minutes. This warmer uses a slow-heat technique to preserve the quality of the milk and avoid hot spots.
It is useful on the go but could be used as your full-time bottle warmer at home too.
We have never used a bottle warmer (I primarily breastfeed and we heat our bottles in a warm mug of water), but I have multiple friends who formula-feed and have and love this warmer, especially when they are out and about.
8. Bottle Brush Set & Soap
This travel bottle brush set is compact and so convenient for washing and drying feeding items on the go. I always bring this with us if we are staying in a hotel.
We use Babyganics Travel Dish & Bottle Soap when we are away from home – it does the job and comes in convenient travel-size bottles.
Sleep Gear
9. Portable Bassinet
We use the Chicco Lullago Portable Bassinet as the primary sleeping space for our babies for the first six months of their lives.
It’s super easy to move around the house and take with us when we travel or visit family. I love any product that we can use for daily use, as well as for travel!
10. Travel Crib
We have used the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib with all 3 of our babies/toddlers and love it. It’s lightweight and easy to fold and unfold. We use it when we go on vacation or visit family.
It can be used from newborn up to 3 years. (We use this inflatable bed for the toddler/young kid stage.)
I found our travel crib on Facebook Marketplace. It was half the price of a new one and was in like-new condition.
11. Portable Sound Machine
This portable sound machine is an absolute must-have for us. We have one in every bedroom of our house (yes, my husband and I use one now too), and we usually bring 2 to 3 of them with us when we travel.
We also bring it on walks and in the car if the kids need to nap.
I like that it is small, easy to move around, neutral-colored, and has great battery life.
12. Breathable Blackout Crib Cover
Another game-changer in the sleep department for us. Babies (and probably all humans) sleep better when it’s dark.
This blackout cover is awesome for using in a hotel room because you can still have some lights on and go about your normal activities (to an extent) while your baby is sleeping without disrupting their sleep.
13. Muslin Blanket(s)
I always bring muslin blankets on the go because they are so versatile. We use them often at home as well.
I have used them as a nursing cover, a light blanket for baby when it is just a little bit chilly, a place for baby to play or be changed, as a burp cloth, a stroller cover, etc.
14. Baby Monitor
We used the Owlet foot monitor until our babies were about one, and it was such a relief for us. I slept so much better and felt less anxious when our babies had the Owlet on.
We also registered for and used the Infant Optics DRX-8 video monitor, and we didn’t love it because it would lose connection even within a 20-30 foot range (from our son’s room to our room).
Before having our second baby, I was on the hunt for a dual monitor with a better range. I bought a couple of different ones to try out and ended up keeping this one. It has a few minor flaws, but overall, it has been a great split-screen monitor for us.
If you are having twins or plan on having babies close together, I recommend registering for a monitor that can have both single and dual screens so you don’t have to purchase another one when you have baby #2.
* Parent Hack: If you forget your monitor when you are away from home, and you are in a pinch, you can Facetime your watch or the phone of another person with you. Make sure to mute your end, so your baby can sleep in peace. 🙂
Travel Gear
15. GB Pockit Stroller
We love this travel stroller. We have a more heavy-duty stroller to use at home for walks, but this one is perfect for travel. It’s so easy to fold and unfold and fits into the overhead bin on an airplane.
I also keep this stroller in my car and use it when running errands because it is compact and easy to get in and out of the car.
16. Stroller Sun/Bug Cover
I have used this cover on our infant carrier car seat/stroller combo, our GB Pockit stroller, and our jogging stroller.
It is versatile and protects babies from the sun and bugs while allowing you to see them/them to see out.
17. Itsy Ritzy Stroller Caddy
I love this stroller caddy so much! We have tried a few different ones, and this one is by far the best. I have multiple for my different strollers.
It is much sturdier than other stroller caddies I have tried. This caddy has 2 drink holders, a big center pouch, and a small zip pouch. It comes in a variety of gorgeous colors/patterns.
18. Baby Carrier
I have tried a few different baby carriers. A good baby carrier is very useful when running errands, getting things done around the house, hiking, traveling through the airport, walking in a crowded place, etc.
The most comfortable baby carrier I have tried is the Ergobaby Adapt carrier.
We also have the Ergobaby Omni360, which is breathable and allows the baby to face outwards. You can also use it as a back carrier once your baby is older.
If you like the idea of a wrap carrier but don’t want to mess with the complicated process of putting it on, the Boppy ComfyChic Carrier could be a good solution because it’s a hybrid between a wrap and a soft-structured carrier.
19. Car Mirror
Some people don’t like using a car mirror to see the baby in the backseat because they find it distracting, but we think it is super nice and helpful when driving or riding in the front seat.
Our kids seem happier in the car when we use these mirrors because they can see us just as well as we can see them.
20. Lightweight Car Seat
This is the car seat we always take with us if we are flying. It weighs about 12 pounds, so it is easy to carry around.
This car seat is affordable, works for children from 5-65 pounds, and can be rear or forward-facing. It is also slim. My small SUV can fit 2 of these + an infant car seat 3 across.
We also have this bigger and cushier car seat. It is really nice but is bulky for traveling.
21. Car Seat and Stoller Carrying Bags
It’s not as comfortable to carry, but you can also fit an infant carrier and base in one of these bags.
A stroller bag can be used if you are checking your stroller under the plane or for gate check. Most airlines let you check your car seat and stroller for free.
22. Portable Fan
A portable fan can keep your baby cool during summer walks or outings. Leave it on your car seat all summer and turn it on when you’re getting into the hot car to ensure your baby doesn’t overheat.
Some stroller fans have clips. This one has flexible legs that easily wrap around your car seat or stroller bars. We have had this fan for over a year and the battery life is still great.
23. Travel First Aid Kit
I keep this portable first aid kit in our diaper bag and take it with us when traveling or hiking. It’s always good to be prepared!
24. Baby Bjorn Bouncer
Not a necessity, but this bouncer provides a nice, safe place to set your baby down at home or when you are out and about. It folds down flat, so it is easy to transport and store.
Our babies both loved this bouncer. We have used it in our house, outside, on picnics, at the beach, at relatives’ houses, on vacation, at ball games – you get the idea!
Diapering, Bath, & Skin Care
25. Portable Diaper Changing Pad
We use this diaper changing pad all.the.time. It is definitely one of our top baby travel essentials. We typically leave it in the car so we always have it handy on the go.
I love that it has a place to keep diapers, wipes, and diaper creams. We have everything we need right in this one little compact bag.
I don’t have to dig through the diaper bag for everything and have it all conveniently ready to go when duty calls.
26. Diaper Smell Sacks
These diaper smell sacks are lifesavers when you are on the go and don’t have a good place to throw out the dirty diaper. Or if you don’t want it stinking up the car, hotel room, or wherever you may be.
27. Reusable Wet Bag
A reusable wet bag is great for containing wet or messy clothes on the go. Wet bags contain messes and odor, and you can throw them in the washer with the soiled clothes once you get home.
28. Diaper Bag Backpack
We have this particular diaper backpack, and it has held up great for the past year and counting. It holds and lot and is affordable.
The backpack style keeps you hands-free, which makes juggling baby and whatever else you might be holding onto much easier to manage.
29. Skincare/Diaper Cream
You need to register for Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment. We use it for everything – diaper cream, dry skin, eczema, etc. Our kids have never had a diaper rash and all we have ever used is Aquaphor.
Tubby Todd All Over Ointment is another go-to for eczema, dry skin, and cradle cap. But honestly, if you only want one product, stick with Aquaphor.
We keep a travel-sized bottle of Aquaphor in the zipper compartment of our portable diaper-changing pad.
30. Mineral Sunscreen
We use Sun Bum Mineral or Hello Bello Mineral sunscreen for the whole family. Mineral sunscreen is better for the environment and is safe for sensitive skin.
31. Portable Bathtub
We used this adorable portable duck bathtub a few times when we were traveling. It is nice if you will be somewhere that doesn’t have a tub.
It blows up easily and then deflates and can fit back into the box for compact travel.
This duck tub could be fun to use as a mini baby pool as well!
32. Travel Toiletries for Baby
Register for the Baby Bum travel-sized toiletry if you don’t want to mess with full-sized bottles when visiting family or going on trips.
Another option is to get a set of these silicone travel bottles and fill them up with your soap and other at-home toiletries.
Toys & Entertainment
33. Pacifier Clips
These cute pacifier clips keep your baby’s paci close by and off the dirty floor at home, in stores, in the car, on an airplane, and anywhere else! Plus they can double as a fun chew toy!
34. Nesting Cups
We have gotten so much use out of these nesting cups at home and on the go. They are great for babies and toddlers.
35. Teethers & Rattles
We have a few favorites – perfect entertainment for young babies at home or on the go!
Silicone Fruit Teething Toy Pack
36. Carseat or Stroller Clip-On Toys
Toys that clip onto the stroller or car seat are very convenient on the go. You won’t be constantly picking up toys off of the floor and the baby will have easy access to entertainment.
There are so many adorable options to choose from! We have this Itzy Ritzy Llama and this funny little Baby Punching Bag.
Clothing
37. Sun Hat
Our babies were bald and wore this hat whenever we were out in the sun for the first year of their lives.
This sun hat has 50+ UPF sun protection, has a wide brim to cover your baby’s face and neck, is machine washable, and has an adjustable strap.
38. Winter Gear
If you live anywhere cold or plan to visit anywhere cold, an Infant Bunting keeps your baby warm and completely covered! We also often use this cute little hat and glove set.
My mom also got our boys this custom beanie which is the cutest thing ever!!
39. Travel-Themed Baby Clothes
I can’t get enough of the cute travel-themed onesies and outfits! Here are some of our favs!
Adventure Awaits Hat/Swaddle Blanket
I hope this list gave you some great ideas for versatile products to add to your baby registry.
These baby travel products will make your life easier both at home and on the go!
Congratulations on your new little adventure buddy!
