Oh, the Places You'll Go (With Baby!): Essentials Every Traveling Parent Needs
These are the must-haves that will keep you sane.
Some people scale Mount Everest to get a life-affirming rush, others take to the high seas and sail around the world or tour the wilds of Alaska by dogsled. But when you’re a parent, you don’t have to go so such extremes. The thrill comes merely from endeavoring to Travel With Baby.
It doesn’t matter where you go—a trip to grandma’s house, a week at the beach—the sheer jolt of lifting the constraints of babyhood and jetting away can make you feel like you’ve accomplished a major feat. Okay, it might not be of bucket list proportions, but the degree of difficulty is surely the same and so is the feeling of reward.
The only trouble is with babies come gear, a mountain of gear, quite possibly more gear than you’d ever need to get to the top of Everest. Fortunately for parents today, there is a slew of stuff on the market made especially for travel that nicely lightens the load and makes life on the go way easier. Thus leaving you with little to no excuse not to hightail it out of town to somewhere far, far away! Go for it!
Primo LapBaby
Have a baby that loves to hang out in mommy’s lap? (Who doesn’t?) This seriously ingenious invention let’s you safely secure the baby to your lap so you can go hands free. Great for long flights and restaurants. No more playing pass the baby so you can eat.
Tux Armrest Pillow
Turn any armrest into a comfy nap space (and give your elbows some love) with this super cute travel pillow/blanket combo. Ideal for planes, trains and layover waiting zones.
JL Childress Gate Check Bag for Umbrella Strollers
This airline-approved bag helps protect your umbrella stroller when checking it at the airport gate. You might want to get one for your car seat, too!
Play and Go Tray Table
Turn any tray into a fun play surface for baby—and get a moment of peace for yourself. Includes peek-a-boo mirror, squeaky toy, crinkle toy, mesh pocket with plush friend and more.
BUY FROM: Buy Buy Baby, $27.99
Munchkin Diaper Bags
Spare your fellow travelers the eye-watering effects of the dirty diaper vapor cloud with these baking soda-infused diaper bags. Ahhh, fresh.
Skip Hop Pronto Changing Station
Even though you’re a pro and can practically change a baby in mid air, you won’t have to with this portable changing station on hand! Includes an extra-wide changing pad with cushioned head rest, mesh pocket for diapers and a case for wipes. Goes well with your Skip*Hop diaper bag, too.
Skip Hop Grab-and-Go Insulated Double Bottle Bag
Complete the set with this insulated bottle bag. Holds two bottles or sippy cups. A handy strap allows you to attach and go!
OXO Tot On-the-Go Travel Drying Rack with Bottle Brush
A super clever portable drying rack for bottles, sippies and breast pump parts. The brush includes a detail cleaner for nipples. Easily folds and packs away.
Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Travel Bottle and Food Warmer
No electricity is required for this bottle and food warmer. Fill the thermos with hot water, and it will stay hot for up to 10 hours, at the ready for all your warming needs.
Modern-Twist Kids Mark-Mat Silicone Coloring Placemat
These reusable silicone placemats fold up and can go anywhere—not only that, kids can doodle on them! Love! Comes with four dry-erase markers.
Oxo Tot Flippy Snack Cup with Travel Cover
Minimize spillage and let little hands do the feeding with this handy cup that keeps snacks in place.
Sassy Fork and Spoon Set
Keep the dreaded germs at bay with this on-the-go fork and spoon set that stores away in its own case.
BooginHead Sippigrip
Because when you’re traveling, the last thing you want to do is to lose your bottles and sippies—or have them make contact with a filthy floor. Quelle horreur!
Mommy's Helper Inflatable Bath Tub
This inflatable tub makes bath-time on the go totally doable. Provides baby with a safe, padded space. A smart saddle horn in the center keeps little ones from sliding down in the tub.
Cozy Cover Easy Seat
Yes, you can eat out again and maybe even have a cocktail! Turn any chair into a secure high chair with this safe seat fastener with five-point harness.
Primo Folding Potty Seat
Don’t let a getaway interrupt your potty training mojo! This foldaway potty seat keeps little tushies in place and has handles on either side for added security and hygiene. And still always good to keep some toilet liners on hand.
Dapple Pure 'N' Clean Bottles and Dishes Dishwashing Liquid
Make that hotel sink work for you! Dapple’s gentle dishwashing liquid keeps your bottles and cups clean and film and odor free. Super safe and nontoxic. Travel size.
Dapple Pure 'N' Clean Travel Wipes
Lastly, no baby-toting adventurer heads out into the world without some disinfecting wipes! These surface wipes by Dapple feature green technology and clean safely. Perfect anything you might encounter on the road.