Traveling with a baby can be exciting, but challenging when it comes to ensuring their comfort and safety on the go. As an infant occupational therapist, I love the opportunity for babies and families to experience new places together, see new sights, and have all the fantastic input that travel provides to their developing brains.
I’ve learned through experience that having the right essentials can make all the difference, so I’m happy to share my recommendations for must-have baby items when you travel with infants — whether you’ve got an end-of-summer road trip coming up, or you’re already looking ahead to holiday travel.
Show above: The Slumberpod
For more than 175 of the best gifts for babies this year, including plenty of travel essentials, also see the Cool Mom Picks 2024 Baby Shower Gift Guide
5 must-have items for traveling with a baby:
Recommendations from an Infant Occupational Therapist
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All recommendations were provided independently.
Shown above: Laurel with Sassy Brand Wonder Wheel, Hello Baby Animals: A high-contrast board book
There are some basics you should definitely pack, like enough changing supplies; bottles, formula, breastfeeding support, and other feeding supplies; plus two complete changes of clothes per day of travel for the baby, just in case you get stuck somewhere! And I always remind new parents not to forget their own spare set of clothes – spills and accidents can (and do) happen.
But for more specific baby essentials for travel, here are some of my favorites that I recommend to parents of babies 0-12 months.
1. Toys for Engagement and Distraction
Above: PipSquigz Combo Set on Amazon(Also from Fat Brain Toys)
Keeping your baby entertained can help them be comfortable in a new environment, as play is a universal language! Always opt for toys that are easy to wipe and clean to maintain hygiene while traveling. Suction toys are perfect for attaching to surfaces like windows or trays, keeping little hands busy without items falling onto the floor. I also recommend suction spinner toys, which are great for capturing your baby’s attention with their spinning motion and bright colors.
Some options for you:
2. A Wearable Baby Carrier Specific to Your Needs
Above: Ergobaby Dream Baby Carrier in Upcycled Denim
Babywearing promotes bonding and provides a sense of security for your little one while navigating through crowded airports or sightseeing in new places. And of course, a comfortable carrier lets you keep your hands free while keeping your baby close and secure.
Pro tip: Think about packing accessories like sunshades or hoods for added protection and comfort, especially if you’ll be in changing weather conditions.
Related: 7 smart tips for staying in a hotel with toddlers. (Real tips, not those ridiculous TikTok hacks
3. Boogie Wipes!
While some wipes are made for surfaces and other made for bodies, I absolutely love Boogie Wipes Gentle Wet Wipes, made with Vitamin E, aloe, chamomile and natural saline. They are perfect for hands, faces, and runny noses, but also for surfaces!
Pack plenty — you’ll want them to wipe down airplane tray tables, restaurant high chairs and boosters, rental car surfaces, hotel room remote controls, the toys you pack (that get dropped)…you name it. Bonus: They’re alcohol-free so they can be used for diaper cleanups in a pinch.
4. Developmentally-Appropriate Pacifiers
Above: Stuffed animal RaZbuddy holder for Razbaby pacifiers
A pacifier isn’t just a must-have if it helps your baby self-soothe at home, or fall asleep more easily; when you travel, it has the added value of soothing your baby on flights during takeoff landing if you’re traveling by air. I like the Philips AVENT Soothie pacifiers, which are affordable, easy to clean, and come in sets of 4. (Always pack extras!) I also recommend the RaZbaby Jollypop baby pacifier — and the stuffed animal RaZbuddy pacifier holder (above) is adorable as it is practical.
5. A Must-Have Travel Item to Help Babies Sleep Better
Above: Baby Slumberpod with Fan
Insuring your baby gets plenty of sleep on the road is such an important part of successful travel with babies — especially when a sleep schedule will easily be disrupted, Familiar items can provide comfort and reassurance in new surroundings, like a soft, cozy lovey or security blanket, or a white noise machine that does the trick.
A set of car window shades are compact and portable and help significantly with naps in the car. If you already own some, be sure to pack them.
But there’s one more item I really recommend:
If you’ll be staying in a hotel, or sharing a room at an Airbnb, I love Slumberpods. (Ed: We’ve recommended them on this site since they first launched in 2018!) These portable blackout sleep tents fit right over a Pack n Play or similar travel crib and allow you to easily share a room. The Slumberpod is designed to keep their space dark and cozy, plus it now includes a mini fan plus a specific area for it, to keep the crib cool, plus a netted pouch just for your baby monitor camera if you’ll be using one on your trip.
Bonus Recommendation:
Don’t forget to bring a favorite book or two! Reading aloud can be a calming activity and help maintain a familiar routine during travel. I remain a steadfast Eric Carle fan. (Lots of boxed sets of Eric Carle board books are available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, bookshop.org) But whatever it is that your baby loves best is exactly what you should pack.
I hope my recommendations will make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable for you, your whole family, and of course,your little one. Happy travels!
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Guest Contributor Laurel McMillan is an occupational therapist and the founder of Little Roos, an infant and pediatric therapy practice in Phoenix, Arizona. Her career journey has led her from outpatient pediatric rehabilitation to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and finally to the community, where she works closely with infants and their families. Laurel’s expertise spans the range of infant and toddler development with a keen focus on nurturing motor skill acquisition and the holistic aspects of overall development and well-being, She is genuinely excited about collaborating with families on their unique journeys, nurturing the growth, happiness, and well-being of their precious little ones. You can also find lots of tips from her on Instagram at @littleroospediatrictherapy
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