Baby Travel Essentials That’ll Make Your Vacation Easier

Do you ever miss the days of quickly throwing a few items in a bag and waltzing out the door? Or getting on an airplane, putting in your earbuds, and falling asleep until you the wheels hit the tarmac? While babies bring so much joy and love into our lives, they also completely alter how parents take a trip. 

From the packing list to the amount of time it takes to get from point A to point B, to breastfeeding and sanitizing bottles, traveling is slightly more complicated with a baby in tow. If you’re traveling with a little one for the first time during the holidays, don’t worry! We’re sharing the best travel tips and essentials that'll make your holiday that bit easier.

Editor’s Note: We know raising kids can be hard. That’s why we’re dedicated to making your life easier with the latest and greatest parenting advice and products. We wanted to let you know that if you chose to purchase one of the items featured in this post, we may receive a small commission for it.

Our Best Baby Travel Essentials List 

1. 1. Best Budget Travel Stroller: Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Ultra-Compact Travel Stroller
2. Best Overall Travel Car Seat and Stroller: Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base
3. Best Travel Baby Carrier: Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier
4. Best Travel Sound Machine: Yogasleep Hushh Portable White Noise Machine
5. Best Travel High Chair: Summer Pop ‘N Sit Portable High Chair
6. Best Travel Baby Monitor: VTech DM221 Audio Baby Monitor
7. Best Travel Container: Skip Hop Baby Formula-to-Food Container
8. Best Travel Crib: Dream On Me Portable Travel Crib
9. Best Travel First Aid Kit: Little Remedies New Baby Essentials Kit
10. Best Travel Sleep Sack: HALO Micro Fleece Sleepsack Swaddle
11. Best Airport Car Seat Protector: J.L. Childress Gate Check Bag for Car Seats
12. Best Travel Diaper Bag: Diaper Bag Backpack

What to Consider When Traveling with a Baby

Before you start compiling your packing lists, factor in the following:

1. Mode of Travel 

Whether you’re driving or flying on an airplane, many of the baby travel items remain the same. However, the type of product, size, and process of how you pack will be different depending on your mode of travel. 

For example, making a stop to pump breast milk on a road trip isn’t as complicated as doing so on a flight. During air travel, you’ll want the most important items to be in your carry-on luggage, so you’ll need to opt for travel-sized products. Make sure to have your must-have items such as muslins and teethers in your hand luggage.

2. Destination 

Is your destination warm or cold? How far away will you be traveling? Will you have easy access to supply stores and supermarkets at your destination? Your destination and travel time greatly influence your baby packing list and how you should pack, from everything from clothing choices to the number of nappies you’ll need.

Must-Have Baby Travel Essentials 

We consulted with experts and parents to narrow down the very best essentials for traveling with a baby over the holidays. We also tapped into these experts' advice to find out which brands were readily available on Amazon.

1. Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Ultra-Compact Travel Stroller 

Best Budget Travel Stroller

This carry-on approved stroller folds up small enough to fit in an overhead bin. It also works with the car seat travel system.

Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say:

“I am a researcher. I read through blog after blog after blog and watched YouTube review after review when searching for the perfect lightweight travel stroller. I settled on the Baby Jogger and am so glad that I did. It’s incredible. It’s sturdy. Feels much more expensive than a traditional umbrella/tri-fold stroller. It was easy to assemble, came with its own travel bag, and the Skip hop Parent Organizer fits right in it - and can stay out when folding. 10/10 recommend.”

Buy it here.

2. Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base

Best Overall Travel Car Seat and Stroller

Go from the car to taking a stroll effortlessly with this car seat and stroller combo. Plus, your baby won’t even wake up, thanks to the seamless transition.

Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say:

“I don’t normally write reviews but I had to share how great the Doona is!! It is our number one favorite baby item!!!! The ease of use is amazing and I love that I can get my daughter out of the car in less than 15 seconds. It’s compact so we take it traveling with us.”

Buy it here. 

3. Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier 

Best Travel Baby Carrier

Hands-free travel is important in an airport, and this baby carrier will keep your baby close at all times. It fits all body types and has four different carry types. 

Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say:

“This is a very high quality, well-made carrier. I have walked over 50 miles in it and it works great. My grandson sleeps whenever he is in it. It must be comfortable.”

Buy it here. 

4. Yogasleep Hushh Portable White Noise Sound Machine 

Best Travel Sound Machine

Whether you’re in a noisy hotel room or traveling in the car, this sound machine will help your baby drift off to sleep peacefully. It has three soothing sounds and a night light.

Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say:

“This is the second one I've purchased for my toddler and also bought a few for new mom friends. We have taken this on many trips and car rides, it helps my toddler sleep soundly. The battery life is good as well.”

Buy it here. 

5. Summer Pop 'N Sit Portable High Chair 

Best Travel High Chair

This portable high chair is a must-have for traveling. It sits on its own at airports or a hotel and also straps onto a chair at restaurants. 

Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say:

“Love taking this everywhere. Use it at the park, my mom’s, my in-laws… best kind of seat you can get to feed your baby on the move.”

Buy it here.

6. VTech DM221 Audio Baby Monitor 

Best Travel Baby Monitor

Take this budget baby monitor along when you’re traveling to keep track of your baby when they’re sleeping or playing in another room. It features a range of 1000 feet.

Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say:

“I cannot say enough about this product. Great VTech sound, affordable, simple setup, and (is) a caregiver's little helper. Grateful.”

Buy it here.

7. Skip Hop Baby Formula-to-Food Container 

Best Travel Container

From formula to snacks, to baby food, this container will hold it all. The containers can be used separately or stacked together.

Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say:

“Seriously, even before your kiddo is eating solid foods, add this to your registry! It's so handy. All three levels connect with each other, come apart and are dishwasher safe and are so lightweight. We have been using it for snacks and it's amazing. Highly recommend.”

Buy it here.

8. Dream On Me Portable Travel Crib 

Best Travel Crib

Naps and bedtime are much harder during family travel, but this portable crib makes it effortless. It sets up and folds down in just minutes.

Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say:

“We bought this to go on a road trip with our kids. My youngest was 3 months old at the time and it was just perfect! It's small enough to fit in hotel rooms (even closets), light enough that you can carry it around very easily (unlike normal playpens which are HEAVY), and extremely easy to put together and take apart.”

Buy it here.

9. Little Remedies New Baby Essentials Kit 

Best Travel First Aid Kit

Don’t travel without medicine and necessities to keep your baby healthy. This kit includes everything needed to tackle fevers, gas, stuffy noses, diaper rash, and more.

Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say:

“So glad we had this!! Came in handy multiple times & saved us from having to run to the store when we needed Tylenol or Butt Paste.”

Buy it here.

10. HALO Micro Fleece Sleepsack Swaddle 

Best Travel Swaddle

Thanks to this travel swaddle, you no longer have to remember a complicated technique in the dark on little to no sleep. It also keeps the baby warm without potentially dangerous blankets.

Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say:

“My 6-week-old son sleeps so well with this. My house tends to be cold since we have to heat and cool it ourselves and he sleeps much longer stretches when he is in this swaddle. Worth the money!”

Buy it here.

11. J.L. Childress Gate Check Bag for Car Seats 

Best Airport Car Seat Protector

If you’re checking your car seat, it’s essential to keep it protected from liquids and scuff marks. Plus, you can also pick up a gate check bag for strollers too.

Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say:

“Highly recommend. I loved that it kept our car seat clean at the gate check. Ways to use. Worth buying 100%.”

Buy it here.

12. Diaper Bag Backpack

Best Travel Diaper Bag

Last but not least, don’t forget a fully stocked diaper bag that’s effortless to lug around an airport or carry everything you need during a road trip. Here are a few diaper bag essentials:

• Change of baby clothes
• Toys
• Wet/Dry bag
• Baby wipes
• Sunscreen
• Pacifier
• Bibs
• Sippy cups
• Lotion

Here’s What Reviewers Have to Say:

“I got this diaper bag for a trip I was going on. This diaper bag has a changing pad, which makes it worth the purchase alone! I also love the fact that there is a soother pouch for easy access. This bag also has a cooler bag part of it to keep formula and bottles cold. If you are a parent or about to be a parent, please look at this!”

Buy it here.