How to Survive Travel with a baby or toddler – Gear Edition

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We love to travel, but we hate to fly – especially with kids. Delays are common and tensions are higher than ever as we cram into smaller and smaller seats. Add onto that the stress of packing for another human or humans and hoping they behave on the flight. Whatever emotional baggage you bring on a flight, now you have to add the physical baggage that comes with traveling with young kids. In this post, we’re sharing our go-to essentials for travel, including what you’ll need if you’re flying with a baby, plus a few bonus items that can make the journey a little smoother.

The big 2 (car seat and stroller)

Getting around once you reach your destination will likely require a car seat and stroller (or variations on these). Most airlines let you check and/or gate check these items for free when traveling with a child. If you’re gate checking, make sure to get a tag with the agent at the desk before lining up to board.

Car Seat: If you’re traveling by car on your trip, you’re going to need a car seat. Below are some of our favorite options for car seats.

• Doona: The Doona is a carseat and stroller in one, which seriously cuts down on luggage and possibly allows you to fly without a checked bag. The Doona gives you so much flexibility getting to and from the airport, plus if your baby falls asleep you don’t have to transfer them. 
• Wayb Pico: If your child has outgrown the Doona, is ready to face forward, and you still want a lightweight option, the travel specific Wayb Pico is only 8 pounds and can either be used in the airplane seat or can fit in the overhead bin. For an add on fee, the carry bag offers a layer of protection and easy portability as a backpack.
• Graco Contender: At a lower price point, but with great safety ratings, the Graco Contender Slim Convertible Car Seat is an excellent buy for grandparents who live out of state. These can be used until your child is 65 pounds, and can be worth the money to not have to fly with the carseat when you ship directly to the grandparents and leave at their house. 
• Pro tip: If there are empty seats on the flight, sometimes the gate agent will give you a seat for your lap infant. It’s always worth asking.

Stroller: Depending on your destination and the length of your trip, you should consider different options for toting your kids around. Below we’ve shared gear we’ve used and liked on our adventures.

• Travel stroller: If you’re looking for a travel specific stroller, the Bugaboo Butterfly checks all the boxes. It’s lightweight and compact, fitting in the overhead bin and taking up minimal space in the car., The one second collapse feature and sturdy navigation allow you to manipulate this stroller with one hand, which is so helpful when you’re juggling luggage or a child.
• Current stroller: If you have multiple kids, the best option might be to bring your current stroller. These can be bulky if you have limited trunk space as well as harder to move around the airport, but if you have the space and need to be pushing more than one kid, save the money and use what you already own!
• Osprey Child Carrier: For the adventurous travelers, a hiking backpack is a great option when traveling around cities with cobblestones or to a destination with hikes/walks on uneven surfaces (e.g. beach, rocky paths, etc.) The backpack is lightweight and condense, but will have to go into a checked bag. You can combine this with a cheap umbrella stroller that you can ship to or pick up at your destination and leave there. 
• Pro tip! : Buy a large carabiner and attach it to your stroller for the ability to easily tow a light backpack or toy bag.

Baby specific items

Traveling with a young baby can be great because they’re not moving around yet, and you don’t yet have to pay for a seat for them. That being said, there are some baby specific items that can make your journey even easier. If you need additional information on the logistics of flying with a baby, check out our guide on what to know before flying with a baby.

Front carrier: The front carrier is a crucial item on the airplane so that you can be hands free (and maybe just maybe be able to watch a few minutes of a show or listen to a podcast) while the baby sleeps on you. This item can also be great for navigating the escalators and stairs prevalent throughout many airports. Note that many airlines will not allow your baby to be strapped to you during takeoff and landing.

• ErgoBaby: The ErgoBaby carrier is our top all around pick for its moderate price point, stability, durability, and comfort. The front storage pouch allows you to easily access and securely store your phone and ID. You can modify the positioning as your baby grows to keep them in the carrier longer and get your money’s worth! 
• ArtiPoppe – For the mom who values a high end look, the ArtiPoppe is an excellent option with its beautiful designs and high quality fabric. The ArtiPoppe turns baby wearing into a fashion statement ensuring comfort and elegance for both mom and baby.

Nursing cover: For mothers who are breastfeeding, a nursing cover is an easy item to slip over your head and provide some privacy while nursing in your seat. 

• We are Amma: With its open-knit design, the cocoon is breathable while still providing full coverage for privacy. We recommend picking a neutral color to wear with all your outfits.
• Quince: For a more affordable option, there’s the Quince nursing shawl. The cashmere blend fabric makes this a soft cover that is both good looking and versatile with uses beyond a nursing cover into a sun shade or blanket.

Cooler: Whether you’re feeding your baby with breastmilk or formula, there are numerous times when you’ll need to pack these for your trip and keep them cold. Note that you are allowed to bring pre-made bottles and breast milk through security, but it’s best to keep them separated in the scanner because they will get pulled for additional screening.

• Yeti soft cooler: The Yeti Soft Cooler has some give to it (which makes it good for fitting into cramped spaces), but it is also durable and the thicker material helps keep the bottles upright. The arm strap makes it easy to sling this cooler over your shoulder and easily maneuver through the airport. We especially appreciate this pick because it’s something you can use well past the breast/bottle feeding stage.
• Ceres Chill: If you’re trying to travel light or are often on the go, the Ceres Chill is a great option for breastmilk storage. It’s the size of a thermos, and you can pump directly into it, reducing the number of pump parts you have to clean.

Nice to haves

• Car seat cover: If you’re checking or gate checking your car seat, there is always some risk of damage. A car seat cover helps protect the car seat and ensure it can be used for the expected lifetime of the product.
• New parent bag: The Lululemon new parent bag fits under the seat below you as your personal item. It’s stylish for any gender and comes with a cross-body removable pouch containing a changing mat. This bag is not only great for flying but can serve as your everyday diaper bag.