Last summer, a few weeks after my daughter was born, my husband and I made a trip to Block Island. Deciding to travel as we had pre-baby, we opted to go car-free, as lightly-packed as possible. We wound up requiring a few oversized dollies to carry armfuls of baby gear on and off the ferry—and the help of uncles and ferry attendants alike to do so.
The lesson was learned the hard way. Traveling with a baby requires a lot of stuff—no matter the means of transportation.
Fortunately, the baby gear industry accommodates to the particular needs of traveling families: There are strollers that maneuver down airline aisles with ease, baby carriers that transform into six different positions when strollers aren’t allowed, strollers that double as car seats, sweet animal-inspired sound machines that clip on to car seats. You get the point.
But the objective remains the same: Bring as few things as possible and have as seamless and as easy of a trip as possible. The items below—from diaper bags and food mats to strollers and traveling high chairs—help you meet that goal.
All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This gallery was originally published in September 2019. It has been updated with new information.
Doona Infant Car Seat/Stroller
The Doona is a game-changer for travelers. The rear-facing stroller is super-compact, measuring just over 17 inches across, and fits babies weighing four to 35 pounds or up to 32 inches long. It works perfectly in cramped spaces like crowded trains or markets, thanks to an adjustable handlebar that lets you maneuver the stroller the same way you would a wheelie bag. But the Doona’s most useful feature is that it transitions easily into a car seat: Just press a button on the back, glide the seat forward, and the wheels seamlessly tuck under the seat. The stroller also fits down the aisle on most planes, so just roll to your row, then convert the stroller into a car seat for the flight—no need to gate check or lift anything into the overhead bin. (See more of our favorite strollers for travel here.) While the stroller comes in colors like blush pink and cool gray, we like the brand new Midnight edition, a luxe all-black look with a faux leather handlebar cover.
Buy now: $599, shopdoona.com
Dagne Dover Diaper Bag
You won’t make it far with a baby and no diaper bag (as many new parents—this one included—learn the hard way). The conundrum? You don’t want everything you own to scream baby. That’s where this Dagne Dover neoprene diaper backpack, made from the same fabric as wetsuits, comes in. Part cute carry on, part super-functional baby gear, the bag comes with storage galore, a mini changing mat, extra pouches for creams, wipes, and the like, and clips so you can strap it to a stroller. Better yet: It fits most 15-inch laptops, meaning there’s room for your work (or baby’s entertainment) to join you on your trip.
Buy now: $195, dagnedover.com
Ceres Chill Breastmilk Chiller
Breastfeeding might be somewhat travel-friendly (feed the baby anywhere, fewer bottles to pack), but storing milk always presents a challenge: You either need a super reliable freezer bag, an actual freezer, or this solid steel bottle that keeps your milk cool for over 20 hours. It stands out from your average steel water bottle in that it’s compatible with all major breast pumps. The top part of your pump will fit on one of the bottle’s inner chambers, which means you eliminate inevitable and messy spillage. Now all you need to do is find a place to pump (many airports and major transportation hubs have Mamava pods, free-standing lactation areas where you can pump in peace).
Buy now: $76, cereschill.com
+Elvie Wireless Breast Pump
If you can swing it, having an extra pump for travel can simplify and de-stress life on the go (no more worrying about locating the nearest outlet). This one checks all of the boxes: It’s small, fits inside a nursing bra, has only five parts to put together and take apart, and connects to an app to track milk volume in real time. The charging cable also connects to a USB source, so your computer can double as a source of power in a moment of need. Plus, Elvie is one of the quietest pumps on the market, which might not matter much under the loud hum of a plane but will be nice if you need to pump in the quiet car of a train or at a restaurant.
Buy now: $599, amazon.com
Zoli Formula and Snack Dispenser
Depending on who you ask, snacks might be the most necessary thing to have on hand when traveling with tots. In that case, you're going to need a snack dispenser. This stackable container from Zoli is compact and handy for storing multiple snacks on the go. It can also be used as a formula dispenser.
Buy now: $15, amazon.com
LÃllé Baby Carrier
Several museums and tourist attractions don't permit strollers. Having a baby carrier on hand is essential for those crowded, stroller-free environments—and if you're traveling with a newborn, it's sometimes just easier to let them sleep on your chest than worry about transferring them out of a stroller. The LÃllé carrier transforms into six different positions that correspond to the baby's age (it can hold up to an 18-month-old), and has an oversized pocket in the front so you can go hands-free and store the essentials, be it your cell phone or a pacifier.
Buy now: $120, lillebaby.com
The Lotus Travel Crib by Guava Family
This travel floor crib has a side zipper door that allows the crib to double as a playard, a comfy waterproof mattress, and the option to bundle it with Guava’s bassinet (which can be used as a rocker for small babies). It’s a good pick for growing families, and because the carrier can be worn as a backpack, it’s an incredibly easy option for a crib on the go. If you're staying at a hotel, though, be sure to call ahead of time—some accommodations provide cribs and in that case, there’s no need to lug anything around.
Buy now: $209, amazon.com
LulyBoo Baby Lounge To-Go
This super-light travel bassinet collapses into a backpack that you can easily sling on during a walk to the park or onto a plane. It's also sturdy, with just enough cushion, so you won't feel like your newborn is sleeping on an unsupported flat mat. It's indoor/outdoor ready, waterproof with a shade for the sun, and it comes with a cute, removable "toy bar" with two dangling stuffed dice.
Buy now: $75, amazon.com
Ezpz Fun Mini Mat
Traveling with babies can get even more complicated when you're eating every meal out, but this suction mini mat helps make it a little easier. The all-in-one placemat and plate suctions to the table surface, creating a stable base for your child to eat from with multiple compartments (two two-ounce sections and a larger four-ounce one). The silicone material is easy to clean and lightweight, and it comes in a reusable bag for compact storage.
Buy now: $20, ezpzfun.com
Sun Bum Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50
Did you know it’s still possible to get sunburned on a plane? (UVA rays from the sun can actually penetrate glass.) And while you can rely on double-duty SPF face lotions, derms and pediatricians alike usually recommend mineral-based blocks (those with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in them) for babies’ sensitive skin. This one from Sun Bum fits the bill, gives broad-spectrum coverage, and is non-greasy but will easily blend onto your baby’s skin. Plus, it’s small enough to throw into a diaper bag or purse.
Buy now: $14, sunbum.com
My Little Seat Travel Highchair
You usually don’t realize how much you need a highchair until you find yourself without one. The other issue: Even ones made for travel tend to be cumbersome, awkwardly-shaped, and tough to move from point A to point B. Fortunately, your little one doesn’t need anything fancy when it comes to providing a place to eat. My Little Seat’s highchair is essentially a pillow-back getup with a five-point harness that clips onto any chair and works for babies who can sit unassisted up to 35 pounds. Sure, there’s no tray, but your child will likely love sitting at the table with you, and this product’s packability is a perk that outweighs the need to spoon-feed purees.
Buy now: $25, walmart.com
WavHello SoundBub
If your baby drifts off to sleep at home with the help of a sound machine, it’s best to replicate that aspect of their environment on the road. The SoundBub plays six different white noise tracks for naps on the go or overnight sleep somewhere new and easily clips to a stroller or car seat. Just charge it up when it dies. Another major perk: It’s Bluetooth-enabled, so you’ll have music while on a walk, at the beach, or just hanging out. It’s also durable and chew-safe, so you don’t need to worry if your baby wants to play with it.
Buy now: $35, amazon.com
WeeFarers Sunglasses
By no means a requirement for traveling families, these baby wayfarers (weefarers!)—which, might we add, appear to be near indestructible and beyond bendable—are adorable additions to any baby’s travel day outfit. But they also serve a purpose beyond sun protection: They give your child their very own pair of sunglasses, which any parent knows tends to be the number one grabbed-for parent accessory of all time. Hey, it could buy you a few minutes of much deserved downtime.
Buy now: $25, weefarers.com
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