Must Haves for Traveling with Baby

This will be one of a series of posts of “must haves” for baby. I want to share items that I have found the most helpful and that I have used the most as a first time mom. Baby girl is 8 months old now, so I am sure I will add to this list in the next 4 months, but this is a start!

The items on this list apply to various situations when leaving the house with baby; whether it be just going shopping, spending the day at a friend’s house, or going on a road trip—these are my top items that I’ve found the most helpful.

1. A big, huge, stylish cross-body baby bag with lots of pockets: I LOVE my baby bag. After much research (and a great coupon), I decided on a Coach Signature tote in black/white/silver. It’s cute and no matter how much use it gets, it continues to look brand new—and that’s what I’ve always loved about Coach. I saw it as an investment—one that will last me through more than one baby.  This in one splurge you should make.  Sometimes in my post-baby body wearing my post-baby clothes, I feel like this bag is the only part about my wardrobe that really reflects me.

This bag is for the times when you will need everything but the kitchen sink with you when you go somewhere. And no matter what brand you chose, ALWAYS chose a baby bag with a cross body option. Believe me, you will thank me when you realize how many extra hands you wish you have when you become a camel mother. Hands free cross-body is the only way to go.

2. A mid-size cross-body bag: . There are other times when you just need a couple toys and an extra diaper (just in case) when you run into a store quickly. Lugging the BHSCBBBWLOP in #1 can be a bit of a chore and sometimes it’s not necessary. I keep a cross-body bag handy so I can stuff a few necessities in with my wallet and keys and it makes for a much lighter trip. I’m actually currently in the market for a new cute one of these—the one I’m using isn’t all that cute—but it works.

 

3. My Baby Corner Diaper clutch: We were given one of these Etsy shop items as a baby gift and I absolutely love it. It’s cute and it keeps the diapers and wipes organized and in their place.

4. PishPosh Mommy Wet Bag: These wet bags have one compartment that is water proof and another that is not. It folds in half and buttons so it’s easy to carry in the baby bag. This bag works great for stashing a dirty diaper when there is no place to throw it away, storing dirty clothes, burp cloths, toys and pacifiers when out and about. Easily machine washable and super cute.

5. Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddle Blanket: I keep one of these rolled up in my bag to use to cover whatever surface I’m using for diaper changes (changing station, seat in the car, wherever). They’re light weight and super cute. They’re also a great summer time blanket. And, of course, they’re a great swaddling blanket.

6. Security Blanket: Trips out of the house used to be a nightmare filled with sounds of a screaming and inconsolable baby. They have gotten much better now, especially since we started giving baby a security blanket to hold on to. She clutches it while in her car seat and it helps me get her to sleep when we are at home and away from home.We actually have two of these—one for the car and one for her nursery.

7. BooginHead PaciGrip: Why, oh, why did we wait 7 months to get one of these? The only times baby uses a pacifier is while napping and when she gets fussy outside of home—which includes in the car. It’s SO much easier to locate the pacifier from the passenger seat now that the pacifier is attached to this lovely device! I just clip it to her clothes or bib.

8. Jewel "The Merry Goes 'Round" CD: This may be the single best thing for traveling yet. My sister gave this to us as a “yay—you’re expecting!” gift and we have been listening to this since baby was a newborn. It is the only music that she never, ever tires of—and mom and dad like it too (just yesterday, my husband came home from a solo trip to the store and told me he didn’t even turn it off--hehe). We have become “those parents”, mostly because it makes baby happy in the car and when baby is happy, so are mom and dad.

9. Sassy Go Go Bugs: We have been using these since the day she was born. At first, she just loved to stare at the lady bug. As she developed, she has started to play with the various bugs, which all make a different noise (crinkle, rattle, bell). She loves anything with a face, and these are just perfect. She still prefers these over any other car seat toys. (the ones pictured are slightly different than the ones that I have—I must have an older version).

10. JJ Cole Car Seat Cover: So easy to just zip up and it keeps baby toasty warm. The “shower cap” type (like this one) are safe because they do not sit behind the baby and cannot interfere with the straps.

10. Graco Jogger Stroller Click Connect Travel System: We registered for a jogging stroller that also came with the infant car seat. They work great together. The stroller was a bit bulky for traveling with, but it came in really handy and worked for us in those first 6 months or so. Since baby has grown, we’ve invested in a smaller stroller for the vehicle and keep the jogging stroller at home for our exercise excursions, but this duo was awesome when she was a sleepy newborn—very simple stroller to car transition.

10. Pre-packaged food: When I began formula feeding, I always kept 3 bottles of liquid formula (enough for one feeding) in my baby bag just in case I ever forgot her bottles. And I have been saved by them too! Now, I also carry one pack of baby food, a spoon & a bib, and HAPPYBABY Organic Puffs. I make her baby food at home, but when it comes to travel—having these in my bag works great.

10. Portable Swing: Baby loves her portable swing and we use it almost every time we’re at the grandparent’s. It helps calm her down when she gets fussy while playing.

10. Pack and Play: The best way for baby to sleep/play while traveling and very easy to transport.

10. Portable baby monitor: We used this so much. When visiting family, we can let her sleep in a safe and quiet place while we listen in. When camping, she slept in the camper while we sat right outside the door and enjoyed a bonfire and could listen in on our sleeping beauty. It’s nice for a peace of mind.

 

10. Graco Sweet Slumber Sound Machine: We use a sound machine because our little one hears absolutely every little sound when awake and when sleeping. This helps muffle the noise and she sleeps so much better. It was rough until we learned this little trick! We make sure to bring ours when traveling and it usually helps everyone get a good night sleep—as long as there isn’t a LOT of loud unfamiliar noise, of course. This particular sound machine has various white noise options and lullabies.

If you’re already a mama, what are some of your must haves while traveling with a baby?