As a new parent, traveling with a baby can seem like an insurmountable goal. You want your baby to feel safe and comfortable, but you can't pack up the entire nursery to make that happen. Here at TPG, we spend a lot of time traveling with kids and test out a lot of baby products along the way.
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We know that every trip and every baby is different. Still, these items can make you and your baby happy whether you want them to or not travel by airtrain or car, of course, once you reach your destination.
GB Pockit travel stroller
Weighing just over 10 pounds, the GB Pockit folds up small enough to fit in most aircraft overhead compartments and is rated the world's most compact stroller by Guinness World Records. This travel-friendly stroller folds up in just two steps, but don't let its small size fool you. It still has a weight capacity of up to 55 pounds and can handle rough sidewalks as well as airport moving walkways.
Related: These are the best travel strollers for your next trip
The GB Pockit doesn’t come with all the accessories that other strollers come with (which is why it folds so easily). However, it does have a sunshade, an adjustable seat belt and a small storage space under the seat. It's also designed for babies 6 months and older, so parents of newborns will have to wait a while before using this small but mighty stroller.
Buy: GB Pockit travel stroller$127.99 (normally $139.99)
Parker Revie Wilder Bundle
Even before testing the Pak Reve range of travel bags, we knew they could withstand anything parents threw at them because they were designed by globe-trotting writers Jodi Lippe-McGraw (TPG Contributor). You can buy full-size backpacks, mini backpacks, waterproof wrist straps, and insulated lunch boxes individually. However, they all connect together to create a fully functional travel system, so we recommend purchasing the complete bundle.
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Called The Wilder Bundle, this travel system connects and disconnects with ease. Having a complete system on the plane or on a long trip ensures you have all your bottles, snacks, changes of clothes and toys with you. When you get to your destination, you can use only the parts you need. You might just need a mini backpack for a quick trip, or you can carry a waterproof wristband so you have a place to store your dirty clothes in the event of an accident.
This full-size backpack features a variety of storage features, including a front pocket that converts to a jacket sleeve, an anti-theft pocket, a laptop sleeve, a keychain loop, and an external water bottle pocket.
Buy: Pak Reve Wilder Bundle$335
No Reception Club Hideaway Carry-on Bag
No Reception Club's Hideaway Carry-on Bag is basically the Swiss Army Knife of family-friendly travel bags. You can carry it as a duffel bag or backpack, or use the trolley cover to slide it onto your luggage. Additionally, the interior packing organizer features customizable dividers to meet your packing needs. Once you arrive at your destination, you can remove the organizer from your bag and hang your child's belongings for easy access.
Organizational capabilities don’t stop there. The bag also features interior pockets, an insulated pocket for snacks or drinks that need to be kept fresh on the go, an easy-access exterior compartment for baby essentials like diapers and wipes, and a Top pocket for storing small items such as medicine or toiletries.
Some accessories of the brand – e.g. dopp kit ($45) and Sidekick hip bag ($85) — Designed to be Hideaway-compatible, so you can keep everything you need within easy reach.
Buy: No Reception Club Hideaway Carry-on Bag$295
Tula Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier
There are many baby carriers on the market, and which one is best for you depends largely on personal preference. However, we have found the Tula Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier to be a great go-to carrier.
This carrier can be used for babies from 7 to 45 pounds, making it a great choice for newborns and toddlers. A front mesh panel keeps you and your baby cool, and adjustable shoulder straps and waistband ensure a comfortable fit for you and a secure fit for your baby. Padded shoulder straps provide extra comfort, and you can use the carrier in both the front and rear carry positions.
Buy: Tula Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier$175
Silver Cross Sleep & Go Travel Cot
The Silver Cross Sleep & Go Travel Cot is a must-have when traveling with a baby. This 3-in-1 travel crib is designed for children from the newborn stage through the toddler stage (up to 50 pounds). Newborns can use ventilated bassinet inserts. When your child is old enough, you can move the included mattress to the bottom of the crib.
The zippered door is great for playtime, and the entire crib folds into the carrying case for easy transport.
Buy: Silver Cross Sleep & Go Travel Cot$299.99
Enovoe portable diaper changing pad
The Enovoe Portable Diaper Pad is perfect for changing your baby on the go. It's not too bulky, which means you can easily put it in carry-on bag. It also has storage space for a few diapers, a small pack of wipes, an extra pair of pants and a onesie.
Even though it's quite slim, it has extra padding in the head area to keep baby comfortable and there's an attachable strap to attach it to the stroller when you're on the move. Changing mats come in handy when you're at the beach, on long road trips, in the park, or just about anywhere. As an added bonus, it's unisex and cute.
Buy: Enovoe portable diaper changing pad$15.99
Nuby Easy Go Booster Seat
looking for Vacation Rental A high chair would be ideal, but this is not always possible. This Nuby travel booster seat attaches to a chair and is extremely portable. Plus, you can tuck it in Checked luggage. The chairs are soft yet sturdy, so small children won't mind eating on them.
The straps are durable and quite secure. Remember, the chair should only be used briefly while your baby is eating, and never leave your baby unsupervised in this seat.
How to purchase: Nuby Easy Go Booster Seat$22.99
Hillbilly Silicone Tray
Bumpkins silicone plates grip any surface you place them on so your baby doesn't throw the plates to the floor. They're perfect to throw in your bag and take with you to restaurants, hotels or vacation rentals when traveling. They're easy to clean, dishwasher and oven safe, and available in a variety of colors and patterns to suit your taste.
How to purchase: Hillbilly Silicone Tray$10.99 (originally $19.95)
bottom line
When traveling with a baby, it can be difficult to make decisions What to pack And what should be left at home. It can also be overwhelming to figure out which travel stroller to buy, which baby carrier to buy, and what other essentials you’ll need for your trip.
While these choices are largely personal and will largely depend on your family and the nature of your travels, these products are favorites among TPG's frequently traveled families.
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