Whether you are taking planes, trains or automobiles, here is a comprehensive list of everything you need for getting around with a baby – and a packing list to make sure you don’t forget anything!
For more tips, check out my post on Flying With A Baby.
Car Seats, Strollers and Baby Carriers, Oh My!
Even if you don’t own a car, you may want a taxi or to get a lift, at which point you will need a car seat. The laws on car seats in taxis vary depending on where you are but the laws of physics are the same everywhere and an unrestrained baby is extremely vulnerable, even in a low-speed accident. A car seat is really the only truly essential item here.
Check out my comprehensive post on Flying With An Infant Car Seat for tips on how to fly with a car seat.
These are my top-picks for light-weight and safe car seats for babies:
| Car Seat | Weight Without Base | Weight Limits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grace Snug Ride 30 | 7lb | 4-30lb | |
| Maxi Cosi Mico | 8.2lb | 4-30lb |   |
| Chicco KeyFit30 | 9.6lb | 4-30lb |   |
When looking for a stroller, you need to think about how you are getting about. If you are mostly going by car, a travel system using the car seat will be most convenient. But bear in mind car seats are not designed for babies to stay in all day, so if you prefer walking or taking public transport, consider a stroller that can be reclined to lie flat instead.
And you will also need a way of getting it safely to your destination, so check out this J L Childress Ultimate Padded Backpack car seat bag.
Top picks for travel systems
| Graco FastAction Fold Click Connect Travel System Stroller | This one-hand fold stroller is just 21lb, ideal for travel. |   | $ |
| Pricier than the Graco but packed with features, this is a light and stylish travel system. |   | $$ | |
| Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System | Lightweight and easy to maneuver, this is a popular travel system. |   | $$ |
Top picks for lie-flat strollers
| 2018 UPPAbaby Vista Stroller | Pricey but ultimate flexibility: not only can you use this fully reclinable stroller with the MESA car seat, you can add seats to accommodate up to three children. |   | $$$ |
| Chicco Urban 6-in-1 Modular Stroller | This modular system features a fully reclined seat, perfect for newborns. The seat can be removed and the Chicco KeyFit car seat connected, so this doubles as a travel system for extra flexibility. |   | $$ |
| Maclaren Quest | At 12.7lb, this is very light for a fully reclinable stroller. While you cannot use it with a car seat, it is very compact and sturdy, perfect for travel. |   | $ |
Baby carriers are a lovely way to be close to your baby as you go about your day. They are good for moving around the home as well as for short trips out. On public transport, carriers take up no space at all unlike strollers. Look for something that will be kind to your back, allows you to carry your baby inwards-facing and offers good support to your baby’s hips and head. Bonus points if it can easily be thrown in the washing machine.
Top picks for baby carriers
| ">Boba Classic Baby Carrier Wrap | I like this wrap because it is easy to wear and very comfortable for both baby and wearer. It’s also very easy to wash. You can use this even when your baby is a tiny newborn. |   | $ |
| LILLEbaby 6-in-1 Carrier | New to the market but earning great reviews, this is a multi-way carrier. Once your baby gets heavier, you will find it more comfortable to wear them on your back, so this stylish carrier has some longevity. Great if you like going places a stroller can’t manage. |   | $$ |
| Ergobaby Omni 360 All-In-One Ergonomic Baby Carrier | Ergobaby have been making comfortable, safe baby carriers for years now and you will appreciate the padded lumbar support. |   | $$$ |
Travel Crib And Travel High Chair
Many accommodations will offer a travel crib and even a high chair if you ask. If nothing is available, a light portable travel crib can be packed into your luggage. Make sure you take an appropriate fitted sheet and instead of a bulky quilt, use a cozy baby sleeping sack.
Top picks for travel beds
| Brica Fold ‘N Go Travel Bassinet | This is a nice light bassinet for 0-3 months. Good if you don’t need a bulky playard but do want somewhere safe to lay down your baby. |   | $ |
| MiClassic 2-in-1 Rocking Bassinet | A portable bassinet that can be rocked, great if your baby likes movement to get to sleep. Can hold a baby up to 35lb, so will last longer than the Brica. |   | $$ |
| phil&ted’s Traveller Crib | This portable cot is very light at just 6lb and rolls up to yoga mat size, so can easily be packed up for a trip. Lasts until your baby can get out, so about age 2. A good option if your baby is crawling or you just want something that will last longer than one or two trips. |   | $$$ |
We usually took turns to hold the baby when traveling but there are some great portable booster seats available like this Summer Infant Pop And Sit portable booster if you would prefer to eat with two hands. A chair is also a safe spot to put a baby in an unfamiliar room while you run around baby-proofing.
In your Carry On
Airlines usually allow two pieces of luggage as carry-on bags for the flight: one for the overhead compartment and a smaller bag to fit under the seat. If the flight is full, the flight crew may ask you to check your larger luggage into the hold, so make sure everything you need on the flight is in your smaller bag.
Diaper Bag
I mention diaper bag because they are popular but realistically any bag will do. A backpack is best for your back, although not necessarily convenient when you are trying to grab some wipes. Whatever you pick, think plenty of compartments and pockets. I found a cross-body style worked best for me. One tip: look for something with a separate, water resistant compartment for bottles. Because leaks happen.
Diaper Clutch
This Skip Hop clutch is perfect for on-the go changes. The bag has pockets for wipes and diapers and the clutch opens up into a wipe-clean mat. Public bathroooms are not always the cleanest and you will really appreciate something hygienic on which to change your precious baby.
Wipes
Obviously. If you are not wiping your baby, that’s probably because you are busy wiping up the mess they made. Look for water-based wipes if going disposable as babies have sensitive skin. You can buy a pack of cotton or bamboo reusable wipes as an alternative and keep the dirty ones in a wet bag when out and about.
Water Bottle
Taking care of a baby is hard work, so stay hydrated with a good water bottle. If you are using a steel bottle be aware they need extra checks when X-Rayed, so just take it out before putting your bag through the scanner at the airport.
Muslin Blanket
I never went anywhere without a muslin blanket. Great for keeping baby warm on cold days, the sun off a stroller on warm days and for wiping up messes on all days.
Toy
Simple toys with a variety of colors, textures and sounds to explore are great to have to hand to entertain a baby.
Top picks for travel-friendly baby toys
| Lamaze Freddie the Firefly | WIth lots of colors, textures and sounds, this is a perfect small toy for babies to explore. |   | $ |
| Manhattan Winkel Rattle and Sensory Teether Toy | Simple yet utterly fascinating to babies who just want to discover the world by putting things in their mouth. |   | $ |
| World of Eric Carle, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Let's Count Clip-On Book | Get them started on books early with this crinkle texture book based on the classic Eric Carle story. |   | $ |
Spare clothes
Some messes require a full outfit change, so pack more than one spare set of clothes for your baby. Onesies are the best because those envelope necklines allow for you to take it off downwards or over the head, avoiding getting mess all over your baby’s face.
Don’t forget a spare top for yourself too.
Formula/Bottles/Water
Airport security will allow you to take liquids through for babies, such as water, juice, milk or formula in “reasonable quantities”. Just be prepared to take it out for inspection when you are scanning your bag through security.
If you are breastfeeding, you may want a hand pump rather than trying to bring an electric pump with you.
