Traveling with babies can be challenging. If you’re traveling by air, you have to think about going through security and waiting for your flight – and that’s before you board the plane. And, you still hope there are no flight delays. Traveling by car or train is not easy. For any parent, most travel is filled with communal “what do I do now” moments. Having the necessary essentials on hand when traveling with a baby can make all the difference.
But before you fill up your diaper bag with the essentials you need when traveling with baby, consider these tips for a smoother, less stressful experience.
- Change the baby’s diaper before the trip begins. Bathrooms in airplanes, railroads, and gas stations don’t have much room to move around, even if they have changing tables. The fewer changes you need to make when traveling, the better for both of you. After all, a dry baby is a happy baby.
- Prepare Earache If traveling by air. Changes in cabin pressure can cause pain in young, sensitive ears. Breast or bottle feeding and sucking on a pacifier can relieve discomfort. If your child is ill, please consult your doctor before travelling.
- Plan to travel around your baby’s sleep schedule as much as possible. If you have a choice, choose time travel that won’t interfere with your baby’s sleep patterns. “Starting your trip with a well-rested baby and having a sleep plan to get back on track when you arrive is the key to a memorable travel experience,” says Cara Dumaplin, founder of Taking Cara Babies and mom of four. It’s like gold to your parents.”
Your journey will be much easier if you follow the advice of the professionals and prepare the necessary essentials. Read on for 14 diaper bag list must-haves that will make traveling with baby a lot easier.
From $12 at Target
Traveling with diapers seems obvious, right?Unless of course you miscalculated how much In a crowded airport or unfamiliar city, you need and are scrambling to find fresh packs. “Try to pack a diaper every hour when you’re out and about,” says Dumaplin. This ensures you’re prepared if a flight delay or road traffic causes your trip to take longer than expected. Pampers has a wide range of diaper styles for all ages and stages, even premature babies and newborns who require cord incisions to keep them comfortable. Each diaper has a wetness indicator so you can change your baby before he realizes he’s wet.
Target price $21
$125 From $64 on Amazon
The breathable mesh design of the Lillebaby Complete Airflow Baby Carrier minimizes perspiration, which is a plus if you’re navigating through theme parks or busy airports. Two-way adjustable shoulder straps allow you to customize the fit to your body and your baby’s, while strong lumbar support keeps your back from aching.
$14 From $8 on Amazon
Target price $6
Ask any parent and they’ll tell you that going out without baby wipes is almost unheard of, but even more so when traveling. Not only are they helpful for diaper changes, but they can also be used to wipe down pacifiers, toys, and any surface your baby touches. Given the plethora of allergens that babies may not have been exposed to on planes, trains and cars, it’s more important than ever to pack plenty of baby wipes. These wipes from The Honest Company are gentle, hypoallergenic, and 100% plant-based, so you don’t have to worry about your baby having a sudden reaction hours before you get there.
Amazon $37
Items that serve a dual purpose are ideal when traveling with a baby. Just ask Olympic gold medalist and mom of two Shawn Johnson, a huge fan of the Halo Easy Transition Sleepsack Wearable Blanket. It’s both a blanket and a set of cozy pajamas to help your baby feel and stay snug while allowing you to reduce the bulk of your carry-on. The two-way zipper and top and bottom tab sleeves make it easy to dress and change baby, which is a plus when you’re in tight spaces like on a plane, car, or train. Moms love that it’s thick enough to provide some weight when baby starts kicking, helping them stay calm and sleep without being too bulky to move around.
$9 at Zulily
Bed Bath & Beyond$15
A pacifier is a must, especially if you’re traveling. These super-popular combos are popular as both a pacifier and a snuggle partner. Made from BPA-free silicone, this pacifier features an orthodontic nipple that won’t interfere with your baby’s erupting teeth. The soft, lightweight plush toy helps keep the pacifier close to baby – great when you’re traveling. Both parts are removable for easy cleaning and the nipple itself is dishwasher safe. the best part? Choose from six adorable plush animals.
Amazon $5
Sassy Ring o’ Links is another great travel-friendly dual-purpose wonder that’s both a rattle and a chew for teething babies. Simply clip the links on the rings together to form the rattle. BPA-free plastic means you can let your little one lick, suck and bite the toy worry-free. Simply wipe with a sanitizing washcloth or dip it in warm soap and water for easy rinsing when needed.
Amazon $12
$27 Amazon $23
From $20 on Amazon
From $16 at Carter’s
If there’s one thing you can’t control when traveling, it’s usually the temperature. So layering your baby is more important than ever. Carter’s three-piece layering suits come in a variety of colors and styles and include short-sleeve bodysuits, stretchy pants for easy on and off, and cardigans, pullovers or tank tops for when baby is cold. It’s a good idea to pack multiple sets in case you experience delays or spills and you need to change your baby more than once.
5 USD From $4 on Amazon
The worst thing you can do is wait until your baby has a red hot diaper rash before applying ointment. Boudreaux’s Butt Paste prevents and treats diaper rash on contact, providing a feeling of healing whether your baby is dealing with a severe rash or not. The main ingredient is FDA-approved Zinc Oxide, which is virtually curable on contact. One mum who said she had tried several brands of diaper cream said: “This is the only one that stops diaper rash after multiple uses.”
The right diaper bag essentials help ensure a smoother experience when traveling with your baby. Whatever you do, if your baby cries or becomes fussy, don’t let stares or glares from other travelers bother you. Most people have had similar experiences themselves and can relate, as long as you are doing your best to take care of your baby and yourself, that is all that matters.
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