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Childproof Your Next Trip With These Must-have Baby Travel Gear Items
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
As a new parent, traveling with your baby can seem like an insurmountable goal. You want your baby to feel safe and comfortable, but you can’t pack up your entire nursery to do so. Here at TPG, we’ve spent a lot of time traveling with children, and we’ve tested a lot of baby gear along the way.
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We know that every trip — and every baby — is different. Still, these items can keep you and your baby happy whether you travel by plane, train or automobile and, of course, once you reach your destination.
GB Pockit travel stroller
The GB Pockit travel stroller. AMAZON
Weighing in at just over 10 pounds and folding up small enough to fit in most airplane overhead compartments, the GB Pockit was named the world’s most compact stroller by Guinness World Records. This travel-friendly stroller folds up in two easy steps, but don’t let its small size fool you. It still has a weight capacity of up to 55 pounds and can handle a bumpy sidewalk as well as it handles the moving walkway at the airport.
Related: These are the best travel strollers for your next trip
The GB Pockit doesn’t come with all the accessories other strollers come with (which is why it folds up so easily). However, it has a sun canopy, an adjustable harness and a small storage space underneath the seat. It is also designed for babies 6 months and older, so parents of newborns will have to wait a bit to use this small but mighty stroller.
To buy: GB Pockit travel stroller, $127.99 (usually $139.99)
Pak Reve Wilder Bundle
The Pak Reve Wilder Bundle. PAKREVE.COM
Even before testing Pak Reve’s line of travel bags, we knew they would stand up to anything parents could throw at them because they were designed by globe-trotting travel writer Jordi Lippe-McGraw (a TPG contributor). You can buy the full-size backpack, mini backpack, waterproof wristlet and insulated lunchbox separately. However, they all attach together to create one fully functional travel system, so we recommend purchasing the full bundle.
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Dubbed The Wilder Bundle, this travel system connects and disconnects with ease. Having the full system on the plane or on a long road trip ensures you have every bottle, snack, change of clothes and toy close by. You can use just the pieces you need when you arrive at your destination. You may only want the mini backpack for a quick excursion, or you can bring along the waterproof wristlet so you have somewhere to store dirty clothes in case of an accident.
The full-size backpack has tons of organizational features, including a front pocket that converts into a jacket sleeve, theft-proof pockets, a laptop sleeve, a keychain ring and exterior water bottle pockets.
To buy: Pak Reve The Wilder Bundle, $335
No Reception Club Hideaway carry-on duffel
ALEX WABER/NO RECEPTION CLUBThe Hideaway carry-on duffel from No Reception Club is basically the Swiss Army knife of family-friendly travel bags. You can carry it as a duffel or a backpack or slide it onto your luggage using the trolley sleeve. Plus, the interior packing organizer has customizable dividers to meet your packing needs. When you arrive at your destination, you can remove the organizer from the bag and hang your child’s belongings up for easy access.
The organizational features don’t stop there. This bag also has interior pockets, an insulated pocket for snacks or drinks that need to stay fresh on the go, an easy-to-reach exterior compartment for baby essentials like diapers and wipes, and a top pocket for small items like medications or toiletries.
Several of the brand’s accessories — like the the Dopp Kit ($45) and the Sidekick hip pack ($85) — are designed to be compatible with the Hideaway, so you can keep everything you need at arm’s reach.
To buy: No Reception Club Hideaway carry-on duffel, $295
Tula Free-to-Grow baby carrier
The Tula Free-to-Grow baby carrier. AMAZON
There are plenty of baby carriers out there, and which one works best for you will largely depend 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 alike. The front mesh panel keeps you and your baby cool, and the adjustable straps and waistband ensure a comfortable fit for you and a secure fit for your baby. The padded shoulder straps provide additional comfort, and you can use the carrier in front-carry and back-carry positions.
To buy: Tula Free-to-Grow baby carrier, $175
Silver Cross Sleep & Go travel crib
AMAZONThe Silver Cross Sleep & Go travel crib is a must-have when traveling with a baby. This three-in-one travel crib is designed for kids from the newborn stage through the toddler stage (up to 50 pounds). Newborns can use the ventilated bassinet insert. When your child is old enough, you can move the included mattress down to the base of the crib.
The zip-open door is ideal for playtime, and the entire crib folds into a carrying case for easy transport.
To buy: Silver Cross Sleep & Go travel crib, $299.99
Enovoe portable diaper changing pad
Enovoe portable diaper changing pad. AMAZON
The Enovoe portable changing pad is ideal for changing your baby on the go. It’s not too bulky, which means you can easily slip it into a 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 for good measure.
Even though it’s fairly slim, the head area has additional padding for the baby’s comfort, and there’s an attachable strap to hang it from the stroller when you’re on the move. The changing pad comes in handy when you’re at the beach, on a long road trip, at the park or pretty much anywhere. As an added bonus, it’s unisex and cute.
To buy: Enovoe portable diaper changing pad, $15.99
Nuby Easy Go booster seat
The Nuby Easy Go booster seat. AMAZON
Finding vacation rentals with high chairs is ideal, but it’s not always possible. This Nuby travel booster seat attaches to chairs and is fairly portable. Plus, you can tuck it into a checked suitcase. The chair is soft yet sturdy, so little ones don’t mind eating in it.
The straps are durable and fairly secure. Just remember, the chair is only for short periods while your baby is eating, and you should never leave your baby unattended in this seat.
To buy: Nuby Easy Go booster seat, $22.99
Bumpkins silicone dish
AMAZONBumpkins silicone plates grip whatever surface you set them on so your baby can’t throw the plate on the floor. They are ideal to tuck into your bag and bring to a restaurant, hotel or vacation rental when traveling. Easy to clean and safe to use in the dishwasher and oven, they come in a variety of colors and patterns to suit your taste.
To buy: Bumpkins silicone dish, $10.99 (normally $19.95)
Bottom line
When traveling with your baby, it can be hard to decide what to pack and what to leave at home. It can also be overwhelming to figure out which travel stroller to buy, which baby carrier to get and what other essential items you will need on your journey.
While these choices are largely personal and depend greatly on your family and the nature of your trip, these products are favorites among the frequently traveling families at TPG.
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