The Best Baby Travel Gear for Your Next Family Trip

Talk about on-the-go: This car seat literally becomes a stroller. Wheels unfold from the base and the handle extends to a push-friendly level, slightly over 3 feet. While it’s intended for infants and functions only as a rear-facing car seat, it’ll last up until baby reaches 35 pounds.

Buy it: $616, Amazon.com

Meet the Pockit, the Guiness World Record holder for most compact stroller. In two simple steps it folds down to nearly nothing and weighs just 9.5 pounds, making it easy to store in any trunk or overhead bin. And you don’t have to sacrifice sturdiness for the small size—the stroller can be used from 6 months up to 55 pounds.

Buy it: $180, Amazon.com

Wherever you’re headed, making sure baby has a safe place to sleep is a top priority. Thankfully, the Lotus—winner of The Bump Best of Baby 2018 awards—solves that problem. This lightweight travel crib (13 pounds) folds into a compact carrying case that fits in the overhead compartment and can be worn as a backpack. Once you’re reached your destination, it sets up in 15 seconds and is super-sturdy for peace of mind. Plus, it doubles as a playard, with a side zip door so baby can crawl in and out.

Buy it: $209, Amazon.com

A carrier will let you walk around with baby without having to work hard—and still have the freedom to use both hands. Pro tip: Wearing baby through the airport will let you wheel along your luggage and sail through security without taking baby in and out. A longtime mom-loved brand, Ergobaby stands out for form and function, giving you the option to wear baby in multiple positions.

Buy it: $135, Amazon.com

Clip it on, clip it off; the lobster creates seating where there otherwise is none. Suitable for up to 37 pounds, it’s sturdy and durable enough to last through the toddler years. Best of all? It packs flat for easy travel.

Buy it: $90, Amazon.com

Road, train or plane trips with tots are what this lightweight weekender bag was made for. It weighs less than 1.5 pounds, but don’t let that fool you—there’s plenty of room for your gear, thanks to the expandable design that offers more storage when you need it. Plus, you can wear it as a backpack to keep your hands free. A changing pad, two bottle holders, insulated food pocket and built-in wet bag are included.

Buy it: $90, Humble-bee.com

The ChangeAway Portable Changing Kit unfolds into a waterproof, fully padded, extra-long changing pad, with large mesh pockets to stash diapers and wipes and a clear plastic pocket for easy storage. It even attaches to your stroller—how’s that for diaper duty?

Buy it: $7, Amazon.com

What to do when you’ve got a handful of dirty cloth diapers and soiled clothes—and you’re nowhere close to home? Grab one of these totes, which separately store wet and dry items in the same bag. Sealed seams prevent wicking and leaking, and a snap handle makes it a cinch to carry.

Buy it: $22, Amazon.com

When it comes to on-the-go diaper changes and post-meal cleanups, you’ll likely have your hands full. Which is why OXO designed a dispenser that, with a one-handed push of the button, reveals a large opening for easy access to wipes. The handy strap and slim shape mean you can hang it from your stroller or tuck it neatly into your bag.

Buy it: $8, Amazon.com

If you’re traveling with a little one who’s still lulled by white noise, the Marpac Hushh is a go-to. It has all the features you’d want in a sound machine—a variety of white noise and sound options, volume control, long battery life and a lock—all in a compact, highly portable design. There’s even a clip to hang it from baby’s stroller or car seat.

Buy it: $30, Amazon.com

Nursing pillows are the perfect companion to long breastfeeding sessions. And thanks to an inflatable design, you won’t have to leave this one home. It provides all the same support for you and baby, with the distinct advantage of packing flat to fit into a diaper bag.

Buy it: $24, Amazon.com

Mixing formula anywhere but your kitchen can be a total pain—but with PopYum, a winner of The Bump Best of Baby awards—serving up baby’s meal is a cinch. Store your pre-measured powder formula in the air-tight compartment and pour water into the bottle. Once you’re ready to feed, press a button to release the powder into the water, shake and serve. An anti-colic vent and vacuum seal prevent any air bubbles from making their way into baby’s belly.

Buy it: $36 for three 9-ounce bottles, Amazon.com

If your little one has moved onto solids, this insulated food jar is the perfect way to keep her food fresh while you’re out and about. The container keeps food warm for seven hours and cold for five, and even comes with built-in utensils for an on-the-move meal.

Buy it: $17, Amazon.com

Keep snacktime contained with these stackable 4-ounce dispensers. Each individual container seals shut for ultimate freshness and lets you pack different snacks all in one place (blueberries for you, Goldfish for baby—win-win). A spout makes formula storage and transfer a breeze.

Buy it: $18, Amazon.com

Baby is practically guaranteed to make a mess wherever you go—but a portable tub will help you deal with the aftermath. This lightweight one by Stokke folds completely flat.

Buy it: $40, Amazon.com

For a lot of parents, the golden rule of travel is “don’t leave home without a pacifier.” But trying to keep that pacifier in baby’s mouth and off the yucky sidewalk (and all other dirty surfaces) can be next to impossible—that is, without a pacifier clip. This one from Loulou Lollipop is a traveling parent’s best friend since it doubles as a entertaining teething toy, thanks to the wooden and silicone beads. Hint: Use it to keep other toys attached to baby and off the floor.

Buy it: $15, LoulouLollipop.com

Updated October 2018