To make your life simpler, I’ve compiled a quick list of must-have family travel items for families traveling with a baby or toddler. Take it from me, a mama who learned the hard way, what to bring (and not bring) to Europe, Dubai, or wherever your wanderlust takes you.
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Travel Car Seat
Don’t travel with your home base car seat of a back-breaker.
Instead, get a light and narrow one that is FAA approved and easy to transport.
This one is my favorite convertible seat:
But there are so many more options in my list of travel car seats.
Car Seat Backpack
Most car seat bags are not much thicker than a trash bag, but this padded one is thick enough to really protect your car seat.
The padded backpack feature also makes it much easier to transport your car seat through the airport and wherever you’re headed next.
This backpack and many of the items here are from J.L. Childress, an awesome, all female-owned brand!
Or a Lighter, Cheaper Version
Or opt for this lighter, thinner version of what we’ve been using for the last 6 years. It’s not as comfy as the padded but it gets the job done, right Dada? (if it were up to me, I’d go for the padded model instead).
Travel Stroller
Again, don’t think you’ll be pushing your BOB around the cobblestone streets of Europe. It would barely fit on the sidewalk.
Check out my list of the best travel strollers for every budget that are light, easy to fold, and recline far for napping on the go. This is one of the cheapest you’ll find that meets that criteria.
Or just get one you love (and that fits in the overhead compartment!)
Umbrella Stroller Gate Check Bag
You don’t have to use a bag to check your stroller at the gate, but I’d recommend it to protect it and keep anything from falling out.
Read my post on what to do with your stroller at the airport if you need more tips on this.
Stroller Organizer
This stroller organizer hangs at the top of the stroller for quick and easy access to things that I promise you, you’re going to use often (pacifier, sanitizer, wipes, small purse, snacks, teethers…).
Disposable Changing Table Liners
Being a new mom (and travel mom newb) I was shocked when I changed my baby in our first airport and – come to find out – they don’t provide changing table liners. ANYWHERE! Well, maybe some awesome countries like Japan or Singapore, but none that I have seen yet.
Diaper Trash Bags
You’d be surprised the places you may have to change your baby when you’re on the go. At least have a diaper trash bag handy until you find the next garbage.
These also are useful in case your little one throws up. No McFadden trip is complete without a vomiting toddler. Unfortunately. Those days are finally behind us though!
Baby Travel Crib
Our first trip ended a day early because I couldn’t sleep as I worried about our 4 month old in the (sketchy, soft mattress, old) hotel crib.
I wish I’d had this:
I hope my brief list of must-have family travel items was helpful. If you still don’t feel prepared, then check out my FULL list of all the travel gear you could possibly need! I’ve also added plenty of travel tips I guarantee you hadn’t thought of yet.
