Must Have Gear for Traveling with a Newborn

Traveling with a newborn is bliss. I mean, really, it is. I don’t think it gets any easier as far as traveling with kids is concerned. They don’t really complain. They have erratic sleeping schedules so are pretty happy to keep whatever pace you want to set. Food isn’t a problem because they have yet to disavow anything green and pledge their tastebuds solely to chicken nuggets dipped in ketchup. Their clothes take up practically zero space. But their gear? Well, the gear for traveling with a newborn, it, you know, takes up space. Kind of a lot of space. And that comes from someone who despises carrying more than necessary.

So what is necessary? What’s going to make this new foray into traveling with a newborn easier? Both for said newborn and said newborn’s parents? Well, it’s a little bit of this. A lot of that. And an entire boatload of patience combined with newborn snuggles. But to be more specific, here’s a list of those items that we found most helpful during all of our travels with each of our newborns, whether those travels included plane rides or car rides, sitting on the beach or exploring ancient sites.

Getting There

Some specific gear for traveling with a newborn is necessary just to make getting to your destination less of a kerfluffle. I mean, what kid, what human really, wants to be confined to a single seat for extended periods of time? None that I know of. So, how to make the best of it?

Car Seat

This one seems pretty obvious, especially if you’re taking a road trip. But a comfy, manageable car seat makes all the difference. Think about safety, as well as your own ability to carry the car seat from point A to point B. Because that thing will be with you. A lot. In the car, out of the car, and everywhere in between

Travel Bags

I’ve had a number of people ask me whether or not travel bags are necessary when checking car seats or strollers. I always answer with yes. Yes yes yes. And preferably one with carrying straps, that converts into a backpack, or that has wheels. There’s just no way we want to deal with arriving at our destination, eager to get out and explore and then find we can’t leave the airport because we have a broken car seat. This little bit of protection does make a difference. And, truth be told, it also creates an awesome space to stick those little travel items like stroller fans, ponchos, winter coats, or umbrellas (just don’t let the ticketing agents see you stick it all in there). (For more tips on how to pack for easy family travel, check out our “10 Tips for Packing with Young Kids.”)

Muslin blankets

This little guys are pretty important. Whether it’s a plane or a car or even just a stroll in carrier, muslin blankets are a life saver. For everyone. How? Let’s count the ways. 1) They’re great at keeping little ones warm without making them too warm. 2) They can always be used even when it is warm to keep the sun off of those sweet baby legs (or arms or toes or nose or…well…you get it). 3) Mommas can use them as a light cover when baby is nursing. 4) They’re great for draping over car seats or strollers to keep all the stimulation at bay so baby can get a nap. 5) They work great with carriers and aren’t too bulky or heavy for the person the baby is attached to. So, it’s pretty clear these are a winner. When you can get multiple uses from one thing? Well, you keep it. And travel with it. And never leave home without it (even when you’ve made it to your destination).

Travel Diaper Clutch

There are a million diaper bags out there. The thing is, they’re all bulky and none of them will really make traveling any easier. Traveling with a little one does require a good amount of stuff, so it’s important to try to control the size and number of stuffs that come along. This is why the small travel diaper clutch is…well…clutch. It’s small and easy, which means when you’re shoved in that tiny airplane bathroom, the whole diaper changing experience can be done quickly and smoothly. It’s not pretty in there–they key is to get in and get out as fast as possible without dropping anything on the floor. And before you take that long walk down the aisle, there’s no dragging a giant bag out from under a seat and rooting around in it searching for a changing pad, wipes, cream, and diapers. Nope. It’s just one quick little grab, and voila, it’s all there.

We love these not just for the plane or the car too. When you’re out exploring a city and the tiny one needs a fresh diaper, it’s so much easier to just quickly grab a clutch and change that diaper. There’s no struggling to pull it out of a jam-packed bag that’s shoved in the bottom of a stroller. You won’t nearly lose a lovie and a wallet each time you have to change a diaper.

Battery-Operated Pump

One of the great parts of traveling with a newborn is that they haven’t yet discovered snacks. And for those mommas who are breastfeeding, a battery-operated pump can make all the difference. Not needing a plug means pumping can happen where ever it is needed, which also means whenever it is needed. And for a mom, that can bring sweet relief.

Another travel trick we’ve used with a battery-operated pump is to use it to help eliminate some of the stops we’d have to make to feed a newborn on a road trip. I would pump and then feed my little one with a bottle, so there was no need to stop and take her out of the carseat. And given the fact that newborns eat frequently, being able to eliminate a stop here or there is priceless.

Convertible Backpack/Diaper Bag

I think I’ve mentioned my detest of having more stuff than I need when we travel. It always seems the more we have, the more complicated it is, and usually, we’re really fine without all that stuff. That’s why when we travel, we tend to take a manageable size bag that we can convert between a messenger bag, tote, and backpack to accommodate however we feel like carrying it that day.

Because we use a separate diaper clutch, there’s not much that needs to go into the bag, so we opt for comfort and safety over size. We don’t need a million pockets and cute butterflies. It’s all about practicality and weight (and a little bit of style).

First Aid Kit

Kids do funny things. Like get fevers on airplanes. Or catch every teeny tiny germ floating in the recycled airplane air. So, we tend to keep a set of the good stuff with us. If it reduces fever, we take it on board along with a thermometer. Always. And then we pack a whole lot of other stuff in our carry ons (more fever reducer, sunscreen, teething stuffs–pretty much anything).

When we’re driving, of course, it’s a little easier. I keep a stack of drawers at the back edge of our car that I can just slide open whenever I need. This is the place I shove all that stuff kids might need. Oh, and if you’re traveling abroad, bring enough to cover a solid few days of being sick; otherwise, who knows what you may end up getting a prescription for. (Want to read about our experience traveling with a sick infant? Check it out here, but don’t worry, she was fine in the end!)

Toys

We don’t bring many toys with us as we travel with newborns. They’re really not that prepared to be engaged with the world around them. But we do grab a few little items that dangle above them and keep them happy. But the key really is that they need to be attached in some way. Our favorite has been a travel mobile. It has been the savior of each one of my children. And to this day, I can hum its little tune in my head and feel all the feels.

Lovies

Lovies, baabas, blankies, whatever you want to call them, the creature comforts are important to soothe the newborn who may be stuck in a carseat. Let’s face it, we can’t just pick up our tiny ones and hold them as we barrel down the road, so wrapping them in those items that remind them of their safe place and smell of their loved ones is the next best thing, even if it’s just momma’s old shirt.

Nursing Pillow

For me, even though this took up super amounts of space, it was one of the most important items I flew with when my little ones were newborns. Even when we had purchased seats for them, my newborns spent a ridiculous amount of time in my arms while we were flying. While I certainly used the pillow for nursing my tiny ones, I also really used it so they could lay across my lap in a way that was comfortable for both of us. I’m sure we’ve all had those moments holding a little body, no matter how small, when our forearms started to burn or we just wanted to reach an itch on our nose. Having a nursing pillow frees up arms. That is important stuff for everyone.

Wet bag

Here’s the thing, I haven’t yet gotten to what to pack in the travel bag for a newborn (all that extra clothes and diapers kind of stuff) and this isn’t really the place for it. But one must have for traveling with a newborn is a wet bag. Because something will get wet. With some type of smelly substance. And it can’t be washed for miles. So, to prevent everyone’s discomfort, it’s best to have a wet bag that will keep that wetness and its accompanying scents all nicely zipped in a leakproof bag.

Empty Reusable Bottles

This one has less to do with traveling with a newborn and more to do with traveling with a nursing momma. Traveling isn’t easy on the environment. The car. The plane. The trash left behind. So each little bit helps. Nursing mommas drink a lot of water, and if just a few less single use plastic bottles end up in the garbage of an airport or in the trash bin next to the gas pump, that’s a tiny step in the right direction.

A little tip here though, if you’re flying, pack a plastic reusable water bottle to get through security because if you have a metal one, they will still need to pull your bag and search and test it, even when empty. So, save yourself and your newborn the hassle and pack a reusable plastic.

On the Go

Obviously a number of the items you need solely to get to you destination you’ll need at your destination. I mean, no parent is going to go out to explore a new city without the essentials. But, we do try to keep the essentials to just that. A lovie, a little toy, a muslin blanket, the diaper clutch. But no, I’m not dragging a battery-operated pump with me through the streets of Paris. Just not gonna happen. So, while “on the go” is it’s own category, much of “getting there” deserves to be on this list too. Just not all of it. But, of course, there’s a little more to add.

Proper Stroller

Now, I say proper because I think there are different strollers that best fit different types of traveling with a newborn. If a lot of driving is going to be involved, use a clip n go stroller that allows the tiny one to stay in the car seat as much as possible. No one wants to wake a baby just to change travel systems. That’s straight up crazy. I also recommend this type of stroller when traveling to Disney, because yes, plenty of newborns are hanging out with the famous mouse. I suggest you use it here because strollers often aren’t permitted in restaurants, so with a car seat, you can just bring the little love bug in with you rather than waking them and dropping food on them while you expertly navigate getting your fork to your mouth around that sweet fuzz-covered little noggin. We just look for one that’s light, easy to fold and open, and fits our car seat.

The other type of stroller I suggest investing in is for those of you with two little ones and only two hands to push a stroller. With the weight of two little people, an umbrella stroller is a little gift. Thought umbrella strollers were just for those little ones who are big? Oh no. The world is changing. There are double strollers that have the ability to be converted into newborn friendly strollers. We use, no swear by, the Uppa Baby G-Link. This stroller is light (good when all three of our mischief makers decide they need to ride on it), folds super easy, stands when folded, is large enough that our 7 year old can still nap in it if she’s sick while we’re traveling, has adequate sun protection, has individual declining sides, and can handle the cobblestone streets of any city thrown its way.

Rain Gear

It’s going to rain. It just is. And it will definitely rain if no rain gear is packed. It’s like law or something. So, here are our suggestions. Get a rain cover for the carseat or the stroller. Baby needs to stay dry. The good thing here is, if the final destination is cold or windy, it works as a great barrier against the cold and wind. Just make sure it fits properly and is well ventilated.

For parents though? If it’s pouring, we all know a simple rain jacket doesn’t cut it. And it’s kind of hard to hold an umbrella with one hand and push a stroller with the other (unless you have incredible wrist strength to navigate through crowds). So, sadly, it comes down to a good poncho. They keep you covered head to toe. And rain-soaked adults are just as cranky as rain-soaked kids. Actually, maybe worse.

Proper Carrier

Newborns like a good snuggle. Parents like to snuggle newborns. It’s kind of a perfect combo. But when you’re on the move, checking out some sun-bleached archeological sites, meandering through some brightly lit stores, or walking down the neon light-filled dusk of a main drag, it’s hard to focus on just holding that newborn without experiencing some debilitating arm pain or neck-crick. And readjusting to alleviate that means a wide-awake, not always happy, newborn. So what do you do?

Invest in a good carrier. Look for one that has versatility and breathability and that is comfortable for you. We actually have two from the same family that we equally love for different reasons (in fact I cringe at the thought of giving them away even though my tiniest is now three). One we value for breathability and use on those trips when we know it will be insanely hot and the carrier will be the primary way to transport the little one. The other we have so that as they get older, we can safely switch our little one to forward facing so they can explore the world as we explore it too (but that’s a little beyond the newborn aspect). Tip: Stick a cloth diaper or burp cloth between yourself and your newborn because skin to skin in 100 degree heat is awful for everyone.

Stroller Fan

Our daughter was a sweater from the moment her little car seat brought her out of the air conditioned hospital into the humid air of a NYC spring day. It’s just who she is. We knew early on that some sort of air movement device was necessary. Back then though, I don’t think stroller fans were as popular because often people made comments about our choice. Now, I think most kids are decked out in multiple fans. Because…well…if it keeps them happy. So, with a newborn I’d totally recommend. Not just for on the stroller but to hold and fan on the little one (and you) when you’re wearing them and the sweat begins to roll. Because it will.

Miniscrewdriver

So this isn’t a big purchase, but it’s a big necessity. You see, anything that requires batteries (like stroller fans and mobiles) and is made for children needs a screwdriver. The battery covers are usually screwed on so little hands can’t pop batteries out. This means that a miniscrewdriver is important if you want to add new batteries to that stroller fan to keep the tiny one happy. (It also means you should bring some extra batteries.)

Stroller Clips

Again, a pretty small investment here, but it helps so that things don’t get left behind. No one wants that shiny object that’s been holding our teeny little one’s attention so well for the past two days to accidentally disappear because of some rugged terrain. Attach it. Do not lose those things that help. Also, let’s be honest. sometimes a momma or papa need a place to attach a jacket or umbrella or bag of sweet new outfits onto the stroller to free up some hands. Take advantage.

Back in the Room

Sharing a room with your newborn (or infant…or toddler…or kid…or teenager) creates a unique set of challenges, but some items can help with that time back in the room when you’re traveling with your newborn. (If you need tips on sharing your hotel room with your infant or toddler, check out our advice on how to navigate it here; it also has some items that might make your evenings more managable.)

DockATot

The DockATot has a number of benefits for the family who’s traveling with a newborn. The biggest is that it offers a safe spot to put the baby when you’re in your hotel room or grandma’s house. It also comes with accessories that can be used to entertain the little one. You can drag it with you all over the land and it has washable covers, so it’s not a big deal if a little dirt gets on the bottom or it has to be put on a hotel floor.

Travel Crib

We’ve been lucky enough to secure a crib at every hotel and house that we’ve stayed at in all of our journeys, even though most hotels will tell you that you that they cannot guarantee one is available. But, if you’re quite nervous about this or just don’t trust a hotel’s crib, there are some great travel products out there that will give you the security of a crib and the peace of mind of knowing it’s yours and safe. (I lied; one time there were no cribs available and the hotel staff then went out and bought a pack n’ play for us to use.)

Crib Sheet

Bring your own crib sheet. For two reasons, really. First, we’ve often encountered hotels using full size sheets wrapped around the crib mattress, and that kind of worries me. Yes, I know my newborn isn’t some giant, muscular ball of flesh that’s going to yank out the sheet and wrap it around his or herself. But still. Why chance it? My sheets fit better, even if they don’t fit perfectly. Second, it smells like home, and newborns need to have that safety of home. It’ll help with those already long nights.

Sleep Sack

Some hotel rooms are giant, some are compact. Who knows where that crib is going to fit or how you’re going to have to reconfigure the furniture to suit your family’s needs. Some hotel rooms have air conditioning below the window, some at the top of the wall. And there’s the chance that that crib may be below the air conditioner. Or far from it. Or even halfway in a closet. With these types of variables in play, we always travel with two types of sleep sacks–one for the cold and one for the warm.

Travel Bottle Cleaner

Bottles and nipples need to get cleaned pretty quickly or they end up being…well…super smelly. And it’s tough to get all those nooks and crannies on a good day let alone a day that’s totally out of routine. Or one that involves scrubbing over a tiny, shallow bathroom sink with a hotel washrag. So, a good travel bottle cleaner can make all the difference and streamline this process while keeping things not as stinky.

White Noise Machine

You don’t want someone coughing in the hallway to wake up your newborn. You probably want to be able to speak to your significant other too without having to go into the bathroom and turning on the shower. You can do this. And one of the ways is to bring a white noise machine to help drown out all those other noises. (We prefer to use an app for it, which we also turn on in the stroller when it’s naptime.)

Traveling with a newborn isn’t easy, but, honestly, it’s just about as easy as it’s gonna get. The three hundredth cathedral of the day won’t make them board. Art museums, history museums, transit museums, you name it, they’re down for it. But, they need stuff. That’s the thing.

I used to believe that if I just found the right gear, all the hassles of traveling with a newborn would disappear. We’d be dragging around bags and bags of this and that thinking we just might need it. I’m talking needing two carts at the airport just to get our stuff from point A to point B. We quickly learned that the real hassle was taking too much, so we managed to find a that balance between all the stuff we thought might help and all the stuff that actually did.

Safe travels and feel good taking that newborn out to explore the world!