Must-Have Essential Baby Travel Gear for Your Journey
Planning a tour with your little newborn for the first time? Exploring the world with a newborn baby is just an exciting statement because, in reality, it can go drastically wrong. From uncontrollable crying sessions at 30,000 feet to unexpected blowouts in the backseat, babies love to create chaos in even the most perfectly planned journeys.
Traveling with your little one definitely requires some extra planning and preparation compared to those carefree childless travel days. In this blog, we will cover all the important things you will require for your first epic adventure. With some mindful packing and a bit of creative parental thinking, family travel doesn't have to induce tensions - we promise!
The Non-Negotiable Travel Must-Haves for Baby:
1. The Diaper Bag
Those little baby smiles and giggles come at a price - specifically, an endless supply of dirty diapers. Being prepared for any number of on-the-go explosions is a must with the following overpacking checklist:
- Diapers/Wipes (Lots of Them): This is obvious but worth repeating - overestimate your needs and bring way more than you think you'll require for travel days.
- Portable Changing Pad: Unless you enjoy placing your baby's bare bottom on dirty public restroom floors, pack a waterproof pop-up pad. Go for a slim portable changing pad that can transform any surface into a clean changing station.
- Diaper Rash Cream: Don’t wait for the rash to occur. Gather all the essential creams, ointments and other remedies in advance.
- Disposable Bags: Keep a sufficient number of disposable bags for stashing away soiled clothes and diapers.
- Burp Cloths: Also keep some oversized burp clothes in your bag to protect your clothes from spit-ups and drool on the go.
- Hand Sanitizer: While wet wipes are great, keep a travel-sized hand sanitizer nearby for those times when you need to eat quickly.
From the instant you board that first plane, train or car, having this always-stocked diaper bag at the ready will prove invaluable. And really, going overboard on extra diapers and wipes is never a bad idea!
2. Baby Soothing Essentials
Even in the most Insta-worthy travel destinations, babies still find different ways to cry and have miserable meltdowns. However, creating a grab-and-go kit of soothing essentials that approximates their familiar home zone as much as possible significantly suppresses that discomfort.
- Comfort Items: Their softest teddies, burp clothes, or blankets provide on-the-go snooze options. You should also bring those room fresheners you use in your baby’s room.
- Favorite Media: Download pre-loaded audio playlists, video clips, and visual apps you know have a magical calming power. Maybe bring an inexpensive tablet or extra-long charging cords too.
- Travel First-Aid Kit: A comprehensive first-aid kit prepped with bandages, a thermometer, and fever reducers. You'll be happy it's packed if needed!
- Baby Lotion/ Sunscreen: Protect your baby's skin with intense sun exposure with the help of gentle, natural baby products like lotions or sunscreen.
- Baby Pain Reliever: Technically a “medication” but it's crucial to have some medicines for any emergency. Consult with your pediatrician before giving any medicine to your little one.
At the end of the day, no matter how far from home you roam, creating a home-like environment can make them feel comfortable. It also reduces the chances of fussiness.
3. Must-Do Essentials Beyond Just Stuff
Of course, being prepared for a road trip with your little one doesn’t just mean having a suitcase of all essential items. You'll also want to:
- Map Out Frequent Stops: Not just for changing mandatory diapers, but also allowing your little one to stretch and nap comfortably too. Don't overschedule drives.
- Pack Extra Outfits for YOU: Spit-up happens, big spills happen - having clean clothing options will be a lifesaver in that situation.
- Download Your Shows: Queue up soothing music, calming white noises, or a few fresh episodes of your favourite shows for those extra-long transit stretches.
- Find Out Baby-Friendly Spots: Whether it's restaurants with quality changing tables or parks ideal for leg stretching, researching is half the battle.
- Accept Outside Help: Need an extra set of hands to carry luggage through airports? Don't turn down assistance offers for your baby's comfort and your sanity.
- Buy Maatrisneh’s Mini Travel Kit: This travel kit makes traveling easier with your baby, it contains all the baby care essentials in a version that is easier to carry and doesn’t occupy much space. Maatrisneh’s Mini Travel Kit for babies consists of mini versions of your must-have baby care products - Baby Massage Oil, Hair Oil, Baby Body Wash, Hair Shampoo and Baby Face and Body Lotion.
Most importantly of all...Try to Stay Present. Sure, traveling with an infant presents new challenges - but it also provides incredible opportunities to soak in their experiencing Everything for the first time. Breathe deep and enjoy the ride!
Conclusion
Of course, at the end of the day, no perfectly curated collection of travel accessories and natural baby products can totally eliminate some inevitable baby fussiness and meltdowns. But with the proper arsenal of tried-and-true baby basics - enough diapers, climate controls, required feedings and that favourite stuffed elephant to snuggle - you'll at least have most of the essentials sorted. Be patient, prepared and ready to explore the unpredictable.
FAQs
1. What's the most important item to pack when traveling with a baby?
Ans. The diaper bag, fully stocked with diapers, wipes, changing pad, and other essentials.
2. How can I soothe my baby during travel?
Ans. Bring comfort items like soft toys, familiar blankets, and download their favourite music or videos.
3. What should I include in a travel first-aid kit for my baby?
Ans. Bandages, a thermometer, fever reducers, and any necessary medications (consult your paediatrician first).
4. How can I protect my baby's skin during travel?
Ans. Pack gentle baby lotions and sunscreen, especially for sun exposure.
5. Should I pack extra clothes when traveling with a baby?
Ans. Yes, pack extra outfits for both the baby and yourself to handle any spills or messes.