Travel has been off the radar lately, partly because of COVID-19, but mostly because of pregnancy. Now, you are ready to go on your first adventure with your little tot – but suddenly, your tremendous skill for packing lightly in a nifty carry-on is in need of review.
The good news: infants can actually make quite good travel companions. They complain and move about far less than toddlers, they don’t need their own full-size bed, and you don’t need to buy a separate plane ticket for them. The bad news: thinking about what you need to pack. There are the essential items new mums require when going anywhere with baby, such as changing pads, wipes, and diapers. Check, check, and check. And while babies do seem to need a lot of stuff, we suggest not overpacking. Here are some items we know you’ll need and use.
Aden + Anais large muslin swaddles
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aden + anais make beautiful things for babies and these swaddles are no exception. The aden + anais muslin cotton blankets are one of our favourite multi-purpose travel items. Breathable, versatile, and pre-washed, these 100%-cotton muslin swaddle blankets ensure baby’s ultimate comfort at bedtime and beyond – they can also be used as a burp cloth, nursing cover, and more.
SoKind
Essential skincare for your precious bundle is key, but packing bath-time essentials shouldn’t be a burden. SoKind’s Dear Baby Skincare Kit is exactly what you need, neatly packed in baby’s own suitcase to fit perfectly in your bag. Formulated for delicate skin, this vegan skincare range gently nourishes, protects, and keeps baby’s skin hydrated and softly smooth. Ideal for any climate you are visiting.
SNOObear
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You can’t take the cot, BUT you can take a very portable SNOObear – a dreamlike snuggly teddy-cum-white-noise-machine that helps lull your baby to sleep. All designed by America’s white-noise guru, Dr. Harvey Karp, the shushing rhythms give children better sleep, sweeter dreams, and help settle fears, especially useful with the unfamiliarity brought about by their first time travelling. SNOObear plays its white noise for 30 or 60 minutes. And, it ‘pays attention’ for three hours after, responding to any new fussing with another dose of soothing sound. With a built-in strap, it can dangle from your stroller or car seat for on-the-go shushing comfort.
Stokke® MyCarrier™
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Being able to walk hands-free is a vital part of travelling with an infant, so without a doubt, a baby carrier tops our list as the most essential baby travel item. The STOKKE® MYCARRIER™ FRONT & BACK CARRIER can be used from four weeks and up to three years. With two-way front and back carrying, it’s ergonomically developed to give a tailor-made fit to mums and dads of all sizes, as well as your growing baby. Completely adjustable for correct weight distribution, along with softly padded cotton fabric, it makes carrying comfortable when facing you, and combines comfort with panoramic views when on your back.
Mori’s Mushie Travel Changing Mat
Change baby anywhere on a clean surface, thanks to this changing mat. Mori’s Mushie Travel Changing Mat (lightweight) is compact when folded and is fitted with a handle on the side for easy transport. Made from 100% cotton, the soft, quilted mat boasts a water-repellent coating with two handy pockets to store wipes and nappies. An essential, whether you’re you’re out and about, at home, or venturing further afield.
Dockatot
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This multifunctional baby station serves as a lounger, play dock, and co-sleeper as well. Available in two sizes: Deluxe+ – for babies zero to eight months – and the Grand – for older infants and toddlers between nine and 36 months – it’s one of those things that you’ll just want to take everywhere with you. To grandma’s house, on road trips, and even to the beach (it doubles as a comfy place to lounge).
How do you transport it, you ask? The DockATot On the Go Transport Bag provides a practical solution – this model is easy to fit into an overhead compartment. And for those sunny getaways, the Cabana Kit is an add-on created just for the Deluxe+. The nifty kit includes a retractable UV-protected shade of 50+ SPF, shielding your baby from the sun and other elements, making your time at the beach, lake, park, or backyard even more relaxing.
Babyzen YOYO²
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Famous for being lightweight, compact, and super easy to manoeuvre, the YOYO² is suitable from birth (with the newborn pack) right up to around three-years old. The biggest benefit? It meets cabin baggage requirements for most airlines, making it the first buggy to fit into an airplane overhead locker – great for city escapades, right? The YOYO² stroller folds and unfolds in a moment, can be worn over the shoulder, and tucks in easily anywhere. A useful addition to your list of ‘must-haves’, both at home and on your travels.
Cubo AI
The Cubo AI baby monitor is a godsend for parents. While any video baby monitor will allow you to hear and see the baby, the camera inside the Cubo actually knows what it’s seeing. Using face detection, it can detect if the baby’s face is covered or if the baby rolled over, sending an alert to the corresponding smartphone that, in keeping with the design of the camera itself, also sounds like a bird. It works perfectly in your crib at home, but with the three-stand set you get maximum flexibility, including a mobile stand to allow you to bring it away with you and stand it up wherever works for you during your holidays. You’ll be notified of your crawling baby or if your toddler has escaped the play mat and is entering your preset ‘danger zone’. Carry this one with you so you can enjoy a holiday tipple and keep an eye on baby restfully sleeping at the same time.
Haakaa Breast Pump
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Whether you need to pump in advance of your flight, during your flight, or on reaching your destination – it’s a little harder to pump feed in public than in the privacy of your own home. While feeding the way nature intended is preferable for some, it’s simply not possible all the time. The Haakaa is a major game changer. Completely hands-free, it’s 100% silicone and 100% genius. No power source, tubing, or spare parts, it uses the power of suction, and works quietly and effectively. Another add-to-basket item: the Haakaa Ladybug Silicone Milk Collector, which you can keep discretely inside your bra to collect let-down milk throughout the day and save every precious drop of your liquid gold!
Any Questions or Tips to add?