Travel has become second nature to my husband and me. Then this year, we threw in Iris, our baby girl. Now she’s along for the ride, and it’s like we’ve had to figure everything out all over again! It’s so much. So much stuff, so much more to plan, so much to keep track of. 

Trying to figure out what needed to go on our registry, much less how to streamline it all for our small condo and travel purposes, was beyond overwhelming. So if you’re trying to decipher your registry, or looking for a gift for your traveling pregnant friend, here is a quick list of the essentials we actually use!

Wearable Carrier

This is at the top of the list for a reason! We use ours all the time, whether we’re traveling, going for a walk, or just trying to get our baby to sleep at home (she falls asleep in the carrier way more easily than in her crib). We have a few different kinds with varying degrees support and difficulty getting into without help, but for travel, we always go with one that has extra low back support. 

Good Luggage

I had to give in and give up my backpack luggage soon after I found out I was pregnant. I was mad. I held out as long as I could, but the reality was that roller luggage, and occasionally checking a bag, was the way to go. I miss walking up and down stairs and escalators and weaving through airports with ease, but now that I have a baby attached to my front and a diaper bag on my back, the roller luggage has become my go-to! Just make sure it’s built to last. There’s nothing more infuriating than “bargain” luggage that breaks the first time you use it!

Great Diaper Backpack

A backpack diaper bag is our personal preference for every day, but especially for travel. Travel with a baby means you’ve got enough to lug around and keep track of (even if you plan to check bags), so you don’t need or want anything else haphazardly slung over your shoulder. A backpack will be easier on your back, and it won’t slip-slide around like a shoulder bag or crossbody will do. Go for one with loads of pockets and a handle, just so you have options while you’re trying to grab everything at once. 

Travel Crib and Sheets

Many hotels have cribs available to reserve for FREE, and if not, sites like babyquip.com will help you out, but sometimes it’s best to have one that’s easy to take with you. You want one that folds out and back together easily, not one with a thousand poles or pieces you have to figure out when you’re jet lagged and exhausted from travel! We got the Guava Lotus, and it is an absolute must. 

Swaddles

Swaddles are the best. What did I do without muslin swaddles, even before I had a baby? They’re super absorbent for all the liquidy things that come out of babies—or spill as a result of a squirmy baby. We are always reaching for a swaddle, and you really can’t have too many! Get one in a color or pattern you love and double it as a scarf for those flying days. No shame in the travel wardrobe game, y’all. 

Travel Carseat

We love our everyday carseat that rotates 360-degrees and is basically like bubble wrap for our baby girl. However, it’s nearly 35 lbs. on its own, and it’s not a carrier system that snaps into a stroller. Uninstalling, lugging, and reinstalling that thing is not an option, so we have a light, easy-to-install carseat that we travel with. Our girl doesn’t care that it’s not fancy, and it had to go through the same safety certifications as the huge one in our family car. We have used it in airplanes, rental cars, Ubers, taxis, and relatives cars, and it’s great. It’s so nice to have one that’s just dedicated to travel. 

Carseat Bag

Whatever carseat option you choose, if you’ll be flying and have to gate check it, you want a protective, loud bag to signal to the handlers that this is for your baby and requires special handling. You will also get a special tag from the gate agent, but let’s be for real: You’ll notice a big, red bag before you’ll notice a little tag, right? This one states “GATE CHECK” in huge letters and has a designated space to write your name and phone number in Sharpie, just in case. It also has a handle for easier carrying as well. 

Books

Every time I read an article about raising kids, there seems to be a new study quoted about how important it is to read to babies and toddlers! Take a couple of books with you wherever you go. I like thin, light, non-hardback books for travel to save weight and space, but just choose a couple of favorites. 

Toys

Toys are great distractions, but they can be cumbersome and impractical for travel. Look for toys that are flat or “squishable,” and can go in carry-on luggage. Bulky toys or toys that come with a lot of accessories are not ideal, Below are some good ideas for travel-specific toys!

Bibs

“But a small baby isn’t even eating yet,” you may think. That’s true, but they do slobber and spit up! A couple of absorbent bibs have saved us multiple wardrobe changes on travel days, for baby and parents alike. This is perhaps the most unexpected item on the list, but we never travel without a few bibs!

Want more? Get it all on my Half Full Passport Page!

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