Thinking of setting out on a vacation with your little one? That’s a great thought, but it often stresses new parents. Infants are difficult to travel with—there is no denying this fact. But traveling with them isn’t a major struggle.
In 2023, 83% of parents planned to travel with a baby. In 2024, 64% of parents anticipate taking more trips this year than they took last year.
The thought of traveling with your baby might make you anxious. After all, babies get difficult to manage at times. But that doesn’t mean you must put an end to your travel life. Proper preparation can make your journey enjoyable. Here, we’ll share some essentials that you must pack for a stress-free journey with your baby.
1. Travel Stroller
A stroller is a useful gear for parents. It allows them to carry their baby around safely and in ultimate comfort.
Pack a stroller for your trip, irrespective of whether you’re flying or traveling by road. Don’t take along the stroller you use for the store or daily walks. Those strollers aren’t designed for traveling. They are super-sturdy and well-padded, so they are far from lightweight.
Buy a travel stroller instead. Strollers designed specifically for traveling are compact and lightweight. Their frame is also foldable. You can easily collapse the stroller when not in use. This collapsible feature also allows for easy storage. You can fit it into overhead compartments on planes or the trunk of a car.
Travel strollers are lightweight, but that doesn’t make them any less sturdy. They have a sturdy frame as well as comfortable seating for the baby.
When you look for strollers, opt for those that feature a secure harness and reliable brakes. You must also look for sunshades for UV protection, adjustable reclining seats for napping, and storage baskets for essentials like diapers and snacks. Such a stroller will make it easy for you to navigate through airports, city streets, and tourist attractions.
2. Baby Formula
Well-fed babies are less fussy, so make sure you pack enough formula milk for the trip. Mothers whose little ones are formula-fed are bound to carry formula milk. But even those whose infants are breastfed must stow formula milk in their luggage or backpack.
Having formula milk in your duffel bag will allow you to feed your baby anytime and anywhere. You won’t have to search for a private place to breastfeed or worry about the availability of fresh milk.
When shopping for formula milk, go for any except Similac and Enfamil. These brands are alleged to cause necrotizing enterocolitis in babies. NEC, or necrotizing enterocolitis, is a serious disease of the intestinal tract that affects preemies mostly, but it can affect full-term babies, as well. This condition is characterized by the inflammation of the intestinal tissue, causing it to die.
Per the University of Arizona Department of Pediatrics, this condition affects nearly 9,000 premature infants in the U.S. Feeding bovine-based (cow milk-based) formula, TorHoerman Law writes, is one of the risk factors of NEC.
Mothers nationwide are filing NEC lawsuits against the manufacturers of Similac and Enfamil, seeking compensation for the damages suffered due to NEC diagnosis. Mead Johnson, the manufacturer of Similac, and Abbott Laboratories, the manufacturer of Enfamil, are plaintiffs in the lawsuit.
Some baby formulas named in the lawsuit are Similac Alimentum, Similac Special Care, Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Powder, Similac Human Milk Fortifier, and Enfamil 24 and DHA & ARA Supplement. These formulas are believed to be potentially harmful to babies. Thus, it’s best to steer clear of the two brands’ formulas and go for a safer alternative. Your pediatrician will be able to guide you the best in this regard, so consult them.
3. First-Aid Kit
Traveling without a first-aid kit is never a good idea when you have a baby with you.
If you travel without one, what would you do should there be a medical emergency or your baby gets hurt? A first-aid kit will come in handy for handling minor medical issues on the go. That is why it’s a must-have in your luggage or travel bag.
Your baby’s first-aid kit must include prescribed medications, infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and pain relief, and a digital thermometer for accurate temperature readings. There should also be adhesive bandages for treating minor cuts or scrapes. It’s also wise to have a nasal aspirator and saline drops on hand, especially if your baby is prone to congestion.
To tie it all together, traveling with your little one can be a fun experience, for it gives you the chance to make new memories. However, your trip will be smooth and enjoyable only if you pack all the essentials your baby will need.
Other than the items mentioned above, stow a portable changing pad, some favorite toys of your little one, and comfort items like a pacifier. Having all these items on hand will keep your baby comfortable and content while allowing you to manage any challenge that may arise.
Feature Image from Shutterstock
I still have no baby
The first step to planning a great family trip is selecting a destination that works for everyone, especially the kids. Look for destinations that offer activities for children, like amusement parks, nature reserves, or beaches. Long flights or drives can be hard on children, so choosing a destination that’s not too far can save you headaches.
Thanks for sharing
Traveling with your baby can be a bit daunting, but it’s manageable with the right essentials. A travel stroller is crucial for comfort and ease—make sure it’s compact and lightweight. To keep it fun, take breaks with something engaging, like the Slope.