8 Must-Have Baby & Toddler Travel Essentials

We’re nearly there! Summer is just around the corner and family travel is a very real possibility in the coming months. Now is the time to start thinking about what you’re going to pack to make things easier while travelling with kids in tow. There’s a good chance that this is the first time your little ones will be venturing outside of their bubble. Now more than ever you will want to make sure to pack items that will make this transition easier on your COVID babe

To ease some of that pre-travel stress I’m breaking down my top 8 must-have baby and toddler travel essentials. 

With the goal of making this process easier, I’ve attached some links to get you started on the must-have travel necessities. Read on and get your shopping list ready!

1. CARES Child Aviation Restraint System

If you are planning on travelling by plane, this device is a must-have for flying with toddlers. The CARES device is a four-point harness that we’ll keep your toddler safe and restrained from dealing havoc in the airplane isles. It attaches directly to the back of the airplane seat and clips into the regular seatbelt. The best thing about this device is that it fits in almost any size bag, it is incredibly travel friendly. 

As a former flight attendant, I cannot tell you how many times I've seen parents struggle to keep their child in their seat during the most crucial stages of flight (take-off and landing). Plane seat belts are known to be too easy for a toddler to remove wiggle out of. Save yourself the wrestling match and travel with the CARES device, you will not regret it. 

Important note: the CARES system is accepted by most airlines but they will ask to see the FAA label before allowing you to use it. Make sure you don't remove any of the labels!

2. Slumber Pod *

This is an absolutely brilliant product. If I could personally thank the mother-daughter team who came up with it, I would. This little hub recreates your babe's dark, and comforting sleep environment - while on the go. With enough room for your little one to sit and move around this portable sleep nook, will make for THE perfect sleep environment no matter the environment. 

Pair this with the yoga sleep portable sound machine and boom, you've just recreated THE perfect on-the-go sleep environment for your little one. This is great for room sharing, camping (you can install the slumber pod inside of your tent), during a long wait at an airport, and even while hanging out at the beach. 
*not an affiliate link

3. The Yogaleep Rohm Portable Sound Machine 

If your baby or toddler is a light sleeper then this is going to be your saving grace. Compact, portable, and rechargeable this sound machine will play white noise so your little one can sleep uninterrupted. It will also make  for a great sound buffer between you and your child if room-sharing 

on vacation. For babies who hate the car seat and stroller this The Yogasleep around Portable Sound Machine is a must-have for naps on the go. 

4. Woolino Four-Season Sleep Sack

As a parent I am consistently worried about the temperature of my kid’s sleep environments; are they hot, are they cold have they kicked their blankets off. If this sounds like you, then I have the perfect solution and it wasn’t until I had my second baby that I found this marvellous product. For sleeping in both cool and warmer temperatures, you can rest assured, that the Woolino 4 Season Sleepsack will acclimate to your child’s needs.

5. Heavy-Duty Garbage Bags

You may be wondering - why garbage bags? But have you ever tried to nap in a hotel room with flimsy curtains? The light streams in and throws off your rhythm. This is even worse for your toddler or baby who is used to their dark bedroom. 

Throw a few of these into your bag with a roll of tape and voilà - DIY blackout blinds. Easy to set up wherever you go and a cheaper alternative to buying a set to carry around. 

Important Note: Tape the bags to the actual window as the tape might peel the paint on the sill! 

6. AmazonBasics Baby Travel Blackout Blind with Suction Cups

If you're planning on travelling a lot and are going to be somewhere sunny then this might be a more practical option. The suction cups alone are worth the higher price tag. Easy to assemble and attach directly to any window. This will keep your little one's sleep consistent by recreating the sleep environment they're most comfortable in. 

7. Melissa & Doug On The Go ColorBlast No-Mess Coloring pad

These are always a must-have in our travel activity bag. No mess marker colouring pads are all the rage for keeping your toddler occupied while keeping the space clean (the flight attendants will thank you). 

Kids get bored easily especially on long flights, I love this to keep my littles engaged and having fun. Easy to pack up and take on planes, car rides and restaurants this is a must for older littles who need the outlet! 

Last but not least can you guess??? "Can I have a… Snack!" 

8. Skip Hop Formula-to-Food Containers

Hungry children are not the ideal travel companions so having snack on hand at all times is my top parenting hack. Luckily, lots of snacks are dry AND mess-free. We always travel with our Skip Hop Formula-to-Food Containers for this reason! 

With their easy-to-stack container and twist and lock tops, we're able to carry snacks for both our kids and their different tastes. If you have a little one or multiple and want to easily carry snacks on the go this is the product you need in your travel bag. 

Now you're equipped with my top 8 must-have baby and toddler travel essentials. With these products in your suitcase, you can tackle your travel plans with confidence. Remember a well-rested child is the goal and these products can not only help achieve that but make your travel all that much more enjoyable. 

Prepare your little one now with lots of rest and the right tools so travelling with your babe will be a breeze - hopefully like the warm breeze blowing off the ocean on your next vacation. 

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's shape your babe's sleep together and check one more thing off your travel to-do list.  

Guylaine Perron