You have a baby and traveling ends, right? Sure, things look a little different for my trips now that I have two daughters. There’s definitely a LOT more gear. But with some careful planning and strategic packing, I’m having just as much fun traveling with them as I did solo. It’s a process, but I’ve tested out what works and doesn’t work to streamline our experience.
So if you have loved ones who hope to take trips or vacations with their little ones, although you can never go wrong with a diapers and wipes bundle, I have some personal suggestions for great gifts this holiday season.
As always (after TEN years of gift guides!), we do our best to feature sustainable brands, small businesses, endeavors owned by marginalized communities, and B corp companies. It syncs well with our message that traveling is for everyone, and everyone should always be included! -Eileen
Moby baby carriers
Tried and true, this is one of the most basic baby wraps for caregivers on the go. I rarely wore my first baby, intimidated by the very long fabric of some baby wraps. But for my second, I was lucky enough to have a postpartum doula who patiently showed me how to babywear. She suggested a Moby wrap, and I never looked back.
Wearing my newborn has taken us to breweries, lantern festivals, apple picking and brunches with ease. She adapted to being worn quickly and naps well while tucked into the soft wrap. Some parents also feed babies while wrapped so they can stay snug even longer. Having my hands free to wheel suitcases, fix snacks for the toddler, and get myself ready has given me a lot of confidence to continue to move around with my kids. Now that I’ve wrapped a hundred times, It takes less than 30 seconds for me to tie it on and put my baby in it, ready to go.
I’ve stuck to the classic wrap as it can be used by myself or other friends/family of various sizes. In fact, I also got a second hand wrap to have a backup. But Moby offers all types of styles, including ring slings and hip seats.
Retail varies by color/style from $38-59.99 -Eileen
From Babies with Love
For literally twenty years, I’ve loved a local writer and artist named Brian Andreas (also known as Kai Skye). When I heard they were collaborating with a baby clothes brand, I had to add their pieces to my little one’s travel wardrobe.
From Babies with Love offer clothes and accessories made from organic cotton that are so soft and snuggly. The Flying Edna collection specifically has colorful, gender neutral pieces that depict pretty prose and drawings from Kai.
I also purchased gifts for expecting friends and family, because ALL profits go towards helping vulnerable children worldwide, such as refugee Sudanese kids. They’ve done some other pretty cool collaborations with artists and initiatives worldwide, so it’s well worth checking out the rotating apparel.
Retail $52 for baby gift set with romper and blanket -Eileen
Monos Carry-On Pro Plus suitcase
Monos is a new entry into the luggage game – but that youthfulness means they have newer functional designs that make them appealing to both business travelers and family travelers alike. The Monos Carry-On Pro Plus suitcase is a wheeled carry-on that comes in a smaller size for European airlines – as well as a larger size that is more common in the US (and will still fit in US carrier overhead bins). But this suitcase has an amazing feature – a front pocket that can easily fit a laptop, tablet, game console, etc. This means that whether you’re traveling with all the tablets and games to help our toddler while we focus on the baby – you can easily find them and take them out whilst going through security. Then, once you’re through security, you can quickly store them securely and walk to your gate or other destination.
Packed the bags tight and smashed everything and everyone into a tiny rental car? No more digging through bags or dragging other bags out of the drink – with the Monos bag facing up – getting the kids their 1000th viewing of Moana, or utilizing a larger device for navigation in a foreign country is quick and easy. The Monos Carry-On Pro Plus will have you saying, “we were voyageurs!” in no time.
Of course that’s not the only reason to get the bag – it’s a beautiful bag. From it’s sleek and robust polycarbonate shell, its well designed handles and smooth-rolling wheels – it’s a cut above bags from similarly priced retailers. What can I say except you’re welcome!
Retail $315 -Christian
Mindful + Co. Kids World Map Floor Puzzle
I wish my generation grew up with some of the wonderful coping tools and mindfulness my kiddos will have access to at a young age. While you definitely can’t avoid a meltdown, you can start super young teaching kids (and babies!) how to handle their big feelings.
Mindful + Co. has taken this mindset and curated a wonderful collection of toys and games. There’s sweet yoga mats for kids, memory games, coloring books, and more. The new line of weighted, lavender-scented stuffies are also adorable and could be the perfect companion for your traveling baby.
To celebrate both mindfulness and a love of travel, my babies are being gifted the World Map Floor Puzzle to learn about our planet. Not only are the illustrations so cute, it comes with a downloadable activity book and stickers.
Retail $39 -Eileen
Butterfly Swaddle
If your variable for baby’s sleep is a new location, the rest should be routine. When I travel with my baby, I make sure we have the same sound machine, feeding schedule, and lullaby to help ease the changes. Most importantly, a good swaddle keeps her safe, warm, and secure while napping or sleeping. The regular muslin blankets don’t quite work for me, so I use the Butterfly Swaddle. Swaddles with sticky bits have worked best with both my daughters as babies. This one comes in two separate pieces for the best adjustment into phases: like sticking an arm out after the initial newborn squeeze. You can ditch the band all together and just use the main part with patented wings that helps reduce startle too.
Other little details I appreciate as well: I’ve never found another swaddle that closes ‘silently’…regular velcro often startled my newborn. And if you’re all in a hotel room together, this is key to quieter night changes and adjustments. And of course, I want nothing with snaps if I can avoid it, as this one has a two-way zipper for easy in and out.
It comes in three sizes to fit your baby’s needs, as well as several cute colors.
Retail $54.99, some colors discounted -Eileen
Light + Nine kids suitcase
More kids and babies mean more clothes, snacks, and gadgets. I’m almost out of the phase where I can split a suitcase with my baby and toddler: they needs more space! It’s time to have the toddler bring her own things along for the trip. Light + Nine is great for a kiddo’s first suitcase: it’s super light and super sturdy. You can definitely fill a week’s worth of gear in the case and still store it in the overhead compartment of a plane. I’m sure I can convince her to let me stash extra onesies, bottles, and blankets too as there’s two sections for storage. The roller bag design is classic and comes in both pink and teal colors. They also offer backpacks, garment and duffle bags that match too. Everything is wipeable to clean as an added bonus.
My toddler’s favorite part of the case is the Nimix add-ons. Each bag has perforated holes to fit customizable Nimix initials and charms. They celebrate local artists as well and have unique images for all kid’s tastes. She chose the London travel set to start for the pretty colors and to celebrate our upcoming UK trip in 2024. If your kids love the shoe charms that are crazy popular, they’ll probably love Light + Nine.
Retail $155 -Eileen
Heartfelt Hoodie by Toad & Co.
As I mentioned with the wrap above, baby wearing has been a lifesaver, especially while traveling. At home and abroad when it’s cold though, this can prove to be a challenge. My little one can fit snugly inside my coat, but she’s a hot water bottle and we both get too warm too quickly.
I found the perfect solution instead with the Heartfelt Hoodie by Toad & Co. It’s 100% made of Merino wool that is breathable and wicks sweat. This style is open in the front and covers me from head to bum! I can simply slip it over myself, the wrap and the baby for extra comfort. Not only do they have some really fun designs to choose from, Toad & Co. is a wonderfully sustainable brand. They have several eco-certifications and also have a pre-loved resell program. I plan to visit their new brick and mortar store in Portland, Maine, very soon!
Retail $220 -Eileen
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