Items to pack if you’re traveling with your toddler
If you're a parent, you know that traveling with a toddler can sometimes feel like embarking on a perilous expedition.
The payoff is high but so are the challenges: balancing activities and nap schedules, praying they'll sleep on the plane and, of course, remembering to pack everything you need. It's a lot to manage, but if there's one thing I've learned, it's this: The right gear can make even the most stressful parts of a trip feel manageable.
Over the past few years, I've road-tested various products to make our family adventures smoother. Here's what's worked (and what hasn't) for me. Packing the right baby and toddler travel essentials can save your family trips from descending into chaos, so you can, dare I say it ... have fun.
Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor & Flex Stand "Travel Pack"
Keeping an eye on my little one is a top priority, and the Nanit Camera Travel Pack has been a key part of my travel toolkit. Its sharp image quality and compact design make it useful both at home and on the road.
Note: When used with the portable Flex Stand for travel, it loses key features that it has at home, like tracking how long a child has been sleeping. The Flex Stand also can't track breathing (if you use the breathing band).
The Flex Stand is also relatively short, often requiring me to stack it on top of something for a better view of my toddler. It's not perfect, but it still provides a sense of comfort and security when we're away from home.
Buy: Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor & Flex Stand "Travel Pack" from $199
Buy: Nanit Flex Multi-Stand from $38.49
Hatch Rest+
Helping a toddler fall asleep in an unfamiliar environment can be tricky, especially after a long day on the road. The Hatch Rest+ is another favorite baby product we use in our everyday lives and pack for travel. The Hatch Rest+ functions as a sound machine, lullaby player, night-light and more; it dulls unexpected noises and helps keep bedtime routines intact wherever we are.
One big consideration: Without being plugged in, the Hatch Rest+ battery will only run for eight hours — considerably shorter than a typical toddler night. So, be sure to pack the power cord on your trip.
If you're planning to use the Hatch Rest+ in a destination without electrical outlets, I recommend having a backup plan like the new white noise function on an iPhone or a downloaded white noise podcast (yes, those exist). Alternatively, consider purchasing a similar product from another brand with a longer battery life.
Buy: Hatch Rest+ (first generation) from $119.00
Inglesina Fast Table Chair
Dining out with a toddler can be quite an adventure, but the Inglesina Fast Table Chair has made the experience less complicated for us.
Initially, I found the setup of the Inglesina to be a bit confusing because of the Ikea-style, picture-based instructions. Once I figured out the process, though, it felt straightforward. (Make sure the arms surround the table and twist the bottom arm until it's tight.)
However, remember that the chair's security is only as good as the table it's attached to. While the chair can handle the weight of your child, it's important to make sure the table itself won't tip over.
We used the Inglesina Fast Table Chair multiple times on a family trip to Cape Cod. Many restaurants didn't have booster seats or high chairs available. Thankfully, it was easy for me to run and grab our Inglesina from the back of our car and set it up.
If you're looking for alternatives, the less travel-friendly Bumbo and the Nuby travel booster seat for older kids are also good options.
Buy: Inglesina Fast Table Chair from $79
Ryobi ONE+ 18-Volt Clamp Fan (plus extra batteries)
Heat can turn any pleasant, happy kid into a tantrum-throwing nightmare. That's why I've found the impressively powerful Ryobi Clamp Fan to be an absolute lifesaver. Yes, you read that right. Ryobi, a company best known for power tools, has created several handy gadgets compatible with their drill batteries.
Even on its lowest setting, the fan provides a quality breeze, which helps keep my daughter cool all summer long. In terms of build quality, it's sturdy and reliable, unlike most flimsy baby fans that tend to break easily.
I decided to invest in the Ryobi fan after a disappointing experience with an "octopus leg" baby fan, and I haven't looked back since.
One of its standout features is the incredible battery life. We used the fan throughout the summer without needing to charge it once — a testament to its endurance.
Unexpected bonus: Tool enthusiasts, including grandpa-esque 8-year-olds, will approach you and compliment your choice of fan.
Buy: Ryobi ONE+ 18-Volt Cordless 4 in. Clamp Fan (+ extra batteries) from $79.99
Amazon Basics Portable Travel Window Blackout Curtains
Consistency is key when it comes to a toddler's sleep schedule. The Amazon Basics Portable Travel Window Blackout Curtains have been another great addition to our daughter's travel essentials for this reason.
These curtains are user- and travel-friendly. They come in a storage pouch and feature sturdy suction cups that make installation a breeze. The strong light-blocking ability helps re-create a familiar sleep environment for my toddler no matter where we are.
But like any product relying on suction cups, these curtains can sometimes come loose. I've noticed this happening occasionally during our travels.
Overall, the cups are well made and don't feel flimsy, but they require a regular check to ensure they're secure.
Buy: Amazon Basics Portable Travel Window Blackout Curtains from $23.99
Wireless Travel Router (TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router)
In today's digital age, a reliable internet connection is as necessary as any other travel essential. This handy router has proven to be a game changer for me.
We all know the frustration of trying to connect to a hotel's Wi-Fi, only to be faced with tedious login procedures or terms and conditions pages. A travel router simplifies this process, letting you connect once and create a secondary Wi-Fi network for easy access.
This feature is especially crucial when dealing with devices like baby monitors that typically struggle with, or simply cannot connect to, standard hotel Wi-Fi logins.
It also offers a second layer of security for internet browsing and protects your devices from potential threats on public networks. I found this especially comforting for the baby monitor.
Buy: Wireless Travel Router (TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router) from $35.99
4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard
The 4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard is more expensive than most other travel cribs on the market, but believe me, it's worth every penny.
Its lightweight design is a huge plus, but what sets it apart is how quick and easy it is to set up. Simply press down on the center button, and it clicks into place — there's no wrestling with complicated instructions or mechanisms.
Compared to other portable cribs I've seen — like the ones from Graco — the 4moms Breeze Plus is significantly less bulky and easier to manage.
Buy: 4moms Breeze Plus Portable Playard from $299.99
A Good Foldable Stroller
As a family, we are loyal to the UppaBaby Vista V2. Despite its hefty size, it's been an excellent stroller that we use every day in our walkable neighborhood.
With its large wheels, it's like having a monster truck to navigate any terrain. We realized that we needed a more lightweight option for travel that doesn't take up the entire trunk. Seeking a travel-friendly alternative, we decided to try Vista's close competitor Nuna's Trvl stroller, which had received glowing reviews from children's product critics and customers.
I hate to say how disappointed we were. The stroller struggled with even the slightest of obstacles, from a 1-inch crack in the sidewalk to compact, level gravel.
It felt like it was designed for perfectly smooth surfaces and failed in real-world conditions. The stroller's instability was a constant concern, posing a tipping hazard even on minimally bumpy sidewalks. However, it was lightweight and easy to fold (whether behind your restaurant table or in a plane overhead bin) with one hand.
We have given every person who has taken our daughter out the option of using the UppaBaby Vista V2 or the Nuna Trvl. They would all rather deal with the Vista's bulkiness than the Trvl's instability. We're still searching for the perfect travel stroller that can handle multiple types of situations and environments while also being compact and easy to manage.
Buy: UppaBaby Vista V2 from $999.99
Buy: Nuna Trvl stroller from $450
Bottom line
Remember, what works best with your toddler will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. Prioritize what's most important for your family's comfort and convenience. Traveling with a toddler doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right gear, the experience can be a beautiful memory instead of a headache.
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