The Ultimate Baby Travel Essentials List

Do you ever get that feeling when you leave the house wondering if you forgot something? This feeling intensfies when you're traveling with an infant. Packing for yourself, your family and a baby can be really challenging but with this list, I hope you can find something that works for you as every child is different. Here's my list of 15 (not 14 or 16 because lists that consist of even numbers make me feel weird lol) of my favorite Travel Essentials for traveling with a baby with links for reference!

Large Items

1. Carseat- The Uppababy Mesa carseat is honestly the best! It's so lightweight at only 9 pounds and is made with performance fabric, which is a total plus for us since Marley tends to get hot easily. Not to mention, the Mesa takes pride in their 5 star safety rating. Being a Flight Attendant, I'm all about the safety.
2. Stroller- Our Uppababy Cruz can easily maneuver through ANYTHING. It's so smooth, I could do donuts in the airport with it! (But I totally wouldn't.) The easy access basket is ideal for traveling so you don't have to carry as much. I would recommend bringing along a Travel bag if you're concerned about cosmetic damages. The Cruz costs a pretty penny.
3. Pack and Play- As luxurious as it is, the Graco Pack n' Play Snuggle Suite LX has all the things your baby needs to feel at home. The infant seat doubles a bouncer. Trust me, this Pack n' Play has all the bells and whistles. Remember, this is only if you need it. Most hotels provide Travel Cribs but it's always best to check ahead.

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Medium

1. Carrier- I feel it's much easier to navigate around with in the airport. Depending on how early or late you are to your flight, you'll be needing it to bob and weave out of crowded areas. Or if you're super early, you'll probably be waiting awhile and you want something that doesn't strain your back. Marley has always preferred to be carried so our Bebefit carrier is seriously a life saver. The infant insert has a detachable head pillow for baby and is designed to relieve pain.
2. Wrap- We always have a Solly Baby wrap in our Diaper bag just in case. Keep in mind the airplane is narrow and there's not much room to work with so if you wanted to get your blood moving and walk up and down the aisle, using a wrap would be ideal. It's less bulky and easier to get through small spaces.
3. Portable bed/Lounger- This goes back to, " Do I really need it?" If you said yes, then I would recommend the Dockatot Deluxe. A portable bed can especially come in handy when you score that open middle seat! Dockatot is super lightweight and has handles on the sides for easy carrying!
4. Diaper Bag/Backpack- We love our Lizzie bag by My Sleepy Panda which also doubles as a travel bag. It's stylish yet functional and comes with 5 extra add-ons including an insulated cooler/warmer bottle holder, wet bag (for those unexpected mishaps *ahem* diaper blowouts) and a clutch purse with a crossbody messenger strap. It also contains a changing pad because no one wants to change their baby bare on those icky changing tables! Personally, the built-in USB port comes in really handy when my phone needs a quick charge! what? I watch a lot of Netflix...
5. Nursing- It's definitely difficult finding nursing-friendly travel gear but Nanobebe literally saved us with their Nanobebe Cooler Bag & Travel Pack. They kindly gifted us this bag/breast milk pouches/bottles set & we never looked back. We take it EVERYWHERE! It's a brand new item on their site so if you're a frequent traveler like me, you'll love the convenience of it all!
6. Cover- Wherever my baby goes, a cover goes! I'm obsessed with Milk Snob. We have just about every print there is. Any cover itself is multifunctional. Instead of having to go all the way to the back and having to make yourself comfortable in that little bathroom, you can just slip it on and boom. Your baby can eat! Personally, I mostly utilize it as a carseat cover. Rarely will I ever leave the house without it on and a plane is no different. With all the recycled air, you will want to bring it. Thank me later.

Small

1. Pacifier- One of my best Flight Attendant girl friends suggested to either nurse my baby or simply give them a paci during takeoff and landing. Why? I was told that it helps equalize the pressure in my babies ears. Has anyone ever scuba dived? I have and it totally makes sense! Marley consistently uses her Bibs pacifiers & we are just obsessed!
2. Clothes- While we're on the subject of overpacking, I always pack at least 3 footie onesies in the baby bag for Marley. That way I don't have to worry about lost socks and I can be well prepared for those unpredictable diaper blowouts. Sorry, someone had to say it. We love the organic texture of Loved Baby onesies! I think we have one in every color. 
3. Swaddle- If your baby is anything like my baby, you'll want to bring a swaddle! Marley loves the feeling of being close to someone and tends to wake herself up from time to time if her arms are out. Copper Pearl has a gorgeous collection of swaddles with the softest fabric for snuggling!
4. Baby Blanket- Trust me when I say it gets chilly on the plane, Mama. Bring something soft and fluffy for your little one to snuggle with. We have the Saranoni Baby Blanket & have been using it since we took her home from the hospital! 
5. Lotion- In this case, this is an "All Over Ointment." We love love love our AOO from Tubby Todd Bath Co! I was worried enough about Marley's dry skin but no joke you guys, I applied it twice & her skin was saved! *cue the Hallelujah chorus* On the plane, it comes in handy. If I'm traveling anywhere with my baby, my AOO goes too!
6. Last but definitely not least, hand sanitizer. This goes without saying, right? Even as a Flight Attendant we are constantly washing and sanitizing our hands. Even more so with a baby. You can use it for literally EVERYTHING. Bout to eat some snacks? Sani. Tray table? Sani. Diaper change? Double sani. It's an absolute life-saver!

Diaper Tip: Besides the obvious diapers, wipes and bottles, I will say, bring at least 1 diaper for every 30 minutes of flight time. I'm usually a minimalist traveler but if I overpack anything, it's diapers. I literally bring enough in my carry-on, my checked luggage and the diaper bag.

Now that you've read through my list of baby essentials, what are some of yours?
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