As a new parent, traveling with your baby can seem like an unattainable goal. You want your baby to feel safe and comfortable, but you can’t pack your entire nursery to do so. Here at TPG, we’ve spent a lot of time traveling with kids, and we’ve tested a lot of bike gear along the way.
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We know that every journey — and every child — is different. However, these things can keep you and your baby happy whether you travel by plane, train or automobile and of course, once you reach your destination.
GB Pocket Travel Stroller
Weighing just over 10 pounds and folding small enough to fit in most airplane overhead compartments, the GB Pocket was named the world’s most compact stroller by Guinness World Records. This travel-friendly stroller folds in two easy steps, but don’t let its small size fool you. It still has a weight capacity of up to 55 pounds and can handle bumpy sidewalks as well as moving walkways at airports.
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The GB Pocket doesn’t come with all the accessories that other strollers come with (which makes it easy to fold). However, it has a sun canopy, adjustable harness and a small storage space under the seat. It’s also designed for babies 6 months and up, so parents of newborns may have to wait a bit to get used to this small but mighty stroller.
to buy: GB Pocket Travel Stroller$127.99 (regularly $139.99)
Pak Rev Wilder Bundle
Even before testing Pak Rev’s line of travel bags, we knew they would stand up to anything parents could throw at them because they were designed by a globe-trotting travel writer. Jordi Lippe-McGraw (TPG Contributor). You can buy full-size backpacks, mini backpacks, waterproof wristlets and insulated lunchboxes separately. However, they all combine together to create a fully functional travel system, so we recommend purchasing the complete bundle.
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Dubbed The Wilder Bundle, this travel system connects and disconnects easily. Having a complete system on the plane or on a long road trip ensures that you have every bottle, snack, change of clothes and toy close at hand. You can only use the pieces you need when you reach your destination. You only need a mini backpack for a quick trip, or you can bring along a waterproof wristlet so you have somewhere to stash dirty clothes in case of an accident.
The full-size backpack has several organizational features, including a front pocket that converts to a jacket sleeve, theft-proof pockets, a laptop sleeve, a keychain ring, and an external water bottle pocket.
to buy: Pak Rev The Wilder Bundle$335
No reception club hideaway carry-on duffel
The Hideaway Carry-On Duffel from No Reception Club is basically the Swiss Army Knife of family-friendly travel bags. You can carry it as a duffel or backpack, or slide it onto your luggage using the trolley sleeve. Plus, the internal packing organizer has customizable dividers to meet your packing needs. When you arrive at your destination, you can remove the organizer from the bag and hang your baby’s belongings for easy access.
The institutional facilities don’t stop there. The bag also has interior pockets, an insulated pocket for snacks or drinks that need to stay fresh on the go, an easy-to-reach exterior compartment for baby essentials like diapers and wipes, and a top pocket for small items like medicine or toiletries. .
Some of the brand’s accessories — viz Dope kit ($45) and the Sidekick hip pack ($85) — Designed to be compatible with the Hideaway, so you can keep everything you need at your fingertips.
to buy: No reception club hideaway carry-on duffel$295
Libra Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier
There are plenty of baby carriers out there, and which one works best for you is largely down to personal preference. However, we’ve found the Tula Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier to be a great go-to carrier.
This carrier can be used for babies from 7 to 45 pounds, making it a great choice for newborns and toddlers alike. The front mesh panel keeps you and your baby cool, and the adjustable straps and waistband ensure a comfortable fit for you and a secure fit for your baby. Padded shoulder straps provide extra comfort, and you can use the carrier in front-carrying and rear-carrying positions.
to buy: Libra Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier$175
Silver Cross Sleep and Go Travel Crib
The Silver Cross Sleep & Go Travel Crib is a must have when traveling with a baby. This three-in-one travel crib is designed for babies from the newborn stage to the toddler stage (up to 50 pounds). Newborns can use a ventilated bassinet. When your baby is old enough, you can move the included mattress down to the base of the crib.
The zip-open door is ideal for playtime, and the entire crib folds into a carrying case for easy transport.
to buy: Silver Cross Sleep and Go Travel Crib$299.99
Enovoe Portable Diaper Changing Pad
The Enovoe Portable Changing Pad is ideal for changing your baby on the go. It’s not too bulky, which means you can easily slip it into a Carry-on bag. It also has storage space for a few diapers, a small pack of wipes, an extra pair of pants and a onesie for good measure.
Although it is quite delicate, there is extra padding in the head area for baby’s comfort, and there is a strap to hang it from the stroller while you are walking. Changing pads come in handy when you’re at the beach, on a long road trip, at the park, or anywhere. As an added bonus, it’s unisex and cute.
to buy: Enovoe Portable Diaper Changing Pad$15.99
Nubby Easy Go Booster Seat
The straps are durable and quite secure. Just remember, the chair is only for a short period of time while your child is eating, and you should never leave your child unattended in this seat.
To buy: Nubby Easy Go Booster Seat$22.99
Bumpkins silicone dish
Bumpkins silicone plates grip any surface you set them on so your child can’t drop the plate on the floor. They are ideal for toting in your bag while traveling and bringing to a restaurant, hotel or vacation rental. Easy to clean in the dishwasher and oven and safe to use, it comes in a variety of colors and patterns to suit your taste.
To buy: Bumpkins silicone dish$10.99 (usually $19.95)
The bottom line
When traveling with your child, it can be difficult to decide What to pack and what to keep at home. Figuring out which travel stroller to buy, which baby carrier to get, and what other essentials you’ll need on your travels can also be overwhelming.
While these preferences are largely personal and depend a lot on your family and the nature of your trip, these products are favorites among families who travel frequently on TPG.
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