Eleven items you need during travel to make sleep easier for your child
Traveling with your baby can definitely be intimidating the first few times you do it. From knowing what to pack, how to fit in naps and feeds, and not knowing how your child(ren) will handle the travel, there are a lot of things to think about when traveling with little ones.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and not sure how to prepare, here is a list of 11 things you need to pack that can help with sleep when traveling with a little one!
The REMI is our favorite playard for traveling with our little ones. It is lightweight, portable, and only takes seconds to set up and fold down–with just one hand! The REMI has a unique perforated design making the mattress breathable, creating a comfy, healthy place for baby to both rest and play when you’re on vacation or visiting family. Sleep is precious. Get more of it, anywhere and everywhere, with the REMI.
2. Black Out Shades
You never know what the lighting situation is going to be like when you travel, which is why blackout shades are essential. Our favorite travel shades are the ones from Tommee Tippee. You can also bring a SlumberPod to put over the crib if your baby is older. A last resort is to bring binder clips with you to help clamp hotel curtains together and stop light from coming in the edges.
3. White Noise Machine
This is definitely one thing you don’t want to forget! This will help block outside noise and keep your baby from waking up for naps and at night when in a new environment. Dohm, Hatch Rest, or Homedics are all easy to travel with, in my opinion, but there are also many free apps on your phone that can be used, if packing one is not an option. The Baby Shusher is also a great travel white noise machine that can easily be used in the car or stroller (use that link for an exclusive deal).
4. Portable Crib
If your baby is still in a crib at home, you’ll definitely want to bring a Pack ‘n Play. If you are traveling by plane, this might be tough, so if you don’t have room in your suitcase, make sure you call ahead to ensure that the hotel or Airbnb where you are staying has one you can use (and wipe it down thoroughly). An even better solution, though, is the portable crib from Phil and Teds, which we love because it can easily fit in a carry-on bag!
5. Blanket or lovey (if your baby is 1+)
Security items are essential for children who are used to having them at home and will help your child feel more at ease when traveling. You might even consider bringing along a wearable lovey blanket like the Snuggy Buddy, made for babies as young as six months.
6. Pacifier
If your baby takes a pacifier, you definitely don’t want to forget this! A pacifier is usually essential for air and car travel and for on-the-go naps. We love these Itzy Ritszy Sweetie Soother pacifiers for their baby quality silicone, cute design, and adorable suite of colors.
7. Swaddle or Sleep Sack
I would recommend taking a few, if you have several, in case of a blowout or mess. Swaddling is an art that many of us learn even before our babies are born.
Not only does it help keep babies warm and snug, but it also replicates the feeling of the womb, and in many cases, it will help your baby sleep more soundly in the first few months of life (see The benefits of swaddling your baby).
You will likely be sent home with one or more swaddle blankets from the hospital, but it doesn’t hurt to have several more on hand, especially since it is a product you will use everyday.
8. Baby Monitor
If you are planning on having your baby sleep in another room, you will want to bring a baby monitor. One of our favorite options is the Nannio (which can also easily be packed in a suitcase, and set-up is super easy). A last resort, however, is to bring an old phone or tablet and download a baby monitor app (although from our experience, none of them are phenomenal). You can leave the old device in the baby’s room as the camera, and use your regular phone as the monitor.
9. Weather-specific jammies
Typically your baby only needs to sleep in a long-sleeve or short-sleeve onesie and a swaddle/sleep sack, but if you are planning to be in a colder climate, you may want to bring long-sleeve footed pajamas as well. We are a big fan of Little Sleepies for their soft fabrics, long lasting construction, and adorable prints for the whole family - even you!
10. Bottle and bottle brush
If your baby is still taking feeds overnight and isn’t breastfeeding, or struggles to breastfeed under changes (like travel), bottles may be an essential for your trip. We are fans of evenflo Balance + Bottle, perfect for babies that mix formula with breastfeeding/
11. Books to read to avoid screentime
This is something you could easily forget, but your kids won’t at bedtime. While on vacation it may be tempting to loosen up and give your littles a tablet or phone, let them play a few games or watch a movie. But blue light is disruptive to the circadian rhythm and melatonin production. Try packing a few small books to read to your child and help keep your bedtime routine on track! Here’s some of our favorite multicultural bedtime books!
For more travel tips, check out these articles:
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