With the summer holidays just around the corner, plenty of families are getting ready for their first big outings with little ones in tow. Whether you’re heading off on a staycation in the Lake District, chasing the sun in Cornwall, or going a bit further afield, travelling with babies and toddlers doesn’t have to be the stress-fest it’s often made out to be. The key? A bit of prep and having the right baby travel essentials at hand.
At Munchkin, we know every parent wants things to go as smoothly as possible – so we’ve put together this handy guide to the baby and toddler travel essentials that can help make your family holiday a lot more fun (and a lot less frazzled!)
Your complete baby travel essentials list
Here’s everything you need to make travelling with your little one as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Keeping your little one safe on the move
When it comes to travelling with babies, safety is always top priority – and that starts the moment you pop them into their car seat. Make sure it’s correctly fitted and suitable for their age and weight. If you’re flying and plan to hire a car at your destination, it’s worth bringing a travel-friendly car seat with you, as not all rental options abroad meet UK safety standards.
Sun safety is just as important! For car journeys, pop up some sun safety shades to shield your tiny tinkers’ delicate skin from the sun’s rays. If you’re planning on getting out and about, pack a wide-brimmed sun hat and a baby-friendly SPF 50+ sunscreen to help keep them protected.
Make sure to bring a small first aid kit with essentials like infant paracetamol, a portable thermometer, plasters, and any regular medications. A well-stocked changing bag will be your best friend – think extra nappies, wipes, nappy sacks, and a portable changing mat for when you’re caught short. And don’t forget the hand sanitiser – it’s a travel essential these days, especially with little hands exploring everything in sight!
Comfort items
Keeping your baby’s sleep routine on track while you’re away can literally make or break your trip, but these comfort-focused travel essentials for baby can make all the difference. A travel cot will give them a familiar place to snooze, and a portable white noise machine can help drown out unfamiliar sounds and recreate the calming environment of home.
Don’t forget their go-to comfort items. Whether it’s a favourite cuddly toy, a dummy, or a well-loved blanket, those little familiar touches can help your baby settle more easily in new surroundings.
And if your little one is used to being gently rocked to sleep, our Bluetooth baby swing chair and seat is a great travel companion. It’s lightweight, packs down in two simple steps, and plays soothing sounds through Bluetooth. Even better, it fits neatly into a water-resistant, easy-to-carry travel carrying tote that makes it a breeze to bring along on your jollies.
Feeding essentials
Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, being organised is key. If you’re bottle-feeding, be sure to pack more formula than you think you’ll need, along with bottles and a bottle warmer that works in the car or hotel room.
Sterilising doesn’t need to be a chore while you’re away, either. Munchkin’s cool touch microwave steriliser bags are a quick, portable way to keep bottles, teats, and pump parts clean: just pop them in the microwave, and they’re ready to go in under two minutes. Each bag can be reused up to 30 times, and the cool-touch grip means no burnt fingers – even when you’re juggling a baby in one arm!
If you’re weaning your little one, then keep things simple with our stay put suction bowls. They stick to most surfaces (even wobbly café tables!), and their quick-release tabs mean grown-ups can remove them easily. Pair them with some toddler plates, which stack neatly in your luggage, and you’ll be ready for everything from hotel breakfasts to picnic lunches.
Heading out for the day? The Munchkin bento box is perfect for packing snacks or small meals. It keeps everything tidy and is easy to tuck into your day bag for beach trips or long walks. And if you’re flying, you can also use it to keep baby liquids like milk or medicine separate in your hand luggage – making security checks that little bit smoother.
Entertainment on the go
Keeping little ones entertained while travelling can be half the battle, but with a bit of planning (and the right baby travel essentials), you can turn long journeys into smooth sailing.
- For babies (0–12 months)
Keep things simple and sensory. Soft, textured toys and baby teethers are great for keeping curious hands busy without making a mess. Rattles and musical toys can be fun too – but go for quieter options if you’ll be in close quarters like a plane or train. - For toddlers (12+ months)
Toddlers need a bit more variety to stay engaged. Magnetic toys, fidget toys, sticker books and simple colouring sets are ideal – they’re compact, travel-friendly, and engaging without causing chaos in a confined space. It’s worth holding a few back to reveal during tricky moments or delays, as something “new” can work wonders for distracting a restless little one. - Screens (if you need them)
For longer trips, tablets can be a real help. Load them up with offline content before you go, and bring along comfy, kid-friendly headphones. Just try to mix screen time with hands-on activities so they don’t get overwhelmed (or overtired).
Looking for more ways to keep travel stress-free? Check out our guide to avoiding a meltdown with a little one and tips to get your car baby ready.
Travelling with babies and toddlers definitely takes a bit of patience, plenty of prep, and a sense of humour. There’ll be moments that test you, sure – but the joy of seeing your little ones take in new sights, sounds and experiences makes it all worth it. Pack smart, go with the flow, and try to enjoy the chaos and cuddles along the way!
Planning a family getaway this summer? Take a look at Munchkin’s range of travel essentials for baby and travel essentials for toddlers – all designed to help make those family adventures a little smoother and a lot more fun. Plus, for more parenting tips, check out the latest ep of the StrollerCoaster podcast.
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