Product Spotlight 5/21: Travel Accessories!

SmashJam

This is a place for FTMs to ask questions and S+TMs to share the wealth of knowledge they've accumulated on baby products. Each week we'll spotlight a new category of product to help streamline and make it easier to refer back. This week it's.... Travel Accessories! What items did you find were essential to traveling, both long and short distances? What made just the act of being away from home for a long period of time seem much easier, whether it be for a vacation or a trip to the pool down the street? 
 

For S+TMs: 

• Favorite [Travel] item:
• Link/picture:
• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
• What you like about it:
• What you don't like about it, if anything:
• Is there a [Travel] item you don't have but are considering? Why?:
• Is there a [Travel] item you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: 
• Additional thoughts on [Travel] item:

For FTMs:: 

• [Travel] item you're interested in:
• Link/picture:
• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
• Any questions about it/them for S+TMs?:

Our past threads are here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nhSR3UAwJx8UitC9b2hRx57c4hHkK6BU679FjqXMeHQ/edit?usp=sharing

runsomewhere

For S+TMs: 

• Favorite [Travel] item: We traveled with DD a ton starting when she was 4 months old, both within the US and internationally. However, we don't have any gear that's travel specific. My travel recommendations are wet ones disinfecting wipes and the bassinet seating on airplanes for international flights. A lot of people don't know about this but it's free or low cost depending on the airline and a life saver. 
• Link/picture: 
• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): n/a
• What you like about it: I use the wipes to clean off dirty airplane trays, arm rests, anything that baby will be touching, and of course hands. We've stayed healthy during our travels. As I said below, for international flights the bassinet seating is a life saver and you don't have to pay for an extra seat. 
• What you don't like about it, if anything: n/a
• Is there a [Travel] item you don't have but are considering? Why?: n/a
• Is there a [Travel] item you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?:  Personally, I think there is a ton of stuff on the market for travel with baby that's unnecessary. If it works for people that's great but for me the most helpful thing when traveling with baby is no stress! I prefer to pack light, gate check the stroller and car seat if I'm bringing them and go! 
• Additional thoughts on [Travel] item: Not travel items, more so tips. Almost all hotels will wash/steam your bottles for you, most will also have cribs or something your baby/kid can sleep in. Last, kiddos are better travelers than we often give them credit for. 

flockofmoosen3

Keep a stash of current size diapers and wipes in the car, along with a couple of toys and change of clothes (for you and baby). Then, even if you forget the diaper bag or whatever, you have backup.
One time a mom I was sitting with got baby poop all over her pants from a blowout, so that happens sometimes.

morethanamama

flockofmoosen3 said:

Keep a stash of current size diapers and wipes in the car, along with a couple of toys and change of clothes (for you and baby). Then, even if you forget the diaper bag or whatever, you have backup.
One time a mom I was sitting with got baby poop all over her pants from a blowout, so that happens sometimes.

Sooooooooo helpful! I'm waiting for my new car...so annoying because I want to start putting some of this stuff in there. Oh well!

bradybunchmom89

@flockofmoosen3 This is the best tip -- this has saved me so many times!! A pack of wipes and diapers in the car (even a bottles worth of formula can be a life saver). 

SmashJam

@flockofmoosen3 the change of clothes for you is a great idea! I'm not sure why I never thought of doing that! Wipes and diapers in the car have saved me so many times!

I don't know if this counts as "travel" accessories or tips even but along the same lines as having a car stash have diapers, wipes, extra clothes and even formula at relatives' house that you frequent so if you run out in your diaper bag or have one too many blowouts you aren't wasting time going to the store once you're there. Although, also make sure to have them tell you when they throw out the formula because its past the expiration date....lol

If you have stuff in the car then I guess this wouldn't be needed but in case you've been out and about all day and you don't have your stash stocked...

stillcozy

The around the head cushions or toddler size neck pillows for when they get older are really helpful for car trips. 

Another thing that has helped us a lot is both sets of inlaws have a PnP. We found we already had so much to bring to avoid having to bring ours helped save so much space. 

I always keep a spare set of clothes and extra diapers in the car too. 

Another for car travel have been the headrest mirror and window shades. So so helpful in the car. 

acunamatada

Can’t emphasize a spare outfit, diapers and wipes in the car enough! Serious life saver when you’re out and poop happens. 
Since getting a hatchback I keep something like this stocked on the last row of seats with emergency goodies, which keeps the floor clear for a stroller, etc. 



+1 for a rear mirror, I know they’re frowned upon by some but I still love mine for my 3yo and couldn’t imagine RF without it. 

Took DS on an 8hr international flight at 18mo and I have to say he was so much better than I anticipated, kids are way more adaptable than we give them credit for. 
For airline travel, gate check the stroller and car seat if you’re bringing one. 

knottie9f2468e8835387e9

We're planning on going to North Carolina for a week in March, that's a 12 hr drive for us. I hate being a passenger and DH hates driving for long periods so I plan on having him sit in the back with LO, our dog in the passenger seat up front and I'll just stop every couple of hours to nurse. 

Is there anything anyone can recommend to make this trip less painful? If it was just a vacation I'd probably hold off but we're planning on moving there next fall and so we want to go scope out towns in the area we'll be looking at so it's more of a fact finding mission lol