Discover the fail-safe items — from travel prams, to sleep aids and whizzy tech — to ensure travels with your little one go seamlessly.
The first time packing for a family holiday with your baby is a true shock to the system; a feat of organisation and preparation to make your head spin. You can’t quite fathom how much additional STUFF this tiny person can require, as you write and re-write packing lists, getting perilously close to exceeding your baggage allowance. Whether a weekend staycation, or far-flung two week island escape, you soon realise you need just as much, regardless of the duration. However, before you pack the literal kitchen sink, review this edit to make life in your home away from home infinitely easier — from whizzy tech, to sleep aids and compact travel solutions, these clever essentials will add order and calm, protect precarious sleep schedules, and allow everyone to enjoy some much needed downtime.
Stokke YOYO Riviera Travel Kit
When it comes to choosing a travel stroller, Stokke's YOYO is simply unbeatable. I use mine on-repeat for whizzing on and off the tube. Weighing just 6.2kg I can carry it single handedly up and down stairs, but it really comes into its own for hassle-free airport travel. Not only is the brand the name on all airline staff’s lips as THE overhead locker-compliant design, but it truly can be easily folded and unfolded with one hand, compacting to a slim frame that can be slung over the shoulder, freeing up hands for all the rest of your cargo. The generous extending canopy provides excellent sun protection, and features a transparent window, which is perfect for monitoring naps on-the-go. The limited edition Riviera Kit injects a dose of la dolce vita into your travels. With a joyful striped colour pack, parasol and tote bag, it will bring the sunshine even when you land back on inevitably dreary home soil.
While travel can disrupt routine, the SnoozeShade is the must-have product to have in your arsenal to protect daytime naps. The SnoozeShade truly proved to be a MVP both on a recent jaunt to Italy, and during the never ending heatwave back home – I will never be without it again. Crafted from Ezibreez air-permeable mesh, this genius invention allows cool air in, keeps bugs out, and protects from 99% of UVA and UVB rays, creating a calm cocoon for babies to drift off without distraction. The universal fit means it works for all strollers; the cover simply attaches securely to the pram frame with velcro poppers and the zip-open front panel allows little ones to enjoy the view (while safely shaded). Simply reattach with poppers when it’s time for a snooze for blackout mode. With this nifty product at your disposable, it will save you doing laps round the resort with an overtired little one, and you can relax poolside instead.
Baby wearing is ideal for when children want to be close, while keeping your hands free, which is particularly helpful when navigating a packed airport, or parading the plane aisle to coax little ones off to sleep mid-flight. When baby wearing, both your body heat and the fabric of a baby carrier act as additional layers, so the key when jetting to sunnier climes is picking one as lightweight and breathable as possible to keep your baby comfortable and cool. The Flybaby gets my vote. I put this through its paces at a friend’s destination wedding in Italy allowing me to keep my daughter close and secure on the dancefloor, even with temperatures hovering over 30 degrees. Crafted from an innovative 3D-knit fabric, it's ultra breathable for a seamless second-skin feel. No one wants to be fussing with multiple buckles and complex straps which could cause a meltdown for the baby (and you!) so happily this thoughtful design features magnetic safety buckles that make handling quick, simple and secure. Weighing a mere 425g it’s super lightweight and foldable to a tiny size so perfect for stowing in hand luggage without taking up precious space. The minimalist and chic design in muted, timeless colourways also make it a joy to wear.
Every parent knows the importance of a good night’s sleep and a portable and lightweight travel crib is a must-have investment when staying away from home. The best cribs are comfortable, sturdy and allow a home away from home sleep. I’m already a Nuna fan; I use their all-terrain-appropriate Nuna Mixx pram every day for navigating the canal towpaths and various walks that have dominated my maternity leave. Happily, the SENA aire travel crib is crafted with just as much precision. Easy to set up and disassemble in seconds, it’s a godsend for travel-worn parents ready to hit the hay upon check-in. Every parent’s worry is ensuring their baby is cool during the night — particularly in warmer climes — and its advanced air design, with all mesh sides, provides 360 degrees of ventilation for ultimate airflow and a (hopefully) restful deep sleep, while also offering clear views of your little one from all angles. The ventilated mattress panels add to the heat-wicking design and make for easy cleaning too. When investing, you want longevity, happily this design accompanies your child as they grow; with a newborn cot and a lower level position for toddlers. Plus, it doubles as a makeshift playpen, allowing independent play with peace of mind.
Prepare for your holiday wardrobe to be inevitably upstaged by your child thanks to Monsoon. All the bohemian feminine glory of the adult collection has been distilled into the charming children's range: think bombastic florals, free-spirited prints, frills, ruffles, and statement collars. From wedding guest-ready dresses, to beach outfits and city looks, there is an outfit for every vacation plan at Monsoon Baby. With a painterly floral print, playful scallop trim and ric rac detailing, this Alani dress channels serious vacation vibes.
A nappy bag packed to the gills isn’t always needed. When on a morning croissant run, or quick stroll, sometimes only the most crucial of cargo is necessary. This nifty pram organiser bag transforms into a chic cross-body bag, you could arguably use as your handbag. It’s perfect for stowing away the essential travel pieces you need to hand — hand sanitiser, wipes, muslins etc. It may look compact but houses internal compartments and internal and external pockets to organise the chaos of parenting on-the-go. Practical and stylish in equal measure.
If your little one relies on a sound machine to drift off at home, replicate this routine on-the-go to mimic their calming, soothing home comforts. With over 1 million sold worldwide, Sweet Dreamers Ewan The Sheep is the white noise machine with almost icon status. There’s no need to travel with this bulkier model though, thanks to the brand’s luna dream machine, a nifty compact and lightweight device to attach onto cots or prams for out-and-about naps. With 10 soothing sounds (from lullabies to lapping waves, birdsong to melodic notes that mimic the womb) this intelligent machine also has an in-built smartCRY sensor, responding with comforting sounds whenever your baby stirs to settle then back into a gentle snooze. The battery life is also impressive, accompanying your adventures for hours.
The question of how to dress babies for sleep in the summer months is a perpetual conundrum. Restful slumbers need not suffer on balmy nights thanks to Love To Dream. The brand’s iconic Swaddle Up suits are crafted from sumptuous breathable fabrics from the softest organic cotton to bamboo in ultra lightweight togs to keep your little one cool and comfortable even in soaring temperatures. The Transition Bag is perfect for moving from swaddling to arms-free sleep. Snug and familiar but ideal for babies beginning to roll, plus the 4-way stretch fabric is ultra breathable and soft. Plus, they come in an array of whimsy prints to use on-rotation.
With your little one in tow, you need a whole host of in-flight essentials within reach (from muslins and toys, to nappies, bottles and dummies). For a stroller bag that doubles as a functional airport bag look no further than Finnsøn, a Scandi brand which excels in chic accessories that don’t scream ‘baby’. The FRIDA, in go-with-everything black may look compact but don’t be fooled, its myriad internal and external pockets will house everything you need and more. Handily, it clips directly onto your stroller upon touch down too.
You may think a portable baby monitor is not required for holiday, but it is indeed key to enjoy those scarce moments of relaxation time while the baby is asleep. Whether you want to enjoy the balcony of your hotel room, or staying in a private villa, it allows you to monitor your little ones without risking disturbing them by popping your head into their room. Not all baby monitors are made equal. For travel, you want it compact, packable and as fuss-free to use as possible. Enter the Nanit Pro. This ultra high spec camera connects to the app on your phone, allowing seamless monitoring (without needing to pack extra equipment). Alerts are considered for when a baby truly needs you, such as standing up in bed or crying out (unlike some monitors which buzz incessantly with every roll or turn). Plus it offers additional levels of intelligent detection to calm anxieties — from Breathing Motion Monitoring, to temperature and humidity and even sleep analytics. The Flex Stand is lightweight and portable for on-the-go, offering a clear picture of your child while you unwind with a glass of wine.
There’s no doubt about it, applying suncream to strong-willed children can be a relentless battle. Thankfully, Solar Buddies may well have the solution. This nifty Sunscreen Applicator features a rollerball and surrounding sponge ring allowing children to independently apply lotion without spillage, waste or messy, sticky fingers. The chunky design easily fits into little hands aiding this independent application. It fits perfectly into hand luggage, and with a refillable bottle, you can fill with your formula of choice. We covet Green People’s SPF50+, the scent-free, ultra-hydrating formula (thanks to jojoba and aloe vera) melts into skin like a dream, formulated with sensitive, eczema-prone complexions in mind.
You probably already think your child is cooler than you, and they are about to become even cooler thanks to Babiators. The smartest sunglasses choice for style-conscious parents. The various styles (from classic wayfarers to playful heart-shaped lenses) are virtually indestructible and unbendable while offering superlative sun protection. Lightweight and comfortable, your toddler will happily wear them for hours, but if you need a little help, each order comes with a strap to keep them in place.
We all know sleeping in a new room for the first time can leave you feeling out of sorts, so minimise the impact on little ones with the genius SlumberPod. It is essentially a bottomless pop-up tent crafted from breathable fabric which encases travel cots and mini cribs. It blocks out 95% of light, creating a private cocoon making it ideal for family suites (so grown ups can stay up later than 8pm!). Plus, internal pockets to house cot fans and baby monitor cameras provide further sleep aid.
Adventure-seeking families will love the Thule Sapling backpack; perfect for hiking, exploring and more. No complex instructions are required, it comes fully assembled so you can belt up seamlessly and go.
The ErgoRide seat is a stroke of genius, keeping little ones comfortable for longer, maximising your time outdoors and making memories. There are no traditional irksome stirrups, allowing full support for your child’s legs while allowing them the freedom to kick around happily. Plus the extendable UPF50 sunshade and clever ventilation keeps them cool. Despite initially appearing quite bulky (with a 22L tank for hiking essentials) it is surprisingly lightweight, with a fully adjustable torso and hip belt for a superlative fit for the parent. The side zips are also convenient to access your gear on-the-go, with no need to remove the backpack.
I’ve always been a fan of packing cubes; however, the need for organised packing leaps ten fold with a baby involved. Simplify finding your child’s favourite toy, muslin, change of clothes etc in transit with The Little Luggage Co’s cleverly labelled bags for your many on-the-go needs. In a chintzy leopard print design, this independent retailer proves practicality need not be dull.
A durable picnic blanket is a stalwart in every parent’s arsenal as soon as the sun emerges, and this one from Red Equipment is particularly hardworking, taking you and your family from the park to the beach, campsite and beyond. It’s as high spec as they come: 100% waterproof, highly durable to withstand all terrain and it even incorporates 3M Thinsulate insulation, keeping the whole family warm as temperatures drop. It’s incredibly lightweight, and packs down small, plus it's treated to repel moisture — ideal for the inevitability of knocked over juice boxes and wipe clean for sticky fingers.
Babies' skin is ultra sensitive. Even at 6 months plus, when suncream can be used, you want to keep little ones protected as much as possible. When a hat and sunglasses just won’t suffice, Liewood’s pop up beach tent provides some much needed respite from the sun. With a generous canopy shade it offers UV 40+ protection, and a capacious space for children to shelter and play in comfort. Plus, the underwater print will charm and delight. Designed with convenience in mind (a non-negotiable for parents) the set up is effortless in seconds, (and with some practice!) the pack down is equally as fuss-free.
Rooted in timeless Scandinavian design, with a focus on year-round outdoor adventures you’ll love Wheat’s conscious clothing almost as much as your child does. We particularly covet their swimwear (and wish it was available in adult size) — it’s exemplary of the hand-drawn designs Wheat excels in. The Doris swimsuit comes replete with playful frill details, which compliment the wild fauna print, plus it’s constructed from the softest and stretchiest jersey, with built-in UPF 40+ protection for endless play — stylish and comfortable in equal measure. The matching Bora Sun Hat with a wide brim, not only looks adorable but is oh so practical too.
As children grow they are far less amenable to sitting in their pram, wanting to be on the move and independent, which can be a tricky juggle when travelling. Thankfully smarTrike’s Wonder Max offers a solution. This whizzy stroller-trike is ideal for families on-the-go. Functioning as a stroller it offers superlative comfort with a seat reclining to 140° for naps, extensive canopy and a generous seat for growing toddlers. At just 6.5kg it is lightweight and nimble, folding to carry-on dimensions in seconds. As a stroller-trike babies can experiment with the pedals, while you remain in control, manoeuvring them through busy airport terminals with ease. As little ones become toddlers, growing in size and confidence, you can engage the independent riding mode by attaching the pedals and letting them steer.
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