Traveling can be trying even during the best of times. Throw a toddler and a pandemic into the mix, and you’ve got the makings of a very stressful travel experience. While you can’t eliminate travel stress altogether, you can reduce it with careful preparation. When you’re traveling with a baby, an enjoyable trip begins with the right travel stroller.
Packing Smart (and Light) Is Key to Traveling With Baby!
Traveling with a baby takes a considerable amount of planning. From burp cloths to baby wipes, you’ll have to be prepared to handle life away from the comfort and security of your home.
Here are four things that you need to pack for a trip with a baby:
#1 Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are luggage organizers that allow you to reach for needed items in a snap. A set of cubes comes in small, medium, and large sizes that help you to optimize the space in your suitcases. The tear-resistant cubes accommodate baby clothes, toys, and books.
#2 Diaper Changing Pad
On-the-go diaper changes are inevitable. However, you never know if your chosen pit stop is clean or not. Having a travel diaper changing pad folded away in your bag can lower your anxiety if you need to change your baby in a place that’s not clean.
#3 Diaper Backpack
When you’re traveling with your toddler, the amount of things that you need to hand carry seems to triple. In these cases, the diaper backpack is a must-have accessory. The main compartment and side pockets of a diaper backpack hold diapers, bottles, clean clothes, and more.
Choosing a diaper backpack instead of a diaper bag leaves your hands free to carry other things. Many diaper backpacks are made of stain-resistant materials that you can easily wipe clean after minor accidents.
#4 Travel Stroller
Packing smart is packing light when it comes to traveling with a toddler. A high-quality, lightweight stroller is a must. While the heavy-duty jogger stroller that your mom gave you is great for in-town use, those strollers won’t do for out-of-town trips. You’ll have to check strollers that weigh over 20 pounds at the ticket counter. This means that you’ll have to carry your toddler and all of your gear through the airport until you reach your assigned gate. Choose a travel stroller that’s lightweight and versatile enough to be folded into a rental car trunk. Many models have reclining features that allow you to put your baby down for a nap on the go.
PRO TIP! We found this great travel stroller by Mima Kids to be highly rated with wonderful specifications that line up with someone in the market for a stroller with high mobility!
When Shopping For a Stroller Bigger Isn’t Always Better
When you first found out that you were pregnant, cutting out leisure travel probably never crossed your mind. Well-meaning friends and family members suggested it, and now you know why.
Babies are high maintenance when it comes to traveling. Your first instinct will be to buy a travel system stroller that has all of the bells, whistles, and cargo space. However, you’ll find that those heavy strollers can be a drag on your travel plans. Weighing in at up to 28 pounds, the average travel system is hard to maneuver on to airplanes and other forms of public transportation.
You’re better off getting a lightweight stroller that folds up for easy portability. These strollers move easily through the aisles of airplanes and fold up compactly to fit into overhead bins. Some offer full functionality and weigh as little as 12 pounds.
Consider How Often You Travel
You have a choice between two types of travel strollers. One is lightweight but is made of lower-quality materials and construction. The other is a deluxe model that’s durable and featherlight. The luxury model has a few bells and whistles that you really love, but you’re not sure that they are worth the extra spend.
If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll want to choose the more durable model that has the extra features. Your stroller will roll through multiple airports and collapse into dozens of car trunks by the time that your baby outgrows it. If this sounds like your family, you’ll want a travel stroller that will hold up to excessive wear and tear. Buying a more durable travel stroller is also ideal when you’re preparing for baby #2.
When Fashion Meets Function
Travel strollers can do more than just get you and your baby from Point A to Point B efficiently. The stroller that you choose can also reflect your personal style. When your travel stroller doubles as an urban stroller, you’ll want one that incorporates cute colors and the latest safety features into a modern design.
Conclusion
Children grow up fast, and you want to spend as much time with them as possible. By bringing them along on trips, you introduce them to an exciting new world. A well-designed travel stroller can make your adventures more enjoyable.
