New Mommy Travel Essentials

As a brand new mommy, getting the right travel gear for our little guy is a must. With a trip to Sea Ranch planned for next week — Grant will be a month old — and a work trip booked for New York two months after, it was time to call in the experts. Baby gear guru and CEO and Founder of giggle, Ali Wing, shares her top 10 new mommy travel essentials:

1.    Make packing part of the fun. If your child is big enough to have his or her own bag, make it a good one! The Trunki Ride-On Suitcase is not only colorful and kid-friendly, it has a contoured shape that turns it into a seat. Your child can even ride on it while you pull!

2.    Catch some responsible rays. Summer vacations mean fun in the sun, so pack a little sunscreen to protect your little one’s skin from harmful rays. We love Supergoop for its weightless texture and Shady Day Sunscreen Wipes for their convenience and ease of application.

3.    Bring along entertainment. Bored kids are restless kids, so bring along plenty of quiet but interactive activities to engage them during travel. One of our favorites is the Do Art Travel Easel which packs in hours worth of art supplies – and both come in their own portable travel case.

4.    Prepare for potties. Just made it out of Pampers? Lucky you. And for your reward, you’ll now be visiting every public toilet and airplane bathroom from here to Grandma’s. But a Travel Potty Seat is easy to take along and makes a nice layer between your child and the rest of the world.

5.    B.Y.O. Bed. What are the best bets for beds when you’re away from home? For infants up to four months, try a Snuggle Nest that lets your baby sleep with you. For crawlers or younger, try a Phil & Teds Traveller Cot, which will fit in your suitcase and can double as an infant playpen. We also love the Peapod, which is great for naps on the go and toddler overnights.

6.    Capture the memories. No more lugging a big video camera along! The tiny Flip Mino is a digital video camera that’s small enough to toss in a purse or carry in a shirt pocket! And it’s super easy to operate: One touch and you’re rolling – perfect for recording your favorite moments of your baby’s vacation!

7.    Make a highchair – anywhere!  Be prepared for the meals on the go with the Wriggle Wrapper, which ties onto almost any chair and holds your child securely in place when a highchair is nowhere to be found.

8.    Don’t lug your car seat. Most car rental companies can provide a car seat along with your car. If you do need to bring your own, we love the GoGo Kidz Travelmate, a handy set of wheels that lets you roll your car seat, child and all, through airports.

9.  Don’t forget your baby monitor. They’re often overlooked when packing, but if you’re staying in anything bigger than a hotel room, you’ll be glad you brought it along. Try the Graco Digital Deluxe iMonitor with both audio and vibrating alerts, or the Philips DECT Baby Monitor – guaranteed to work without interference wherever you’re visiting!

10. Pack a travel health kit. Having a sick baby when you’re away from home is no fun for anyone, but being prepared can help save you some stress. A good place to start is our Summer Infant Essentials Kit. You can also put together your own; just be sure to include a thermometer.

Though my new mommy worries haven’t subsided (will they ever?), I now feel a little more in control of what travel adventures lie ahead…

Travel on fellow moms!