The Travel Guide
Traveling with a baby and/or a toddler is SO hard! We have done our fair share of restaurants, overnights, long drives, and more with a baby, a toddler and BOTH kids! So here are my breakdowns of things we have used and liked!
Remember that baby doesn’t need A LOT of liquid when offering cups and straws. It’s just good to get practice in before the transition off of bottles occurs around 12 months of age! It takes time to learn skills, so give your baby the time they need to learn them!
Traveling with cups consistently is not necessary for most babies at 6 months of age, but these are good to start using with babies as they approach 1 year old.
The cups for 6 months-2 years of age have NO valve or a valve that does not greatly impact flow (make sure you read the descriptions for all the info!) Valves can cause littles to bite the straw or fix their jaw in an atypical position when drinking, so we want to avoid that with new drinkers.
The cups for 2 years + have valves, but since littles can likely drink well by this age, using a spill-proof cup with a valve when needed shouldn’t negatively impact their development.
The Num Num Spill Proof Cup: This cup has a free-flowing straw and is decently spill proof, making it a great choice from an oral motor perspective for new drinkers! Valveless straws are the best as they don’t restrict water flow and baby doesn’t have to put their jaw in an atypical position to drink (like biting or using excessive force). Love this one for travel, and the handles are great! Another top choice for baby’s first travel cup.
The Grosmimi Cup: This cup has a very small valve at the top of the straw that doesn’t greatly impact the flow of the liquid, so it’s a good choice from an oral motor standpoint! It is an expensive cup for plastic, so it’s not my top choice, but it is decently spill proof and comes with a travel lid! Great for about 6 months and older.
The Lollaland Weighted Straw Cup: This cup is my favorite weighted straw because it does not have a valve. A valve is a piece of material in the straw itself that is a spill proof feature BUT it requires babies to suck extremely hard to get liquid out, since a lot of force is needed to get the valve open. This cup is not 100% spill proof when the top is down, but when the top is pulled over and the straw is pinched down instead, it is. The handles are also removable so it easily fits in the side pocket of a diaper bag for travel! This is one of my favorite cups for milk since it’s easiest to clean and there aren’t a lot of nooks and crannies. Great first travel cup!
The Thermos Funtainer: This is my favorite travel cup for littles 9-10 months and older since it’s very easy to open and shut and the straw is skinnier, so not as much liquid can be sucked through! It also comes in lots of sizes and colors so if your little one likes it, you have options for a long while! Love this one for infancy into toddlerhood!
Dr. Brown’s Milestones Cup: This is NOT my favorite cup for baby, but it’s a very cost effective option, so I like to include it. It has a valve under the lid, so making sure that the straw is not too tightly suctioned to the lid is key! If the lid is pulled through the top too tightly, it is very hard to suck from, so try to loosen if you’re noticing that it’s hard! It’s pretty spill-proof and for only $6 it’s a decent choice! I’d use for about 6 months and older.
The Thermos Funtainer: This is my favorite travel cup for infants AND toddlers overall since it’s very easy to open and shut and the straw is skinnier, so not as much liquid can be sucked through! It also comes in lots of sizes and colors so if your little one likes it, you have options for a long while! Love this one for infancy into toddlerhood!
Owala Straw Cup: This stainless steel cup also has a pretty strong valve that requires biting to break the seal and suck liquid up. I don’t recommend for littles under 2 years or so who are learning how to drink because we don’t want them to learn how to drink by biting! But once your little one can drink from a straw normally and is competent with drinking, using a valve is not a big issue!
The Klean Kanteen Straw Cup: My new favorite stainless steel and silicone cup for older toddlers! The cap twists to close making it spill proof and the design is easy to clean. It requires some good fine motor skills for littles to open and close by themselves so it’s best for about 2.5 years and older. It’s also 12 ounces so a good cup for toddlers and preschoolers who drink lots of water throughout the day! Sometimes the smaller bottles just aren’t enough.
Munchkin Cool Cat: This stainless steel cup has a pretty strong valve that requires biting to break the seal and suck liquid up. I don’t recommend for littles under 2 years or so who are learning how to drink because we don’t want them to learn how to drink by biting! But once your little one can drink from a straw normally and is competent with drinking, using a valve is not a big issue!
Zak Straw Cup: This stainless steel cup also has a pretty strong valve that requires biting to break the seal and suck liquid up. I don’t recommend for littles under 2 years or so who are learning how to drink because we don’t want them to learn how to drink by biting! But once your little one can drink from a straw normally and is competent with drinking, using a valve is not a big issue!
Pura Kiki Plastic Free Water Bottle: I LOVE that this water bottle is plastic free! It does have a small valve that slightly impacts water flow, so I don’t love it for babies learning how to drink, but for toddlers who already have the skill down, it’s a thumbs up for me! 18 months + is likely best!
WeeSprout Sectioned Plates: These suction plates come with lids, so they are perfect to use at home or on the go! I like bringing my own tableware for babies and toddlers so they don’t accidentally break a ceramic plate. And familiarity is key. No need to worry about a mess from the restaurant, you can just put the lid on and clean up at home.
Stasherbags: I like these to host dirty utensils after eating at the restaurant. That way you don’t have to worry about dirty utensils in your bag or cleaning them there. You can just put them in and go. This bag is great quality and can also be used for storing snacks, etc.!
Travel Spoon + Fork with Case: I love this little silicone set because the spoon and fork are nice and short- which makes it easy for baby and toddler to self-feed. Plus the little carrying case makes them easy to transport! Just wash it all when you get home!
Oxo Bibs: This bib doubles as a place to put pieces of food for your older baby as the bucket is very wide and structured. Then, just roll it up when you’re all done eating and button it up! Makes it easy to travel with.
Stainless Steel Travel Spoon and Fork with Case: This is another great set for older toddlers who use stainless steel at home! The carrying case is also great and washable- so you can put dirty utensils back in after use and just wash when you get home!
Highchair/Shopping Cart Cover: A MUST HAVE for both restaurants and the grocery store! I love how it provides some cushion for smaller babies, and it has a drink older and teether holder! Just pop in the washer when you’re done and it’s good to go.
WeeSprout Snack Containers: A great option to hold snacks & I love that it’s silicone! Easy to clean too as no little compartments that trap food.
Busy Baby Mat: This is a lifesaver. There is a larger version, but depending on how large your table is at the restaurant, it might be too big. So smaller can be safer! Suction it to the table, use the two inside sections as a place to put food, attach teethers or utensils to the strings and nothing will hit the floor. PRO TIP: If you’re having trouble getting the mat to stick on the table, put a few drops of water or coconut oil under them to help them stick.
Silicone Bento Box: This is great for on the go, and it’s super cute! Great to send to daycare or just pack on a day out. Better yet- have your little one help you pack it so they get some experience with food prep, and they are more likely to pack what they eat themselves!
Hiccapop Travel Booster Seat: So you don’t have to lug your high chair to grandma’s house or on vacation, this travel high chair is a great option! It can secure to a dining chair like a booster or just be used on the floor. It has a wide seat, so it can grow with your baby into toddlerhood. TIP: Roll up some towels or blankets on either side of baby if they don’t seem so stable in this chair. Can help them sit up better!
Masher Bowl: The best $7 you’ll spend, and it comes with a lid! When Paul was just starting solids, I would bring this with me to help mash down any foods we were eating at the restaurant (beans with guacamole, rice mixture, oatmeal with berries, etc.) Just a quick mash down and he could eat what we were eating, too! You can use at home as well to quick mash a banana or other foods.
Olababy Bowl: It has a suction bottom and comes with a lid, making it so great for travel! And then use it at home, too. Simple and useful!
Baby Einstein Musical Toy: Perfect for about 3 months and older, this rattle plays the best classical beats and motivates baby to keep hitting that big button to hear more! It’s not too loud and baby can hold in their lap.
The Hungry Caterpillar Carseat Toy: It plays the CUTEST song “You are my Sunshine.” And the different tags, teethers, and little mirror motivate baby reach and grab. Hang it on the carseat or stroller bar!
Spinning Suction Toys: We love these! Fun for the bath, or suctioning on a plane window, airplane tray, or the high chair. Good for busy hands, especially on the go!
The Crinkle Fish: This doubles as a book AND a toy! I love that it has little flaps to encourage reaching and grasping, a teether, a squeaker, AND a mirror. It’s a great toy for the car, tummy time, and while sitting on your lap!
Whose Feet? Book: This cute cloth book helps identify animals in a fun way- by their feet! This is a great book to start reading around 3 months + and your toddler will still enjoy it! Keeps baby engaged in your lap or in their car seat/stroller.
Pop-Up Toy: Great toy for in baby’s lap! They can easily push down the pop ups and you can model functional words like “up, down, more, pop” and signs like up and down and clapping, too!
Suction Wonder Wheel: Suction to a travel high chair tray, the plane tray, a table, a counter, and any smooth surface! Will keep baby engaged for a bit and prompt them to reach and “spin!”
Farmer’s Market Basket: This soft “fill and spill” toy is great for on-the-go since all the pieces can stay together! Baby can hold on to them and take them “out” and put them “in” the bag!
Wooden Rattle: Something easy for baby to hold on to and shake, this wooden rattle is great to have on hand!
Take-Along Shape Sorter: Keeps all the shapes in one place! Just unzip to dump the shapes out and put them back again! I love how portable it is! A great toy to travel with.
The Silicone Zippee: After the other flying saucer looking toy got recalled, we found this all silicone option that gives baby options to pull, push, squeeze and teethe! My daughter loves it!
Nuby Wooden Teething Ring: Busy mouths are just as important as busy hands when traveling! This teething ring is made from wood and silicone and makes a great choice!
KEEP TOYS FROM FALLING TO THE FLOOR!
These silicone strings can attach to toys- just tie one end around the toy or cup, and the other end around a stroller bar, the high chair strap, or the car seat handle! GENIUS. Plus baby can mouth these strings as teethers themselves, as they are silicone.
Matching Eggs: These are great for color and shape recognition and fine motor skills, and can also be used for pretend play while your little one makes breakfast for you! Easy to pack up and portable.
Busy Backpack: Another good option for keeping toddlers busy while you’re out and about, and it helps develop their fine motor skills. It’s functional, too - they can pack a few other toys in it!
LED Drawing Pad: Another great toy to take when you’re on-the-go. It can easily be packed in the diaper bag and entertain a toddler!
Melissa & Doug Take-Along Farm: Love that all the crinkle animals fold up into the play mat and velcro close! Set the scene for pretend play and then easily clean up as it stores within itself in a bag!
Mess Free Painting: This “magic” brush paints only on the special Color Wonder Paper and nothing else, so no mess on walls! Perfect to travel with so your little one can get creative without making a huge mess!
Silicone Magnet Men: These little silicone figures are magnetic, so your little one can make all kinds of patterns and lines with them! Will keep them entertained for a long time! Safest for 3 years and older, supervise use!
The Electricity Board: Both my littles love this one! It has several switches and buttons that help with fine motor development, and can keep your little one entertained for a bit. Best for about 18 months and up!
Water Wow Coloring Pads: Color with water, let it dry and you can color again! No paint mess but you still get to paint! You just fill up the pen with water and they can color- no water cup needed. AWESOME.
Melissa & Doug Take-Along Tabletop Train: Paul has and loves. It provides great opportunities to target functional language like, “go” and “stop.” Easy to travel with and occupy your little one, too.
Foil Fun: Transfer foil on top of pages to “color!” This is best for an older toddler with help for a school-aged child alone, but it can grow with your little one over time. Great for a plane ride or a long car ride with some assistance!
Sticker Book: On of the best on Amazon, and best priced too! We have the Animal Habitats and Around the Town books, and Paul loves creating a scene (sometimes at the restaurant- sometimes in the book hahaha). It keeps him occupied until the food comes and sometimes between courses, waiting for the check etc. Keeping one of these in the car when you have to go somewhere quiet (doctor’s office, waiting room, restaurant, etc) is a great idea!
Tonie Box: We love listening to the stories and songs and taking this box on the go! We have this carrying case for it, so it’s easy to transport, and you can get headphones and plug them into the jack so your little one can listen in quiet areas (like the plane)! Cookie Monster, Lion King, and Sully are our favorite Tonies!
Magnetic Blocks: No more getting upset that the tower falls over! These help littles feel accomplished when building a tower and they come with a great little carrying case!
The Silicone Zippee: After the other flying saucer looking toy got recalled, we found this all silicone option that gives baby options to pull, push, squeeze and teethe! My daughter loves it!
Pop Tubes: These are the cheapest thing, but are so much fun! They make a fun noise, can be formed into a long line or circles, wear them as a hat or make rings to jump into, and more! A low-cost staple toy for on the go!
Magnetic Men: These silicone men stick together and are so much fun. Use them for pretend play, or to make fun shapes and lines. Easy to clean and transport (for 3 years + and supervise).
Mini Magnatiles: Compete with a carrying case tin, these are so much fun for on-the-go! Magnetiles can be heavy to transport, so these are a great low-weight alternative.
Magnetic Car Board: Use the magnetic pen attached to put each car in their parking spot! No pieces can fall out and it works on fine motor skills and its a lot of fun!
Squigz: Why didn’t I buy these sooner? They stick to tables, tubs, windows, and each other to make fun designs and popping noises. Easy to clean, support hand strength and fine motor skills, and SO much fun!
Baby Bjorn Travel Crib: This travel crib is my favorite out of the three listed because it is SO easy to put together, and it folds up into a nice thin square that can fit in a trunk or SUV hatch. My toddler slept in this until he was 3 so we got tons of use out of it from 6 months +!
Guava Lotus Travel Crib: For my nursing-to-sleep daughter, this one was a good fit! you can nurse in sidelying with baby inside the travel crib and you on the outside- then zip up the side when you’re done and they are in their own space! We also have the bassinet attachment and used it when she was very little. It also folds up small for travel.
Pack ‘n Play: This is the most cost-effective option as it comes with a bassinet attachment and can be used as a travel crib! It also can fold up small into a camp chair style traveling case.
Slumberpod: Pop this over any travel crib set up you have and it’s super dark!
Organic Cotton Blanket: This was my toddler’s first blanket and I also loved the size for the car! Since littles shouldn’t wear puffy coats in the car seat, this blanket helped keep baby cozy warm and wasn’t so big that it got stuck in the door.
Hatch Sound Machine: I love using this at home and packing on the go! You can program it to come on and turn off from your phone, and easily control the loudness level from another room. Remember to keep the sound machine about 6 feet or more from baby and no louder than 50 dB. Downloading a decibel reader app can help you make sure it’s not too loud.
O2 Organic Cotton Sleepers: I love these! 100% organic cotton, so soft, and wash & wear really well.
Copper Pearl Sleep Sacks: My absolute favorite sleep sacks- they wash and wear so well and you don’t have to take it off to change baby in the middle of the night! The zipper at the bottom is the best!
Burt’s Bees Organic Cotton Sleepers (boy’s and girl’s): I love these organic cotton sleepers! They wash well and come in so many fun prints.
Portable Night Light: Every mom should have one of these! Dim it with just a push of your finger and flip it over completely to turn it off. Perfect for middle of the night feedings and diaper changes.
Portable Sound Machine: This is a game changer. Clip it near the carseat or stroller while baby naps on-the-go, or use it in a hotel room, etc. for a familiar white noise to fall asleep to. We love ours.
Baby Jogger City Mini: We have this and love - it handles like a Honda Civic. It can fold up with one hand AND stores easily in the trunk or SUV.
UppaBaby Vista Stroller: This is the Cadillac of strollers and can convert to a double stroller if you buy the Rumble Seat attachment. The bassinet piece is great for when baby is tiny so they can lay and sleep while you get a walk in. Easy to open and collapse and handles like a boss. Huge storage space underneath, too.
Single or Double Umbrella Stroller: The double fits through any standard doorway (which is a big deal), they both recline back far, have an extended sun shade and a lot of storage behind the seats and underneath! Super easy to collapse and travel friendly.
Wonder Wagon: I know this thing is PRICEY! But wow is it awesome. We take it on walks, to the zoo, to the park, you name it. It handles so much better than a double stroller and all the storage is great. We have the 4 seater and it’s very roomy with only 2 kids in it. It folds up decently small and fit in the back of our SUV no problem.
Wildbird Aerial Carrier: The comfiest carrier I own! Every mom should look into one of these - the shoulder and back support are so great and I love that there is a piece to flip up to provide more head support or try and darken baby’s sleep space if they are taking a nap in it.
Solly Baby Wrap: Such a comfortable wrap and great for the newborn to 3 month stage. It really can make baby feel safe and secure like the womb. Machine washable, too!
Tula Free to Grow Carrier: This is a great carrier for newborn to toddler and it’s easy to put on by yourself. It also comes with a newborn covering for the head to create a dark place for baby to sleep!
Tush Baby Carrier: I LOVE this hip carrier. For about 4-5 months and up, it takes all the pressure off your back and it has pockets! I use it as a diaper bag when we run into places like the store or library. It is amazing. And it has a Snug Attachment to make it completely hands-free. Code “EATPLAYSAY” saves 15% on their website.
IF YOU ARE FLYING- HERE ARE SOME WINNERS!
This carseat dolly is the best! Aly on the team uses it every time she flies and it’s so helpful for lugging it on the plane, especially if you’re going to install it in your little one’s seat!
A Slim Lightweight Carseat
This carseat is for 5-40 pounds rear facing and 22-65 pounds forward facing. Slim and easy-to-travel with on the plane or in a rental car. Aly takes it with her when she flies and highly recommends!
Pete the Cat Book Collection: These 5 funny books come in a nice travel case with a handle! Pop it in your carryon and read with your little one during the flight!
3D Stickers: Just bring some plain paper or a notebook and have your little one decorate all the pages! Will keep them occupied for at least 30 minutes, and every half hour counts.
The WayB Travel Carseat: This fits in the backpack it comes with and can go in the overhead compartment! Easy install in the car makes this a great option for families traveling for holidays or on vacation.
My First Airplane Ride Book: Read this to your little one to prep them for the big ride! You can also read it on the plane to talk about the experience as it’s happening.
The Carseat Dolly: Aly on the team uses it every time she flies and it’s so helpful for lugging the carseat on the plane, especially if you’re going to install it in your little one’s seat! You can check the carseat on the jetway and collapse the dolly down.
Twistable Crayons: No mess, just twist and draw! Then twist back up- excellent idea to save those crayon tips from breaking, and perfect for travel. Just bring paper!
Erasable Doodle Pad: Color in the images on the page and then erase them with a wet cloth to color again another time! Genius and comes with a velcro closure to keep it all inside.
Painter’s Tape: When in a pinch, trust me, this is a game changer. Rip the pieces and put them anywhere or smoosh to make a ball and stick stuff to it!
Puffy Sticker Play Set: This Sticker set has 52 reusable stickers and 2 folds out scenes. Your little one can spread it across their lap and create scenes while waiting for the plane, and in the air, too!
Trunk Organizer: You can never find stuff when you’re in a hurry (and when you’re traveling you usually are a bit overwhelmed or in a hurry to get going), so an organized trunk is key. Keep paper towels, a change of clothes, extra wipes, toys, etc in here!
Car Trash Can: It’s cute right? I never remember to bring a bag for trash, so this can hang from the headrest of the front seat and you have a trash can within reach!
Tissue Holder: This goes on your visor! Genius! You always need to squash a bug or have a sneezing fit when there are no tissues in reach- so this solves that problem.
Car Seat Video Monitor: Pop this on your dash and plug it into the voltage outlet and you can clearly see your little one without straining your neck!
First Aid Kit: You just need one. Pop in your console or the glove compartment.
Car Vacuum: Keep this in your trunk or on the floor in the backseat- it’s so small and can easily clean up crumbs or other messes on the go.
Important Documents Holder: Keep your car registration, insurance card and other important car documents all in one spot with this case!
Emergency Kit: Jumper cables, gloves, a head lamp, you name it- it has it. Super important to have this on hand and under $25!
Back of Seat Organizer: Wow where was this when we were kids in the 90s reading the road maps for entertainment??? Fits snacks, water bottles, books, and even has a place to pop a screen if your little one wants to watch a movie!
Cup Holder Gap: This pops in the gap between your seat and adds cup holders to your car. GENIUS. Nothing can fall through the cracks and you get more storage!
Phone holder: This pops right in the vents so you have a place to put your phone to use for navigation and speaker phone calls!
Wet Bag: You never know what’s gonna happen- spilled coffee all over a shirt, a blowout, a pee accident- so these bags keep those wet items away from your dry ones and contain the mess!
Stasher Bag: I like these to host dirty utensils after eating at the restaurant. That way you don’t have to worry about dirty utensils in your bag or cleaning them there. You can just put them in and go. This bag is great quality and can also be used for storing snacks, etc.!
Bumkins Wet Bag: These are great to use if your little one has an accident, spills something, etc. and you don’t want to get everything else in your bag wet or dirty. Can also be used for general organizers in a bag and machine washable.
Dagne Dover Landon Carryall: I LOVE this carryon bag. Comes in S-XL and is so well made. Durable zippers and so much room. Comes with a wet bag and another bag inside for more storage, and it comes with a long strap for crossbody wear, too. We have size XL and it can fit everything for a family of 4 for a few days!
Ruvalino Diaper Bag: A good diaper bag for the price point and comes with a portable changing pad and lots of different storage compartments. This one can also clip easily to the handles of your stroller.
Lululemon Crossbody Bag: Comes in lots of colors and is great to hold a phone, a couple cards or cash, and keep you hands-free!
Mesh Bag Variety Pack: Great for storage, organizing and more. You can use these for toiletries, toys with small pieces, receipts, and more. They’re see-through so you can easily check what’s in the bag before rummaging through them all.
Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag: I have size Large and it’s the best. Comes with smaller bags inside for additional organization and storage- and it fit my entire collection of Dime skincare glass bottles without a problem (makeup included).
Portable Changing Pad: If you’re traveling light, this is great for diaper changes on-the-go. It has a compartment for wipes and a few diapers, etc. and can be worn as a wristlet - or keep in your car for quick changes.
Mama Wristlet: Super easy to throw in a bag for extra organization or use it as a big wristlet. I liked to pack this in my diaper bag when on-the-go for things I needed - snacks, chapstick, etc. And I used in my hospital bag, too.
Crossbody Bag: She is small but MIGHTY. I love the look of this bag and it’s only about $20. It also fits a diaper, travel wipes, snacks, and the big iPhone. It has credit card slots and fits cash, too.
Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Bag: My favorite diaper bag - and I’ve trialed a lot! This bag is spacious, great quality, and the zippers only require one hand. It even has a special place for an adult water bottle. Size Large is great for multiple kids! A game changer.
Don’t forget your packing cubes! They make all the difference for organizing and fitting all your clothes!
For more of my favorites for littles, check out my Amazon Storefront! I have favorite toys, books, feeding utensils, and more - all organized!
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