Here at Direct4Baby, we know that packing for a holiday can be stressful at the best of times, but it can be even more stressful when you’re packing for your little one too. And, whilst a family holiday is a great chance to spend some quality time together and create those all-important early memories, it’s important that you cover the essentials to ensure a smooth journey and ultimately, a holiday that can be enjoyed to the fullest by all. To help make that stress-free holiday a reality, there are a number of items that we believe are essential when packing to keep your child comfortable, safe and happy during your travels.
So, if you’re worried about forgetting something, or simply have no idea where to start when it comes to packing for a flight or long holiday with your newborn, then we’ve created a Direct4Baby checklist for travelling with your baby - designed to help parents enjoy tot-friendly, family fun without the fuss. Keep reading as we share essential parenting travel advice, product recommendations and more, including a key checklist of items for you and your baby that will take the stress out of holiday planning.
Essentials for getting your little one from A to B
A lightweight pushchair
Whether you like to indulge in relaxing coastal holidays spent strolling along the beachfront and lounging by the pool, or prefer an adventurous weekend exploring new cities - investing in a lightweight, easy-to-fold stroller can make all the difference. A good-quality, lightweight pram can ensure that travelling around your hotel and getting out-and-about is a breeze. Holidays can often mean long days and late nights, so a comfortable, reclining holiday pram is the no.1 baby travel essential, and if you’re travelling via plane, a lightweight, foldable to cabin-size pushchair is a perfect choice that makes travelling abroad with a little one just that little bit easier.
The Silver Cross Special Edition Jet Stroller is highly recommended for holiday-loving parents. Designed specifically for an on-the-go lifestyle, the Jet Stroller has been made to fold down to the dimensions of a standard carry-on cabin bag, perfect for frequent flyers. This lightweight stroller also comes equipped with a handy cover to keep everything neatly tucked away and protected during travel. And, when fully folded, this stroller can be wheeled like a small suitcase for added convenience and ease of carrying when taking your baby on a plane with you.
Whether you’re travelling with a tot, or you’re planning a post-baby getaway with a newborn, the Silver Cross Special Edition Jet Stroller is suitable from birth up to 15kg and is available at Direct4Baby. Prams are always one of the larger investments you make for your child, that’s why Silver Cross designed the Jet Stroller to adapt and grow with your little one, with a soft lie-flat seat and multi-position reclining backrest - perfect for the ever changing needs of your baby as they grow.
And if you’re jetting off to seek out some sunshine, it’s important to remember to bring a parasol with you. Whilst there are a number of baby parasols available on the market, the best sunshade for a buggy is a parasol that offers UPF 50+ sun protection. At Direct4Baby, we stock a number of UV protection stroller parasols, including the specially designed Babyzen Parasols. Along with a number of lightweight, foldable buggy parasol alternatives from Silver Cross, Mima and more, so you can enjoy precious family time in the sunshine, without worrying about over exposing your little one to the sun.
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A car seat if you plan on driving while abroad
If you’re planning on driving to and fro when you’re on holiday, then you should be well prepared in advance with a car seat. You can hire car seats when you arrive at your holiday destination, but they typically come with expensive hire rates and the best way to be sure of the quality of a car seat is to take your own and check its relevant safety certifications before you travel.
If you’re already comfortable with the car seat you have at home and are fully knowledgeable on how to safely install it in other vehicles, then we highly recommend that you consider packing your own. Whilst a car seat may seem like extra baggage, there are a number of car seat models that double up as a convenient holiday stroller or baby carrier.
If you’re renting a car, be sure to check that your car seat is compatible with the type of car that you will be renting. For example, ensuring that your hire car will have ISOFIX.
The Doona+ Group 0+ Infant Car Seat, available online at Direct4Baby, is the only baby car seat to be certified as an infant car seat, stroller and reclining cradle, making it the perfect travel companion for parents frequently flying with an infant. Within seconds, the Doona car seat can transform and integrate into a fully adaptable holiday stroller, so you and your little one can be on your way in style and ease - an absolute must-have to add to your packing list of baby holiday essentials.
Essentials for a peaceful night’s sleep on holiday
A Blackout blind
Arguably one of the most innovative parenting travel hacks, a temporary pop-up blackout blind is particularly handy during long haul flights, long drives and if your little ones are suffering from jet lag. Temporary blackout blinds, such as the Tommy Tippee Portable Blackout Blind at Direct4Baby, are designed to help your little one get those all important extra few extra hours of sleep, without sunshine pouring through the windows at difficult times of the day.
The easily fixable sheet attaches with small suction pads so it can simply be pushed onto a window with no worry of leaving marks in the hotel room. As well as shielding your little one’s from the sun for an uninterrupted peaceful night’s sleep, blackout blinds also help to reduce heat and keep the room cooler, which is particularly useful if you’re travelling somewhere hot.
Sleeping Bag
Baby sleeping bags, particularly Travel Grobags, are a handy travel companion making it easy to transfer your little one into a cot, or bed when you arrive at your holiday destination. Removing the need for changing, or the inconvenience of fitting hotel-supplied bedsheets, our collection ofTravel Grobags are the ideal travel option for little ones, particularly if your baby enjoys being swaddled. Made from 100% breathable cotton, our range of lightweight, 0.5 tog grobags at Direct4Baby also work to regulate your little one’s temperature throughout the night, keeping them cool and comfortable as they adjust to the sunny climate.
Essentials for feeding baby on holiday
Sip cups
As you’re likely to be exploring whilst travelling, bringing your own sippy cups for your little one saves the hassle of spilt drinks. Whilst many bars and restaurants may cater to little ones, having your own sippy cup is a more familiar, hygienic option to rely on for your baby.Bibs
The very nature of having a little one means frequent dribbles and spills, so being well-prepared with plenty of bibs is essential. If you’re thinking of packing multiple bibs, consider opting for one silicone, wipe-clean bib instead, available online at Direct4Baby in various holiday-ready prints and styles, including a number of animal motifs. Each featuring a curved built-in crumb catcher tray, these 100% BPA free bibs are stain-resistant, dishwasher safe and fully adjustable. Investing in silicone bibs removes the need for packing countless cotton bibs, as well as ensuring you don’t fall short on holiday, as wipe-clean bibs can be used time and time again. It also means parents don’t have to come home with soggy, soiled bibs or spend time looking for washing machines on holiday, giving you more time to enjoy your time away with your family
Travel Checklist
To pack:
- Lightweight Pram
- Universal Car Seat
- Essential Nappy Bag
- Sleeping Bag or baby Grobag
- Black-out Blind
- Sippy Cup
- Silicone Bib
For the plane:
- Muslins
- Milk / Formula
- Snacks / Baby Food
- Toys
- Baby Blanket