Nota bene: All products in this article are independently selected and vetted by InsideHook editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Whether you were an avid traveler before having kiddos and don’t want to give that up, or you just love the idea of showing your little ones the world, I’m here to tell you it’s entirely possible to jet set with them in tow. The caveat is that it’s vastly different from adventuring without them For starters, traveling with kids requires more planning and packing (yes, you can still be team carry-on, but it will take some creativity). Tots — tiny as they may be — simply require more stuff: diapers, bottles, toys, clothes, modes of transport (spoiler alert: I will dive deep into the benefits of strollers and carriers) and other miscellaneous gear.
While I’m certainly not suggesting that first-time parents have to run out and spend thousands of dollars on pack-and-plays, convertible blackout shades, state-of-the-art travel strollers and every little trinket that promises to keep kids busy, stocking up on a few go-to items will make your life a lot easier while traveling. Trust me, I’ve taken our little guy along on dozens of different adventures. From quick weekend getaways to Cape May to a month bopping around Portugal, it’s forced us to get creative with on-the-go naps and turned the act of transforming a hotel room into a baby-friendly sleep sanctuary into second nature. These essentials for traveling with young kids easily get my stamp of approval.
Meet your guide
More Like This
We've put in the work researching, reviewing and rounding up all the shirts, jackets, shoes and accessories you'll need this season, whether it's for yourself or for gifting purposes. Sign up here for weekly style inspo direct to your inbox.
