Travel Essentials for Babies/Toddlers

It’s summer time and the time for a long awaited vacation. My Husband (Abhinav) finally took an off from work after a very busy and hectic season 😀

India being a tropical country is hot and humid during monsoon (June to September). Thus travelling in north India during this period is quite a heavy task with a toddler. We decided to visit Vrindavan & Agra in Uttar Pradesh for 3 days. Though it was moderately hot but was quite humid.

Whether we travel by train or road/car, we have to make a checklist while traveling with a baby or toddler which should include the following travel essentials –

• Cotton Clothes and Nightwear Sets

I prefer cotton clothes for whole day, frocks or cotton top with shorts during the outing and similarly loose cotton clothes for sleeping time. Since it helps in absorbing sweat, dries faster than other fabrics and keeps the baby cool and comfortable

• Diapers and Wet Wipes

Since Vrisha is on teething, I keep some extra diapers, lot of wet wipes and dry tissues too, as few times you don’t get water to clean the poop and wipe off the sweat/moisture or dirt

• Medicines

Always carry a theromometer and medicines prescribed by your doctor for common cough, cold, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea. These are very helpful in case of emergency

• Mosquito Reppelent or Sticker

Quite necessary these days since we hear of so many cases of dengue and malaria. I usually keep it with me all the time

• Baby Care Products

Anti-rash cream, sunscreen, oil, powder, shampoo and soap or body wash

• Cotton Scarf or Dupatta

Breastfeeding mothers should always carry this while traveling. This sometimes also helps in covering your baby, thus avoiding exposure to sunlight and scorching heat

• Hat or Cap

To cover your baby’s head, keep a big hat. It guards against heat and direct sunlight exposure, since it can cause itchiness in eyes and dehydration

• Filtered Water

Make your baby drink lot of fluids when out in sun. Juices, coconut water and always carry or buy filtered water and for babies under 6 months (exclusive breastfed babies) should get frequent feeds while traveling, It prevents dehydration

• Hand Sanitizer 

Just like wet wipes you might also need hand sanitizer

• Easy Snacks and Feeding Bibs

For unexpected hunger pangs, I always carry some fruit (usually banana) and steamed veggies ( potato, carrot etc.) for my 18 months old munchkin. Yogurt or plain curd is also Vrisha’s favorite and easy to carry while traveling. Frequent breastfeeding is also advisable for young toddlers to boost their immune system. Don’t forget to keep baby bibs, nowadays disposable feeding napkins are also readily available since there utilization is rather facile

• Car Seat and Baby Stroller

If you’re traveling by road you’ll need a baby car seat and a stroller. It’s indeed important for the safety of your kid and moreover for your own comfort while traveling

• Umbrella & Plastic Bags

Last but not the least, since you are out in monsoon with a baby or toddler and you do not want them to get drenched. Plastic bags will be needed to keep soiled diapers or other waste and wet clothes

Be prepared and docile enough for sudden changes during alarming circumstances such as your baby falling ill with diarrhea or fever. Sometimes you need to change your complete itinerary.

Whilst nobody is perfect so do I, few times I also forget something or the other and that’s how our human mind works. One more point I just forgot to mention above, always carry a small sling bag since you will always need some wipes, diapers, a snack and sipper, thus it’ll keep your stuff handy.

if you also forget things while packing your stuff like I do, then do share your experiences in the comment section below.