Car seats aren't just for road trips – they are an excellent option for plane travel. (iStock)
No matter what avenue of transport you choose, traveling with an infant or a toddler may seem like a daunting task. That's because long hours in a car or airplane are anxiety-producing, even for adults. With some preparation, you can quickly mitigate some of the circ*mstances that make travel a nightmare, even for the littlest of travelers.
For instance, booking an earlier flight means fewer delays, or hitting the road earlier means arriving at your destination at a good time. And while choosing to travel with a child under two on your lap is an option that could save you money, save your peace of mind and buy some wiggle room with an extra seat. You'll appreciate it once you are up in the air.
There are many considerations you can control that make the unpredictability of travel less of a hassle. We've selected 20 baby travel essentials that will help keep your baby or toddler safe and entertained for hours. You can find them at a discount duringAmazon's February Baby Sale event, which runs from February 1 through the end of the month. If you are anAmazon Prime member, you can have your baby travel essentials delivered to your door in 24 hours. You canjoin or start a 30-day free trialto shop.
Travel with Baby
reperkid Durable Double Stroller Bag for Airplane Travel $35.00, now $29.95
Keep your stroller safe while traveling. (Amazon)
Thisdouble-stroller travel bagmakes your traveling very easy and comfortable. The easily adjustable and padded carry straps keep your hands free, making it easy for you to hold your tickets, coffee and even your baby.
Jeep Unlimited Reversible Handle Stroller $129.99, now $99.99
This stroller is lightweight. (Amazon)
ThisJeep Unlimited Reversible Handle Strolleris a good choice for babies who can sit up alone, and the stroller is also compatible with car seats. The stroller's reversible handle allows the baby to ride parent-facing or forward-facing.
Alpine Muffy Baby Ear Protection for Babies and Toddlers $39.99, now $29.99
Keep baby's ears safe from loud noises with these. (Amazon)
Protect your baby from the loud noises of traveling with theseAlpine Muffy Baby Ear Protection for Babies and Toddlers. These noise-canceling headphones are easily adjusted to fit perfectly around your baby's ears.
blublu Park Inflatable Airplane Bed with sides $45.99, now $39.99
Let your baby nap while travelling. (Amazon)
Packing theblublu Park Inflatable Airplane Bedis a good choice, especially if you will be flying long haul. The bed has two side walls and a three-point seat belt to prevent your baby from rolling off so you can rest while your baby sleeps.
Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrier $37.99, now $32.98
This carrier is great for infants. (Amazon)
If you don't have one before traveling, you'll want to invest in a baby carrier. It will help you move through the airport efficiently and can come in handy if traveling to a destination where you might be climbing hills or steps. ThisInfantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrieris for newborns and older babies up to 32 pounds.
Kopi Baby Portable Diaper Changing Pad $38.99, now $26.99
Everything you need for mobile diaper changes. (Amazon)
ThisKopi Baby Portable Diaper Changing Padis more than just a place to lay your baby for a change. The pad has large pockets and an extra inner pocket for more storage for your baby's essentials so that you can leave the cumbersome diaper bag behind. It's the perfect on-the-go baby station.
Guava Lotus Travel Crib $279.95, now $229.95
An on-the-go crib that isn't bulky. (Amazon)
Make sure your baby will sleep comfortably no matter where you stay with thisGuava Lotus Travel Crib. The crib's 3D Z-Fold technology allows it to fold compact enough to carry through airports. Plus, it is lightweight and sets up in 15 seconds.
NCVI Baby Formula Dispenser On The Go $19.99, now $9.99
Carry your formula safely in this container. (Amazon)
This on-the-godispenser for baby formulahas a silicone sealing ring on the inner lid to keep the baby's food fresh and prevents the formula from getting wet. Use it to store snacks, too.
Cordless Baby Bottle Warmer for Breastmilk or Formula $69.99, now $59.99
This bottle warmer is rechargeable. (Amazon)
Don't leave home without a portable bottle warmer. Thiscordless baby bottle warmeris good for warming formula or breast milk. Just screw the milk bottle directly into the unit, or fit it with the appropriate adapter, then press the power button and feed your baby within minutes. The travel bottle warmer is compact and fits easily into diaper bags.
Chuya Baby Teether Toy $8.99, now $5.39
Teething babies may love this toy. (Amazon)
Keep a teething baby soothed with thisChuya Baby Teether Toy. This teether is made from non-toxic food-grade silicone and is BPA-free. It has the perfect chew texture for baby's needs for relief of discomfort and soft gums.
Evenflo Shyft DualRide Infant Car Seat $549.99, now $439.20
This car seat turns into a stroller. (Amazon)
Car seats are essential for car travel but are also a great way to keep your baby safe on the plane. TheEvenflo Shyft DualRide Infant Car Seattransforms from an infant car seat to a stroller and back with ease.
Travel with Toddler
Kolcraft Cloud Plus Lightweight Easy Fold Compact Toddler Stroller $79.99, now $71.99
Toddler will appreciate this for a nap. (Amazon)
Thislightweight strolleris a good pick to keep your little one comfortable with a multi-position recline, padded seat back and padded five-point safety harness. The easy, compact fold makes it simple to store in your car or when checking in at the airline. Your toddler will love having a place to rest.
Sunany Inflatable Foot Rest Pillow $32.99, now $24.99
This is more than just a foot rest. (Amazon)
TheSunany Inflatable Foot Rest Pillowinflates to fill the gap between two seats. Toddlers can use it as a second tray table or to stretch out and sleep.
Guolely Busy Board Montessori Toy for 1 2 3 4 Year $29.99, now $18.65
Try this board for screen-free entertainment. (Amazon)
Keep your toddler occupied with thisGuolely Busy Board Montessori Toy, suitable for one- to four-year-olds. This easily transportable toy features 25 Montessori toddler activities, including zippers, shoelaces, buttons, belt buckles, jigsaw puzzles, alphabet, clocks and calendar learning games. It is perfect for keeping your child busy on a long car ride.
Lusso Gear Kids Travel Tray for Toddler & Kids $40.00, now $28.95
Keep their tablet and toys safe. (Amazon)
Keep their entertainment gear together with this Lusso Gear Kids Travel Tray for Toddler & Kids. This car seat tray can be used in the car, on airplanes, and with booster seats. Plus, the dry-erase top of this travel tray is large and can be utilized as a surface for snacks or other activities when traveling.
Original Children's EarPlanes $23.27, now $19.95
These earplugs are made for smaller ears. (Amazon)
Have a pair of theseEarPlanesearplugs to help relieve inflight ear discomfort. The earplugs are designed to fit into a child's ear to ease the ear pain caused by changes in cabin pressure when ascending and descending during a flight.
The Honest Company Babe's Mini Must Haves $14.99, now $11.99
Pack grooming essentials safe for baby. (Amazon)
Don't leave home without these must-havetravel-sized essentialsthat come in a reusable pouch. The set includes shampoo, body wash and moisturizers that are gentle enough for baby but great for the whole family.
ALVABABY 2pcs Wet Dry Bags $12.99, now $9.99
These bags are good for storing dry and wet items. (Amazon)
TheseWet Dry Bagswill make transporting soiled items a breeze. Just put any dirty laundry that needs to be washed later in the sealed side for no wicking or leaking.
Evenflo Tribute LX 2-in-1 Lightweight Convertible Car Seat $79.99
Try this lightweight toddler baby seat. (Amazon)
Pack thisEvenflo Tribute LX 2-in-1 Lightweight Convertible Car Seatfor easy-to-transport safety. This fan-favorite offers a budget-friendly choice without sacrificing safety, comfort or ease. The seat's compact design is ideal for smaller vehicles and plane travel.
Hand Sanitizer Wipes by Boogie Wipes $8.99
Keep little hands clean with these wipes. (Amazon)
Pack theseBoogie Hand Wipesto keep little hands clean. These wipes are antibacterial, alcohol-free, hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested. They are made with aloe to moisturize the skin and come in a resealable pack.
Nora Colomer is a personal finance writer for Fox Business' Strategic Initiatives team.
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