Our Favorite Travel Gear for Parents, from Car Seats to Travel Cribs

Bayani does it best. Features include a 15-inch laptop sleeve, a luggage sleeve that can double as a zippered compartment, a key leash, two stroller hooks, multiple internal pockets, and more. The material is neoprene, so it’s water-resistant, and with a capacity of 19 liters, it can hold more than you think. Moms, don’t travel without it. ($149.95, Bayani)

This is more than just a sleep solution for  hotels, Airbnbs, or relatives’ houses (although it’s perfect in those situations) — we’ve also used it as a daytime playpen both at home and while traveling. It’s easy to set up and take down, and since it doesn’t have an upper weight limit, it works for toddlers, too. You’ll only have to retire it when your little one learns how to climb out. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

Like the BabyBjorn, this travel “playard” can be used for both sleeping and playing. And while it’s certainly not as luxe (and your kiddo will probably grow out of it sooner), it’s still an excellent and affordable sleep solution — or perfect place to park your baby safely anytime you need to get things done. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

The Nanit is one of our favorite baby monitors, so naturally, we like to take it with us when we travel. While you can take the floor stand version with you on car trips if you have room in the trunk, this shorter travel stand that can be easily placed on a table or bookshelf is even better. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

Trying to maintain your bedtime routine when everything else is out of whack? White noise is always helpful in terms of drowning out any new, potentially distracting sounds in your travel environment. Small and simple, this gadget’s super easy to tote along with you, and it doesn’t even need to be plugged in all night — it can run for up to 24 hours after being charged. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

You’re already spending enough on your trip; you don’t need a fancy travel car seat too. This one gets great marks for safety, works for kids 5-40 pounds, and at under eight pounds on its own, is super portable. The low price point is just another thing to love. ($59, Walmart)

If you travel frequently or live in a city where you’re in and out of cars often (but don’t own your own), the Doona will make your life a lot easier. It’s a stroller and an infant seat all in one, so you don’t need to carry around a separate stroller stand. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

While you might not have gotten excited about a travel potty before kids, parents know this thing is a lifesaver. It’s not nearly as gross to deal with as it might sound: you can fold up the legs and use it on top of a regular toilet seat, or stand it up by itself on the ground and use a single-use bag to easily catch and dispose of everything. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

In some cases, your everyday stroller may be just fine for whatever adventures you have planned. But if your regular ride is too big to fit on a plane, or just too bulky to be folding and unfolding all day long in a new place, one of these options might help. The 13-pound Zoe fits in overhead bins on planes and has a useful self-standing feature. At almost 17 pounds, the Uppababy Minu is a bit heavier, but it has a convenient carrying handle and offers a really smooth ride once you reach your destination. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)($249, Zoe)

An insulated tumbler you can pump right into…and also use as a bottle to feed your baby directly? Ingenious. The Ceres Chill bottle, which can keep 27 ounces of liquid cold for more than 20 hours, is TSA-compliant, and sure to make long travel days easier. Plus, you can even buy it using your FSA. ($68.98, Ceres Chill)

If you’re in the market for a ride-on suitcase, you have options that run the gamut in terms of fanciness and price. If you don’t want to pay a ton, the Trunki (which comes in fun, colorful designs like a bee, firetruck, and ladybug) is a conveniently carry-on-sized option. Upgrade options include the Stokke BedBox, which can also be transformed into an in-flight bed, and the MiaMily Ride-On Carry-On, which has a backrest and can be used as an adult seating option, too. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)($229, Amazon)

Help keep your kids (and yourself) organized while traveling with some packing cubes stowed away inside your luggage. This Calpak set has 18 different colors and patterns for you to choose from. ($68/five-piece set, Calpak)

Traveling with kids, you’re bound to pick up at least a few extras at all the various gift shops, souvenir stops, and other destinations you may visit. Throwing a fold-up duffle into your luggage is a great way to make sure there’s space for everything on the way home, and this monogrammable one comes in nice bright colors that will be easy to spot and keep track of. ($75, Paravel)

We’ve used these in Airbnbs, while visiting family, and even at home before investing in permanent blackout shades. Since they’re customizable (just cut them down to the correct size) and easy to stick on and remove, they’re perfect for travel, rental apartments, or really any other situation where you’re desperate to get more sleep.({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)