By Amy Morrison | Updated January 2026
Amy has been researching baby products and writing about pregnancy since 2010. She is a mom of two boys and runs Pregnant Chicken, helping parents navigate the chaos of early parenthood with humor and practical advice.
Visiting family with a new baby should be about cuddling and showing off your baby, not stressing about what accessories to pack. After traveling with two babies and trying dozens of products, I’ve learned what’s really worth bringing and what you can skip.
The gist: You don’t need everything on this list. But knowing what’s available helps you make smart decisions based on your specific situation, so you know what’s out there to think, “Oh yeah, mom’s dog goes bananas whenever someone sets foot in the room. How are we going to sleep?”
Table of contents
Basic sleeping items
Travel cot
After trying to lower my sleeping baby into a traditional pack ‘n play after c-section (my core strength was non-existent), I always look for the signature zipper like the one in Chicco Alfa Lite.
Why I love it:
- Side zippered entry means no awkward slouching from above
- You can even crawl in if you’re nursing to sleep
- The high sides act as a safe play during the wake
- Quick and easy installation when you are already exhausted
Alternative budget: A typical pack ‘n play works well if you only drive and set up once. They just tend to be bulky and heavy if you need something light. (I also find them a pain to set up and take down.)
Splurge Option: The BabyBjörn Travel Crib is beautifully designed but more expensive.
Blackout curtain
If you’ve worked hard to establish a sleep routine, a sunny guest room at 1pm can undo all that progress. I learned this the hard way at my in-laws house.
Amazon’s portable blackout curtain uses suction cups to stick to windows and block light. Also worth checking out: OtterSpace blackout curtains if you want something more reliable and durable.
Small sound machine
Your baby may be sleeping like a dream at home, but Uncle Mike’s laugh or your mother-in-law’s yuppie terrier is a different story.
Hatch Go has 10 sounds with three easy buttons for quick control. It’s free to connect, no app or WiFi, so you’re not waiting for your dad to look for the tiny piece of paper with the password tucked into a James Patterson book.
Feeding and bathing time
Portable high chair
As soon as your baby can sit unaided, the The Lalo Hook-On high chair is great for unfamiliar spaces. Clips directly to the table, bringing the baby to everyone’s eye level for meals.
Added bonus: It keeps your toddler safe in non-baby proof homes like yours.
Portable bottle drying rack
If you feed or pump formula, you need a place to dry the bottles that isn’t your aunt’s fancy granite counter.
The Munchkin Portable Bottle Drying Stand features corner pegs for faster drying, dedicated space for nipples and pacifiers, and even includes a brush. Holds three bottles and packs flat.
Portable travel bathtub
Guest bathrooms have either huge soaking tubs or tiny showers with no tubs at all. The Ingenuity Tuckaway tub solves both problems.
I love that it fits two kids (a lifesaver when cousins visit) and folds completely flat for packing. We’ve also used it for backyard “pool parties” on warm days.
Note: these clowns may be small, but a baby can easily choke on one, so don’t leave them unattended. You already know that, though. You are super smart.
Baby fun
Portable activity seat
End: I stick these rings on it with some new, cheap toys. It buys you at least 10-15 minutes of hands-free time, which is gold when you’re trying to have a grown-up conversation.
This works great at home too, if you don’t want a huge ‘cycle of neglect’ taking over your living room permanently.
Lightweight Playard
Sometimes it’s just easier to secure the baby instead of trying to secure the house and I love these baby lightning bolts to keep the kids contained with plenty of room to play. Additionally, child portals can be challenging for some people to navigate.
This portable toy works indoors, in the backyard or on the street. You can get versions with canopies for sunny spots.
Budget hack: Grab a kiddie pool, inflate it, fill it with toys and let your crawler explore safely. This only works with babies who are content to stay put – determined escape artists need the real game.
Safety equipment for homes that are not baby proofed
Safety gate under pressure
Important limitation: These are best suited if you’re trying to keep a curious baby out of a kitchen or room with antique china, and are not suitable for the top of the stairs or over-excited large dogs.
Cabinet locks
There’s always a drawer or cupboard your scout will find. These sliding locks install in seconds and cost just a few dollars. I throw a pack in our travel bag for every trip.
Walking
Lightweight stroller
Key features:
- One-handed folding with carry bag and backpack straps
- All-wheel suspension that smoothly handles uneven pavements
- Almost flat recline safe for smaller babies
- Compact footprint when folded
- It weighs only 14 kg
Premium alternative: THE Bugaboo Butterfly 2 it literally folds in a second and meets airplane transport requirements (IATA compliant). At 17.6 pounds, it’s slightly heavier than the Baby Jogger, but the folding speed is second to none. If you’re a frequent traveler and want the smoothest ride with the fastest license, the extra investment might be worth it.
Budget option: THE Graco Ready2Jet it weighs just 13 pounds and costs significantly less than the two options above. It’s not as smooth to push as the Baby Jogger or Bugaboo, but for occasional trips where you won’t panic if you need to, it gets the job done at an unbeatable price.
Baby carrier: Skip the stroller altogether?
Honestly, you may not need a stroller at all, especially if your baby is very young. A good carrier (the one shown here is Tula Free to Grow) works for most quick trips and family visits.
Perk: You can hand the baby over to other relatives. “Here, Daddy, let me put this screaming child on a leash for your evening walk. I love you!”
Packing tips
Write your list in 24 hours
Don’t try to make your packing list in one sitting. Write your list over the course of a day so you don’t forget the mundane things. (That’s how I forget the socks.)
Don’t forget the “Just in case” stuff.
Baby pain reliever, diaper rash cream, nail clippers, insurance cards – things you might not use every day but are a nightmare to find at 9 p.m. in an unknown city.
Check the weather
This seems obvious, but I once packed exclusively for spring weather and arrived at unexpected snow. Check the forecast for your destination and pack hats, sunscreen or warm layers accordingly.
Sending heavy objects forward
Consider shipping extra diapers, wipes, formula, or new gear to your destination instead of carrying them in the car or plane.
Consider renting equipment
Google “rents baby items [city name]” to find local services that deliver items such as cots, highchairs and pushchairs directly to your destination. We have a complete guide to baby gear rental when traveling here.
Brush for safety
Share these resources with the family before you arrive:
Above all, take it in stride.
Your baby will probably have a meltdown in front of Uncle Mike, who will mutter something about spoiled children these days. Aunt Barb might actually trip over the baby gate after her third glass of wine.
Who cares?
Hand the baby off to a willing relative (maybe not drunk Auntie Barb), pour yourself a drink and enjoy your wonderfully chaotic family. Those first visits fly by faster than you think.
Safe travels and let me know what I missed on my travel gear list!
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