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They say that having children allows you to see the world through their eyes.
But travelling anywhere with a baby in tow is a daunting prospect – especially for the first time.
The potential for things to go wrong seems huge. From mid-air meltdowns and full nappies to delays and messing up sleep schedules, there are mistakes you can make when travelling with kids but not having the right tools to hand shouldn’t be one of them.
By packing the right equipment, travelling with a baby can be a breeze, making everything from the trek to the airport gate smoother to getting a good night’s rest in a new and unfamiliar place easier.
Here, we’ve reviewed some of the best products on offer. We’ve looked at everything, from wearable breast pumps to sleeping aids, nifty baby bouncers and cult-favourite baby carriers.
Above all, we sought portable, practical equipment that can be packed down to fit neatly into a suitcase or carried around easily.
How we test
When testing travel products, we put them through all kinds of real-world situations parents are most likely to encounter on the move – from airport terminals and train platforms to busy pavements, hotel rooms and unfamiliar indoor spaces.
For baby carriers, we assessed how intuitive they were to use, focusing on how quickly and easily they could be put on and taken off, particularly while juggling bags or a restless baby. We also considered comfort over time, adjustability for different body types, and how supportive they felt during longer periods of wear.
Travel cots, meanwhile, were tested for their portability and practicality. We timed how long they took to fold down and set up, evaluated how compact they became once packed away, and carried them between locations – such as from car to train or through an airport – to judge their weight, balance and ease of transport.
The SnuzCloud Baby Sleep Aid is a cloud-shaped teddy that’s made from super soft fabric, has four soothing sounds, including one that mimics the mother’s womb
For indoor travel accessories, we examined how suitable they were for use in unfamiliar environments.
Baby bouncers were tested for range of movement, stability and overall comfort, while smart baby monitors were used overnight in real sleeping conditions. We assessed how clearly sounds and movements were detected, how quickly alerts were delivered – and how intuitive the apps were to use when half-asleep.
Outdoor travel accessories were tested across a variety of terrains and scenarios.
Portable cup holders were fitted with different cup and bottle sizes – from thermos mugs and takeaway coffee cups to baby bottles – and used on bumpy pavements and crowded walkways to see how securely they held items and whether spills occurred.
Portable baby rockers were attached to prams and used in multiple environments, including smooth indoor floors and uneven outdoor surfaces, to assess performance, durability and ease of attachment.
Best baby travel accessories 2026 SnuzCloud Baby Sleep Aid
‘Your portable cloud companion to soothe baby to sleep in and out of the home’
This stylish and portable baby sleep aid helps comfort and settle babies, whether at home or on the go.
The cloud-shaped teddy is made from super-soft fabric, features four soothing sounds, including one that mimics the sound of the mother’s womb, and offers two light options: a calming pink glow or a brighter, soft white light that’s ideal for feeding.
It comes with a Velcro strap that can be attached to a crib, pram, or car seat when on the move.
The Bugaboo Cup Holder is an absolute necessity for me, whether strolling locally or hitting the streets abroad
Bugaboo Cup Holder
‘The Bugaboo cup holder lets you bring bottles, cups, or other cold beverages along for the ride. It easily attaches to the pushchair handlebar, using the integrated attachment point or a Velcro attachment.’
What we love
Ease of useEasy to fit and click on and off
SecureKeep cups and bottles upright, secure and always within reach
Hands-freeLeaves hands free during all strolls
An absolute necessity for me, whether strolling locally or hitting the streets abroad, the Bugaboo cup holder allows mums to bring bottles, cups, or, most importantly, coffee, along for the ride.
It attaches to Bugaboo pushchair using an integrated attachment point, or other prams via a Velcro attachment.
It’s also handy for holding mobile phones upright and within view.
Medela Motion InBra Double Electric Wearable Breast Pump
‘The Medela Motion InBra™ is a fully wearable, ready-to-use double electric breast pump that stands out for its efficiency, thoughtful support, and simple use.
Its innovative design is shaped around you to avoid breast compression, while the 105° wide-angle shield including 24 mm breast shield and 3 additional inserts ( 15,18 and 21 mm) cover over 95% of nipple sizes to gently conform to your shape for the optimal fit.’
What we love
Battery lifeFast-charging battery which lasts up to 2.5 hours or 10 sessions per charge
USB-CBattery charged with USB-C port (included in pack)
DesignLightweight design fits discreetly into your bra
This fully wearable, ready-to-use double electric breast pump is perfect for mothers wishing to pump while travelling.
The two-phase technology – stimulation and expression – mimics a baby’s natural sucking rhythm, enabling mothers to express more milk.
The pumps are easy to assemble and disassemble for washing, and their batteries allow for 10 sessions per charge.
Only three parts need to be cleaned – and this can be done in the dishwasher or disinfected in the microwave.
BabyBjörn Bouncer Bliss
Ergonomic, safe and fun for your baby – BabyBjörn’s best-selling bouncer comes in mesh, woven and 3D Jersey. You can use the product as a bouncer until your child weighs 9 kg or starts trying to sit up.
Product SpecsMaterial65% recycled polyester, 35% cottonWhat we love
DesignNifty, lightweight and very portable
Long-term useCan be used from newborn and up to the age of 2 years
Variety23 different colours to choose from
This beautiful baby bouncer isn’t necessarily designed with travel in mind (it’s become a must-have in every new mother’s home), but it’s lightweight and folds flat at the click of a button and into a travel bag with a handle – so perfect for taking on holiday.
The natural rocking of the bouncer when the baby kicks, or moves has a comforting effect, while the three positions allow for play, rest and sleep.
The bouncer comes in many different materials, including classic quilt, woven melange and mesh, and 23 different colours (I went for the chic-looking light beige in woven melange).
5. Best portable baby rocker: Rockit Rocker
This Rockit Rocker has become a must-have among all my friends with babies, whether at the pub or battling an airport queue
Rockit Rocker
‘Does your baby wake up as soon as the pram or stroller stops moving? Have restaurant meals gone cold because you’ve had to jiggle the buggy?
Rockit can help with these situations, and many more!’
This portable baby rocker has become a must-have among all my friends with babies, whether at the pub or battling an airport queue.
Created to help parents on the go, the Rockit Rocker stimulates the gentle hand rocking of a stroller.
It’s attached easily to the handle of the stroller via a rotatable bracket and activated at the click of a button.
It’s suitable for use from birth and comes with different speed settings. It’s chargeable via USB (included in pack), and one charge lasts approximately 12-20 hours.
I love the warming glow and variety of sounds on this handy sleep aid: Ewan the Dream Sheep
Ewan the Dream Sheep Deluxe
‘Super cute Ewan the sheep mimics the comfort of the womb with a selection of ‘pink and white noise’ soothing sounds, including actual recordings of womb and heartbeat, combined with a warm pink calming glow, to lull your newborn or toddler into a peaceful slumber.’
This bedtime buddy is the ultimate baby sleep aid, helping to soothe babies and make them feel safe no matter where they are in the world.
The heartbeat sounds, and pink light mimic the mother’s womb, while its ‘smartCRY sensor’ activates noise and light on a baby’s cry.
The toy offers 10 pink and white noise sounds, including car, shush, waves, vacuum cleaner, womb and heartbeat. It’s also rechargeable with a USB charge cable (included) – so nifty when on the go.
Owlet Dream Duo (Sock + Sight) Smart Baby Monitor
‘The NEW Dream Duo is the most complete baby monitoring system. The Sock continuously tracks your baby’s pulse rate, oxygen level, and sleep trends, while the camera streams secure 2K HD video with night vision, motion, sound, and cry detection.’
This complete baby monitoring system enables new parents to feel calm, confident, and supported from day one – whether at home or staying somewhere new.
The kit comes with a medically certified Dream Sock smart baby monitor, which tracks live pulse rate, oxygen levels, and sleep trends and sends alerts when babies require attention, while the 2K HD Dream Sight camera streams secure video straight to a phone.
The sock also monitors room temperature and humidity – handy for when staying in a new place or travelling to exotic locations. The sock, which comes in three stylish colours – mint, dusty rose and bedtime blue (I went for mint), is designed for babies aged 0–18 months.
Choosing a baby carrier is one of the biggest purchases for parents to be to make. It’s the product you’re likely to use every day while your child is little – and even more so by parents who love to travel. Here are my favourites…
Artipoppe Zeitgeist Baby Carrier
‘High-end and consciously crafted. Artipoppe redefines the art of baby carrying with care. Artipoppe Zeitgeist Baby Carrier, the armor to survive the reality of everyday mom-life.’
What we love
ComfortableSupremely comfortable & stylish
DesignSturdy but can be packed down easily
AdjustableEasily adjustable and wearable in different positions
The carrier beloved by celebrities and influencers (everyone from Kylie Jenner to Princess Eugenie has been spotted wearing them), the hype around the Artipoppe is huge. It’s become a symbol of style and money – and for good reason.
Artipoppe’s start at £370 and go up to an astonishing £3,500. I was sceptical – but, as soon as I opened my beautifully-wrapped parcel, I realised this is most definitely not a case of style over substance.
Suitable for newborns over 7lbs up to two-year-olds, the carrier is easily adjustable for wearing your front or slung over your back and with the baby facing in or facing out. I went for the brightly coloured Zeitgeist Tweed Aura in red and pink and was taken by the supremely soft fabric that manages to provide the right amount of support that feels neither too rigid or flimsy.
The lower padded strap sits snuggly around my waist, while the shoulder straps form a comfortable X-shape across my back for even weight distribution.
My sister also tested my Artipoppe out on her eight-month-old daughter, who fell asleep within five minutes when she wasn’t even due a nap. If that isn’t testament to a good carrier, I don’t know what is.
BabyBjörn Carrier Harmony
‘Baby Carrier Harmony is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a soft, flexible, and ergonomic baby carrier with a luxurious feel. Pressure-relieving waist belt and padded shoulder straps and back support make the carrier incredibly comfortable. The super-soft fabric hugs your baby and provides a feeling of closeness to one another. Baby Carrier Harmony is easy to use, lightweight, and can easily be packed down into your pram or nappy bag.’
Swedish brand BabyBjörn has been around for half a century and is synonymous with ergonomic and adaptable carriers.
The Carrier Harmony offers serious longevity as it can be used from newborn up to the age of three, allows for three different positions: parent facing, world facing and back carry, and can be used by all different body types.
Getting set up was fairly complicated – it is one of the most adjustable carriers on the market after all, meaning a multitude of toggles, buckles and straps.
But once the instructions were read carefully, we were ready to go. The carrier, which comes in 12 colourways, also offers head support in three different levels that can be adjusted by using the poppers to cater for tiny babies up to toddlers, as well as padded back support for lower back relief.
It’s breathable, comfortable, lightweight and stylish – what more could you ask for?
Carifit Core Baby Carrier
Features a patent-protected design that changes size and shape, improving the fit and experience for both you and baby.
What we love
DesignEasy to use
ComfortableFeels secure
Perfect for families who enjoy active holidays (or those who like to carry their babies while shopping, cleaning the house or exercising), the Carifit Core holds babies securely while supporting natural movement without compromising on safety or structure.
Made from a breathable fly-knit four-way stretch fabric in an attractive leopard black pattern, the fixed back panel, along with the waistband, helps to distribute weight evenly to prevent back or shoulder strain.
The carrier, which can be used on newborns up to babies weighing 20kg, comes with access to a personalised fitness and wellbeing plan, including workouts, expert support and advice, within the Carifit app. It’s also incredibly easy to put on and take off and took us seconds to set up.
Stokke Limas Carrier
These safe, ergonomic, and easy-to-use baby carriers are made with soft cotton and designed to provide mum and baby optimal support & comfort.
What we love
What we loveSuper soft and lightweight
What we loveProvides ergonomic support
What we loveDecent price point
This lightweight carrier is made from super-soft 100% organic cotton and is perfect for travel, cleverly combining the advantages of a baby wrap with an ergonomic carrier.
Usable from birth to babies up to 15kg, thanks to the adjustable base and back panel, the carrier is made from wrap fabrics and provides freedom of movement for when abroad or exploring the UK. It’s easy to put on and take off, allows for front, back and hip carrying options and is very attractive (I went for the ‘leopard lilac’ which I loved). It’s also one of the cheapest I tried.
Another must for travelling parents, a cot can make or break a holiday. And there are two clear winners in the market…
Babybjorn Travel Cot Light
‘Get a good night’s sleep, wherever your family goes. A comfy mattress and a transport bag are included, and the cot is super-easy to set up in just one move!’
What we love
Ease of useIncredibly easy to open up, put down again and transport, weighing just 6kg
Easy to storeComes with a bag which conveniently fits into a large suitcase
This nifty, lightweight and highly portable travel cot from BabyBjörn weighs just 6kgs and is simply lifted out of the bag and set up in one quick movement.
It comes in either black or silver (I went for black) and is complete with a practical carry case with a mattress. The cot, which is suitable from birth to three years, has full, airy mesh sides which enable parents and caregivers to see everything the baby is getting up to, while the built-in base keeps the cot standing firmly on the floor.
Bugaboo Stardust Travel Cot
This all-in-one cot comes with a handy (and supremely comfortable) built-in mattress. Bugaboo claims the cot can be unfolded in one second and packed away in just three seconds, so we decided to give it a go. The result? Exactly one second and three seconds, respectively, and it’s incredibly intuitive to use.
The cot, which comes in black or taupe (I went for taupe), also doubles up as a play pen for when travelling parents need some hands-free time to unpack or get some rest.
The additional zip-in bassinet insert makes the Bugaboo Stardust also suitable from birth, which helps to raise the mattress higher in the cot itself so you’re not back-breakingly bending down to reach your baby.
In true Bugaboo style, the cot is made from high-quality materials, including all-around mesh panels that ensure airflow and enable parents to keep an eye on their sleeping or playing baby. It comes packed in a travel bag which has a carry handle attached, making it easy to transport in the car or on a plane.
Verdict
The one item I’ve found myself recommending repeatedly for travel is the Rockit Rocker to extend those pram naps – crucial for a peaceful holiday, whether at the airport or dining at a restaurant. For breastfeeding mums, Medela’s wearable Motion InBra pumps is an essential for easy trips abroad.
And, if I were to buy one carrier on the list (and price was not an issue), it would be the Artipoppe for stylish but comfortable carrying.
FAQsWhat do I need when travelling with my baby?
Absolute essentials when travelling abroad are a comfortable carrier, a nifty, lightweight and portable travel cot (if not being provided by accommodation) and a decent travel pram. As, of course, are nappies, wipes, plenty of spare clothes, feeding supplies and those all-important passports.
What can make travelling with a baby easier?
Holidays can be made so much more enjoyable when you plan carefully and pack strategically. Your baby/toddler’s favourite toy or pacifier is an obvious item to pack, but a new book or small toy could also help to hold attention or distract when, for example, taking off or landing.
Sleep aids such as the Snuzcloud or Ewan Deluxe can be hugely helpful when trying to soothe babies and make them feel safe, no matter where they are in the world. The white noise sounds can also be used when trying to drown out any new, outside noises while on the move.
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