Whether you’re hitting the skies on vacation or the farmer’s market the next town over, traveling with your baby can be quite the adventure. And when “adventure” runs the gamut from first steps to bathroom emergencies, it helps to have a new mom cheat sheet to keep everyone safe, satiated, and savoring that time together. 

Fortunately, there are a few new mom must haves that can turn you from a wing woman to a supermom-on-the-go. The next time you’re hitting the town with your newborn baby, bring these essentials for new moms so you and your little one can live it up. 

#1 A Travel Bag to Hold It All

So when can you travel with a baby? This is a question you should know the answer to before you and your newborn take your first trip. Then it is time to invest in a handy (and cute) bag to carry all of your must haves for new moms—which is where a baby travel bag comes in.

A high-quality baby travel bag can hold all of your baby essentials, whether you’re running errands or running to make your flight. Depending on the occasion, you may need to size up (think: the ELSA Backpack Tote) or size down (like the ELSA Caddy). But no matter the size, you’ll want to prioritize these two features to ensure your baby travel bag can do (and hold) it all.

Pocket Space

When your newborn baby needs their binky, they need it now. By choosing a bag with plenty of pocket space, you can leave panicked rummaging behind and keep all of your newborn essentials organized.

A variety of pockets can keep your baby gear accessible while you’re on the go. Look for a functional, multi-compartment bag with pockets like:

• Interior pockets – An interior insert or pocket is perfect for smaller, compact items like cell phone chargers, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and so on. Also, an interior laptop compartment or sunglasses case (like in our Mini Tote Insert) can keep mama’s belongings safe, too. 

• Exterior pockets – Trying to lower your toy retrieval turnaround time? Large exterior pockets make it easier than ever to grab what your baby needs in a flash. Keep well-loved items like small toys, formula bottles, and newborn diapers in these outer compartments.

• Removable pouches – You’ve got the new diapers ready to go—now what about those old diapers? When there’s no garbage can in sight (yes, new moms—it happens!), an odor-proof removable pouch can store soiled diapers or baby clothes (case in point: BÉIS’ Backpack Diaper Bag).

Built-In Baby Tools

Forget checklists and packing time: Many baby bags already include essentials for new moms who are on the go. 

Built-in baby features will end up saving you space and time since you won’t have to pack them and carry them separately. A prime example is baby diaper bags that include handy features like a portable changing pad and a teething ring to make diaper changing a breeze.

 

#2 A Diaper Bag to Handle It All

There’s only one golden rule when traveling with a baby—you can never have too many newborn diapers.

For a quick park trip or playdate, all you need is a small diaper pack with the basics. But if you’re planning a longer trip, you’ll need a separate diaper caddy with plenty of space. 

To stay clean and tear-free, keep these changing materials in tow while you’re out and about:

• Extra diapers – It’s obvious, but it bears a mention. During those first few months, your new baby will go through many diapers. Most newborns need 10 to 12 diaper changes per day, mellowing out to a healthy 6 to 8 changes as they get older.¹ To ensure you meet those newborn needs, make sure you pack at least 12 diapers for a day-long excursion.
• Wet wipes – First-time moms, beware: You don’t want to soil a fresh diaper with an unclean bottom. Pack some wet wipes to keep your baby’s behind squeaky clean before each diaper change. 
• Diaper cream – It’s the only fate worse than a messy diaper—an itchy diaper rash. Even the smallest and quickest diaper change can leave your baby with inflammation. Keep a small travel bottle of diaper cream or diaper rash ointment in your caddy to stop those tears before they flow.
• Changing mat – Unfortunately, changing stations aren’t a given across all (or even most) destinations. That’s why a portable changing mat or pad is a game-changer for new moms on the road. The Diaper Bag by BÉIS includes a changing pad with extra sleeves for diapers and wipes so you can have every essential on hand in one grab.
• Extra clothes – When the diaper mess becomes a onesie mess, an extra pair of baby clothes comes in very handy. Keep an extra outfit handy to recover from any super-messy diaper extravaganzas.

#3 Snacks for Baby

No baby can go for long without a little nutritional reinforcement—newborns need to feed every 2 to 3 hours, while 6-month-olds should feed at least every 4 to 5.² Unless you’re up for making a corner store run every few hours, you’ll need something for your new baby to nosh on.

Whether your sweet pea is a newborn or a toddler, here are four breastfeeding essentials for a new mom on the road:

• Pumps – While you can always pump your breastmilk ahead of time, it can be tough to predict when your baby might have a craving. Consider packing a travel breast pump for on-the-go feedings. Even better, a specialized carrier like our Pumping Bag provides breast pump compartments and openings for tubes and power cords for easy storage.

• Bottles – Unless you’re strictly breastfeeding, you may need a baby-friendly bottle (or two) to help keep your baby nourished.  If you’re a true organizing queen, you may even want a baby bottle bag. These nifty insulated devices keep multiple bottles of your breast milk chilled and fresh for hungry little mouths. 

• Milk bags – Packing for a long weekend? Milk bags can save you some precious bottle real estate, holding your breast milk for drinking later. Bring them to your new destination and store them in the fridge until needed.

• Food – If your baby just rounded the half-year mark, then it’s time to bite into some travel- and baby-friendly snacks. Single-serving containers of baby food work well for beginner chewers, but you can also pack yogurt, fruit, crackers, hard-boiled eggs, and crackers for more advanced eaters (just don’t forget to chop ahead of time!).

#4 A Favorite Plush or Plaything

Don’t leave all the fun at home! In moments of fear, discomfort, or general crabbiness, your little’s favorite toy or feel-good item can turn their frown upside down. And as they grow older, you can even ask them which toys they prefer to keep by their side to make them feel at home.

If your baby’s too young to tell you which main squeeze they want to keep on the road, consider bringing along:

• A plush stuffed animal baby bundle (like the ELSA Gift Set)
• Baby blankets
• Pacifiers
• Teething rings
• Board books

#5 A First Aid Kit

Every mama bear has the strong instinct to protect their little cub. A baby-centered first aid kit can help preserve your peace of mind and fix those small accidents that tend to pop up on the road.

There’s no need to bring a mini ambulance in your travel bag, but there are a few newborn essentials that can help new moms keep their baby safe:

• Antibiotic ointment
• Antiseptic wipes
• Gauze & bandage tape
• Bandaids
• Cotton swabs
• Instant ice packs
• Tweezers
• Baby medicine spoon
• Hand sanitizer 
• Baby brush or comb

While you’re at it, you may want to include some grooming or hygiene products (tiny toothbrushes and nail clippers, we’re looking at you).

#6 Your Own Favorites

As a new mom, it’s completely normal to place every ounce of your attention on your baby—especially when you’re far from home. But don’t forget your own needs in the meantime! 

Fittingly enough, this golden rule is just like the “oxygen-mask rule” we’re told on planes: when you take care of yourself, you take better care of your baby. Some self-care items to pack for new moms or expectant moms partaking in pregnancy travel include:

• Hygiene & grooming – Motherhood is messy—period. But don’t leave behind the rejuvenating necessities that help you feel your best. Chapstick, hand lotion, essential oils, and even a little concealer can go a long way when traveling with your child.

• Communication & safety – You’ll never regret bringing a phone charger or wireless charger when on the road. Similarly, keep a compartment for your wallet and keys so that you’ll never forget them or lose them in your bag.

• Mom off-duty accessories – Even if you’ll be with baby 24/7, be sure to bring some grown-up accessories to tap into your tastes. Whether you bring along the ELSA Changing Clutch or a luxe leather wallet of your own, bringing along items you love will help you feel like the fierce mama you’ve always been—before baby, and after.

Stay Stylish and Prepared On-the-Go with BÉIS

It’s hard to deny that traveling with your little one can be stressful, especially as a new mom. By bringing along accessories with built-in baby preparedness, you can make the journey that much easier—and with BÉIS, you’ll do it in style.

Brighten your on-the-road adventures with BÉIS’ ELSA Collaboration—a fashion-forward range of diaper bags, baby travel bags, and accessories. With efficient, chic designs that can anticipate your little’s needs before you jet off, you’re sure to handle any challenge that comes your way like the champion mama you are.

Sources: 

1. “How to change your baby's nappy.” NHS, National Health Service UK. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/how-to-change-your-babys-nappy/
2. Jain, Sanjeev. “How Often and How Much Should Your Baby Eat?” HealthyChildren.org, American Academy of Pediatricians. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/How-Often-and-How-Much-Should-Your-Baby-Eat.aspx