These editor picks for plane and car travel with a baby will help keep them fed, rested, comfortable, and entertained on short or long journeys, which means you can relax a little too.
Lamaze Captain Calamari
It’s a pirate … octopus? Sure, why not. All I know is that, when I bring it out, my baby is riveted. Is it the mirror on the bottom? The ball with the colorful little balls inside that rattle when he shakes it? The crinkly bits? Who knows, and frankly, who cares? He loves it, which means I love it, and I’ll take the 20 minutes of peace it gives me. Price at time of publication: $12. — Cecily McAndrews
Skip Hop Pronto Signature Changing Station
I loved being able to leave the diaper bag at home and instead have this mini changing station at the ready for squeezing into the miniscule airplane bathrooms. The designs make me happy, too, which is surprising for an accessory you use when wiping butts. Price at time of publication: $21. — Sabrina Rojas Weiss
We Are Amma Cocoon Cover
I loved traveling with this cover. Not only is it beautiful and doubles as a scarf or poncho you can wear anytime, but it is lightweight, comfortable, and so easy to use. It was so easy to put on, and my baby loved being under it while nursing or just cuddling while tired. I used it on the plane, in the car, and in restaurants. The baby can look out, but no one can see through it. It is easy to poke your head through the top to look at your baby which my son just loved. Price at time of publication: $89. — Holly Klamer
Baby Bjorn Carrier One
When you’re traveling as a parent, one of the most important things I found was to have your hands free. And for me, that meant baby wearing. This carrier from Baby Bjorn is easy to use (so important!) and comfortable to wear (a close second, in terms of importance). You won’t be able to wear your baby in a carrier during take off and landing on most airlines, but it’s still a must-have—especially for air travel. Price at time of publication: $209. — AM
Hatch Rest Mini White Noise Smart Sound Machine
When you’re staying in a hotel or at someone’s house, you never know what kind of noise level you’ll have at nighttime or during naps. We have a full-sized Hatch at home, and this one recreates the rain noise that he loves so much, and allows him (and, in turn, me) to sleep soundly, no matter what is going on outside. Price at time of publication: $40. — CM
