After traveling with my young kids across eight countries on three continents, I’ve learned how important the right travel gear is to keeping everyone healthy and happy on the road. 

Sunscreen and snacks are helpful, but I’ve found that our well-being away from home depends most on everybody getting a good night’s sleep and making it as easy as possible to get around with two little kids.

The products on my must-pack list are the things that help my kids—and, in turn, me—sleep better, stay comfortable and make the journey a little less stressful. Whether we’re flying across the world or heading out on a weekend road trip, these are the five items I would never leave home without.

Baby and Toddler Travel Must-Haves

1. Woolino Sleep Sack

Every parent knows that a consistent sleep routine is vital to a good night’s sleep, especially during the early years of infancy and toddlerhood. For babies and younger toddlers, a sleep sack is a simple, consistent sleep cue that also keeps them safe and cozy. 

When I’m traveling with the kids, I bring the same Woolino sleep sack that we use at home so my baby has the familiarity of his usual comfy blanket and knows that when the sleep sack goes on, it’s time for bed (time changes be damned). 

It’s made from Merino wool that naturally regulates body temperature so I don’t have to stress about whether he might be too hot or too cold in each new environment. Woolino’s Ultimate Sleep Bag fits babies from 2 months to 2 years, so I don’t have to buy a new sleep sack every time he hits a growth spurt.

2. Guava Lotus Travel Crib

Traveling with our Guava Lotus Travel Crib gives my kids the same safe, comfortable sleep space wherever we are. My firstborn used it as his primary sleep space both at home and while traveling until he was three. Now, I have his baby brother start sleeping in it a week before each trip so it feels familiar once we’re away. 

Combined with a blackout tent, our Guava Lotus comes with us on every adventure, helping to minimize sleep routine disruptions so everyone can sleep easily from the very first night.

It sets up in just a few minutes, packs into a carry-on-sized, backpack-style carrying case, and gives me peace of mind knowing my baby has a safe, familiar place to sleep wherever our travels take us.

3. Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus Stroller

While packing for a trip, every parent inevitably thinks, “Maybe we can skip the stroller this time.” But every parent is wrong.

Travel days are long. Airports are huge. Museums are bigger than they look, and somehow your toddler always decides they’re done walking when you’re as far as possible from your hotel.

My travel stroller isn’t just a way to get my kids from point A to point B—it’s our home base. It’s where the baby naps, my toddler stops for a snack break, and I get a break from carrying the diaper bag, jackets, to-go containers, and souvenirs.

When it comes to strollers designed for travel, the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus is as close to perfect as it gets. The seat reclines flat for naps on the go. The spacious underseat basket easily holds diaper bags and personal items. The one-second compact fold makes it easy to tuck into an overhead bin or the trunk of the car. Bring the stroller. Thank me later. 

4. Tula Lite Baby Carrier 

A travel stroller is a great home base, but it’s not the answer to every travel situation with little ones. There are times when the easiest way to get around is to carry the baby instead—whether I’m climbing stairs, walking on the beach, or letting my toddler have a break from walking.

The Tula Lite is my favorite lightweight carrier. It comes everywhere with me, giving me the flexibility to switch between babywearing and using the stroller, depending on what the day calls for. The carrier folds into its own waistband, so I can wear it like a fanny pack or stash it in the diaper bag when not in use.

5. JetKids BedBox by Stokke Luggage 

Anyone who has traveled with a toddler knows that their legs seem to give out at the most inopportune moments. No one wants to be tackling security checks at the airport while their three-year-old lies on the filthy floor yelling to be picked up. And getting a toddler comfortable enough to sleep in an airplane seat can be a nightmare.

A ride-on suitcase like the JetKids BedBox by Stokke helps little legs make it from the car to the gate while keeping them entertained. Once airborne, it converts into a leg rest (or toddler-sized bed) so that they can sleep more easily on long flights.