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Baby registry essentials: 4 essentials when on the go
A pediatrician with over 20 years of experience, with training from Yale University (BS), Columbia University (MD and PhD), and general pediatrics and pediatric pulmonary medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Author: Team Leleki
Feb 24, 2021
When traveling with your baby, there are 4 core essentials you shouldn't forget! Based on your preferences and your baby’s age, there are several other products that can make your life easier. Here we will focus on the bare essentials:
A car seat is legally required for all babies in their first year (and beyond in most states). Most States specify a rear-facing car seat for all babies weighing 20lbs or less (note that this weigh specification can be higher in some States, such as Connecticut). Regardless of the variation, your goal is to keep your baby safe while riding in a car, and currently the safest option is for babies to ride in a rear-facing car seat. Always read your car seat's instruction manual for specifics on where and how to install the car seat.
Avoid flame retardants in car seats. Flame retardants, especially brominated ones, have been shown to have endocrine disrupting effects and developmental neurotoxicity [3, 4]. The New York Times has published a few articles highlighting the dangers of flame retardants used in baby products [5,6]. While all car seats sold in the U.S. are required to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Flammability Safety Standard (FMVSS 302), this DOES NOT require the use of flame retardants. Look for car seats that are made with naturally flame resistant materials such as wool, and make sure that the manufacturer directly specifies that no flame retardants were used.
There are two major types of car seats that can be appropriate for your infant:
(1) Infant car seat: These are the smaller seats that are usually compatible with a stroller. They can only to be used as rear-facing, and usually have a weight limit of approximately 20-25 lbs. Be sure to read the product description for the exact weight limit and other specifications.
Pros:
Smaller
May be compatible with a stroller
Lighter and easier to carry
Cons:
Baby will outgrow it by 18-24 months or earlier (if your have a very large baby)
(2) Convertible car seat: These are larger car seats that can also be used by a toddler. They have various adjustments for your babies height and to transition from rear-facing to forward-facing.
Pros:
Can be used for much longer. Some convertible car seats have a weight limit of 60 lbs
Cons:
Larger seat - make sure it fits properly in you car
Heavier and hard to carry. Not designed to be taken in and out of the car constantly
Some might be more expensive upfront, but cheaper per year (since you can use them for much longer)
A few considerations to keep in mind as you choose your car seat:
Safety
All car seats sold in the US must be compliant with requirements under the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) [1]
If you want extra assurance of quality and safety, look for The Juvenile Product Manufacturer’s Association (JPMA) Certification [2] - this is a voluntary certification process that shows the manufacturer's high level of commitment to quality and safety
Look for a GreenGuard certification for material safety. GreenGuard is a voluntary certification and it test for over 10,000 chemicals and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Note that flame retardants are not considered VOCs, so the GreenGuard certification does not test for flame retardants (unfortunately!)
Always check that the car seat is free of flame retardants!
Check that the seat is appropriate for your baby's age and weight
Only use a new car seat… yep, this is not the place to save money by using a used one. If you don't know the history of a used car seat, you risk placing your baby in a seat that has been in a car crash and is no longer adequate for use. Also, car seats have expiration dates for a number of reasons (e.g. wear and tear, changing regulations, recalls) - using an older car seat might mean risking using an expired car seat
Practicality
Fits in your car. Some car seats (especially convertible car seats) are large and may not fit properly and safely in a small car
Clicks onto your stroller. If you're looking to save space and/or money, a travel system (aka, stroller with a car seat that clicks into it) may be for you
Weight limit appropriate for length of time you want to use it. If you're looking for a seat that you can use for longer periods of time, a convertible seat might be right for you. As noted above, while convertible seats can be used for much longer, they tend to be larger and less portable
If you can't stand the sight of stains, go for darker colors. Babies can be messy :)
Stroller
If you’re going for the bare essentials you might be wondering if a carrier is enough and if a stroller is too large and extraneous to warrant a purchase. A carrier might be enough when your baby is very young and light, but babies get heavy fast! Beyond sparing your back, many strollers can also help you carry your diaper bag and have cup holders and pockets to keep a few things handy. Strollers come in a wide range of sizes, styles, and price points… finding options to choose from won’t be a problem.
There is no magical, perfect stroller that fits everybody's needs, and you do not need to spend a fortune on a good safe stroller. However, most additional features (and even simply a brand name!) can come at a premium, so you need to be clear about what is most important to you.
Here are some considerations to keep in mind as you shop for a stroller:
Safety
All strollers sold in the US must be compliant with requirements under the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) [1]
If you want extra assurance of quality and safety, look for The Juvenile Product Manufacturer’s Association (JPMA) Certification [2] - this is a voluntary certification process that shows the manufacturer's high level of commitment to quality and safety
Choose a stroller with a 5-point harness that is easy to lock and adjust for baby's height
If you are looking for a double side-by-side stroller, make sure the footrests extends across both seats. Tiny feet could get caught between separate footrests
Practicality
Grows with your baby - works for newborn until your child is done needing the stroller (~3 years old)
Generous storage basket
A reversible seat provides versatility in a stroller: while your baby is young, they can look at you; as they grow and become more curious, you can turn the seat so that your child can see and explore the world around them
Consider the height difference between people who will be using the stroller the most - if it is substantial, consider a stroller with an adjustable handle
Check that your stroller and car seat are compatible - this will allow you to transfer a sleeping baby from a car to a stroller without waking them up. Also, saves your from needing a bassinet for your stroller.
For the city, you will likely need a stroller that is compact (in both folded and unfolded positions) and easy to fold
For hiking, you will need a stroller with good maneuverability and shock absorbent wheels
For traveling by car, it is best to get a stroller that folds easily, is compact, and on a lighter side
For jogging, look for a stroller specifically designed for jogging. These strollers typically have three wheels with a locking front wheel, a suspension system, and shock absorbent wheels
If you plan on having a second child in a couple of years, consider an option that converts into a double stroller
Travel crib
If you plan to be away from home most of the day or spend the night elsewhere, a travel crib is a safe place for your baby to nap and sleep overnight. Travel cribs are designed to fold into a small size that is easy to carry, even on a plane. Note that you can also use a bassinet (e.g. from your stroller) for the first few months, but your baby will quickly outgrow it (around 6 months or when baby starts to roll over, whichever one comes first).
You may have heard of a playard, and might be wondering what the difference is and which one to choose. It's easy to get confused because they look similar. However, a playard tends to be bigger (enough that it might not fit as a carry-on on a plane) and heavier (enough that you won't want to carry it on your back). So if your plan is to travel light and use it primarily for sleep (vs. play), a travel crib is the way to go.
A few considerations to keep in mind as you choose your travel crib:
Safety
All travel cribs sold in the US must be compliant with requirements under the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) [1]
If you want extra assurance of quality and safety, look for The Juvenile Product Manufacturer’s Association (JPMA) Certification [2] - this is a voluntary certification process that shows the manufacturer's high level of commitment to quality and safety
Look for a GreenGuard certification for material safety. GreenGuard is a voluntary certification and it test for over 10,000 chemicals and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Make sure the travel crib is appropriate for your baby's age and weight
Practicality
Check that assembled size and folded size that fit your needs
Look for one that can be spot cleaned (drool, spit up, etc)
Make sure you can quickly and easily to set it up, fold it, and pack it
Choose one that has a light overall weight
Check for a comfortable mattress… although unfortunately you may not know this until your little one gives it a try
You may want a side zipper for easy access (especially if you're a shorter parent!)
A nice-to-have: Convertible into a travel bassinet or shaded outdoor space for your baby
Diaper Bag
Everyone has heard of a diaper bag, but unless you’ve been out with a baby, you might not know what goes into one or why you really need one. There are four categories of baby items that usually make it into a diaper bag:
Clothes / layers: change of clothes (you know, in case of a diaper explosion), light sweater, etc
While you could use a backpack or a large purse, a good diaper bag will have the right features to keep everything organized and handy.
Here are some of the features to keep in mind when selecting a diaper bag:
Size: You need a roomy bag, but it doesn't have to be massive either
Carrying style: from backpack to one-shoulder to cross-body, you have several carrying styles to choose from. Keep in mind that different styles will distribute the weight differently. A bag that uses both shoulders (e.g., backpack) will distribute weight more evenly across your shoulders and back
Weight: choose a bag made of a light, but durable material. The contents of the bag may be heavy enough
Unique features: some additional features can come in handy - Fold out or portable changing pad - Insulated holding area (e.g., to keep milk warm) - Compartments to keep items organized and handy - Compartments for your own items - keys, wallet, etc.
Style: just because your bag holds baby items doesn’t mean it has to look like your baby is going to wear it. Choose a bag that YOU love… you’ll be carrying it a lot
Check out Leleki blog for other articles you might be interested in.
Leleki does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The resources on our website are provided for informational purposes only. You should always consult with your care provider / a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.
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