The Travel Essentials Mums-In-The-Know Never Fly Without

I swear by packing cubes. They’re the simplest way to make travel feel streamlined. I organise one per category – baby day bits, sleep essentials and swimwear – so I can find exactly what I need without tipping out the entire suitcase. I also pack a separate pouch with first-day essentials so arrivals feel calm rather than chaotic. 

When it comes to toys, I’m firmly in the less-is-more camp. A few well-chosen pieces are far more effective than a huge activity bag. Suction toys are a favourite – my son is obsessed with sticking them to plane windows, tray tables and highchairs. I also stagger what I bring out, so there’s always something that feels new. 

Snacks are something I prefer to prep myself. I’ll make egg bites ahead of time and fill  Momcozy Reusable Baby Food Pouches with homemade purées – I love knowing exactly what’s in them rather than relying on shop-bought options. I’ll also bring pre-cut fruit and easy, low-mess bits I can offer quickly. I always pack more than I think I’ll need; it’s one area where over-preparing pays off.

I pack pieces I can mix and match throughout the trip. For long-haul, that’s usually an elevated loungewear set layered with a t-shirt and something feeding-friendly. I’ve recently discovered Emello London, and its matching sets – particularly the relaxed straight-leg trousers, short-sleeve sweatshirt and half-zip funnel neck – which feel polished but still comfortable. For my son, comfort always comes first. Simple cotton sets that wash well and don’t crease are ideal, and zip sleepsuits are perfect for travel days.

We use the Stokke YOYO as our travel pram. Being able to fold it small enough for the overhead cabin makes airport transitions infinitely smoother. It’s lightweight but sturdy enough for proper exploring once we land, exactly what you want from a travel stroller.

If I had to recommend just one essential, it would be a baby carrier. I love the Artipoppe Zeitgeist – it’s completely hands-free, incredibly practical and so good for calming little ones in busy environments. 

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When it comes to the plane bag, less really is more. On our first long-haul flight with my son – he was seven months old at the time – I completely overpacked. I had so many ‘just in case’ items that it actually made everything more stressful. It’s a mistake I haven’t repeated. Now he’s two, I’ve realised you don’t need nearly as much as you think. I hate to say it, but an iPad is key, especially on longer flights. I always pre-download his favourite programmes so we’re not relying on WiFi, and I recently discovered the Pok Pok app, which I love. It’s low-stimulation, Montessori-inspired and feels far more thoughtful than most toddler games.

I still like to balance that with a few simple activities. Water colouring books are always a hit, and the Melissa & Doug Sticker WOW sets are great for toddlers – easy to manage and satisfying without involving tiny pieces everywhere.

A snack spinner has become one of my favourite toddler travel buys. It holds a mix of bite-size snacks and, because it’s still a novelty, it keeps him interested for longer. I usually fill ours with Cheerios, Shreddies, raisins and mini Organix biscuits – familiar favourites I know he’ll eat.

Organisation is what makes a trip feel seamless. I use a hanging organiser for my son’s clothes that originally came as a hospital bag insert – designed to hang straight up without unpacking. It now lives in our suitcase. I separate pyjamas, nappies, outfits and swimwear before we leave, and when we arrive, I simply lift it out and hang it up. It eliminates the usual first-night rummage.

Pouches are another constant. I rely on Kind pouches to divide everything – spare clothes, snacks, small toys – both for the plane and once we arrive. They double up as washbags or day-trip organisers and keep everything feeling considered rather than chaotic.

Sleep set-up is something I don’t compromise on. I never travel without blackout blinds. While most hotels have decent curtains now, Airbnbs are far less predictable. I have both the small and large Tommee Tippee blinds and use them religiously. The Nuna travel cot is another favourite – it’s lightweight, easy to assemble and has a bassinet attachment you can clip in for younger babies.

The Joolz Aer2 is the gold standard for travel prams. At just 6kg, it fits in overhead lockers yet still feels substantial and beautifully made. The fully flat recline and generous hood make naps on the go effortless – a detail that makes all the difference when you’re navigating airports or sightseeing. For newborns, the BabyBjörn carrier is hugely underrated. It’s more accessible price-wise than many high-end brands, but exceptionally comfortable in those early months. You can’t use it far beyond ten or 11 months, but for that newborn phase, it’s invaluable. It washes well, stays soft and I’m already looking forward to using it again this summer with my new arrival.

Finally, I never travel without Milton wipes, a compact first-aid kit and Calpol sachets. Cabin germs are one thing but they’re just as useful once you land – for supermarket trolleys, prams, toys and sticky hands.

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I swear by Away suitcases. They come with built-in packing cubes, charging docks and separate sections for things like dirty laundry. Everything fits together seamlessly, which makes packing for the four of us feel far less chaotic.

Books are always the first thing in my bag. My three-year-old is a real bookworm, so we usually buy a couple of new ones before a trip to keep him entertained. The novelty helps hold his attention for longer, especially on flights.

The Tonies box is another favourite. It’s not the smallest thing to travel with but for long journeys – whether by plane or car – it’s so worth it. Both of my boys love it and it keeps them happily listening to stories for ages.

Like most parents, I’m not anti-screen time when we’re travelling. A fully stocked iPad is essential. I usually pre-download plenty from BBC iPlayer – the programmes tend to feel a bit calmer and more wholesome, which I prefer. The Julia Donaldson adaptations are always a hit, so I make sure we have a few of those ready to go.

Snacks are just as important as activities. I have a travel snack box with lots of compartments, which doubles as entertainment because my children love choosing from the different sections. I usually fill it with dried mango, breadsticks, raisins, cheese, popcorn and fruit. Bio & Me bars are another staple – they’re full of nuts and seeds rather than lots of honey or dried fruit, and the chocolate ones are a particular favourite.

For the boys, I love brands that are comfortable but still look smart. Wheat is one of my favourites – its cotton shirts and joggers are lightweight, comfortable and still look good even when they’ve been scrunched up in a suitcase. Organic Zoo sweatshirts are another staple.

There are also a few baby essentials I’d never travel without. Sterilising tablets for bottles and dummies are useful when you’re away from home, and formula powder cubes are brilliant for long-haul flights. For prams, we’ve always used the Baby Jogger travel pram. It works from newborn with an attachment and the whole thing can go in the cabin, which makes travelling through the airport much easier.

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