Since Gray and Jeff welcomed their twins just a few short weeks ago, we’ve been wondering how long it will be before these little ones set off with their jet setting dad. (These kiddos are practically guaranteed to be some of the most well-traveled tots out there, right?) Traveling with little ones can be hectic when you aren’t prepared with the right items, but today we’re sharing our top recommendations on how to travel with a baby, in hopes that you can learn from our mistakes. We’ve used many of these exact items in our own travels, and others have gotten rave reviews from friends. But at the end of the day, it comes down to this simple truth—these 12 items will make traveling with a baby SO much easier. So before you take off on your next family trip, make sure to pack up these essentials…

1. A Travel-Friendly Crib

Our Pick: BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light, $299

There’s no guarantee that there will be a crib for your babe when you arrive at your destination, so it’s best to pack one with you when you go. This is one of our favorites—it’s the lightest pack ‘n’ play you’ll find, making it beyond easy to assemble and pack up again.

2. A Lightweight Car Seat

Our Pick: Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat, $39

Chances are, if you have a heavy-duty, state-of-the-art car seat situated in your own car, then it doesn’t make a great travel companion when you have to lug it around. That said, this option above is super lightweight and perfect for carrying on a plane.

3. A Baby Carrier

Our Pick: Ergobaby Omni 360 All-in-One Baby Carrier, $179

It can be so much easier to wear your infant through security instead of dealing with taking them in and out of a stroller. TSA won’t make you take them off when you go through, so we prefer bringing along a carrier that we love. It will make airport travel a breeze, and you can even wear baby on the plane too—just remember you’ll have to take them off briefly for takeoff and landing.

4. An Umbrella Stroller

Our Pick: UPPAbaby G-Luxe Stroller, $279.99

Once you get to your destination, it’s important to have a lightweight stroller to get around with your babe. This one by UPPAbaby is easy to fold, yet still has a full recline and ample sunshade for napping on the go.

5. Stickers or a Roll of Washi Tape

Our Pick: 24 Pack Make-A-Sea Sticker Sheets, $6.49

If you have an older infant or a toddler, you’d be surprised at how many hours of entertainment you can get out of just sticking tape on your kiddo’s clothes or the seat in front of you, then peeling it off again! Endless entertainment without a mess? We’re sold.

6. Baby/Toddler Headphones

Our Pick: Nenos Children’s Headphones, $10.99

Whether you have a toddler who will want to watch shows on a tablet, or you just want to protect baby’s ears from the noise of the plane, a pair of travel headphones are a must for any age.

7. Travel Laundry Detergent

Our Pick: Dapple Baby Laundry Detergent Strips, $7.99

Even if you don’t normally wash your own clothes when traveling, it should be no surprise that babies are prone to messes. You’ll want to have a good amount of travel detergent on hand, just in case you need to give either your clothes or your infant’s clothes a wash when you get to your hotel.

8. Travel Potty Seat

Our Pick: OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty for Travel, $19.99

If you have a newly potty trained toddler, then a travel seat to continue good habits is a must. This seat from OXO can fit over a toilet seat, or you can even purchase plastic bags that fit into it for when your kiddo really has to go and you’re not near a restroom. Plus, it all folds flat!

9. White Noise App

Our Pick: White Noise in the App Store, $0.99

Especially if your baby is used to sleeping with a white noise machine at home, you’ll want to download a white noise app to carry with you on your phone. This one allows you to mix different sounds and even lets you record and loop your own “white noise” sound that may be more familiar from home.

10. Inflatable Tub

Our Pick: Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Duck Tub, $11.95

This one is essential if you’re traveling somewhere that only has a standing shower or bathtub that is much too big for an infant. Pack it up when you’re traveling, and inflate for bath time when you’re on vacay.

11. Portable Blackout Curtains

Our Pick: The Gro Company Gro-Anywhere Blind, $46.99

If you’re traveling across time zones with your baby, then you won’t regret adding portable blackout curtains to your suitcase. They’re also extremely useful if you are staying in the same time zone, but just don’t want your little one to wake up with the sun.

2. Cheap Receiving Blankets or Disposable Puppy Pads

Our Pick: AmazonBasics Pet Training and Puppy Pads, $15.80 (100-Count Pack)

If you’re taking a long flight, then you can plan on at least one in-flight diaper change. Make sure to pack a few cheap muslin blankets to lay under your baby that you don’t care about tossing, or even some foldable puppy pads that you can dispose of easily.

Would you add anything to this list?

We hope some of these suggestions prove to be useful! We can say from experience that these will hands down change the way you travel with littles. So now all that’s left to ask is… where to?

Xx Team GM

Photos: @graymalinpersonal on Instagram, Gray Malin