Home / Covid 17 pandemic-era essentials for traveling with babies & kids Getty / Orbon Alija A bit of prep can go a long way when traveling with babies and kids. By Sophie Schillaci December 8, 2021 Getty / Orbon Alija Rectangle Traveling can be a messy business. Mix in kids and a global pandemic, and those germy excursions can go from just icky to downright scary. Thankfully, if and when you need to get from Point A to Point B, there is no shortage of supplies to help you and your family stay happy and healthy along the journey. From child-friendly cleaning supplies, to every kind of disposable liner and surface cover, to self-contained gear that takes the stress out of mealtime, a bit of prep can go a long way when traveling with babies and kids. Once you’ve got your sanitizers and wipes, don’t forget to stock up on boredom busters and general essentials that make traveling with all little ones a breeze. (Or at least as close to a breeze as possible!) From carriers to strollers to busy boxes, we handpicked our tried-and-true faves to make your life just a little bit easier. Shoppable 1. Honest Company Sanitizing Wipes $19.99 These powerhouse alcohol-based wipes are great for quickly and easily sanitizing hands or surfaces while on-the-go. (Just make sure to keep them separated from your diapering supplies to avoid any changing mishaps!) Shop 2. Baby Bum Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer $11.97 for a three-pack This plant-based formula—specifically created for kids, toddlers and babies—kills 99.9% of germs with a convenient spray applicator that won’t leave hands feeling sticky. It’s also vegan, hypoallergenic and pediatrician-tested for added confidence. Shop 3. Disposable Airplane Tray Covers $14.99 for a 10-pack These convenient plastic covers slide right over the airplane tray to keep germs and spills at bay. Shop 4. Disposable Placemats $11.99 for a 40-pack Colorful and engaging for littles, these placemats should be a diaper bag staple for any excursion. Measuring 12 inches by 18 inches, the mats also have a sticky back to adhere snugly to any tabletop. Shop 5. Disposable Changing Pad Liners $29.95 for a 50-pack A helpful addition to any diaper bag, these ultra soft and leak-proof changing pad liners unfold to create easy, clean diaper-changing surfaces anywhere. Toss them right in the trash when you’re done! Shop 6. Kid-Friendly Disposable Toilet Seat Covers $16.97 for a 20-pack Perfect for little ones learning to use the potty, these cute covers with fun patterns make using a public restroom a little less scary and a lot less germy. Shop 7. Cloth Youth Face Masks $16.50 For children over the age of two, make sure to pack extra face masks. If your toddler is having trouble keeping their mask on, try plenty of practice ahead of time in short increments and consider having a stuffed animal buddy wear one, too! Shop 8. Disposable Youth Face Masks $18.99 for a 50-pack If washing face masks while traveling isn’t an option, opt for inexpensive disposable masks that will help keep your kids protected. Shop 9. Stasher Snack Bags $9.99 An eco-friendly and chic solution to snacking and packing, Stasher bags are endlessly durable, reusable and come in a wide variety of rainbow colors. Use them for food storage, organizing small items and responsibly collecting your trash along your journey. Shop 10. OXO Travel Fork and Spoon Set $9.99 This toddler-sized pair of utensils comes in a handy carrying case to ensure your little one always has their very own clean fork and spoon while eating out. Shop 11. Steel Sippy Cup & Straw The only travel cup you’ll ever need, this durable BPA-free vessel keeps drinks cold and is virtually spill- and leak-proof. Shop 12. On-the-Go Booster Seat $24.99 If you’re concerned about cleanliness or availability of high chairs and booster seats, consider a portable option that folds compactly and straps securely to any chair. Shop 13. Entertainment Travel Tray $29.99 A multipurpose activity hub for car or air travel, set your little one up with everything they’ll need for hours of entertainment with dry erase markers, books, snacks and drinks, plus a handy sleeve for propping up a tablet. It can also serve as a clean surface for mealtime while traveling. Shop 14. Travel Activity Kit $30 Take the time and guesswork out of building a DIY on-the-go activity kit with this toddler-tested pre-made option. Conveniently packaged in a compact case that fits inside any child’s backpack or parent’s bag, each travel kit includes a chalk/magnet board for endless open play, along with plenty of classic road trip favorites inside and a detailed card with easy game ideas to keep everyone happy and engaged on long trips. (Full disclosure: I created this company and this product! And I sincerely hope that you and your littles LOVE it!) Shop 15. BabyBJORN Mini Baby Carrier $79.99 When traveling with an infant, baby-wearing can help keep your baby close and your hands free. The BabyBJORN carrier is one of the easiest and most durable options for securing quickly when you simply don’t have an extra hand around Shop 16. Value Travel Stroller $99.99 Travel strollers can be hugely helpful for navigating airports or maximizing space when packing for a road trip. The Summer 3D Lite Convenience Stroller offers amazing bang for your buck in terms of comfort, maneuverability, durability and price. Shop 17. Luxury Travel Stroller $499.98 The Babyzen YOYO2 Stroller features all the bells and whistles you could want in a lightweight stroller—including easy one-handed driving and folding. Shop We independently select and share the products we love—and may receive a commission if you choose to buy. Related Stories Food 20+ road trip snacks that are tried-and-true family favorites Baby Shopping Guide 23 products that make traveling with baby *so* much easier Covid 5 kid-friendly travel ideas for the Covid era The latest Health & Wellness New report shows daycare centers weren’t Covid transmission hubs after all News Free at-home Covid tests are coming back—here’s how to get them Covid Covid vaccine doesn’t increase early miscarriage risk in men or women, study finds Children's Health Large study shows effects of Covid vaccine in pregnancy on newborns