Traveling with Your Baby: Essential Products for Baby Sleep On-the-Go

sleep travel tips

Let’s be real—traveling with a baby is no small feat. It’s a mix of excitement, exhaustion, and a sprinkle of chaos. But when it comes to sleep, the stakes are high. A well-rested baby means happier travel for everyone. And the good news? With the right products, you can support your baby’s sleep while traveling and have a much smoother sleep transition.

Here are some go-tos our family has to have when traveling with our babies to support their sleep. Whether we are in a hotel, grandma’s house, or on a beach vacation - we don’t travel anywhere overnight without these items to support our baby’s sleep.

First, a travel crib or pack 'n play

When it comes to baby sleep away from home, a familiar sleeping environment is key. A travel crib or pack 'n play is a lifesaver for us. They are typically portable cribs that are lightweight, easy to set up, and provide a safe space for your baby to snooze.

A few top picks from BabyList include:

BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light: Known for its quick assembly and compact design, this is a favorite for minimalist travelers.
Guava Lotus Travel Crib: Comes with a backpack carrying case, making it ideal for hands-free travel days.
Graco Pack 'n Play: A more budget-friendly option that’s still durable and functional. This is the one we have and I highly recommend packing a Hiccopop travel mattress and crib sheets with this option!

Pro tip: Before you travel, have your baby nap in the crib at home for a few days. Familiarity helps reduce sleep disruptions while sleeping away from home.

Next, bring portable blackout curtains or a Slumberpod

Babies are notoriously sensitive to light when it’s bedtime (or naptime), and hotel curtains, or the curtains in your childhood room (lol), don’t always do the job. Portable blackout curtains, or a Slumberpod, can turn even the sunniest room into a sleep haven.

Why You Need Them:

These blackout products block out distracting light which helps your baby sleep more soundly
These products create a consistent sleep environment if that’s similar to the set up at home, regardless of where you’re staying.

Recommended Products:

Slumberpod: This is a genius invention and we don’t go anywhere without this when traveling with an infant. This pop-up blackout tent fits over a travel crib to make the coziest environment for your baby. The only problem we have run into with this product is space. If the place you are staying during your travels is small and there is not enough space to set up this tent, you may opt for portable blackout curtains instead. Save on Slumberpod here.
Portable Blackout Curtains: Affordable, lightweight, no tools need and these fold up easily for travel. Abby the Infant Insights sleep consultant also recommends these!

The next necessity is a white noise machine or app

A white noise machine is a game-changer for baby sleep, especially when traveling. It drowns out unfamiliar noises, from airplane announcements to bustling hotel hallways.

Options to consider when traveling include:

Hatch Rest Bundle: Small, portable, and the larger sound machine doubles as a nightlight. We love our regular Hatch during travel and always bring this along for non-airplane travel.
Smartphone Apps or Music: If you’re packing light, apps like Sleepy Sounds or White Noise Lite are great backups. I also found an amazing White Noise on Apple Music and put it on infinite repeat nearby the baby’s set up. Works like a charm!

Note: You may want to test the sound machine at home first if you are using a new option, so your baby gets used to it before the trip but this isn’t required!

Next are travel-friendly sleep sack or swaddle

Sticking to your baby’s sleep routine is crucial when traveling, and a familiar sleep sack or swaddle can help. Not only does it signal “time to sleep,” but it also keeps your baby cozy in unfamiliar places. Lightweight, minimalist sleep sacks and swaddles are always best which are perfect for compact traveling.

Popular Choices:

Halo Sleep Sack: Available in lightweight and winter versions, it’s ideal for different climates and checks all of the boxes from a developmental perspective.
Kyte BABY Sleep Bags: Made from bamboo for extra softness and breathability. These are so cozy and your baby will love them if they don't already!

Always check the room temperature and choose a sleep sack with an appropriate TOG rating to ensure your baby is comfortable. Higher TOG = thicker and best for colder climates. Check the temperatures prior to your travel so you know how to pack for your baby’s sleep best.

Next, an on-the-go monitor is always important for us!

If you’re staying in a multi-room setup or an Airbnb, a portable baby monitor is incredibly handy. It gives you peace of mind while your baby sleeps and lets you enjoy some downtime in another room.

Our favorite travel monitor is hands down the VTech DM221. This monitor is lightweight and reliable with long-range audio. It’s also super affordable and you can literally rely on this product as long as you have access to a wall outlet.

Toddlers may require a few additional items like, inflatable bumpers

If your baby has transitioned to a big kid bed or you're traveling with a toddler, inflatable bed bumpers can be a lifesaver. They keep your little one from rolling out of unfamiliar beds and provide a sense of security.

One brand I would recommend is Hiccapop. We have several of their products and they make inflatable bed rail bumpers. These seem easy to pack and set up and work with most standard beds. I will be adding to my cart once we transition our oldest child to a big boy bed and need some side support during travels.

Lastly, bring along some comfort Items from home

Don’t underestimate the power of familiar items when it comes to baby sleep during travel. A favorite lovey, blanket, or stuffed animal for babies over 12 months can work wonders in helping your baby feel secure in a new environment.

You may always consider a regular, familiar crib sheet from home. The smell of home may help your baby adjust to the new environment.

Pro tip: Pack an extra pacifier (preferably your baby’s favorite kind!) just in case one gets lost en route!

Some additional baby sleep tips we have learned while traveling include:

Sticking to the routine as much as possible works wonders! Try to keep naps and bedtimes as close to normal as possible, even when traveling. Also be sure the nap time routines and bedtime routines are as close to the norm as possible. You may not have a rocking chair on hand, but standing and swaying will allow your baby to receive that sensory input they may be seeking and calm them for sleep in the same way they are calmed at home.
Bring a baby carrier or wrap for contact naps on the plane or outside of car rides. A baby carrier or wrap has saved me as a mom more times than I can count. If your baby is refusing to nap or settle, try the wrap to create a cozy and calming environment. My go-tos are Solly Baby and Tush Baby with the Snug Seat.
Plan for Jet Lag: If crossing time zones, gradually adjust your baby’s sleep schedule a few days before departure. This small, gradual adjustment may help your baby shift their schedule. But, of course some challenges are likely to occur, so hang in there! You are doing great!
Speaking of which - be patient with yourself, your baby, and your partner. Travel throws everyone off—babies included. Give everyone grace if naps are shorter or bedtime takes a little longer.

Traveling with a baby doesn’t have to mean sleepless nights. With these baby sleep essentials and quick tips, you’ll feel more prepared to handle whatever challenges come your way. Whether you’re just traveling for the weekend or are traveling internationally, these products can help ensure that everyone gets the rest they need.