Summer is full of possibilities — beach trips, family reunions, weekend getaways, and adventures you’ll be talking about for years. But when you’ve got a baby or toddler, travel comes with a very real packing list. The good news? With the right gear, hitting the road (or the sky) with your kids is not only doable, it can be fun. And at the top of that gear list — without question — is your stroller. But not every stroller is built for travel. Your destination, your baby’s age, and how you’re getting there all play a role in finding the right fit.
The Stroller: Your Most Important Piece of Travel Gear
Road Trips: Simple Stops, Smooth Transitions
Road trips often come with plenty of stops—gas stations, diaper changes, and snacks at scenic viewpoints. To make things easier, you need a stroller that folds up quickly, easily, and compactly. Enter the Safety 1st FoldtasticTM Travel System.
With Foldtastic, getting in, out, and back in the car is simple. The stroller opens easily when you arrive and when it’s time to pack up again, activate its folding mechanism with one hand and watch Foldtastic do the rest!
Paired with the included onBoard™ FLX Infant Car Seat, this travel system makes transitions from car to stroller quick and convenient, so your day keeps flowing, mile after mile.
Air Travel: A Better Way to Navigate Busy Airports
Navigating airports with a baby can feel like a juggling act. Between security lines, boarding gates, and listening for announcements, you need gear that keeps up.
Foldtastic’s lightweight design and compact self-fold make it easy to maneuver through crowded terminals with confidence. If you’ve ever tried collapsing a stroller while holding your baby, you’ll know why this travel system is called Foldtastic! When you get to the gate and it’s time to check your stroller, simply activate self-fold with one hand and leave it for the gate crew to handle for you. Even better, the included onBoard™ FLX Infant Car Seat is airplane-ready is airplane-ready, allowing you to bring baby’s familiar seat right on board for a seamless, comfy travel experience. From terminal to takeoff, Foldtastic helps you stay focused on your tiny traveler—not on wrestling with your gear.
Theme Parks and All-Day Adventures: Your New Sidekick
From farmers markets to zoos, boardwalks, and even big Disney adventures, Foldtastic is your go-to stroller for long days on the move—with easy pauses along the way. (Bonus: it meets Disney park size requirements).
With Foldtastic, you can fold and stow the stroller quickly when hopping on transportation, heading into a restaurant, or storing it in tight spaces. The lighter weight also makes it easier to lift and carry when needed—helpful when navigating busy destinations.
Shop Foldtastic
Also available on target.com and at select Target locations.
Packing Smart: A Baby Travel Checklist
You’ve chosen your compact, super-easy-to-fold stroller…now let’s move on to the rest of the list. Rather than packing up your whole house and taking it with you, give some thought to baby gear that multitasks, is compact and lightweight, and bring that at-home feeling to your vacation.
-
Sleep essentials: portable play yards and travel cribs for sleep on the go
With the Safety 1st Sleepy Traveler Travel Bassinet, your little one can catch up on some much-needed Z’s at home or on the go, indoors or outside. If you are worried about the sun shining in, the semi canopy provides the perfect amount of shade and allows you to peek in to see them. It easily converts from a bassinet to a play yard. And the sound, lights, and vibration module is included.
-
Make mealtime easy on the go
Simple to use and easy to clean, the Easy Care Swing Tray Feeding Booster makes it easy to get your child seated securely for mealtimes. After a messy meal, the smooth seat design wipes down easily and the tray is dishwasher safe for quick and simple clean-up.
-
Diaper bag essentials
Whether you’re getting ready for a family event or traveling for the weekend, the Groom & Go Baby Care Kit goes nicely with your on-the-go lifestyle. This set includes a gentle baby brush and comb, scissors, and baby nail clippers all in a convenient, compact storage case.
· And Don’t Forget…
- Entertainment for long travel days
- Baby carriers and wraps (great stroller backup)
- Sun protection: hats and UPF clothing
- Travel safety and babyproofing items
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do I need to travel with a newborn?
Traveling with a newborn takes a little more preparation, but it’s absolutely manageable with the right gear. The essentials start with a safe, portable sleep space like a travel crib or bassinet, a reliable infant car seat, and a travel-friendly stroller or travel system that allows your car seat to click right in. Beyond gear, you’ll want to pack more diapers and wipes than you think you need, a well-stocked diaper bag, feeding supplies, a baby carrier for hands-free moments, and any comfort items that help your baby feel at home and at ease. Sun protection is especially important in summer — a lightweight hat and UPF-rated clothing go a long way. Keep your newborn’s sleep schedule as consistent as possible, and don’t overschedule your days. Slower travel is happier travel with a newborn.
Q: How do I keep my baby cool during summer travel?
Keeping a baby cool in the summer heat is one of the most important things parents can do while traveling, since babies can’t regulate their body temperature the way adults can. Dress your baby in lightweight, breathable, UPF-rated clothing and always keep a wide-brimmed hat on hand and avoid being outdoors during peak sun hours between 10 am and 2 pm.
Q: Can a newborn go on a road trip?
Yes, newborns can go on road trips — there’s no medical age minimum for car travel. The key is planning around your newborn’s needs. Keep drives to two to three hours at a stretch, and plan stops to feed and change your little one and get out of the car to stretch your legs. Bring a well-stocked diaper bag within reach and consider a white noise app or portable sound machine to help baby sleep. Travel during nap or nighttime hours when possible — many babies sleep well in the car, which can make for a surprisingly smooth trip.
Q: What stroller is best for air travel?
The best stroller for air travel is one that is lightweight, compact, and folds quickly with one hand. Umbrella strollers and lightweight travel strollers are popular choices for flying because they’re easy to gate-check and simple to maneuver through airports. Look for a stroller that has a slim fold and is durable enough to handle being gate-checked. If you’re traveling with a newborn or young infant, a travel system that pairs a lightweight stroller frame with an infant car seat is a great option — it lets you move seamlessly from car to airport to gate without waking your baby.
Q: When can babies travel?
Most full-term babies can travel within a few weeks of birth, though many pediatricians recommend waiting until after the first round of vaccinations at around two months before flying or traveling to crowded destinations. Check with your family’s doctor.
For road trips, there’s no strict age minimum. For international travel or flying, it’s always a good idea to check with your pediatrician first, especially for newborns or babies born prematurely. The practical reality is that younger babies are often easier travel companions than toddlers — they sleep a lot, stay in one place, and don’t have opinions about the snack selection yet. With the right gear and a flexible mindset, travel at any age in that first year is very much within reach.
Q: Do airlines charge for strollers?
Most major airlines in the United States allow you to check a stroller for free, in addition to your regular checked baggage allowance. You can typically check your stroller at the ticket counter or gate-check it at the jetway, which means it’s waiting for you right as you de-plane — a huge convenience with a baby. Policies vary by airline and by stroller size, so it’s worth checking your carrier’s website before you fly. Oversized or jogging strollers may be required to go in the cargo hold and could be subject to oversize baggage fees. To avoid any issues, a lightweight, compact travel stroller is your safest bet — and if it fits in the overhead bin, you won’t have to check it at all.
Places to Be and Memories to Make
Traveling as a family can take a little extra planning, but it is worth it! With the right gear and the right mindset, get out there and make some memories!
Explore Safety 1st
