(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best baby travel gear

This toy has been his favorite since birth, it has so many little things to draw their attention! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004X0WAP6/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_Z.4htb1VC2PBA

My guy had terrible congestion his first 6 months; this little sucker was Incredible for getting gunk out without making him cry! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CAHWUDQ/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_9-4htb10RF88G

I LOVE this night light! It has a soft glow, 4 light settings, a timer or all night setting, it's very quality & durable feeling, and it's SO adorable! It's my go to nursing light now. We have the dragon. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008X6XRH6/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_ae5htb03B23DV
Chewy Q has been wonderful for our little teether! Easy to hold & clean, and great on the gums. I recommend! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002JPB02Q/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_oa5htb183RF54
Munky doesn't quite appreciate this book yet, but I LOVE it! It's very lovingly crafted, with so many little things to interact with and draw interest, and it's machine washable! I can't wait for him to be old enough to play with it. Also soft & safe for carseat play! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EQHJKE/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_Jb5htb1GJN7GV
This cart cover is awesome! It's got big comfy pillows that help prevent wobbling & flopping over. Keeps kiddo from chewing on the cart, and helps hold them up if the belt is broken. It's pretty easy to put on, I've done it one handed with a gigantic squirmy baby on the other, and you can hang toys on the straps so that they don't get lost (thrown :-P) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F1O8JI/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_5b5htb1VXGMW7
These muslin swaddles are super cheap, and sooooo versatile! I used them for everything when he was tiny & it was hot. They are Huge, and fold easily. Stroller cover, blanket, swaddle, towel in a pinch, I love them! They are breezy, and don't make baby too toasty.

I also recommend footie pants; much easier than onesies, and then you don't have to worry about socks!

No name, but Walmart, and probably other places, has kids tooth brushes that have suction cups on the bottom, dirt cheap. These have provided Tons of entertainment for my guy, as a teether, and he really enjoys plucking them up from wherever you've stuck them to.

Look for a babywearing group in your area. You'll find lots of different carriers to try out and find something that is best for him. I find some of the carriers difficult to get on on my own, but there are tricks to each of them that you can learn at a meet-up. Also, YouTube is great for how-to videos. I would suggest something other than a Baby Bjorn. Boba, Beco, Tula, Ergo are just a few. I also love the ease of a padded ring sling (specifically I have a Maya Wrap ring sling). He might find the adjustments on a buckle carrier too much. But the ring sling is beautifully simple! And it is good from newborn through toddler.

I would imagine a number of ways to put baby down that are higher up (than the floor) would be helpful, like a Rock n Play sleeper

You might look for a car seat that is extra light to carry. The Maxi Cosi Micro is the lightest one that you can get.

And check out a good stroller. Whatever you do- get one that you can push with one hand! If you have a "baby boutique" type store nearby, you can go and check them out and see what will be best for your family. I suggest a higher end store than a Babies R Us because they can be extremely helpful in finding one that is a good fit and pointing out features that might be useful. Even if you don't buy one there, you can get ideas of things that might be helpful to look for. Some strollers have a more complicated folding system that require 2 hands while others are super easy and just require you to pull a strap.

I am 5'6", and a 16/18 pre-pregnancy. F or G cup pre-pregnancy as well.

The most comfortable maternity/early postpartum stuff I got was from Old Navy. Their roll-panel maternity yoga pants were the most comfortable things ever. I ordered XL, but probably would have been okay with L if I wore my pants tighter. Their basic maternity T-shirts were good (XL fit fine, not too tight). Their nursing camis were okay, but gave zero support from the built in bra. The nursing camis and tops from H&M were much better, although I was definitely at the top of the size range. Honestly, the best nursing tanks with the best support were the ones I bought from Walmart when DD was born (2013).

For bras, this one was the best fitting (go up 2 or 3 cup sizes...) - expensive, but worth it. Try Walmart or Target - I know the Walmart ones worked well a couple years ago.

Baby carriers - for soft carriers, we have a K'tan. They are sized, so I can use it but my husband (6'2") can't. He uses a Baby Bjorn. We also have an Onya Outback. Again, pricey but worth it. I actually got mine from Buy Buy Baby - I stacked some coupons and got it for just under $100. I like it because it will hold kiddos all the way through toddlerhood - up to 75 pounds, I think. There's an infant insert that you can buy separately, but you can also use a blanket or towel instead.

Good luck!!

Uppababy Mesa / Vista

I hate to be the person to suggest to you the expensive things, but if you can get people to chip in, this is gonna last you. The Vista is built to last and has excellent handling. Which matters. As someone who runs my kid into stuff constantly, trust me. It can be made into a double stroller down the road if you need it too. A triple stroller if you count adding on a standing board. The Mesa is awesome, easy to install, and makes life grand in the beginning. Those first 6 months are tough. They are great, but also easy to let yourself slip into 'I'm not leaving the house' if you don't have things to make it easy on yourself. You can throw the Mesa into the Vista frame and spend the day loading it up at Target. You can get 12 paper towel rolls and like an 18 pack of toilet paper plus some in that basket. I'm not a 'stroller person' so to speak - I won't bring a stroller to Disney and I go at least 1x a month - but I love this stroller and car seat.

Ring sling, I suggest this one

I'm a huge babywearing advocate and have what my husband believes is too many carriers (10). I have 3 ring slings and 1 mesh ring sling for water. They are lifesavers. They are easy to store in a bag, work as a nursing cover, and are one layer of fabric over the baby so not too hot. Unlike a Moby or Boba where you have a lot of fabric and are layering three pieces of fabric over the baby, ring slings are basically a pouch where you slide the baby in, tighten by pulling the fabric through the rings, and voila, done. They also last well into toddlerhood. I carry my 25-pound active kid in one still. They are also the thing I usually buy new moms as a gift.

White noise machine

It doesn't have to be a baby one. It doesn't need to be expensive. It doesn't even have to be a machine - do you have a Spotify subscription? Look up white noise (I suggest this) set it to repeat and a cross fade between, and voila! White noise!

Congrats! You're going to have a great time. In my observation restaurants and even bars are very child-friendly here. There's something of a cult-of-the-child too, so your bambino will be cooed and fussed over and welcomed in most places, even late at night.

You've picked a great spot to stay, too - Monti is great and you'll find plenty of places that will welcome you and your baby in there, and all over the city too. Perhaps not cocktail bars and birrerie in the middle of Trastevere (or some of the more booze-oriented pubs where you're staying) but most everywhere else will be fine.

Most restaurants will have a high chair if you ask. However while eating with English-speaking friends and their babies here, I have noticed that the word "highchair" is not very well understood.

Therefore the Italian term is "seggiolone". "Is there a highchair?" = "C'è un seggiolone?" (CHEY oon sedge-oh-LOAN-eh?) The only issue you may encounter may be that there may only be one available, and it may already be in use by another little one.

Finally, a couple of places go go: there is a wonderful kids' area in Villa Borghese near the Pincio balcony (it's even called Viale dei Bambini). Maybe yours will be a little young to appreciate it, but it's a relaxing place for the parents with plenty of balloons to buy and fun stuff to look at, including family bikes (Flintstone cars) you can ride around the park with a child basket up front. There's also a zoo on the northern side of the park.

Another personal recommendation is La Limonaia in Villa Torlonia. This is a mostly outdoor restaurant in a lovely park a little bit outside the city centre, which has a kids' play area (the park not the restaurant) and because there's a kids' science museum next door, is very child friendly.

The only drawback to your visit is going to be trying to use a buggy on the cobbled streets and between the badly parked cars. You might find a marsupio (not sure what they're called in English) is going to be more useful than a buggy, in the centre at least.

We are expecting our first in August so will be more authoritative in answering this question next time. :)

Edit: speaking as an Airbnb host, do ensure you've informed yours about your baby.

We have an infant seat and two bases (one for each car), plus the stroller it snaps into. Two seats is unnecessary for sure. The stroller is nice, but not essential.

As for wraps/slings... We have a Moby, a Snugli, and an Ergo. I like them all for different reasons.

The Moby I use mostly at home because it's complicated to wrap and a bit hot. But it's fantastic if your baby wants to be held and you need to get stuff done. I used it a lot when he was under a month old so he could snuggle up and sleep while I did dishes and such.

The Snugli is great for little babies who hate the Ergo insert (as ours did). we used it on our first outing at a week old and I just supported his head with my hand. It is easy to put on and take off and getting baby into it is a cinch. Once they start getting heavier (over 10lbs) it starts to get a little less comfortable for the wearer. I can only wear him about an hour in the Snugli before my back and shoulders start to complain.

The Ergo we use for long wears and if I'm going to need to nurse with him in the pack. It is especially good for an all day outing. I have successfully breastfed with him in the Ergo and me sitting down. (I saw a woman once doing it standing up with an older baby who had good head control.)

My husband happily wears both the carriers and is quite comfortable in them. My tall sister has a Maya wrap and loves it. I found it hard to use with my short torso.

:( That does sound hectic. My registry is kinda all over the place because I've already bought a ton of stuff, but just some suggestions of some things (FTM so no idea really if these are good or not, some were recommendations from friends, some were recommendations from various online resources).

• car seat, extra base if you have more than one car, and stroller
  
• baby carrier - I got the ergobaby 360 with infant insert but the Lillebaby 360 is also super popular.
  
• swaddles - aden & anais seem to be hugely popular.
  
• bathing supplies - washcloths, bathtub
  
• first aid kit supplies - NoseFrida, nail clipper, thermometer
  
• feeding - bottles, sterilizer (some people told me I had to have it, some said it was totally unnecessary), bottle cleaner brush, drying rack (seems like everyone else loves the Boon grass, but I don't have the counter space!) You can get a pump through your insurance if you plan to breastfeed, I ordered mine through Aeroflow. I ultimately chose the Spectra S2 over the Medela PISA because it's a closed system, which apparently means less chances of bacteria getting into the system and thus easier cleaning.
  
• burp clothes - I was told to just get a ton of cloth diapers to use as burp clothes, and to have them everywhere.
  
• diaper pail - I have two friends who say this is good enough, so I went with it. They also said to use doggie poop bags to contain the smelly diapers.
  
• humidifier
  
• Boppy for nursing
  
• Backpack style diaper bag
  
• baby may need a more convenient place to be set down other than the crib, something you can have near you in the kitchen, shower, whatever. Popular options are the rock n play, Boppy lounger, or a pack 'n play. I plan on getting the Chicco FastAsleep pack 'n play because the crib/dresser/changing station is on our 2nd floor, so I figured this could double as a changing station/napper on the first floor.
  
  Lucie's List is probably the best resource I found online.

• Diapers Sensitive skin runs in our family and the regular brands made her break out something awful but cloth, babyganics and [up & ups] (http://www.target.com/p/diapers-bulk-plus-pack-select-size-up/-/A-15121671 ) worked great. Pull Ups for older ones.
  
  
• Potty Training We have [This one] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C431NRE/ref=twister_B01E930B16?_encoding=UTF8&th=1) and [This one] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F667QS2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1)
  
  
• High Chair like this
  
  
• [Stroller] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H8MQBFQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1) its well padded and is comfy for even the older kids.
  
  
• Carrier We have [This one] (https://www.amazon.com/Carrying-Positions-Carrier-Detachable-Included/dp/B01IUS08FK/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1478452855&sr=8-4&keywords=mei+tai) and a ring sling that I still use but I wish we had bought one like [This] (https://www.amazon.com/Infantino-Cuddle-Ergonomic-Hoodie-Carrier/dp/B01B45KW0C/ref=sr_1_6_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1478453079&sr=1-6&keywords=carrier) It would be easier to put on.
  
  
• [Nursing pillows] (https://www.amazon.com/Boppy-Nursing-Pillow-Positioner-Peaceful/dp/B00HMGBJCS/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1478458541&sr=1-4&keywords=nursing+pillow) my husband used it all the time and this is her favorite spot to cuddle up still
  
  
• Pack n Play
  
  
  
• Bouncer chair I believe ours was the previous model.
  
  
• [Swing] (https://www.amazon.com/4moms-rockaRoo-Baby-Swing-Classic/dp/B00I0BVQFO/ref=sr_1_27_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1478452147&sr=1-27&keywords=swing&th=1) We have one similar to it the other ones tend to be a pain to move around.
  
  
• Some sort of walker This or [This] (https://www.amazon.com/Bright-Starts-Around-Activity-Zippity/dp/B00OC8B1IQ/ref=sr_1_6?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1478454444&sr=1-6&keywords=activity+jumper) or [This] (https://www.amazon.com/Evenflo-ExerSaucer-Learn-Jumper-Jungle/dp/B006PB2H4A/ref=sr_1_7?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1478454444&sr=1-7&keywords=activity%2Bjumper&th=1)
  
  
• Some sort of activity toys like This, This,
  
  Comfy rocking chair
  
  When it comes to cribs, pack n plays, rock n plays, bouncers and swings its upto the childs taste. Out of my nieces and nephews 1 always napped in a rock n play, 1 in the swing, 1 would sleeps anywhere, 1 would sleep on mommy or a boppy, 1 in the crib and my daughter would only sleep in the carrier or being held. She never used the rock n play, crib or pack n play but loved the bouncer and occasionally accepted sitting in the boppy or swing. They are all so different. With our little girl her reflux was so bad that if she was laid flat she would immediately throw up.
  
  
  (I will edit to add more when I get a minute)

https://www.amazon.com/Vlokup-Baby-Sling-Carrier-Rainbow/dp/B01BGSMIG8

I have this one and I LOVE it. It has gotten so much use. It is about $35, so its not a huge investment, but I know I've definitely gotten my moneys worth. My favorite things about ring slings:

1. PORTABILITY: it is the size of a baby kitten, so it fits easily in any diaper bag or glove compartment
   
   
2. LONGEVITY: it can be used for any size child (that you can physically carry). I used it when my baby was <6lbs and plan to continue using it when she is 30+lbs
   
   
3. NURSE-ABILITY: it is super easy to nurse in and be discrete about too! Just loosen it a bit, throw the tail over LO's head and let them go to town
   
   
4. SHARE-ABILTY: you dont need a different size for each caregiver
   
   
   The only things that I dont like about it is that it can be hard on your back if you wear it for long periods and baby cant really look around which might make them squimy when they are bigger. It it a really good carrier to have for out and about (like you are grocery shopping or at a restaurant or at the beach) and makes it SO easy to nurse on the go, but I would not want to go on a hike with it.

You absolutely did the right thing. Because my babies were both premature I had a little more ‘sway’ or whatever and people still tried to make me feel bad about making them wash/sanitize their hands and not kiss them when they were just days out of the NICU. I just ignored them. You know you’re right, just keep following your gut. No matter how much other people “love” your baby, you and baby’s dad are the only two who have that deep-seated gut feeling of needing to protect the baby. You’ll get pressure from all around, especially as a new mom but you will always be the ones with the most vested interest in making the right hooches for baby. It’s just the way it is when you’re a parent. (Same would go for adoptive parents etc, it’s just only parents really get how that little baby completely relies on them for safety and security). When we become or choose to become parents it just hits you. Keep up the great work.

Oh and as a helpful tip, since you’ve got a new baby during heavy cold and flu season, and are likely to have to go in public over the next few months, get a little sign for your stroller and/or car seat that tells people not to touch baby. You’d be surprised at the amount of well-meaning strangers who want to kiss, touch etc your baby at the grocery store etc. The little signs I had made it so much less awkward.

I’ll try to find one like I had an post a link, they were life-savers for us with itty bitty preemies ( one that was born at this time of year especially).

Amazon has them and some cute car seat covers now which would be handy if it gets cool where you’re located.

Do Not Touch The Baby 6 x 4 inch Laminated Baby Tag by Cold Snap Studio, More Than I Can Bear - Handmade in The USA! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYHAQSW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_cIY2BbTNKY87S


Here’s a couple on Etsy
https://www.etsy.com/listing/618099774/baby-no-touching-sign-newborn-car-seat?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_e-accessories-baby_accessories-other&utm_custom1=b91d9b02-e313-4abf-a58c-f42c6b30482d&utm_content=go_304499315_22746169955_78727407395_aud-537409439012:pla-112970735795_t__618099774&gclid=CjwKCAjwyOreBRAYEiwAR2mSkvMDGDYau-iksO7deqOa2-_3wPaAOjaFIhsf6SjevNHAVKGkqi3hDBoCI6IQAvD_BwE

I couldn’t find one like I had but because of where I lived having a high rate of illiteracy (deep in Cajun country where older people spoke French but little English) mine looked like an actual stop sign. I know that might seem overkill but many in my husbands close extended family (aunts, uncles, etc) understood what it meant without being able to actually read it.

I can’t help with 2, 3, or 4, but for grocery shopping I have one of those car seats that snaps into a stroller, so I put LO in the stroller and throw my groceries into the bottom portion of the stroller (where the diaper bag would normally go). I can’t make huge grocery shopping trips, but I’ve been able to pick up a few things this way!

One of my friends also purchased this insert on amazon that she puts into shopping carts to help her LO sit up. I plan on buying one as soon as my LO outgrows his car seat!

Summer Infant 2-in-1 Cushy Cart Cover and Seat Positioner, Diamonds https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MHP8YKO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_psRMAbJN9R2BC

We got a 600 dollar crib (it was a gift from my grandmother) that looks nice and converts into a twin bed,

An even more expensive matching dresser (A gift from my FIL)

A MamaRoo (A gift from my mother),

A LilleBaby All Seasons (A gift from my brother.)

I haven't had a chance to use any of them (except the dresser) because the larva is still tucked away in her womb apartment.

i have this one and it seems to be padded shoulder but i really like it and haven't had any issues with the shoulder. The strap is pretty wide and seems to distribute weight pretty evenly across my shoulder.

http://www.amazon.com/Balboa-Baby-Sears-Adjustable-Signature/dp/B001Q80GO0/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1421345591&sr=1-1&keywords=balboa+baby&pebp=1421345619483&peasin=B001Q80GO0

just my experience.

Don't have much info on their actual deficits, but a piggyback harness may be useful and is easier to manage than holding the child or using a wagon in rough terrain and on hikes. Something like this Piggyback Rider

I had a pack and play for my first baby and I just sold it to a secondhand store. I think they are too big for their intended use. My daughter never liked it as a sleep device and she hated it as a containment device once she got mobile. We ended up getting a snuggle nest to put in the pack and play for her to sleep in because the pack and play was too wide open.

This time I went with a travel crib to put next to our bed for the first few months. I hope the new baby likes it. I guess we'll find out here in the next week or so.

Another option I considered was the Fisher-Price Rock and Play Bassinet, because as I said the pack and play was just too big.

We've got two of these tents for my guys and have used them since about that age and they still fit in them at 21 months and likely will for quite some time longer. I preferred them over pack and plays just because they were easier to haul around. It wasn't hard to train them to sleep in them, we just did a few naps in the cribs in them before the trips and they're good to go.

i just saw on twitter someone with the same problem and they said they bought this tag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P2H7PNY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share off amazon that says not to touch the baby. you can find a lot of stuff like this and if they still approach the baby just be honest that you don’t want them touching them. hope this helps.

This is perfect! Thanks again.

Summer Infant Travel Bed https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FBEN8X6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_SvIPCbKEPV6CF

I either carry my daughter in a baby carrier (did with my first as well!), or you can get a grocery cart cover and put them in the child seat in the cart. I have one for my daughter and it came with a little pillow support thing for behind her back so she sits up nice and snuggly in the cart.

Here is the link to the cart cover that I have.

I’ve heard several people say that the jolly jumper carrier cover works well. jolly jumper amazon

Get her this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001E5G7DO/?tag=047-20

Bitches love carrying their newborn child around.

KidCo P4012 PeaPod Plus Infant Travel Bed, Midnight https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZRWOQN8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HDGACbQGXCF9P this has been great for us.

Get one of these, or something similar, to use in airports and rest stops to/from your flights. When my first was 5 months old we used it for a 6-hour drive to the airport and while awaiting a flight; it's great to give the kid some tummy/wiggle time and give you a short break. We also used ours as a bed while we were away since he wasn't mobile yet.

When our little one was a newborn we had one of these for when we stayed away from home. It worked great for us. We put it on the floor, inside a larger crib so she felt more at home there, or as a cosleeper in bed with me (but not husband as we weren't comfortable cosleeping with him in the bed) depending on what we needed.

Balboa sling. It's like ring sling with no adjustments needed. Just throw it over your shoulder , as easy as putting on a purse

Balboa Baby Dr. Sears Adjustable Sling, Signature Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001Q80GO0/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_Ft0Uub044SBJZ

Just found a whole bunch, here is a cute one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P2H7PNY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3LHUUAU76BEYK&psc=1

the face is just so creepy and mom's smiling like everyone on her block has one. At least this looks a bit more practical loooking.

I've seen friends with the jacket extender, there are also baby-wearing specific jackets. We used layers on us both. I would put my kid in his snowsuit/bunting (with legs) and layers underneath and then cover it with this cover. I wore my jacket zipped up and put the carrier on over that. It's not my favorite way though and I think having a big jacket to go around us both would probably be more comfy.

They actually make signs like that. :D

Lillebaby carriers are up to 55% off on Amazon right now! I snagged the Lillebaby complete all seasons for $76 (normally $140)!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BGSMIG8?colid=38SHWFWZO9AB7&coliid=I10GMU3106BFSO&ref=br_mb_ov_item_detail

Forgive my abysmal linking, I'm on mobile. This thing is way easier to use than I thought it would be; all I did here was drop the baby in, get him latched, yank on the tail a few times and "oh, hey...I can just...let go? OH FUCK YEAH!"

It should really be pulled down over my opposite shoulder to distribute the weight better, I've since learned.

Piggyback Rider SCOUT model - Child Toddler Carrier Backpack for Hiking Trails, Camping, Fitness Travel (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019BPYNB6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_C5r-AbRPRTG6R

To be clear, this is the one we have: Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M0DWQYI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZlF3CbV8YTKVJ
The snaps in the front are snapped closed and it says “narrow seat 8-15lb” and when the snaps come apart it says “wide seat 15-32lb”

This is the new one we got, no snaps and only wide seating.
Infantino Cuddle Up Ergonomic Hoodie Baby Carrier, Grey https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B45KW0C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JnF3Cb9QCK0AJ

I remembered these esist.

Here you go:

https://www.amazon.com/Piggyback-Rider-SCOUT-model-Backpack/dp/B019BPYNB6

I got mine used off facebook but I think it's the same as this one

One of these will certainly be appreciated.

this

I had this thing for our road trip, my daughter didn't really like it though.

Summer Infant Travel Bed https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FBEN8X6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_X8CKxbSWCPVW6