“Food Gadgets? Now what in God’s name is this?” You may ask.
Well, becoming a parent doesn’t mean you have to hang up your traveling boots! In fact, exploring the world with your little one can be an incredibly rewarding experience. But let’s be real – traveling with babies and toddlers can be a logistical challenge, especially when it comes to feeding and entertaining. For the latter, head out to our blog on 10 Unmissable Travel Toys for Your Adventures in 2024, to get the best guide for planning your trip.
For food, fret not, fellow wanderlust-stricken parents! Here’s a curated list of 14 must-have food gadgets for your young travelers, divided into two age groups: infants and toddlers. Each item has been selected to make your journey smoother, more enjoyable, and, of course, to keep those tiny tummies happy!
For Infants (0-12 Months): Help in First Bites of Tiny Travelers!
Traveling with an infant brings its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to feeding. But with our suggestions on varied food gadgets, you’re set… From warming bottles to sterilizing on the go, having the right gear can make all the difference. Here are some essential items to ensure your baby’s feeding routine is as smooth as possible, no matter where your adventures take you.
1. Portable Bottle Warmer
With this nifty little food gadget, keep the perfect bottle temperature, even when miles away from the nearest kitchen! On a trip to the Himalayas, our Little A refused to drink her milk because it was too cold. Out came the trusty bottle warmer, and within minutes, we had a happy, content baby!
Why It’s a Lifesaver: When your baby needs a warm bottle, the last thing you want is a meltdown because there’s no microwave in sight.
A portable bottle warmer is a compact, USB-powered miracle worker that ensures your baby’s milk or formula is just right, wherever you are.
2. Formula Dispenser
Never second-guess your measurements again – even at 30,000 feet! Normally, Little A fed on breastmilk, but once we had to give her a bottle during a particularly bumpy flight – thank goodness for pre-measured formula, or it would have been a powdery mess!
Why It’s a Lifesaver: Pre-measured formula dispensers are blessed food gadgets for parents on the go. They keep portions separate, prevent spills, and make bottle prep a breeze whether you’re on a plane, train, or even in the middle of a hiking trail.
3. Bottle Steam Sterilizer
Because germs don’t take vacations! On a cruise trip, these food gadgets gave us peace of mind knowing our baby’s bottles were clean and safe, even without access to a kitchen. We used the Fisher Price sterilizer, which though a bit bulky, doubled up as a mini cupboard for tiny onesies too!
Why It’s a Lifesaver: Keeping your baby’s bottles and pacifiers sterilized is crucial, even when traveling.
This portable steam sterilizer, is lightweight and compact, ensuring that your baby’s feeding gear is germ-free no matter where you are. Just plug it in, add water, and you’re good to go.
4. Travel Cooker
The all-in-one portable chef for parents on the go! We managed to whip up a quick dinner of Khichdi, or the Indian savoury pudding made of rice, pulses, and veggies for our baby in a tiny hotel room in Hong Kong, thanks to our travel cooker. Instant healthy meal, no restaurant hassle!
Why It’s a Lifesaver: A travel cooker is a plug-only device that makes cooking rice, pulses, veggies, eggs, and even boiling water a breeze.
The compact size and multifunctionality of these food gadgets make it perfect for hotel rooms or vacation rentals where kitchen facilities might be limited.
5. Portable Blender
Smoothies and purees on the fly! Who knew food gadgets are the new magic wands! During our vacation in Mauritius, we made fresh mango puree for our baby right on the sandy shores – talk about tropical dining!
Why It’s a Lifesaver: A portable blender is perfect for making fresh baby food and smoothies on the go.
Lightweight and rechargeable, it can blend fruits, veggies, and even soft meats, allowing you to provide healthy, homemade meals for your baby no matter where you are.
6. Baby Food Steamer and Processor
Homemade goodness, now on the go! This handy little helper came to our rescue when we wanted Little A to eat steamed veggies and fruits instead of purees. We had the choice of blending the food or keeping it sliced, as per our baby’s mood. Since this is a bit bulky, we normally took it on our longer trips. We steamed apples, sweet potatoes, beans, carrots, and what nots, all during our multiple trips – a taste of home in the great outdoors!
Why It’s a Lifesaver: These handy food gadgets allow you to prepare fresh, nutritious meals for your baby wherever you are.
With its compact design and versatile functionality, you can steam and blend fruits, vegetables, and meats to create delicious food on the fly.
7. Leak-Proof Sippy Cup
Drinks on the move, minus the spills! Ever since Little A started drinking water, we have used these and it helped her to graduate to open glasses much earlier than any kid we saw! We swear by these, any day!
Why It’s a Lifesaver: A good sippy cup is crucial for babies on the move. While the market is filled with variations of these food gadgets, look for one that is truly leak-proof to avoid any unwelcome spills in your bag, car, or plane seat.
Plus, it’s easy to clean, is completely vaccuum sealed, and can be used to drink from any angle – it brings 360 degrees access to the drink for your kiddo!
For Toddlers (1-3 Years): Help in Tastings for Little Adventurers!
As your little one grows into a curious toddler, their feeding needs change. Traveling with toddlers means being prepared for snack attacks and mealtime mishaps. Here are some gadgets and containers that we use, that we know will make sure your toddler stays well-fed and happy on your adventures.
1. Snack Catcher Bowl
Because sharing snacks with the car seat is so last year! Our car trip through the countryside was saved by the snack catcher – not a single crumb on the backseat!
Why It’s a Lifesaver: Toddlers love to snack, and snack catchers are the perfect solution to minimize mess.
These containers allow little hands to grab food without spilling it everywhere, making them ideal for car rides and strolls through busy markets.
2. Partition Lunch Box
Snack time, anytime, anywhere! This became our kiddo’s best friend on the go, as she could choose the snack/food she would want to have, according to her mood, and open only that section of the box. It was like having 3 boxes in 1!
Why It’s a Lifesaver: With its partitioned design, this lunch box features multiple compartments that keep food items separate and fresh until mealtime, allowing for a variety of foods to be packed without mixing.
The versatile design can be used for snacks or even meals! It offers ample space for favorite foods while remaining compact enough to fit easily into their backpack or lunch bag, is a must-have in your travel gear!
3. Insulated Food Jar
Hot or cold, keep it bold! On a chilly day in the mountains, a warm soup from our insulated jar made our toddler’s food break cozy and delicious.
Why It’s a Lifesaver: This little jar keeps your toddler’s meals at the right temperature for hours. It’s perfect for carrying soups, pasta, or even a refreshing fruit salad, ensuring that mealtime is always satisfying and nutritious.
Also, the container is lightweight and compact with a push button lid so they’re easy to carry and open, even for the little fingers! The foldable spoon that is added in the food jar lid ensures they always have a cutlery handy.
4. Silicone Feeding Set with Suction Hold
Toddler cutlery that’s cute, compact, and clean! We cannot emphasize enough the use and benefit of this team of superheroes for our little taster! Everywhere we go, these go with us, in parts or full set. The best part is the suction hold, which help us be spill-free even on bumpy roads or turbulent flights!
Why It’s a Lifesaver: This set typically includes a cup, partition plate, food catcher bib, fork, spoon, glass, sippy cup, food catcher lid, and what not, all in a complete case.
It’s perfect for eating out or picnics, foldable, easy to clean, and most importantly, ensuring your toddler has familiar utensils wherever you go.
5. Silicone Placemat
Mealtime just got a whole lot cleaner, AND FUN! During every dinner outing nowadays, our silicone placemat turns a boring table into a toddler-friendly dining spot in seconds. The best part? It keeps Little A engaged till food arrives!
Why It’s a Lifesaver: A silicone placemat provides a clean eating surface no matter where you are.
It’s easy to clean, rolls up neatly, and can stick to most surfaces, making it ideal for restaurants or food courts.
7. Disposable Bibs
Mess-free meals, minus the laundry! While Little A normally wears the silicone bib that comes with the feeding set, we always keep a couple of these bibs in the bag, as a backup, in case she hurls and messes up the silicone bib for the time being. A real friend in need, believe us!
Why It’s a Lifesaver: Disposable bibs are perfect for travel. They take up minimal space in your bag and can be tossed away after meals, keeping your baby clean and your suitcase free of stained bibs.
Bonus Tips for Traveling with Baby Food and Snacks
On Flights:
- Prepare for Security: Bring only what you need for the flight, and be ready to declare baby food and formula at security. Most security at airports, like TSA in USA and CISF in India, allow reasonable quantities up to 3.4 ounces or 100 ml.
- Pack Smart: Use clear, resealable bags for snacks and small containers for meals to make security checks quicker.
On Road Trips:
- Use a Cooler Bag: Keep perishables fresh with a well-stocked cooler bag. Freeze some items overnight to ensure they stay cold longer.
- Make Frequent Stops: Plan for regular breaks to give your baby a chance to stretch and have a proper meal.
On Cruises:
- Request Baby-Friendly Meals: Contact the cruise line ahead of time to request baby meals. Most are happy to accommodate!
- Bring Your Own Essentials: While many ships provide baby foods, bringing your own preferred snacks and formula can be a lifesaver.
On Trains:
- Bring pre-cooked, travel-friendly meals: There’s a host of recipes, ranging from Sandwiches to Noodles, from Parathas to Quisedillas that are baby-friendly, travel-friendly, and economical. Bring them for tantrum-free food experiences!
- Bring Your Own Utensils: Most trains don’t provide kid-friendly utensils, so bringing your own is a definite lifesaver.
Tiny Travelers, Big Adventures: Food Gadgets for the Win!
Traveling with your baby doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right gear, you can keep your little one well-fed and happy, making every journey an exciting adventure. So pack those bags, grab these must-have items, and set off on your next family escapade with confidence!
Happy travels!
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