If you’ll be driving you’ll need a car seat but not necessarily a base. You can use many car seats without the base but it needs to be equipped with a European Belt Path which allows you to install your car seat with a seat belt.

Please let me know which car seat you have and I’ll let you know if you’re able to use it without the base.

Hi Natalie, thanks for responding. We have the Chico keyfit. Aside from the car seat being important for car travel, do you think a car seat is necessary for the plane or a vacation where you are primarily at one resort and not really driving, apart from getting from airport to hotel? Thanks!

Hi Kristina, the Chico Keyfit can be used without the base! You will not need to use the car seat on the airplane and it can be checked at the gate (most airlines check for free). While some people choose not to use a car seat from the airport to their resort, it's a personal choice but not one that I can recommend. If you will be renting a car and do not want to travel with your car seat, another option is to rent a car seat with your rental car.

A sleep specialist would be able to speak more on tips and tricks for jet lag. As far as gear, I recommend bringing along anything that will help your child sleep as best as possible while away!

A travel crib (please let me know if you need recommendations), a portable white noise machine, and the comforts from home such as sleep sack, blanket or lovey that your child uses regularly. If possible, continue your child’s normal sleep routine while on vacation to help them get as much sleep as possible and on a new schedule quickly.

https://www.target.com/p/marpac-hushh-for-baby-portable-sound-machine/-/A-51030371?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tmnv&CPNG=PLA_DVM%2BHooklogic%2BShopping&adgroup=US+%3F+Rice+Krispies+Cereal&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9003384&fndsrc=tmnv&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4_-M3fix2AIVgbjACh1irgGcEAQYAyABEgLBLvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

In order to carry bottled breast milk, it needs to be kept cool. This insulated bottle bag from Skip Hop holds 2 bottles and keeps them cool for up to four hours.

http://www.skiphop.com/skiphop-diaper-bags-diaper-bag-accessories/VC_205310.html?cgid=skiphop-diaper-bags-diaper-bag-accessories&dwvar_VC__205310_size=NS&dwvar_VC__205310_color=Triangles#navID=header&start=1&cgid=skiphop-diaper-bags-diaper-bag-accessories

There are a few options for warming the bottles when it’s time to feed:

The Aquaheat System heats up bottles within 2 minutes. It comes with a specific bottle to use with the heating cup so if your child prefers his bottle than you’ll have to transfer the milk a few times.


https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/aquaheat-trade-by-innobaby-10-oz-stainless-steel-bottle-and-warmer-set/1060004857?skuId=60004857&mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_baby_online&product_id=60004857&adtype=pla&product_channel=online&adpos=1o12&creative=224301862041&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&mrkgadid=3245683073&mrkgcl=609&rkg_id=h-a588685f38c8655289fa71504d08f279_t-1514649932&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6IX86Pqx2AIVR7jACh11oAerEAQYDCABEgJMNfD_BwE

Ulternatively, you can use this Tommee Tippee Travel Bottle Warmer. It comes with a stainless steel container for carrying hot water and a convenient warming pod all in one.

https://www.target.com/p/tommee-tippee-closer-to-nature-travel-bottle-food-warmer/-/A-13930432?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tmnv&CPNG=PLA_DVM%2BHooklogic%2BShopping&adgroup=US+%3F+Rice+Krispies+Cereal&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9003384&fndsrc=tmnv&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6IX86Pqx2AIVR7jACh11oAerEAQYCSABEgK_ivD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds