Going on a road trip, in a van, camper van or motorhome with little adventurers can seem complicated and yet... Traveling on the roads with small children is very easy, especially when we have the right accessories and above all... the essentials! Not too much (so as not to overload), not enough (so as not to miss anything), just what we need!
Baby Léonie took her first road trip when she was 2 months old. We then went on the road, in our little van, for 4 months, until she was 7 months old. We then had time to reflect and test the different options for traveling with baby and which ones suited us best.
And at the height of her (almost) 2 years, she still needs (a few) accessories just for her!
We share with you below the 16 accessories that we think are (very) useful for going on a road trip with babies and toddlers and which will allow you to have everything you (and your child) need to enjoy this great adventure on the roads.
For mini adventurers (under 2 years old) |
Babies and small children often need more specific equipment. And yes, despite their small size, they still manage to fill our suitcases and our trunks!
We've selected 8 accessories that you might find useful for your next road trip with baby:
1. A bathtub
What a luxury to be able to take a bath in a van! And yes, our little vanlifers are sometimes very lucky. We had taken a collapsible bathtub to slide it under the bed. A perfect option for the hygiene of a small baby. And for those who have little space and/or prefer versatility, the Sea To Summit foldable basin is also a very good option.
2. A foldable high chair
Mealtimes with a baby starting to eat can become very “interesting” without a chair or armchair. You very quickly find yourself with a baby on your lap and all the food that goes with it (mother's world!). We then discovered the foldable high chair from One 2 Stay and we did not hesitate to add it to our shop.
- Brand: One 2 Stay
- Price: 84,90€
- Dimensions folded: (l)105cm * (d)20cm
3. Washable bibs with sleeves
On a road trip, we avoid stopping at the laundromat or at a campsite as much as possible to do our laundry, so with a baby, all options are good to avoid laundry. The washable bib with sleeves makes it possible to protect baby (almost) completely and to rinse it after use.
- Brand: Lässig
- Price: 21,90€
4. Nomadic sleeping bag
The sleeping bag can also take up space, whether in closets or in the baby's bed. Minimiz's sleeping bagcompact have been designed for vanlife and nomadic travel. With their super compact format, they can be taken anywhere so that naps and nights are always warm. We love them!
- Brand: Minimiz
- Price: 89€
5. Changing bag and nomadic changing mat
The advantage with a van is that we always have our stock of nappies and cotton pads on hand. Except… when we go on an excursion, visit or hike! And in this case, the changing bag with nomadic changing mat integrated is very useful.
- Brand: Lässig
- Price: 89€
- Folded dimensions: (L)10cm * (W)8cm *(h)8cm
6. Nomadic Tent
We took it on our road trip when Baby Léonie was 3 months old. This nomad tent that unfolds in 2 seconds is a great option to let her play “outside” in the shade and take her nap under a tree sheltered from small animals. We now use it as an extra bed and still for her naps. She loves her little cabin!
- Brand: Deryan
- Price: 79,95€
- Dimensions folded: (d)35cm*(w)9cm
7. Insulated box
If you decide to go away for the day and want to be able to feed your adventurous baby at any time, the boxinsulated can be useful. Before leaving, all you have to do is prepare your mash or other delicious meal beforehand to serve it hot a few hours later.
- Brand: Lässig
- Price: 19,90€
- Folded Dimensions: (d)8.8cm*(h)12cm
8. USB Mixer
The USB mixer is ideal for preparing good little purées. We used it a lot during our road trip because Baby Léonie started diversifying her diet on the roads. This allowed us to prepare small homemade meals for her: purees and compotes just like at home!
- Recharges with a USB socket
- Price: between €15-30
- Dimensions: (h) approx. 25cm * (d) approx. 7cm
For all children, young and old |
1. Games (compact)
2. Baby carrier
- Brand: Meromero
- Price: 115 €
- Folded Dimensions: (L)20cm*(w)16cm*(h)10cm
Find out more
3. Towel poncho
4. Rain pants
- Price: between €20 and €100
5. Snack box
- Brand: Lässig
- Price: 21,90€
- Folded dimensions: (L)10cm * (W)8cm *(h)8cm
6. Ground Blanket / Picnic.
- Brand: Matador
- Price: €39.90
- Unfolded Dimensions: (L)160cm*(W)110cm
- Folded Dimensions : (L)7.6cm * (W)11.4cm * (h)4cm
Find out more
7. Foldable pool
8. The book "Vanlife as a family"
Magali and her partner have been traveling the roads for 10 years with their little boy Tao, a real mini-vanlifer.In her book "Vanlife en famille", she shares her experience of vanlife with a child, her advice and itineraries for you
- Family Vanlife - Magali Selvi
- Price: 23 €
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Do you have other gear that you use with your mini vanlifer(s)? Do not hesitate to share them with us, we will be happy to add them to our e-shop.
