This blog uses affiliate links. If you’d like to purchase a recommended product, please use the link to support this blog. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, it simply allows me to continue creating these posts. Thank you so much for your love and support!
Maui With Kids: The Ultimate Family Travel Guide 2026
Maui is one of the easiest and most rewarding Hawaiian islands to visit with kids. From calm, swimmable beaches and walkable resort areas to family-friendly hotels, restaurants, and activities, this guide shares everything you need to know to plan a smooth, memorable Maui vacation with toddlers and young kids—based on real family experience.
Kids love RUnning on Airplane beach in Maui and in and out of waves
Is Maui Worth It With Kids? A Real Family-Friendly Travel Guide
Yes — Maui is absolutely worth visiting with kids. From calm beaches and stroller-friendly resort areas to kid-loving restaurants and flexible activities, Maui is one of the easiest Hawaiian islands to enjoy as a family — even with toddlers.
Our kids don’t understand how lucky they are for the amount of times they have gone to Hawaii! Maui is our favorite destination for traveling as a family. There is so much to do and the island has so much to offer for everyone. We have made some sweet memories together from having an infant to toddler and kid years.
We have learned to have a successful trip you need the balance of snacks, naps, and fun! therefore, we have recommendations for accommodations, restaurants, and things to do to entertain (and hopefully tire out) your tot!
Related Post: Don’t miss our ULTIMATE MAUI GUIDE
Honokōwai Beach Park
Best Places to Stay in Maui for Families
After many hotel and condo stays around Maui, let’s break up the island to compare which areas are best for your family!
🏝️ Best Areas to Stay in Maui With Kids
| Area | Best For | Walkability | Beach Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kā‘anapali | First-timers, toddlers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sandy, swimmable |
| Wailea | Luxury, older kids | ⭐⭐ | Resort beaches |
| Napili / Kapalua | Quiet stays, babies | ⭐ | Calm coves |
These are the best areas to stay in Maui with kids based on walkability, beach conditions, and family-friendly amenities.
Kaanapali vs Wailea vs Kapalua with Kids
Kaanapali is much more kid friendly, as well as budget friendly, than Wailea. Both areas of the island have family friendly hotels but Kaanapali has a long stretch of them! There is a great beach and tons of hotels and shopping along Kaanapali with a long walk way to connect everything together.
Wailea has more high end hotels that are more geared towards adults, such as the Four Seasons or the Andaz. The Grand Wailea has an awesome pool with lots of water slides but you can also get similar pools in Kaanapali.
Napili and Kapalua are further North and rockier than the previous areas discussed. It’s not as walkable as the hotel resorts are more spread out, which makes it less crowded and quieter. Kapalua bay has a great beach that doesn’t have big waves but also has a coral reef that is great for snorkeling! The Kapalua coastal trail is great for strollers or walking with a carrier.
🏨 Condo Resorts vs Hotels
Depending on your length of stay, if it’s more than 5 days, you might be more comfortable trying a condo like Outrigger’s Honua Kai! You can pick your room layout (Studio, One Bedroom, Two Bedroom or Three Bedrooms) so that you have plenty of space especially when babies or toddlers are napping and you need another room to hang out in!
Condo Rental Wins:
Pools are like resort pools! Honua Kai has one of our favorite pools complete with water slides, splash pad, and kiddie pool! You can even get food and drink poolside service from Duke’s restaurant!
My favorite feature is having a full kitchen with the little ones so you can make pancakes or have fresh fruit and milk available in a full sized refrigerator as opposed to a mini fridge.
We book through Maui Resort Rentals and they have cribs/pack n plays so you don’t have to bring a bed!
Taking first steps on a Little Beach bridges in front of Honua Kai
Best resorts for families
Don’t get me wrong, the resort hotels are wonderful too! If you have kids that are 4+, traveling is a bit easier since you don’t have to bring diapers, strollers, pack n play, etc!
Kaanapali has a few great hotel resorts:
Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas
The Westin in Kaanapali has an amazing pool area with slides, fountains, and one especially parent-friendly feature: our 3-year-old could climb up to the slide on their own and land in a shallow pool (about 1.5 feet deep). This setup was a huge win for us—it gave our toddler independence while giving us a much-needed break from constant stair climbing.
The Westin also has great restaurants, a Starbucks, and an ARCADE!
Other activities include feeding the flamingos and birds in the morning. Ask the front desk about the times for daily feedings. We were even able to hold the birds too!
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
The pool at the Hyatt Regency Maui is a kid’s tropical playground that feels more like a mini-waterpark than a hotel pool. Between the sandy lagoons, waterslides, swinging rope bridge, hidden grottos tucked behind rushing waterfalls, and the legendary Ululani’s Shave Ice located right on the pool deck, it provides enough adventure to keep children entertained from sunrise to sunset.
The Hyatt Regency Maui resort has a resident colony of African Black-Footed Penguins. Located right in the atrium lobby, these charismatic birds are a must-see, especially during the daily 9:30 AM feedings where children can watch them waddle, swim, and dive for their breakfast while learning about conservation from the wildlife team. It’s essentially a mini-zoo experience without leaving the hotel, featuring not just the penguins but also flamingos, swans, and talking parrots scattered throughout the lush grounds.
Has a game room/arcade area geared toward kids and teens.
African Black-Footed Penguins at the Hyatt Regency Maui
Wailea also has a family friendly hotel:
Grand Wailea
Though there isn’t an arcade, the Grand Wailea offers a kids club and teen lounge including video games and indoor activities— which is more structured and supervised than the Hyatt or Westin Arcades.
The Grand Wailea pool is widely considered the heavyweight champion for kids on Maui. The massive Wailea Canyon Activity Pool is a sprawling 25,700-square-foot playground that is actually nine individual pools connected by a network of lazy rivers and whitewater rapids.
Children can choose from five different waterslides, including the three-story Lava Tube for the brave and gentler interconnected slides for the younger ones. Between the Tarzan rope swing, the hidden caves behind waterfalls, and a dedicated Baby Beach with a sandy bottom and zero-entry slope, it essentially functions as a private, world-class waterpark that keeps kids engaged for days on end.
See our full review of The Grand Wailea.
Honokōwai Beach Park
🏝️ Best Beaches in Maui for Kids
The key to the best kid friendly beaches in Maui:
Calm water
Shallow entry
Easy parking
Nearby bathrooms
Here’s what we recommend:
Kaanapali Beach is great for kids who are strong swimmers or like to boogie board. There are a few free lots to park in but they fill up quickly. Otherwise it’s best to park at a resort or the Whalers Village Shopping parking lot. See more but
Airplane Beach just north of Kaanapali has a more shallow entry and calmer waves than Kaanapali. Our toddlers loved running up to the waves crashing on the shower then running from the water before it could catch them. Parking is harder to find or the free lot near the Sheraton is quite a distance and fills up quickly.
Kapalua Bay is also a great play for littles that want to play in the ocean that is more Shallow with softer waves. If you peak on the other side of the bay off the grassy knoll, you’ll find turtles sleeping. There’s a parking lot (fills up quick, get there early) with public bathrooms nearby too.
Honokōwai Beach Park has a playground AND a great beach that is protected by a rock reef so it’s more like a pool that even infants can sit and play in! There’s also a public bathroom and parking lot too!
Look Closely for the Sleeping Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles in Kapalua Bay
🌊 Things to Do in Maui With Kids
Easy hikes
Iao Valley is great to wander around and has different hiking levels for all ages. There’s also a stream to swim in.
Kapalua’s Coastal Trail is even stroller friendly with stunning beach views.
See our full breakdown in our Maui Hiking Trails Post!
Farm visits
Kula Ranch is a great place to visit especially in October! They have a full pumpkin patch as well as a few animals to look at and pet. Kula is above Wailea but you ave to drive around to get to it. Also, try the pumpkin bread sold in the little stand!
Road to Hana Stops
The Road to Hana is such a great way to see how gorgeous Maui is filled with waterfalls, beaches, banana bread stops and more! If you do go, it is an ALL day adventure, so plan and prepare ahead of time.
You must stop at the Black Sand Beach and try to get to Haleakala National Park for a hike through the Pipiwai Trail (Bamboo Forest). See our full list of Road to Hana Stops for more!
Professional Maui Family Photos
Maui provides the perfect background for any photo, so take your professional family portraits on the island! Think Christmas card photos - Male Kalikimaka! Our favorite local, Tracy Leboe at Baby Hawaii Photography, is super talented taking maternity photos but also captures gorgeous family moments! Book your session ahead of time.
Family Portraits taken by Baby Hawaii Photography
🍽️ Best Kid Friendly Restaurants in Maui
Monkeypod is a very toddler friendly restaurant with crayons and free butter noodles for kids 3 and under. It also has great happy hour and my favorite Mai Tai! There are two locations on Maui - Kaaanapali and Wailea!
Barefoot Bar is a fun restaurant where you can eat with your toes in the sand! It is part of Hula Grill but has a separate entrance on the South side of the restaurant. They also have crayons and some good kid food options. Our kid claimed, “it was the best restaurant ever!”
The Ritz’s Burger Shack is a toddler approved restaurant located outside with a big grassy area for kids to run around. It’s also parent approved if you want to hang out and have a boozy milkshake or just watch the waves crash on the shore for a few minutes!
🧃 Easy Snacks for Kids in Maui (That Don’t Melt)
When you’re exploring Maui with kids, having the right snacks on hand can make all the difference. Between beach days, car rides, and long sightseeing stops, you’ll want options that hold up in warm weather and are easy for kids to eat on the go.
These parent-approved snacks travel well around the island and won’t melt or turn messy in your bag:
Gummies
Gummies are lightweight, easy to portion, and a favorite with kids of all ages. They’re ideal for beach bags, stroller pockets, and plane rides since they don’t melt like chocolate snacks.Fruit Snacks
Fruit snacks are great for quick snack breaks while sightseeing or driving around the island. Look for resealable packaging so you can spread snacks out throughout the day without waste.Pouches
Fruit and veggie pouches are especially helpful in Maui’s heat. They’re refreshing, mess-free, and easy for kids to eat while walking or riding in the car. Many are shelf-stable, so refrigeration isn’t an issue until they’re opened.
Love this idea but don’t want to pack all of this? I don’t blame you! Good news is that you can get these as soon as you land at the Target or Costco by the Maui OGG Airport!
💡 Parent Tip: Pack snacks in a small insulated pouch or shaded backpack pocket to keep them out of direct sun, especially during beach days or long drives.
We bring our Wagon instea of a Stroller
Traveling to Maui With Toddlers
Nap-friendly days
With toddlers down to one nap, we would try and get out early, because they were up early anyway, and make it back before naptime or time it where we would be in the car so they could nap.
Stroller walks
There were a lot of stroller walks up and down Kaanapali beach when we had infants and toddlers! We would bring our beach wagon and put both toddlers in for a walk!
Pool days vs adventure days
We would typically alternate pool days and adventure days but most days involved a splash in the pool regardless.
We would even use a night swim as an incentive to eat their dinner.
What to skip with toddlers
The Road to Hana is great but is a longggg day for little ones. It’s essentially a 5 hour (or more) drive so you must plan accordingly to be on the road ALL day. You can break it up with stops but getting to the furthest point is a three hour drive straight there. Even the first stop from Kaanapali or Wailea is about a two hour drive. If you’re only in Maui for a few days this might be a good one to skip unless your kids are a bit older. If you’re pregnant and have nausea, don’t attempt it. I speak from experience.
Haleakala sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking, but don’t go with toddlers or younger.
Sunset cruises are fun but stressful with younger kids that like to run around.
Walking along the kid and stroller friendly Kapalua Coastal Walk in Maui
5-Day Maui Itinerary with Kids
Day 1 Arrival
12p Arrival into OGG, pick up rental car
1p stop at Target, Costco, then pick up Tin Roof
3p Check into Honua Kai Condo
4p 🛍️ Head to Whalers Village for shopping and dinner at Monkeypod (get extra food for fridge). Must order: Chicken Wings, Kalua Pork Pizza, Free Butter Noodles for kids, pie slices to go to eat in room after kids go to bed. Don’t forget to order the best Mai Tai on the island! All of this is on the Happy Hour menu!
6p Back to hotel for bedtime
Day 2 Pool-time and Burgers
5a Kids wake up, make pancakes (and coffee) in room
7a Adult Breakfast pickup (or dine in) at Duke’s
8a Pool opens!
11a Back to room for lunch
12p Naptime
2:30p Drive to Ritz in Kapalua and have Linner at Burger Shack (it’s a big meal to fill up on). Must order: burger and milkshake
4p Explore Ritz and Kapalua or go to DT Fleming beach
6p Back to Hotel for Bedtime
Pipiwai Trail With Baby in Carrier
Day 3 Road to Hana Adventure
5:30a Kids wake up - make more pancakes for everyone (and another pot of coffee)
6:30a Drive the Road to Hana
8a Stretch legs at Banana Bread Stop
9a Arrive at Kīpahulu Visitor Center which is part of Haleakala National Park where you can explore the Oheo Gulch Pools, Pipiwai Trail (Bamboo Forest), and Waimoku Falls
11a Eat a packed lunch or drive to the Food Trucks in Hana
1p Stop at Wainapanapa Beach (Black Sand Beach) - make a reservation ahead of time.
3p Drive back to hotel
5p Dinner at hotel or pick up something on the way back
6p Bedtime
Day 4 - Pool and Luau
6a Kids wake up
7a Breakfast at Slappy Cakes or The Gazebo
8a Kapalua Bay for beach time, maybe try the coastal walk
11a Back to room for lunch
12p Naptime
2:30p Quick Pool Play
7p Bedtime
Day 5 - Last Swim and Depart
6:30a Kids Wake Up
7:30a Breakfast at Duke’s
8:30a Take turns with your partner packing
10:30a Drive to Airport (and cry the whole way)
Sticker Tape Road and Travel Magnatiles keep them entertained in the hotel room
What to Pack for Maui With Kids
I think giving a list of what not to pack is a shorter list because we bring almost everything! One thing I will advise is there is a Costco and a Target by the airport so make your Target order for pickup before your flight takes off so it’s ready for you when you land. You can always Instacart Costco or just head in for free snacks.
Here is a copy paste of what I packed for my 2 and 4-year-old on our last trip.
Shop our Toddler Packing Amazon list.
Carry-on Plane
Personal Carry-on:
Toys & some books
iPad
Headphones 🎧
Waterbottles
Wagon - We bring a wagon instead of a stroller these days now that the kids are older. Though we loved our travel stroller for when we had babies!
Snack Bag - Dedicated light weight backpack that folds up into a pouch
Pouches
That’s it bars
Pirate booty
Cereal Bars from Trader Joes
Bear Fruit Snacks
Gummies
Teddy Grahams
Here is the full list of everything else that scatters into multiple bags:
Sleep
Inflatable bed x 2
Sheets x 2
Blanket x 2
Small Toddler pillows x 2
PJs
White noise / Hatch
Food Things
Food bag
Bowls 🥣
Baby Spoons 🥄
Bibs
Water cup/bottle
Milk cup
Sippy cup
Safe dish soap 🧼
Sandwich bags
Snack bowl
Travel and Misc
Car seat x 2
Car seat bags x 2
Swaddle
Clothes pins
Outlet covers
Beach bag
Beach blanket mat
Toiletries for Kids
Baby shampoo
Baby body wash
Soft Wash Cloths
Nail clippers
Brush
Kids Tylenol
Kids Sunscreen
Diaper rash cream
Baby Aquaphor/neosporin
Ear drops
Clothes and diapers
Sweatshirt for plane & Mainland airport travel
Socks
Shorts
Shirts
Swimwear
Swim diapers
Size 4 diapers
Pull ups
Overnight Diapers
Wipes
Hat
Multipurpose Sanitation wipes in ziplock bag
Toys and Entertainment - Shop our Toddler Packing Amazon list
Bath Toys - Cars 🚗
Books 📚
Sand toys 🏖️
Football 🏈
Frisbee
Trucks 🛻
Cars 🚙
Sticker Road
Plane toys - coloring book, sticker book
Cards 🃏
Travel Magnatiles
Is Maui Worth It With Kids?
Yes—Maui is absolutely worth it with kids, especially for families traveling with toddlers and young children. The island offers calm, swimmable beaches, family-friendly resorts, walkable areas like Kā‘anapali, and activities that don’t require long drives or packed schedules. With the right balance of pool days, beach time, and nap-friendly outings, Maui is one of the easiest Hawaii islands to enjoy as a family. If you plan intentionally—choosing the right area to stay and skipping overly long excursions—Maui can be both relaxing and unforgettable with kids.
More Maui Posts:
Toddler Friendly Guide and Itinerary for Spring and Summer in Lake Tahoe
Planning a Lake Tahoe family vacation with toddlers can seem daunting, but it's easier than you think! As a parent who's enjoyed countless Tahoe trips since childhood, I’ve compiled the ultimate toddler-friendly guide to Lake Tahoe, packed with things to do with toddlers in South Lake Tahoe and beyond. Discover the best parks for kids in Lake Tahoe, like the scenic Thomas F. Regan Memorial City Beach Park or the playground paradise of Kahle Park. Looking for easy hikes with toddlers in Lake Tahoe? Glen Alpine Falls offers a stunning waterfall view with minimal effort, perfect for little legs. Don't miss out on enjoying a family picnic at Lake Tahoe at spots like Kiva Beach or Pope Beach. For North Lake Tahoe activities, the newly accessible Tahoe East Shore Trail (often called the 'Impossible Trail') is a paved, stroller-friendly wonder. Explore the charming town of Truckee, home to the fantastic KidZone Museum, a top pick for toddler fun near Lake Tahoe. When it comes to where to stay in South Lake Tahoe with toddlers, options range from VRBO cabin rentals to family-friendly hotels like the Holiday Inn Express. And for dining, I'll share toddler-friendly restaurants in Lake Tahoe like Riva Grill on the Lake and Edgewood's Brooks' Bar and Deck, where you can savor delicious meals with stunning views. Get ready for an unforgettable Lake Tahoe adventure with small children!
Pine trees, Lake Tahoe views from high above in Heavenly gondola ski lift
From Playgrounds to Pine Trees: Lake Tahoe Adventures for Tiny Feet
There were many summers that I went with my family to Lake Tahoe growing up and I couldn’t wait to take my little family! I did have to do some research as I was curious about what activities we could do with two toddlers!
Planning a Lake Tahoe family vacation with toddlers can seem daunting, but it's easier than you think! As a parent who's enjoyed countless Tahoe trips since childhood, I’ve compiled the ultimate toddler-friendly guide to Lake Tahoe, packed with things to do with toddlers in South Lake Tahoe and beyond. Discover the best parks for kids in Lake Tahoe, like the scenic Thomas F. Regan Memorial City Beach Park or the playground paradise of Kahle Park. Looking for easy hikes with toddlers in Lake Tahoe?
Glen Alpine Falls offers a stunning waterfall view with minimal effort, perfect for little legs. Don't miss out on enjoying a family picnic at Lake Tahoe at spots like Kiva Beach or Pope Beach. For North Lake Tahoe activities, the newly accessible Tahoe East Shore Trail (often called the 'Impossible Trail') is a paved, stroller-friendly wonder. Explore the charming town of Truckee, home to the fantastic KidZone Museum, a top pick for toddler fun near Lake Tahoe. When it comes to where to stay in South Lake Tahoe with toddlers, options range from VRBO cabin rentals to family-friendly hotels like the Holiday Inn Express. And for dining, I'll share toddler-friendly restaurants in Lake Tahoe like Riva Grill on the Lake and Edgewood's Brooks' Bar and Deck, where you can savor delicious meals with stunning views. Get ready for an unforgettable Lake Tahoe adventure with small children!
Shop our Amazon list for our favorite things to pack with toddlers!
Best toddler-friendly activities and things to do in South Lake Tahoe
heavenly Gondolas from the Heavenly Village Center
Heavenly Gondolas
Location: 4080 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Heavenly Village Giant Chair made of Skiis
This was a great idea… kids under 5 ride free (adults are currently $124) and it’s unlimited rides for the day. It sounded perfect, however, they were closed the duration we were there and re-opening for summer just before Memorial Day.
Note: they aren’t open every day, so it’s a great idea but just check the website to make sure they are open!
All else fails, the shopping center around the Gondola base is fantastic. Tons of restaurants and stores to explore and some grassy areas to run around. In summer months, there is a mini golf course and a trampoline adventure in the center of the plaza.
Making it a road trip? See our Toddler Road Trip Essentials. You won’t want to miss our favorite toys for the car and hotel room!
Thomas F. Regan Memorial City Beach Park
Parks and Recreation
There are tons of parks in Lake Tahoe and we found some awesome playgrounds!
Thomas F. Regan Memorial City Beach Park
Location: 3199 Sacramento Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Located right on the water with perfect lake views, parking lot, and restrooms! The playground was small but there were a few slides and swings as well as a beach volleyball court and lots of grass to run around!
Kahle Park
Location: 236 Kingsbury Grade Rd, Stateline, NV 89449
Nestled higher up in the mountains, there’s a really fun park with partial lake views. There’s a playground for 2-5-year-olds and one for 5-12-year-olds. Our kids played on both playgrounds.
Glen Alpine Falls at Fallen Leaf Lake
See a Waterfall (without much of a hike!)
My toddlers are over 30 pounds and I didn’t really want to hike with them as it would be fun for 5 minutes and then I’d be required to carry one for the rest of the duration. Luckily, Glen Alpine Falls is located just off of Fallen Leaf Lake and literally can be seen from the road! We went midweek around 11a and it wasn’t very crowded with front-row parking!
There’s a split rock with a little deck that my littles liked to climb on. Afterward, we drove down to the Kiva picnic area (follow the Tallac signs) and had lunch on a picnic table steps away from the lake. It was about a 5-minute walk to those tables by the lake but there were also some closer to the parking lot with bathrooms! The path was flat so we loaded up our wagon and were able to only carry one kid who didn’t want to ride in the wagon! Win! My only complaint is that the tables are wood and old so I would bring towels to sit on next time. Luckily no splinters incidents on this adventure!
Shop our Amazon list for our favorite things to pack!
Kiva Beach Picnic
Go for a Picnic!
Why is a picnic at Lake Tahoe so much fun? For starters, it's a chance to relish the crystal-clear waters and graze on delicious food with breathtaking mountain views as your backdrop. You get to enjoy the glorious Lake Tahoe sunshine (which is usually a breeze in June!), the crisp mountain air, and maybe even some antsy entertainment if a few uninvited guests try to join your feast, though the views will surely distract you. It’s a delightful escape from the usual routine, and let's be honest, everything just tastes better when you're eating on a blanket with the magnificent Big Blue just a stone's throw away. Plus, there's always the excitement of seeing what surprises are in the basket – it's truly a sand-witch of an adventure, especially when you're surrounded by one of nature's most stunning masterpieces!
There are so many places to picnic around the lake:
Kiva Beach
Emerald Bay State Beach
Kings Beach
Zephyr Cove Park
Pope Beach
Best things to do in North Lake Tahoe
Impossible trail - Tahoe East Shore Trail
Location: Tahoe East Shore Trail, 1924 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village, NV 89451
It’s called the Impossible Trail by the locals because it took forever to build but if you look it up on google maps, it’s call the Tahoe East Shore Trail!
The "Impossible Trail" in Lake Tahoe, more formally known as the Tahoe East Shore Trail, earned its dramatic moniker because constructing a path along this rugged and incredibly scenic stretch of shoreline was once considered an almost insurmountable feat. For decades, accessing the breathtaking beaches and coves along Lake Tahoe's East Shore was challenging and often dangerous, with vehicles and pedestrians sharing a narrow, winding highway. The idea of building a safe, dedicated pathway seemed "impossible" given the complex terrain, environmental concerns, and the need for collaboration among numerous agencies. However, through extensive planning, funding, and engineering, this dream became a reality, transforming the "Impossible Trail" into "America's Most Beautiful Bikeway."
This paved, 3-mile trail is absolutely wonderful for toddlers and families. Its smooth, wide surface makes it perfect for strollers, trikes, and little wobbly walkers, eliminating concerns about uneven terrain or roots. The trail hugs the shoreline, offering continuous, stunning lake views that will captivate even the youngest adventurers. With numerous access points to secluded beaches and picnic spots, families can easily hop off the trail for a splash in the crystal-clear water, a snack break, or simply to marvel at the massive granite boulders. The lack of significant inclines means little legs won't get too tired, ensuring a fun, accessible, and truly memorable outdoor experience for everyone, making it far from "impossible" to enjoy with your tiny explorers!
Truckee
Location: KidZone Museum, 11711 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161
While the glittering waters of Lake Tahoe are the main draw, the charming mountain town of Truckee, located about an hour's drive (approximately 44-45 miles) north of South Lake Tahoe, offers a fantastic change of pace and a wealth of toddler-friendly activities. Truckee's historic downtown is a delight to explore with its old-west charm, train tracks (a huge hit with train-loving tots!), and unique shops. For active little ones, the KidZone Museum is a must-visit, providing interactive, hands-on exhibits designed specifically for young children, offering hours of engaging play. You can also head to Donner Lake (just a short drive from downtown Truckee) for a different lakeside experience with sandy beaches and calm waters perfect for splashing and building sandcastles. Many of the larger resorts in the Truckee/Northstar area also offer fantastic summer activities for families, including mini-golf, outdoor play areas, and even gentle scenic gondola rides that provide stunning views without strenuous hiking. Truckee truly rounds out a Lake Tahoe adventure by offering a blend of history, indoor fun, and easily accessible outdoor spaces for the little ones.
Where to Stay with Toddlers in South Lake Tahoe
There are a lot of adorable cabin rentals that you can book through Booking.com - just turn on the search option for “Vacation Homes”.
Caesars Republic
Location: 18 Hwy 50, Stateline, NV 89449
We have stayed at Harvey’s a few times which is now called Caesars Republic and currently under major renovation.
However, the rooms are spacious with lots of lake view options! There is a casino which isn’t great for kids, but good if you want to take turns going down to gamble or go to a bar when the children are sleeping!
There’s an outdoor pool, spa, and fitness center too. Though I’ve never seen the fitness center, good for you if you make it!
The restaurants are great but not exactly kid friendly! Here’s what you need to know:
Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsey does not have a dedicated kids' menu, but they are accommodating to families and can offer options for children. Yelp users report that servers can usually suggest items from the main menu or prepare something simple like chicken tenders or mac and cheese.
Wolf by Vanderpump doesn’t have a kids menu either and is 21+ after 8p.
My favorite restaurant is the Sage Room which is located on the 19th floor with a perfect view of the lake! Try and get a reservation ahead of time around sunset. Again, they don’t have a kids menu but check ahead of time to see if there is something your tot might be into.
Holiday Inn Express Exterior
Budget friendly option - Holiday Inn Express Lake Tahoe
Location: 3961 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
We had a free night through our IHG credit card that was expiring and we decided to give Holiday Inn Express a try. For a 3-star hotel, it was great. We got the double queen room with an extra floor space option, which was perfect for our two tots to run around or play with the knock-off magnatile set (Picasso Magnet Mini tile travel set). Our stay included free breakfast and was walkable to the Heavenly shops and restaurants as well as the state-line casinos!
Where to Dine with Toddlers in Lake Tahoe
Chances are your toddler sits for 5-10 minutes and then is bored. No matter how many toys, coloring books, or crayons I pack, all I want is someone to serve me a nice meal to enjoy. Here are a few spots that we had good luck with:
Riva Grill views
900 Ski Run Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
I love this place! It’s right on the water and there is plenty to see if you’re sitting inside or outside! The tables outside on the patio were large so we could sprawl out with coloring books and food. There’s even a walkway just off to the side if you have to take a breather or wait for Dad to pay the check. Get a Woody drink!
Edgewood's Brooks Bar and Deck on the patio overlooking a golf course and Lake Tahoe
Edgewood’s Brook’s Bar and Deck
180 Lake Pkwy, Stateline, NV 89449
For a memorable dining experience that caters to both adults and toddlers, consider Edgewood Tahoe's Brooks' Bar and Deck. While Edgewood is known for its upscale golf course and lodge, Brooks' Bar and Deck strikes a perfect balance, offering a refined yet comfortable atmosphere that warmly welcomes families. Situated right off the picturesque 18th hole, the expansive deck boasts unparalleled views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierras – a constantly changing panorama that can keep even the most restless toddler entertained. Their "gastropub" menu features elevated comfort food, with options that are often appealing to a wider range of palates, and the casual-yet-classy ambiance means you won't feel out of place with a high chair and a few kid-friendly snacks. It's a wonderful spot to enjoy a delicious meal while soaking in the iconic Lake Tahoe scenery, creating a special memory for everyone in the family.
California Burger Co.
1001 Heavenly Village Way #2b, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Located in Heavenly Village, this outdoor spot was great for toddlers. There was enough fake grass, a fire pit to run trucks over (when the fire was off and not hot), and live music. They also had frozen lemonade so the kids had a drink while Mommy and Daddy also had a fun drink. Wink, wink! The food was good - burgers were great but they didn’t have a kid’s burger, luckily there were chicken tenders and a grilled cheese to choose from.
Itinerary for 4 days in Lake Tahoe during Spring or Summer
Day 1
5p - Arrive in Reno
5:30p - Pick up rental car
6:30p - Grab Chick-fil-a by airport and drive to Tahoe (about an hour)
7:30p - Check into hotel
8p - Bedtime
Day 2
5:45a wake-up call from excited 1.5 year old, 3.5 year old slept longer
6a walk around the neighborhood grab breakfast - we had free breakfast with our room but there are lots of coffee shops in the area if you need a destination. We also made muffins and brought them with us.
8a - eat breakfast together as a family - Social House was a good recommendation
10a - head to the park on the lake
12p - lunch at Riva Grill
1:30p - naptime
3p - drive over to Kahle Park
5p - drop car off, walk to California Burger Co. outdoor seating, live music
6:30p - walk back to hotel, get ready for bed
7:15p - bedtime
Day 3
6:15a Wake-up call from a happy toddler
7a - Free breakfast at the hotel restaurant
8a - walk over to the shopping center to entertain toddler
10a - 35 min Drive to the waterfall (Glen Alpine Falls)
10:40a - Arrive and explore
11:45a - drive to Kiva picnic area
12:05p - arrive Kiva picnic area, walk down, eat lunch
12:40p - drive back to hotel
1:15p - naptime
3:30p - walk over to Heavenly shopping center - shops, restaurants, mini golf (during summer)
5:45p - dinner
6:30p - walk back to room, get ready for bed
7:30p - bedtime
Day 4
6:20a Wake-up call from toddler
7a - Breakfast at Heaven’s Little Cafe (eat it there or take it to go!)
8a - drive to North Shore’s Tahoe East trail aka Impossible trail
8:40a - Hike Tahoe East trail aka Impossible trail
11:30a - Lunch at Inclined Burgers and Brews - kids menu includes hamburger, cheeseburger, grilled cheese and chicken strips
12:30p - take a drive for a car nap
3p - Arrive at KidZone in Truckee - 11711 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161
5p - Drive back towards the south shore
6p - Dinner at Edgewood’s Brook’s Bar and Deck and enjoy the sunset
What to pack for Toddlers?!
Shop our Amazon list for our favorite things to pack!
What was in our suitcase? Pretty much everything! Being there mid-May, there was still snow on the mountains so it was mid 60’s during the day but 30’s at night!
For a family of 4 (including 2 toddlers), we packed:
3 duffles- we love the Eddie Bauer duffle that compacts into a small bag
Duffle #1 - toddlers’ clothes, diapers, shoes, toys, etc.
Duffle #2 - My clothes and hub’s clothes
Duffle #3 - toddler bumper for bed, you can use pillows but we had free bags we could check. Sometimes we bring the race car blow-up bed
2 personal bags (however, mine was toy overflow) - Picasso Magnet Mini tile travel set, Go Dog Go board book, trucks, Pixar Cars bath toys, Reusable Sticker books, and Crayola Mess Free Coloring books.
Insulated Snack bag - filled with PB&J sandwiches, That’s It Bars,
wagon (instead of our stroller, but we LOVE this travel stroller)
Don’t forget to grab a Crossword Puzzle for nap time! This is our FAVORITE puzzle! Travel terms and countries! https://amzn.to/4lVixuR It keeps my mind working and gives me a list of places to add to our bucket list!
See our full list on Amazon.com!
So pack your bags, grab your little adventurers, and get ready for a Lake Tahoe trip that’s anything but ordinary. It’s an adventure waiting to be explored, even with the littlest legs leading the way!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
If you liked this post please share it on your favorite social media site using the Share button below because we’d love to get the word out! Feel free to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:
Things to do in Summer in Lake Tahoe with a Toddler
Read more about Lake Tahoe in these posts:
Packing Checklist and Must Haves for Traveling with a Baby 2025
Traveling with a baby? What should I pack? What do I need? Here’s everything you need when traveling with a baby from strollers that fit in an overheard compartment to the best travel bed to get babies to sleep in hotel rooms!
Baby Travel Essentials
Make Traveling with a Baby Easier in 2025
Babies are so small yet need so many things! Traveling isn’t as easy as just packing a small bag for the weekend when bringing a little one. Whether you’re flying or driving, here are some handy tips and a packing list for what to pack and travel hacks for infants 6 months+!
Don’t forget to grab a Crossword Puzzle for nap time! This is our FAVORITE puzzle! Travel terms and countries! https://amzn.to/4lVixuR It keeps my mind working and gives me a list of places to add to our bucket list!
Shop our Amazon list for all things listed below!
Related post: See all things need for baby from birth to 12 months in this Baby Must Haves List
Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller - best travel stroller
Car Seats and Strollers
If you are driving, you’ll already have your car seat (we love our Graco 4Ever DLX car seat).
If you’re flying I recommend a much lighter car seat like the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Infant Car Seat that doesn’t need a base and can still be strapped in by the seat belt. It only weighs about 7 pounds and helps protect rear-facing infants 4-35 lb and up to 32". You might not need the car seat on the plane which you can gate check it, but you may need a car seat once you land to get to your hotel or Grandma’s house. If you are gate checking, just make sure to grab a tag from the gate host before you board and I recommend this Gorilla Grip car seat gate check cover for it that can also be worn as a backpack! It also packs into a small handy pouch!
We absolutely love our Uppababy Vista stroller but it is a monster to travel with! We bought the Ergobaby Metro+ stroller which compacts nicely into the overhead compartment of an airplane or the trunk of a car. The stroller weigh 16.9 pounds, holding up to 50 pounds or 50” (ages 0-4 typically) in the seat and up to 20 pounds in the carriage below. We also hang the diaper bag on the handles and if it’s not too heavy, the stroller won’t tip over. The wheel suspension is great and work well on a variety of surfaces, pretty impressive for being so lightweight.
We liked the Ergobaby stroller compared to the Baby jogger.
Food and Breastfeeding
Baby’s first flight was when he was 8 months old, so he was starting to eat solids but more solely relying on breast milk than food. We packed a thermal lunch box that had reusable ice packs and packed extra ziplock bags to get ice at a restaurant or on the plane when the packs melted.
When going through TSA, tell them you have breast milk and they may have you put in a separate bin along with baby wipes, so have that ready. In Syracuse, they scanned the milk and opened the bottles and didn’t properly secure one so it slowly leaked everywhere. 😩 Always triple check the bottles and flip them upside down to make sure they aren’t leaking.
During take-off and landing, it’s recommended to feed the baby a bottle or breastfeed. The sucking helps with the pressure in altitude change. I sat in the window seat so there was a little more privacy.
We also packed teething crackers which was entertainment for 20 mins and a snack. Also, your water cup could be the best new toy your baby has ever played with. 😂
If baby is 9 months or over one year old, you’ll want to pack either baby food that doesn’t have to be refrigerated or a thermal lunchbox full of food (and maybe even a sandwich for Mom and Dad). Don’t forget to pack a bib, spoon, bowls, or plates!
We are into baby led weaning and so when baby was 10 months old, I packed a steak knife, spoon, foldable measuring cup, paper towels, small trash bags, baby safe soap, and small cutting board. The steak knife would need to be checked and I would prep as much food as possible so you can check all of these items. I put Mrs Meyers soap in a travel bottle to wash breast pump parts and baby food containers.
If you’re driving, same situation as above, only we packed a small cooler.
Shop our Amazon list for all these things in one place!
SlumberPod is a must have for traveling with a baby!
Sleeping and Travel Crib
Most hotels will have a pack n play but it’s not always guaranteed, so make sure you call ahead. We typically bring ours as it’s the best travel crib if we’re driving and must bring the SlumberPod!
The SlumberPod is a blackout tent that goes over the pack-n-play to help keep the light out and allows you to sneak around the hotel room without baby seeing you. We always bring the Hatch too for white noise but you can always use an iPhone or iPad for that.
Related post: See all things need for baby from birth to 12 months in this Baby Must Haves List
Deuter Baby Carrier for hikes
Best Baby Carrier
We have several baby carriers that all have their own purposes. However, we have 2 specifically for travel:
For hikes and outdoorsy events, we like the Deuter Kid Comfort Active carrier. It weighs just over 5 pounds by itself and is perfect for carrying around your precious cargo. Baby’s first trip was when he was 9 months old and about 20 pounds and it holds up to 35 pounds which is the size of a 4 year old. Its an odd size so it’s a little harder to pack than our other carriers. The benefit is that it has pockets and space for your stuff, so you can carry other things in the carrier such as water bottles or snacks!
If you’re looking for something smaller and compact, we also have the Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrier which is convertible where you can have baby face-in and face-out or wear front and back for newborns and older babies 8-32 lbs. It’s super lightweight and very breathable.
Infantino Baby Carrier
Baby Toiletries and Amenities
I pack the following in a toiletry bag:
Baby shampoo and soap
Tylenol + syringe
Baby Comb
Vitamin D
Saline spray
Baby lotion
Baby Sunscreen
Some I have in travel size, others I fill a 3 oz travel bottle. Hotels might have a baby proofing amenity on request, but if you have a crawler or walker, I recommend bringing a handful of outlet covers.
Also, request a fridge ahead of time or when checking-in to your hotel.
In my diaper bag, I always have multipurpose wipes in a Ziploc bag, good to wipe down plane seat areas, table or high chairs at restaurant, toys, etc. I pack an extra baggie of them on trips.
Shop our Amazon list for all these things in one place!
Beach and Pool Travel Gear
If you’re heading to a beach destination, I recommend a few things:
Shade tent - having fun in the sun is great but shade is even better! We liked the COMMOUDS Large Pop Up Beach Tent with UPF 50+ beach sun shade including a carry bag! It’s lightweight is great for 3 people with some room for baby to run around. It is a pop up tent with screen windows (that can also close up) which compacts into a small bag weighing only 2 pounds. There are stakes and bags for sand bags to anchor the tent.
Beach blanket - this is great to have just in general. We like the HIHOHO Beach Blanket Sandproof, Lager 82" X79" and use it at the park or any lawn, really. It has pockets in the corner to fill with sand or rocks or even heavier toys and stakes to anchor. It’s machine washable too!
Related post: See all things need for baby from birth to 12 months in this Baby Must Haves List
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
If you liked this post please share it on your favorite social media site using the Share button below because we’d love to get the word out! Feel free to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:
More travel inspiration:
Baby Must Haves for Small Spaces and Travel in 2026
I made this list as I needed all the help I could get when preparing for baby. At first, we were living in a one bedroom apartment so I wanted only the essentials as we didn’t have much room to spare. My list below outlines my must haves and what was nice to have or not necessary! See our TRAVELING WITH BABY TIPS!
Last updated: January 2026 — tested and loved by real parents
Baby Must Haves 2026: What’s Worth Buying vs Skipping
If you’re reading this, congratulations! Building a baby registry or preparing for a newborn is extremely OVERWHELMING! There are so many options and lots of research to do for everything! This list covers the baby must haves you’ll actually use — not the trendy stuff that collects dust.
I made a similar post in 2022, but now that I’m 2 kids deep, I feel like I have more to share! For my friends expecting, I can’t wait for you to enter parenthood! It’s a journey but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
I didn’t completely know what to expect and what I’d actually use or need. I made this list as I needed all the help I could get when preparing for baby in a small space. At first, we were living in a one bedroom apartment so I wanted only the essentials as we didn’t have much room to spare. My list below outlines my must haves and what was nice to have or what you can skip purchasing!
Scroll down to the bottom for TRAVELING WITH A BABY TIPS!
Shop the list below on AMAZON
Let’s Stroll! Stroller and Car Seat Essentials
Must Haves:
Stroller – Worth investing in a good stroller. You’ll have it for a while and quality is important.
UPPAbaby Vista - has rumble seat (infant/toddler) and bassinet attachment (newborn/infant)
Pro tip: get it on sale at Nordstrom sale in July! If you’re having 2 kids, this stroller is amazing!
Add ons: I recommend the snack trays, but not necessary until baby is 8-9 months. We also have the piggy back that is like a kick board which is fun at first, but not really worth it.
Backup Options:
Graco Ready2Grow LX 2.0 Double Stroller (around $270) – it’s VERY similar to the UPPAbaby and half the price.
The Doona Infant Car seat $550 is great too but pretty much only good for a year. The convenience of being a car seat and having wheels is pretty great, especially for traveling.
Stroller Organizer and Cup Holder – I use this to hold my phone, keys and water bottle when I go for walks around the neighborhood. This is a must have for me!
Ergobaby Metro+ Travel Stroller - We LOVE our UppaBaby, but it’s not the best for traveling with. The Ergobaby Metro+ stroller is lightweight, compact and fits in the overhead bin on a plane. You can open it with one hand, which helped tremendously when I was holding the baby and trying to open the stroller. Perfect for newborns to toddler with the adjustable seat and holds up to 50 pounds.
Car seat - We were only going to get the Graco car seat but ended up borrowing and were handed down the Nuna.
UPPAbaby Mesa V2 – I borrowed this infant car seat from my sister for a couple of months, only fits newborns or infants. It’s nice if they fall asleep in the car then you can bring them in without disturbing baby but they tend to wake up anyway. Also, easy to carry them around to places like doctor appointments. This one worked with our stroller, but we never actually used it that way, Josh just carried him in the car seat everywhere.
GRACO 4Ever DLX SnugLock 4 in 1 Car Seat Infant to Toddler Car Seat – We got this one since it is a 10 year convertible car seat, works from newborn to 10 years old! It’s already budget friendly and the color I liked was on sale for under $200. 4 years later - still a solid purchase!
Nuna Rava Car Seat - 10 position headrest with Ride rear-facing from 5–50 lbs. Ride forward-facing at least 2 years old or 25–65 lbs. We were given this as a hand me down. Buy new for $499
Cosco Car Seats - No, not COSTCO! We have 2 of these Cosco Car seat for travel and they are the set I have in my car now that the little one is out of the infant car seat. Easy to install and the car seat itself is lightweight weighing in around 10lbs. Cosco Finale Dx 2-in-1 is great for kids 30-100lbs (about a 2 year old) and the Cosco Scenera is great for infant to 40lbs. They don’t have bells and whistles but machine washable seats and did well on the safety tests.
See all items on our AMAZON list
Nice to Have:
Car seat protector in car seat – they pee, spit-up, etc. Easier to wash this!
Car seat mat – Protects your car seats
Car mirror – to see what baby is doing while driving
Baby Carrier – I have 3 different ones that we used for the 4 months:
Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrier – light weight and comfortable! Josh and I both use this one. Josh likes it best because of the airflow and light weight. For around $20, it’s perfect! I would wear this in the house and make dinner while baby slept in it.
Sleepy Wrap Carrier – I don’t use this one as often but good for around the house, especially when he’s sleeping in the first few months.
Lillebaby Carrier – This was a hand me down from a friend and I love that it has a pocket and you are able to have baby face you or face out once they have more head control.
Babyletto Hudson Crib and Baby Einstein Activity mat
Sleepy Time
Must haves for Baby Bedtime:
Pack n Play – I’ve mentioned it a few times, it’s perfect to use as a crib at first if you don’t have space or want to move it around. We used the bassinet in the bedroom and the Pack n Play in the living room before baby had his own room.
Graco Pack n Play – we have this one
Mattress – we have the Hiccapop Dual Sided for Infants and Toddlers
Sheets – tons of pack n play fitted sheet options on Amazon
Crib – We didn’t buy the crib until our first born was about 3 months because we were giving up the bassinet for my sister to use. You could totally use a pack n play too, which was our plan until we moved into the 2 bedroom and had more space. Our second born was supposed to inherit the crib but we moved and by the time we did, he figured out how to climb out of it around 1.5 years old. We then opted for Montessori beds that are pretty much on the ground.
Babyletto Hudson Crib – love the look of this crib and it was fairly easy for Josh to put together. I bought on sale on Black Friday and used the completion discount (as well as gift cards from friends)!
Sealy baby flex cool 2stage airy dual firm mattress – good mattress for crib, also bought on sale on Black Friday.
Sheets – have 2 or 3 fitted sheets that fit your mattress, nothing else should go in the crib until baby is one.
Waterproof Mattress pad – make sure it fits your mattress, this one is standard size so it should fit! You’ll definitely need it!
Sound Machine – we use the Hatch for EVERY nap and every night’s sleep! It plays white noise and has a light. There’s an app and a variety of options of noise and colors for the light. We made it part of our sleep routine and I think it helps him fall asleep as well as drown out noise.
Nice to have:
Bassinet – Baby slept in the bassinet in our room for the first 3 months. We borrowed a friend’s bassinet, but the Pack and Play also works if you’re minimizing your space. When we were in the one bedroom apt, we would move the bassinet into the living room during the day and the bedroom at night. In the 2-bedroom we had the Pack n Play in the living room and bassinet in the bedroom.
This Graco one is like my Pack n Play but has a bassinet and changing station! Being able to see the baby through the net while sleeping is really helpful.
Halo Bassinest – newer version of the one I borrowed.
Sheets – have 2 or 3 at least
Baby Monitor – we got security type cameras that you can see on your iPhone, iPad, or even Apple TV! We figure we can use them after we don’t need them as baby monitors. Didn’t start using until 3 months when noise would wake baby up and we put him to nap in his own room.
Eufy Security Camera – we have one in his room and one in the living room
Vtech Audio Monitor – we use this and look on our phone when we hear him
My sister has the Vava 720P (thermometer, 2 way talk, night vision)
Get if and when needed:
Sleep swaddler/Sleepsuit – Neither one of my babies liked to be swaddled tightly so we wrapped them from the chest down in Muslin blanket swaddles like these. We have about 6 or 7 of them and swaddled him for about 4 months until the day we found him sucking on it after a nap.
Zip up swaddles – My sister used Love to dream. If you live someplace cold, you might want these as an extra layer. We have the heater run if it gets to cold so his long sleeved footed onesies did the trick!
Velcro swaddles – My sister also loves the SwaddleMe
Magic Merlin Sleep Suit – my friend swore by this and got us one! It’s to help their startle reflexes to sleep longer.
Feed ME!
Must haves:
Bottles – we’ve been using the Avent bottles since day one (and to this day). Just make sure whatever brand you choose that their bottles work with your breast pump. Between the Avent Starter set and 2 bottles that came with my pump, that’s all we really need. Everything else goes in a Kiinde bag and is stored in the freezer.
Avent Bottle Starter Set – Love this set and it comes with a brush. It has three 4 oz bottles (which can be 6 oz if you fill to the top) and two 8 oz bottles.
Nipples – Make sure you follow the nipple size as baby grows. The kit comes with different sizes but you may need to buy more eventually. I bought size 4 for the Avent bottles for baby and started using them at 4 months.
Nuliee Breastmilk Storage bags - Best value, BPA free and some have a temperature sensor so you know when the milk is ready!
Drying rack – Munchkin Fold Rack – there’s one with just the rack or one with brushes if you don’t get the brush in the Avent kit. We use this daily and it folds for easy storage!
Burp cloths and bib- Aden and anais - multipurpose!! You can use as a burp cloth for the first 6 months then as a bib 6 months+. You can get any kind of burp cloths really. We have 7 or 8 and keep one out in each room, to easily grab when there’s a mess!
Don’t need right away:
Booster seat - Bumbo 3 in 1 – My sister has one and loves it. We got one and ended up wanting a highchair instead once we had more room. Won’t need this until 6 months.
High Chair - We got the Graco 6 in 1 Convertible High Chair which was highly rated on all lists for 2022 High Chairs. It’s easy to clean and grows with the baby into a toddle booster seat! Best bang for your buck!
Sippy cups
Munchkin Trainer Cup - use at 6 months transitioning from baby bottles to sip cups.
Munchkin Straw Cups - use around 9 months after they have mastered the trainer cup.
Fresh food feed – Everyone recommended the to me! You put fruit in the mesh and they suck on it - great to introduce food and helps with teething! Baby loves sucking on watermelon with this! Didn’t really use until 7 months.
Bibs
For the first few months, we used bibs when we fed him bottles as milk leaks out of his mouth. We have some of these Carter Bibs and ones that look like bandanas.
At 6 months, when we started solids, and you have to get the PandaEar Silicone bibs to catch food and easily wash after eating.
Food storage containers - don’t need until 7+ months
Munchkin Love-a-bowls 10 piece set - comes with 4 bowls with lids and 2 spoons! They go in the microwave and dishwasher too! I use these all the time for oatmeal, fruit, etc.
Babie B Suction Cups - Baby likes to try and pull the bowl, creating spillage! With these bowls, the suction keeps the bowl in place!
Baby Nutribullet – Great food storage system, but I honestly just used my food processor or Ninja blender. And I made both boys most of their purees. There are even all-in-one appliances that steam, cook, and puree like Grownsy!
Utensils – We started our first foods with Olababy utensils as they are soft, flexible, and make it easy to get in jars or use like a spatula in any bowl. Needed at 6 months.
Plates - we have suction plates with lids so you can prep ahead of time of save for later!
Pottery Barn Kids - Wingback Manual Swivel Glider Recliner
Nursing and Boobies
Breastfeeding Must haves:
Breast feeding pillow - my breast friend - I have used daily for every breast feed since day 1!
Breast pump - You should get a free pump through your insurance. I got the Spectra 9 Plus pump because it is portable and small. I was worried at first that it wasn’t strong enough but after my milk came in between 6-8 weeks, I’m really glad I got this one. It comes with 2 bottles but also works with the kiinde bags and Avent bottles. Order this at 32 weeks pregnant to make the most out of the warranty!
Breast pads - change at least once a day or if they are soaked. I like Baby Bliss because it came with a bag to store them and a bag to wash them! I’m a bra Size C and got the large size.
Nipple cream - Earth mama organic nipple butter - I used it after every feed the first few months or my nipples would crack and hurt! Now I use it every once and a while.
Nursing bras - Amazon Hofish - I have 6 bras - leaks, spit up are bound to happen. I started to wear them around 32 weeks, because they come with extenders and were so much more comfortable. Also, here is away to adjust your bra so you can pump hands free - this will come in handy! https://youtu.be/spPwcPeQQ5I
Nice to Have:
Rocking Chair - I didn’t think I needed this, but I use it EVERY SINGLE DAY! I wanted one that swiveled and reclined, because the nights that baby wouldn’t fall asleep, I needed a place to rock the baby and then recline to sleep. We splurge on the Wingback Manual & Power Swivel Glider Recliner from Pottery Barn Kids, but it was worth every penny. I got the manual recline to the powered recline wouldn’t wake a sleeping baby.
Bottle Warmer - would be nice to have but we just put hot water in a big cup and stick the bottle in it for about 5 mins, saves money and room.
Sterilizer - same as above, nice to have but you can just boil all bottles for 5 mins. We throw ours in the dishwasher too.
Milk catcher - Haakaa - I used in the beginning or if my boobs feel really full and are leaking. You can also use as a hand pump like when you forget your pump at work!
Nursing cover - use when company is over or in a public place. Baby didn’t like the cover after he was about 2 months 😔 You can also use swaddles or large flowy tops to cover!
Nursing tops - not needed and ugly 😂 I just have comfy flowy tops!
Diaper Dirty Work
Diaper Must haves:
Diapers – We’ve used Pampers Pure, Honest, HelloBello, and Huggies. How many diapers will you need? Great question! Sizes depend on weight, so we went through 50 NB (newborn) diapers a week the first 3-4 weeks, then he went up to a size 1 for a month with an average of 45 diapers a week. He went to size 2 at 2 months with an average of 40 diapers per week and then size 3 at about 3.5 months with an average of 35-40 diapers per week. I track his diapers in the app Baby+ because it is SO easy to forget when you last changed a diaper when you do it 8 times a day every day! At 9 months, he’s still in size 3.
Skip Hop Changing Pad – I like the plastic changing table as it is easy to clean up messes (which happen a lot). We took off the mobile part because it got in the way. My sister has this one - Keekaroo – same thing just more expensive.
Baby Wipes - Honest water wipes – We went through a pack per week at first. Now it’s almost 2 weeks. I didn’t like the HelloBello wipes as they were thin and smelled funny.
Diaper Rash cream – Honest - use anytime you see redness down there.
Diaper bag – we got a Eddie Bauer backpack that has lots of pockets and either one of us can carry. It also has straps to hang on the stroller and has a thermal pocket for milk!
Nice to have:
Diaper Genie - we didn’t have a diaper genie for the first weeks and threw diapers in our kitchen trash can that has a top. Now we have the changing station in the bathroom and a friend was getting rid of her genie so we took it. It’s handy to have right next to the changing table. I didn’t understand how the bags worked at first but it’s actually genius how it works: https://youtu.be/OJCHr-oe8H0 For refills, we’ve been buying the Amazon brand and they work just fine. The bag is thinner and the only time you can smell the dirty diapers is when you open it to throw something in. My sister has a Ubbi diaper pail which is nice as well and metal to mask the smell.
Diaper genie bags – we’ve been using the amazon brand and they’re fine.
Diaper caddy – I have this basket right next to the changing table to hold diaper rash cream, diapers, wipes, and lotions.
Splashy Bath Time
Baby Bath Must Haves:
Towels - Hooded towels are the best. There are tons to choose from, we have 2.
Wash cloths - soft terry cloth 6-8. I use 1-2 at bath time, and sometimes used 3 when sponge bathing at first.
Baby Shampoo/Soap – I use Mustela products, my boss highly recommended and gifted them to me. Mustela has a cradle cap shampoo that helps! My sister uses Cerave baby.
Brush – love this Frida baby brush and so does baby!
Frida Baby Basics - Includes NoseFrida, NailFrida, Windi, DermaFrida + Silicone Carry Case
Bath thermometer - I liked the rubber duck one and baby does too!
Nice to have:
Spout cover – Skip Hop – to protect them from hitting their head on it.
Bath kneeler - cushy and saves my knees, so glad I have one.
Baby Bathtub
Frida Bathtub - this is similar to the one I borrowed from my sister. I like this one because it has the insert to hold the baby. Bathing a newborn/infant is hard, they are fragile and slippery when wet. You really need 2 people to bathe the baby if you don’t have an insert.
Relaxing Baby – Inflatable bathtub - we got this after we had to return my sister’s tub when baby was 3 months. It’s slanted, so they can lean on it and it is much easier to use once baby can hold his head up! At about 3 months, I threw toys in there for baby to play with.
More Room for Activities
Must haves:
Baby lounger - Baby Bjorn or Baby Support Pillow which is great for putting baby in it while on the couch or the bed. We’ve used it daily since day one! There are tons of options on Amazon! Still using at 9 months, we just have to keep a close eye on him as he can roll out of it now.
Blankets - we do tummy time on a blanket on the bed. We started doing it when he was about 3 weeks but the doctor might say you can try it sooner. At about 3 months we got a nice play mat for the living room or we use the activity mat on the carpet. We also use the blanket in the stroller. We have 3 blankets and use them constantly.
Need but not right away:
MamaRoo or Ingenuity Swing – The MamaRoo is a splurge and was gifted to us, but baby can sit in it anywhere from 20-60 mins! The swing is good too, but he doesn’t like it as much. It’s a good place to put them in while you quickly go to the bathroom or put in the kitchen while you cook. We first used the swing when he was 1 month. Always keep an eye on them and buckle baby in!
Activity Mat – Baby LOVES his Baby Einstein Activity mat and will entertain him for a while. Started using at 3 months.
Baby Play Mat – we got a Baby Care play mat for the living room on our hardwood floors at 3 months. After tons of research, it was the best for quality and safety. We also got a play yard for it after he was really rolling around and almost crawling at 6.5 months.
Teether - 3-pack target has all stages Nuby don’t need until 5 months. Baby loved these, we stored them in the fridge so he liked the cold on his gums.
Pacifier – got some from the hospital and in the Avent bottle kit. Baby decided he didn’t like the pacifier after 1 month but at 3 months he liked to play with the ones with animals attached.
Dress Me Up
Baby wore newborn size for the first month, then size 0-3 from 1-3.5 months. At 8 months baby can still fit in some 3-6 months, but generally in 6+ months. Like women’s clothing, baby clothes run smaller or larger depending on the brand.
Onsies – have 8-10 on hand at least - pee, blowouts and spit up happen!
PJs – zip up are best, especially the double zipper for changing diapers! Lots of options out there. Again, have 8-10 depending on how often you want to do laundry. Baby went through 3 in one night, but for the most part you’ll only need 1 a night. I’d say once every 2 weeks we’d have an accident.
Socks – I have a 10 pack and its plenty.
Hats – I have 3 or 4, we use them on walks.
Hangers – Amazon brand (doesn’t fit newborn or some 0-3), I fold a lot of baby’s clothes but the bulkier ones, I hang.
Sleep swaddler/Sleepsuit - zip up swaddles; Love to dream; velcro ones (see more in the Sleepy time section)
Mama Style
Things you’ll need for the hospital and after birth:
Clothes - flowy and comfy
Pads/diapers - give you some at hospital. I wore pads for at least a month after birth. I did heavy the first 2 weeks, then a lighter flow after. You might want panty liners until your pelvic floor is strong again.
Ice packs – I didn’t like the cold down there but did use them on my boobs when my nipples were sore from breastfeeding
Witch-hazel pads – get from hospital
Squirt bottle - get a peri bottle from hospital
Stool softener – buy ahead to have when you get home from the hospital. I took daily for about 3 weeks.
Granny panties - hospital will give you some
Light weight robe – the hospital gowns are backless so it was nice to have a robe when walking around, especially when we weren’t planning on him going to the NICU and we went over there every 3 hours.
Massager – Best $6 you’ll ever spend
Hygiene and Organization
Thermometer - digital quick reading, we only used less than a handful of times in the first 9 months.
Bulb syringes – Catches boogers and blows small hair out of eyes – got one from the hospital
Dish Soap - we use Mrs. Meyers or there is Babyganics. The pediatrician said Mrs. Meyers is fine.
Make sure all bottles and pacifiers are sterilized in sterilizer or boiling water for 5-10 mins.
Wash everything – We used Tide at first and we were gifted babyganics detergent. My sister’s baby had a strong reaction to detergent, breaking out in a rash so they needed to use an unscented baby detergent. I usually wash baby’s clothes separately and do a light and dark load if they are first wash especially. After they’ve been washed a few times, the colors don’t really bleed when you wash on cold and delicate settings, so I just do one load with everything. Make sure you zip up any zippers and unfold the mits on the footed onsies as lint gets trapped in there sometimes.
Babyganics Toy and Highchair cleaner – use this to clean all toys, highchair, and the changing table.
Little Remedies Kit – Gifted from a friend and our Pediatrician recommended. We use the gas drops all the time and the Saline spray really came in handy. The Gripe water is good for hiccups.
Travel
We didn’t really travel until after baby was 6 months, but here are some helpful tips (see our Amazon travel list too):
Crib/Pack n Play - If you’re staying in a hotel, most will have a pack n play, just request ahead of time.
Slumberpod - This blackout tent fits over the pack n play and blocks out all light so baby can sleep! Great for naps and sleep, also gives you the freedom to walk around the hotel room. It worked SO well! It folds up in a fairly small pouch to making it easy to travel with.
Hatch or HomePod Mini - to play white noise while baby is sleeping to drown out hotel noises and so you can walk around the hotel room. We also brought the baby audio monitors so we could sit and talk on the patio, while baby sleeps inside. Book a hotel with a patio/balcony so you have somewhere to go!
Ergobaby Metro+ Travel Stroller - We LOVE our UppaBaby, but it’s not the best for traveling with. The Ergobaby Metro+ stroller is perf lightweight, compact and fits in the overhead bin on a plane. You can open it with one hand, which helped tremendously when I was holding the baby and trying to open the stroller. Perfect for newborns to toddler with the adjustable seat and holds up to 50 pounds.
Car seat - Cosco Car Seats - No, not COSTCO! We have 2 of these for travel and they are the set I have in my car now that the little one is out of the infant car seat. Easy to install and around 10lbs in weight. Cosco Finale Dx 2-in-1 is great for kids 30-100lbs (about a 2 year old) and the Cosco Scenera is great for infant to 40lbs. They don’t have bells and whistles but machine washable seats and did well on the safety tests. I got the Gorilla Grip cover for it when checking the seat at the gate. The cover folds up into a small pouch, which is really convenient!
See our full list: Packing Checklist and Must Haves for Traveling with a Baby
Baby Packing Checklists
To Pack for Hospital
For Mom
Flip flops and socks (not to wear together)
Nightdress or flowy sweats and t-shirt
Nursing bra (pack 2)
Breast pads (pack 3-4 sets)
Nipple cream
Robe
Comfy clothes
Going home outfit
Toiletries - your shampoo, body wash, etc.
Brush
Make-up - eye liner
Phone/Apple watch/tablet charger
Snacks
Water bottle (reusable)
Breast feeding pillow
Bed Pillows (use pillowcases other than white so the hospital doesn’t think its theirs if they make up your room)
Massager
Cord Blood kit
For Dad
iPad (charger too)
Change of clothes
Toiletries
Snacks
AirPods
Ear plugs and sleep mask
Vaccination card
For Baby
Going home outfit
Blanket
Car seat
Empty duffle bag
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need all of these baby items?
No. You can start with fewer items and add as you go. This list focuses on baby must haves that were used regularly and helped simplify daily life, especially in small spaces or when getting out of the house.
What baby gear is best for small spaces?
The best baby gear for small spaces is compact, foldable, or multi-use. Items that store easily, replace bulkier alternatives, and work both at home and on the go tend to get the most consistent use.
Which baby items do parents use the most?
Parents tend to use items that make everyday routines easier, like a dependable stroller, an organized diaper bag, and simple feeding and sleep essentials. Gear that requires extra setup or storage is often used less.
Are these baby must haves good for travel?
Yes. These baby must haves were chosen with portability in mind, making them easy to use at home, in the car, or while traveling. Lightweight, compact items are especially helpful during the newborn stage.
What baby items are often unnecessary?
Baby items that take up a lot of space or serve only one purpose are often unnecessary. Many parents find that practical, versatile gear gets far more use than trendy or oversized baby products. Anything that says “2 in 1” can be beneficial!
Is this baby must haves list still relevant after 2025?
Yes. While the URL includes 2025, this list is updated regularly to reflect baby products that continue to be useful and practical beyond trends, making it relevant for new parents year-round.
Is this list helpful for first-time parents?
Yes. This list is especially helpful for first-time parents who want to avoid overbuying and focus on baby essentials that are actually used during the newborn and early baby stages.
Hard fast truths:
What baby items do you actually need?
If your baby is coming tomorrow and you need just the essentials: Car seat, stroller, bottles, clothes, pack n play, diapers, wipes
What baby products are a waste of money?
These baby products were a waste of money for us: Wipe warmer, Snoo, expensive baby swings, expensive diapers
How many baby clothes do you really need?
I would have a weeks worth of baby clothes handy at all times. Our record was 3 outfit changes within an hour!
Are expensive baby items worth it?
Expensive baby items that you will use for a long time like car seats and strollers are absolutely worth it!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
Like this post? Please share with your family and friends! Pin this to your favorite Pinterest Board:
More posts:
Looking for the best restaurants and places to eat in Maui, Hawaii? Check out our favorite Restaurants in Maui from Lahaina to Wailea! | Where to go in Maui | Where to eat in Maui | Food in Maui