This was our first time traveling with Oscar, except to take him to Tucson (several hours by car) to visit family. The trip involved traveling by car, taxi, plane, and boat and staying in a hotel and on the ship. I started researching traveling with a baby months before the trip, and was surprised by how little practical information I could find, beyond the usual admonitions to leave the baby behind with family or friends (which wasn't going to happen).

Here is what I found to be necessary or helpful when traveling with a baby:

Ergo Baby Carrier

I had little success with babywearing until a friend of mine recommending this carrier, which works for children up to 40 pounds. It's so comfortable I don't feel like I'm carrying anything. You can wear your baby on the front or back or on your hip. I love this carrier for running errands and hiking in the woods. Oscar loves it too. It even has a cover to keep out the sun and rain. It's on the pricey side for a carrier but worth every penny.

Umbrella Stroller

As much as I love carrying Oscar in the Ergo, we found that having a cheap, lightweight umbrella stroller was a life-saver while traveling. This was great for walking around the boat and around town, taking Oscar to the buffet, and moving quickly and easily through the airport. The flight attendants always checked it for us at the gate and gave it back to us when we got off the plane at our destination. Here is a travel tip: strollers and car seats are not counted as part of your checked baggage or carry-on baggage allowance.

Backpack Diaper Bag

Having a backpack made it easy for us to carry Oscar's stuff (why do babies need so much stuff?) while pushing him in the stroller. A roomy backpack also allowed us to add our own bathing suites and sunscreen (and mandatory copy of People Magazine) when heading to the beach, instead of having to take a separate bag. Get one with a lot of different sized compartments and be sure to bring along plenty of Ziploc bags for stashing wet suits and dirty diapers.

IPlay Babywear Sunhat

WhatI love about this hat is that it's reversible! Cool, lightweight and easy towash, this hat comes in a variety of colors and has a wide brim thatcovers Oscar's face, ears, and neck. It has a chin strap to hold it on and Oscar wore it for hours at a time without a fuss. Can be folded small enough to fit in a pocket.

Baby Sunscreen (not recommended for babies under six months)

Essential for any outdoor activity or vacation. We really slathered this on, but probably not as often as we should have. Make sure it's a no-tears formula and fragrance free. Keep a tube stashed in your diaper bag at all times.

Huggies Little Swimmers

Great diapers for taking a baby or toddler swimming! These worked well in the pool and the ocean. They are designed so the lining doesn't swell up when it gets wet, they are durable, and they stay on.

Hyland's Teething Tablets

This all-natural, homeopathic teething remedy is a lifesaver. I swear these tiny tablets help Oscar sleep better at night. My friend Colleen says they have a placebo effect on the parents. They dissolve instantly, so there's no choking hazard or messy droppers. Unlike infant Tylenol, there are no side effects or danger of overdose. Oscar loves to shake the bottle, so they double as a toy.

Healthy Times Organic Teething Biscuits

I call them cookies but they look a little like dog biscuits. Oscar loves them, and giving him one is a great way to keep him quiet and occupied. They contain all natural ingredients, and no wheat or dairy, so they're safe for babies six months and older. Although they are very hard and travel well, they are messier than you might think, and you shouldn't leave your little one unattended with one of these, as they have a tendency to break apart after awhile.

Mesh Fruit and Vegetable Feeder

I use these to give Oscar pieces of apple, which he loves and which are normally a choking hazard. They are also great for ice cubes to soothe teething pain.

Gerber Organic Baby Food

When traveling it's nice to have some ready-made baby food on hand. What I like about this food is that it's in plastic containers with snap-on lids, so you can avoid having to tote around glass jars in your suitcase or diaper bag.