Scarves for Travel with a Baby
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How to Use a Scarf while Traveling with a Baby.
Updated: April 13, 2022
The perfect accessory for travel with a baby!
Scarves are great accessories whether you are traveling abroad or at a soccer game close to home. One of the keys to traveling with a baby is to utilize multifunctional items to minimize what you need to pack. Scarves can be used in many ways whether traveling with a baby or not!
When researching travel scarves you may see them called scarves, shawls, or wraps.
In this article, we discuss the following:
– 5 ways to use a scarf while traveling with a baby
– How to choose the right scarf for you
5 Ways to Use a Scarf while Traveling with a Baby
Scarves are not just for keeping warm in winter! They truly are one of the most versatile items you can pack especially while traveling with a baby. In this article, we are here to help you think outside the box (or suitcase) on how to use a travel scarf in the following ways:
1. They look great!
2. Sun Protection
3. Nursing Cover/Play
4. Warmth
5. Modesty Cover
1. They Look Great!
Wearing a scarf is not only practical, but they really do look great! A scarf is a great way to add color/flare to any outfit whether on a hike or out for dinner. Scarves can be used to dress up a simple little black dress by adding color and a soft touch to a classic wardrobe staple.
Not only do scarves add a bit of elegance and style, they are a great way to make an ordinary outfit festive without breaking the bank. For instance, if you are not into dressing up for holidays or events, you can add a festive scarf to maintain a minimal festive vibe. For example, while traveling to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, I wear a balloon scarf that makes me happy and fits perfectly with the theme!
2. Sun Protection
Scarves can provide sun protection for both adult and baby! They can be used to cover your arms and shoulders or even your legs while in the car. Scarves also provide great shade for your baby while in their car seat.
Scarves for travel can be purchased with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) or not. When purchasing a scarf for sun protection, look for a UPF rating and if not that, look for tightly woven fabric.
A great option for a UPF travel scarf is the Coolibar UPF 50+ Women’s Sanibel Everyday Beach Shawl. This shawl/scarf can be used for every purpose on this list and really excels at sun protection!
If you are looking specifically for sun protective travel gear, take a look at our article on just that: Sun Protective Travel Gear for Family Travel
3. Nursing Cover/Play
When thinking outside the ‘suite case’, scarves are a convenient nursing cover! They are already around your neck and can easily be used to coverup while nursing.
Another convenient way to use a scarf is for a play surface or just a clean place to lay your baby down when needed. You can use it for tummy time at the airport or anyplace they need to stretch out a bit.
4. Warmth
Even a relatively thin scarf can add warmth while traveling! When a scarf comes to mind you may immediately think of winter use.
In addition to being worn around the neck during winter, we love using scarves as a blanket on the plane or in the car. Scarves are the perfect stand in for a baby blanket and can be used to wrap your baby up for warmth in their car seat, stroller or even baby backpack carrier!
5. Modesty Cover
Many sacred/religious sites around the world request modesty covers be worn. Some destinations have covers available to rent but, some do not. From our experience, you may be asked to cover your hair, shoulders or even around the waist.
Carrying a scarf with you while you travel ensures you are prepared for any modesty request you may encounter without the stress of trying to rent one.
How to Choose a Scarf for Travel with a Baby
There are endless options when it comes to buying a scarf! Here is what we look for when purchasing a scarf for travel with a baby:
1. Machine washable
2. Quick dry material
3. Densely woven material and/or UPF
4. Size, the bigger the scarf the more versatile it can be
5. Style/color
Two options that we really like are the Coolibar UPF 50+ Women’s Sanibel Everyday Beach Shawl and the Lululemon Vinyasa Scarf. Both are large enough to use in all of the scenarios listed above and have added functionality.
Coolibar UPF 50+ Women's Sanibel Everyday Beach Shawl
Lululemon Vinyasa Scarf
How to wear your Lululemon Vinyasa Scarf in 7 ways
Scarves for Travel with a Baby - Summary
So, can you tell that we love scarves for travel with a baby? Scarves are truly a multipurpose workhorse when it comes to travel especially with a baby. From adding flare to an outfit to a nursing cover, you can’t beat a scarf when it comes to minimally packing for a trip with a baby!
More Tips for Traveling with a Baby
About The Kid Packer
Here at The Kid Packer, we want to help you live your best life. A great baby backpack child carrier can help you do just that. After having used a child carrier backpack for over 1,500 miles of adventuring and exploring, we have a passion for them and know what makes a great pack that both you and your child will love. We hope our comprehensive research allows you to confidently find the right backpack for your needs!
