I lived off of lists before having a baby, but now I truly can’t live without them (#mombrain). So of course I had to create a baby travel packing list that I could use for all the trips we have planned with little Luca!
While I knew that traveling with an infant was going to be a whole new ball game, I honestly didn’t realize the insane number of items you have to pack until I started thinking through everything. And I’d consider myself a sensible packer!
From baby gear to baby clothes, there are just so many different things to consider. That said, I figured I’d share the baby travel checklist I created for myself with you!
If you’re getting ready to go on a family vacation, scroll down to see and shop my baby travel packing list.
I’ve also included a download a PDF version that you can print and check off as you go.
PS: I know this looks like a lot! But…
- Depending on the age of your baby or where you’re traveling to, you might not need all of this. And some things (like car seats) you might be able to rent.
- I fit most of these baby travel essentials in one carry-on suitcase. I only had to put like 2 things in my own suitcase. Thankfully, baby items are pretty compact.
At the end of the day, I wanted to make sure this baby travel packing list was thorough. But you can take what you need, and leave what you don’t. Either way, I know it’ll make those road trips or air travel days that much easier.
Before we jump into the details, subscribe below to get your printable baby travel packing list!
Meach’s Essential Baby Packing List
Here’s everything you need when traveling with a baby… and then some. 😉
So you know, I’m making suggestions assuming you will not have access to a washer and drier. If you do, you can choose to bring less and wash items during your trip. That’s totally up to you!
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Dressing
Outfits
Since accidents happen, especially with infants, I recommend packing two baby outfits per day of your trip. That way you always have a set of spare clothes.
I also recommend keeping at least one change of clothes handy, in a diaper bag or carry on bag, at all times. Emergency outfit changes can happen anywhere with little ones, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Pajamas
Personally, I think one pair per day is sufficient. Even if there’s an accident, it’s unlikely there will be one every night. But you know your child best, so you do you.
PS: Burt’s Bees Baby has the BEST jammies! They are great quality and fit so well.
Onesies
Like the baby outfits, I think it’s a good idea to pack two onesies per day. I know Luca often gets his messy while eating, and sometimes too messy to keep wearing.
Socks
One pair per day is likely fine, but it never hurts to pack a couple extras.
Shoes
Think water shoes, sneakers, sandals, boots, etc. Whatever is weather appropriate! Just be sure to pack whatever you’ll need to match the baby outfits you packed.
Outfit Accessories
Outfit accessories might not be essential baby travel items for some, but they are for me. Think bows, warm hats, sun hats, headbands, and sunglasses.
Outerwear
This is especially important if your travel destination is to a cold weather climate. But even if you’re going to the beach, you might want a light denim jacket or zip up in case you’re out and about on a cool evening.
Swimwear
Even if you’re going to a cold weather climate, your hotel might have a pool. So don’t forget to pack your baby’s bathing suit!
FYI: My favorites for kids are from Amazon (a bunch of boys and girls are linked in my Amazon storefront) and Dillards.
Dirty Clothes Bag
I always pack dirty clothes bags to keep things that have been worn separate from things that haven’t. It just keeps the suitcase from getting unnecessarily messy. And it makes packing up/unpacking easier, too.
Be sure to bring one per suitcase to evenly distribute dirty clothes across all of your bags. They can get heavy, and overweight bags can be costly if you’re traveling by air.
Feeding
Bottles and/or Sippy Cups
I think it’s best to have enough drink ware for a full day of feedings. If you’re going to be doing a lot of exploring, you don’t want to have to stop and wash things along the way. You can do all of that each night at once.
Travel Bottle Drying Rack
Speaking of washing bottles, a travel bottle drying rack is one of those essential items that sounds kind of ridiculous, but I promise it’s super handy! Especially if you’re staying in a hotel room with limited counter space.
This is the best way to keep all of your bottles organized and contained. Plus, it makes it so much easier to move all of the pieces when necessary.
Portable Bottle Cooler
A portable bottle cooler with an ice pack is strongly recommended so you can keep baby food, formula, breastmilk, etc. cool on the go.
Bibs
Luca drools nonstop, lol, so we pack two cotton bandana bibs per day of our trip. Plus we bring two silicone bibs (total) for his baby food feedings.
Burp cloths
Again, two per day seems to do the trick for us. But if your baby spits up a lot, bring some extras.
Utensils
If your baby needs spoons, forks, plates, or bowls, be sure to pack a few!
Travel Snack and Formula Containers
You’ll want these for the days away from your home base so you don’t have to carry a bunch of large packages.
I really like these travel snack and formula containers from Amazon.
Portable High Chair
Luca is currently eating baby food, so for the time being we’re going to just feed him in his stroller when we travel. However, we do own a portable high chair and know it will go to good use once he’s a little bigger.
That said, if your baby is a little older and eating/snacking on their own, you’ll want to get them a portable high chair with a tray. At the very least, you’ll want to bring a tray for their stroller so they have a comfortable place to eat.
Baby Food and Snacks
If you can, only pack enough food (think formula, baby food, snacks) for your travel day(s) and then one extra day beyond that in case there are delays.
These items are heavy and hard to travel with. If they break or spill, then they get all over EVERYTHING. So I recommend just picking up extras once you get to where you’re going.
Bottles of Water
Whether your baby drinks water alone or you use it to make formula, make sure you have enough of it to get you through your travel day(s). Again, you can pick up extras later.
Obviously, if you’re traveling by plane, you can’t take full water bottles through TSA. So give yourself enough time to pick some up once you get through security.
Bottle Brush and/or Sponge
You’ll want a bottle brush and/or sponge to clean your bottles, bowls, and utensils.
Dish Soap
FYI, a travel-sized dish soap should last you a full week.
Dish Cloths
Personally, I just think it’s gross to dry dishes with hotel towels, lol. So I pack a few dish towels for this purpose.
If you’re breastfeeding and/or pumping, you’ll also want to bring your…
- Portable Breast Pump
- Breast Milk Storage Bags
- Breast Milk Cooler
- Pumping Bra(s)
- Anything else you’ll need to clean your pump parts.
Sleeping
Sound Machine
Dane and I don’t go a day without using our white noise machine. If your baby uses sound machines, too, be sure to pack it.
Travel Crib or Travel Bassinet
Your hotel might have these. You could also rent them through a service like Baby Quip. If you have to buy, this travel baby crib from Amazon is well-rated and affordable.
Crib or Bassinet Sheet
Whether you’re renting or bringing your own, make sure you have the proper sheet to fit your crib or bassinet mattress.
Pro Tip: Bring one from home that has been used recently; One that smells like your home, not detergent. It could help your baby sleep more comfortably in a foreign place.
Swaddle or Sleep Sack
Dane and I forgot Luca’s sleep sack on our first trip with him and he was not happy, lol. It’s part of his bedtime routine, so we had trouble getting him down without it. Lesson learned!
Don’t make the same mistake. Be sure your bring anything and everything your baby needs to go to sleep comfortably.
Baby Monitor
If your baby will be sleeping in a different room, and you’re used to having them on a monitor, make sure you bring one.
This is a big reason why we chose the Nanit Baby Monitor – you can easily travel with it if you have the proper accessories.
Pacifier
If your baby takes a pacifier, you’ll want to bring a few. Especially if they’re particular and won’t just take whatever pacifier you can get your hands on.
Hygiene
Baby Wash, Shampoo, and Lotion
If your baby’s skin is tolerant, you can get away with buying whatever travel-sized baby toiletries your local Target has in stock.
But if your baby’s skin is sensitive, I recommend buying refillable bottles and packing whatever they’re used to. That way you don’t have any issues!
Hair Brush
If your kiddo has hair, of course. 😉
Antibacterial Wet Wipes
Babies have weak immune systems, so it’s important to try to combat germs as best as you can during a family trip.
I like to keep antibacterial wet wipes in my bag to clean my hands, Luca’s hands, and things within his reach. Not only does this help keep baby safe, it’ll help keep you sane. The only thing worse than a sick baby is a sick baby while on vacation.
Baby Wipes
One pack is fine! Add this to the list of things you can buy once you reach your destination if you need extras.
Diaper Cream
Diaper rash is so uncomfortable for babies and can make them super cranky. That said, if you want to enjoy your vacation be sure to have plenty of rash cream on hand.
We like Aquaphor Baby because it’s so multifaceted. It soothes dry skin and eczema in addition to diaper rash.
Inflatable Tub
You don’t really realize how helpful a baby bathtub is until you don’t have one. The few times Dane and I have tried to bathe Luca in a regular tub, it’s taken all of our hands…and all of our energy, lol.
So for travel we invested in a super affordable inflatable baby bath from Amazon. That way we can comfortably contain Luca while we bathe him. And if our hotel room only has a shower, we don’t have to try to stuff him in the sink.
Diaper Bag and Changing Pad
I strongly prefer the changing pads that hold everything you need for changing baby’s diaper – wipes, rash cream, etc. – so you can unroll and go. You don’t have to dig!
Disposable Diapers or Cloth Diapers
Just fit what you can, and buy what you can’t later.
Swimmers
If you plan on swimming, swimmers are a must!
PS: I have an entire post about baby beach gear. If you’re going on a beach trip, be sure to check it out!
Disposable Diaper Bags
If you’re planning plane travel, these are a must. These disposable diaper bags allow for easy clean up and let you put your baby’s dirty diapers in the trash without the risk of smelling up the restroom or entire plane.
Sunscreen
Baby’s skin is extra sensitive to UV rays, so don’t forget their sunscreen!
Stain Remover
Stain remover, because it’s important to get stains out of clothes sooner than later.
First Aid Kit
You can get a comprehensive first aid kit – one with a travel thermometer, nose sucker, nail clippers, etc. – from Target for under $25! Honestly, you probably got one as a baby shower gift. I know I received several!
Other Baby Gear
Baby Carrier
We have the Ergobaby Omni 360 and absolutely love it! It’s adjustable and fits me and Dane well. Luca loves being in it while facing outward, too.
Wet Bags or Plastic Bags
Keep these in your diaper bag for soiled clothes! I prefer these reusable wet bags from Amazon.
Baby Blankets (Especially their favorite blanket!)
If your baby doesn’t have a go-to blanket yet, this baby blanket from Amazon is seriously SO good. It’s so soft can cozy. Luca loves it! He also uses this ivory baby blanket from the same store on repeat.
Travel Stroller and Stroller Bag
When traveling by plane, you’ll have to gate check your stroller. That said, you’ll want a stroller bag to protect it.
Stroller Hook
A stroller hook can hold you purse, diaper bag, and other little things to free up your hands.
Stroller Organizer
I like this stroller organizer because it has two cup holders as well as space for some extras (keys, toys, money, etc.).
Infant Car Seat and Car Seat Bag
If you plan to bring your car seat on a plane, be sure to get a car seat bag. It’ll make it easier for you to carry the car seat, and it’ll protect it if you check it.
Beach Towel
If you’ll be hitting the beach or pool, make sure you have a baby beach towel packed for your kiddo.
Baby Tent
Baby tents are great if you plan on spending a lot of time outside during your family vacation. They shield from harmful UV rays and keep baby contained to one safe space.
Portable Fan
I love this stroller fan because you can attach it to virtually anything. Since babies can’t regulate their temperatures until they’re around 1.5-2 years old (Snuza), it’s important to keep them cool and comfortable.
Beach Bag
A key baby beach essential, a mesh beach bag is easy to travel with and easy to clean.
Toys and Entertainment
Books, Teethers, Rattles, Beach Toys and More!
You know your baby best, so I left a bunch of free space on the baby travel packing list printable so you can fill in their favorite toys and forms of entertainment. That way you don’t forget them!
Important Documents
Passport or Birth Certificate
A passport is truly only necessary for international travel. However, I read that that airlines can ask for proof of age, especially for lap babies (The Points Guy). Because of this, I recommend bringing your baby’s passport or birth certificate with you when traveling domestically.
Insurance Card
*Just in case* you end up having to take a trip to the doctor.
PHEW! If you made it here, congrats, lol. You did it! 😉
While traveling with a baby does require some extra planning and packing, please don’t let that slow you down. It’s important for your entire family to explore new places. And the memories are worth every ounce of effort you’ll have to put in to make it happen!
Whether you’re traveling with a baby for the first time or just needed a thorough baby travel packing list, I really hope this post makes your trip run smoothly!
If you have anything to add, please do so in the comments to help the rest of this community out. Especially the momma’s preparing for their first trip!
And before you go, be sure to follow me on social media for ongoing family finds (links below!)
Xo,
