Baby Travel Essentials: Everything To Take On Your Next Trip
This post is part of our archived content. While we’ve shifted focus, it still may be useful.
Your first time travelling with a baby can feel scary! What baby travel essentials should you bring?
What should you leave at home?
I’m back from my first trip abroad with a one-year-old and have put together a list of things I took (and left behind) to help make your first trip a little easier.
Travelling with a baby is a lot of fun if you are prepared and that’s the key to travelling with your little one – preparation.
Where to Start
Start by writing down what your baby usually needs during the day.
Think about the items you use the most and include them on your packing list.
Having a list is essential.
Try to categorise your list like the one below to avoid forgetting anything.
Travel Documents
This includes passports for international travel and any immunizations needed for your destination.
I also like to bring copies of important documents so I can always have them with me and can leave the originals at the hotel.
Suitcase
There are many things you need to bring for your baby because it doesn’t matter if you are going for one day or for two weeks you need the same amount of stuff.
I recommend you invest in the best suitcase your budget allows.
I bought my baby girl a Lily&Bean case with her initials engraved on it to make her first trip feel extra special.
It has interior dividers and pockets that make travel prep easier and the easy-glide wheels make travelling a breeze.
Baby Diaper Bag
The more pockets the better to keep things organized.
Pick a bag or backpack that’s big enough to fit your baby’s essentials for a quick diaper change, but not so big that it’s hard to carry around.
I also like to take a smaller changing clutch cube from Jem + Bea for when we go to restaurants or shorter days out.
It’s big enough to fit all changing essentials but not too bulky. Fully equipped inside with straps for wipes and a large elasticated pocket to handle several nappies.
Diapers
Bring diapers/nappies that your baby is used to in case they don’t have the same brand at your final destination.
Take enough for the first five days to give you plenty of time to buy more or to find similar ones.
If your baby is used to using natural diapers (my favourites are from Mum & You, Cheeky Panda and Hello Bello) stick to them to avoid rashes.
I would say six nappies a day is a good estimate, but you can never have too many.
Wipes/Cream/Nappy Sacks
For diaper changing on the go.
Changing Mat
To avoid direct contact with the floor or public bathroom surfaces.
I always carry the Mama Shack foldable travel mat. It makes changing on the go easy and practical and the prints are beautiful.
Outfit Sets
Mix and match sets will make your life easier when dressing your baby whilst away. I usually pack three outfits for each day of vacation plus pyjamas.
Milk Bottles
For formula-fed babies and for water drinking.
Take at least six with you to avoid running out of clean ones.
Don’t forget to bring a bottle cleaning brush and liquid washing soap to clean the inside of the bottles.
I always bring bottles by MAM; they are super cute and you can unscrew the bottom to get a deep clean of your bottle.
They are also self-sanitizing.
Formula Holder
Makes feeding your baby on the go quick, easy and without a mess.
Snacks & Lunch Box
If your baby is on solids, the more snacks the better.
You don’t want to worry about what to feed your baby on the journey, so bring plenty of food pouches, fruits or homemade meals if your accommodation provides a mini-fridge.
Also, don’t forget a sippy cup. Trying to offer a drink without one can cause a real mess! I love the insulated bottle from B.Box that keeps juices and water fresh for a long time.
Eating Set
A plate and cutlery for eating on the go.
Bibs
In case baby is drooling from teething and for mealtimes.
Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
To keep your little one’s eyes and skin clean.
Grooming Kit:
- hairbrush
- comb
- nail clipper and file
- baby scissors
- toothbrush or finger brush.
Healthcare Kit:
- digital thermometer
- nasal aspirator and syringe
- baby medication/vitamins if required
Pacifiers
Important on the plane to help pop their ears if you are not going to be feeding your baby for take-off or landing.
Teethers
If your baby doesn’t take a pacifier and/or if they are teething.
Muslins
For spews, as a blanket, to cover breastfeeding if you are not comfortable nursing in public and to play peekaboo.
I love the quality of BIBS muslins and they arrive pre-washed.
Sleeping Bag
A safer option than a blanket.
Choose organic cotton to help regulate the baby’s body temperature.
I always get mine from The Little Sheep as they have a side zip fastening for easy night changes.
Spare Plastic Bag
For dirty clothes.
Stroller
Choose one that is compact, foldable and lightweight.
I love the new Bugaboo Butterfly because it’s all the above, plus has a one second fold feature and you can also attach a wheel board!
It fits into the plane’s overhead compartment and is easy to get in and out of a car.
It’s lightweight and you can unfold it with one hand.
Baby Carrier
A must-have when you travel. Tula makes very comfortable carriers.
I used their explorer range which you can use to carry your baby front and back facing.
It has thick padded shoulder straps, padded leg openings for your baby and a pocket on the waistband of the carrier to stash your essentials.
Portable Sound Machine
Good for young babies to help calm them down to sleep and block outside noise.
Toys/Books
To help entertain them during the trip and at the destination.
Try to bring a variety of baby toys and books which you can rotate so baby doesn’t get bored.
Pick small toys that can be strapped to your diaper bag or baby carrier to save space.
Travel Baby Monitor
To keep an eye on baby during sleep.
Mini Breast Pump
Bring if you are still breastfeeding and need a quick pump.
It looks like a lot of essentials but believe me you will need most of it.
Of course, you know your baby best so feel free to personalize your list.
As you start to travel more often you will quickly learn the necessities for your baby while away from home.
If you are thinking about travelling by car with a newborn or older baby, you might need a few more extra items for your journey such as:
Car Seat
My choice was the Joie I-Spin 360 which has six different incline positions and swivels towards you for easy car entry and exit.
Window Sun Shade
Protect baby from the sun or bright lights.
Try to choose ones with fun designs so your baby can be distracted.
You can find loads of travel accessories, including a window sun shade on the LittleList website.
Tablet
Although somewhat controversial, a tablet loaded with their favourite shows can be a lifesaver on a long car ride.
I try to use toys, games and snacks before resorting to screen time but if none of these works when baby starts to get unsettled, the tablet comes out for a little bit.
Helpful to hold bottles, tablets, toys, snacks and other essentials.
Travel Cot
Not all accommodation provides a baby cot and if you have the extra space in the car, bring one with you.
These extra items will make plane travel with a baby a bit easier.
Disinfectant Wipes
Planes are usually quite dirty!
As soon as you get to your seat, wipe down the seating area, trays and baby crib before your baby touches or licks anything.
Mum & You have hand and multi-surface wipes that are safe for babies and biodegradable.
Packing Cubes
Leave everything organised inside the baby’s carry-on, save time through airport security and easily grab what you need during the flight.
Clear Toiletry Bag
Pack any liquids to avoid having to open diaper bags and carry on at the airport before going through security.
Change Of Clothes
For you and baby. Nothing worse than flying with poop all over you/them.
Stroller Cover
You don’t need one, but some luggage handlers can be quite rough and cause damage to your stroller.
Document Wallet
Important documents for your trip in one place for easy reach.
Beach Travel Essentials for Baby
I have three goals when I go to the beach:
- create a barrier between our stuff, sand and water
- protect the baby from the sun
- keep baby nice and cool.
Beach Bag
So as to not ruin your diaper bag, or worse, have it full of sand (it will stay there forever).
Choose one made from a mesh material so it can get wet, sand won’t stick to it and it’s big enough to fit all of your and baby’s essentials.
Beach Blanket
One that’s easy to wipe down and sturdy so the wind doesn’t blow it away when you are trying to put your baby down.
I actually use picnic blankets as they are perfect for the beach.
Sunscreen
Choose one appropriate to your baby’s age.
Swim Diapers
Bring them even if you are not planning to dip your baby’s feet in the sea.
They can get wetter than normal diapers, are a bit tighter and don’t allow sand to get in.
They will make clean up a little bit easier.
Baby Sunglasses
Not all babies tolerate them, but they’ll help protect their eyes from the sun
Poncho Towel
Practical for the beach or pool as they don’t keep falling off and can help keep baby warm.
UV Swimwear
To protect their skin from the sun’s rays.
Try a floppy hat to keep them protected from the sun as much as possible.
Polarn O. Pyret has beautiful 100% organic cotton hats with UV protection and ties to help keep them in place.
Portable Fan
To keep your baby cool and comfortable.
This portable fan from Dream Baby can be clipped to your umbrella, stroller or baby carrier.
Spray Water Bottle
To cool baby off if he is not getting in the water and to spray sand off their hands.
Optional Extras
If you have the extra space, these will make your life easier.
Portable Booster Seat
Good if baby has started eating and you need to feed him on the go, or the restaurant doesn’t have a highchair.
Dream Baby does one with storage to take baby changing feeding items or changing essentials as diapers, wipes and cream.
Inflatable Bath
Good for young babies if you are not confident using the hotel shower.
Mini Hand Blender
Puree anything if you need to.
Hooded Bath Towel
Choose a soft one for baby’s sensitive skin.
Wash Cloths
To clean baby during bath time.
Travel Night Light
Good if you are breastfeeding or need to change baby in the middle of the night.
A Bath Toy
To make bath time extra fun and feel like home.
What are your baby travel essentials?