I have some really great packing lists on the blog for anything from a two week vacation to a cruise. It all started when I talked about my packing method in stories on Instagram and mentioned my running packing checklist that I keep in a google doc. Well you may be wondering what you need to pack when traveling with a baby.
After two years of traveling with my first son and as we prepare to add another child to the mix I decided to actually write out my 1 week baby vacation packing list. It is good to have on hand before any vacation you plan on bringing a baby on so that you don’t forget any essential items. For such small people, babies require a lot of stuff which is why it is so important to have a list of items you need to bring on your next trip.
This baby vacation packing list is customizable and you can easily print out the pdf or simply use it on your phone.
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Traveling with a Baby for the First Time
It is so exciting to take your first trip with your new baby, but a few nerves are completely normal. When I go on a one week trip I do not plan to do laundry and I pack everything into a standard carry-on and a backpack. With a baby and all the gear they can often need, sometimes I will use a large checked bag instead.
This 1 week baby travel packing list will allow you to do the same and make sure you bring everything you need. The list is easily adjustable for a shorter trip. A good rule of thumb for babies is 1 shirt per day with a few extras and pants can be worn twice before they are too dirty in most cases.
Kids are a little different than adults because they tend to be more messy. That is why I always pack an extra 1-2 outfits (especially shirts) for them.
For trips longer than 2 weeks I would advise trying to find a washing machine to do laundry and add in extra pants and shirts as needed. Laundry is going to be your life saver though.
Ultimate Baby Vacation Packing Checklist
Pin It For Later
The pin version of the baby travel checklist above is condensed though. So for the downloadable and customizable printable packing list, or you can use on your phone, you will want to enter your email below and it will be sent directly to your inbox!
Downloadable Baby Packing Checklist
Baby Travel Essentials
There are a lot of items on the baby vacation packing list and you may be wondering if they are all absolutely essential. NO! Each vacation may require slightly different gear, sometimes it isn’t worth bringing along a stroller and if you are in the U.S. or Canada a travel high chair is completely unnecessary.
I have a separate post on my baby travel essentials that covers the items I NEVER travel without. After that, I pick and choose the baby gear I need to bring on vacation based on our destination, the activities we have planned and whether we are visiting family and friends or just on a trip.
More Baby Travel Tips:
- Traveling With a Baby: Everything You Need to Know
- 11 Best Baby Carriers for Travel and Sightseeing
- The Best (and Worst) Ages to Travel with Kids!
What to Pack when Traveling with a Baby + Baby Gear Recommendations
Baby Packing Checklist – Clothes
- 5-6 Bottoms
- 9-10 Tops
- 1-2 Swimsuit(s)
- 8 Socks
- Jacket
- 1-2 Shoes/Booties
- 3-4 PJ’s
- Sun Hat
Toiletries to Pack for Baby
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Diaper Cream
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Glasses
- Lotion
- Hairbrush
- Hair Accessories
- Bath Wash
- Wash Cloth
- Nail Clippers
- Nose Sucker
- Medicines
- Small First Aid Kit
Items to Pack for Baby Sleep on Vacation
- Swaddle/Blanket
- 2-3 Pacifiers
- Comfort Items
- Travel Crib
- Crib Cover (Ex. Slumberpod)
- 2-3 Books
- Portable Baby Monitor
- Portable Sound Machine
- Travel Blackout Blinds
Make sure you bring along any special comfort items your child may need, and if possible a backup or two. Whether it is a binky, a favorite blanket or a particular stuffed animal. It can be particularly tough to deal with if you forget them.
Portable white noise machines are handy in the hotel room as well as on the go. If you forget one and can spare a device, then there are white noise apps that you can use. I like to use Spotify because it has white noise sounds that you can play on a loop.
Items for Transporting Baby
- Infant Car Seat
- Car Seat Trolley
- Baby Carrier
- Travel Stroller
Car seats can be really heavy, a car seat trolley can make transporting the car seat easier. As an added bonus, some trolleys even allow for kids to sit in the car seat while they are being used. This can be a fun and convenient way to transport your kiddo through the airport.
A baby carrier is my favorite mode of transport for my baby, there are several amazing baby carriers for travel on the market. Some destinations, like Disney World for example, are better suited for strollers though.
Diaper Bag Essentials When Traveling
When traveling with babies that have started eating solids it is a good idea to bring along extra snacks. You can either bring along enough for the entire vacation or, my preferred method, bring enough to last the first few days and then go to the store to pick up supplemental snacks that will last the rest of your trip.
Feeding Essentials
- Bottles/Water Bottle (Empty)
- Silicone Bibs
Many countries such as America and Canada provide high chairs for kids at just about every restaurant. Other restaurants in countries like Europe and Asia don’t provide high chairs in most cases. A portable high chair such as a travel chair harness can transform any normal chair into a high chair which can be very handy.
Microwave sterilizer bags can come in handy for sterilizing so many different baby items like bottles, pacifiers and sippy cups. Since all you need is a microwave you can use these handy bags in hotels and even coffee shops on the go in a pinch.
Read More about Traveling with a Baby
- Beach Essentials For Baby You Definitely Need
- 7 Essential Tips to Road Tripping with a Baby
- How to Take Baby Passport Photos at Home
Breastfeeding or Pumping Essentials
- Breast Pads
- Portable Breast Pump
- Storage Bags
- Cooler
- Ice Packs
- Formula
Other Items to Pack for Baby’s Next Vacation
- Favorite Toy with rattles, textures etc
- Toy Tether
- Gallon Zip Lock Bags
- Baby Bathtub
- Copy of Birth Certificate
- Passport
A toy tether can be used to attach all kinds of items to strollers, car seats and even high chairs. This way you can avoid constantly picking up things like toys, snack cups, sippy cups and more off the ground.
Packing Checklist for Vacationing with a Baby
This baby packing list for vacation has all the must-have items you need for your next family vacation bringing your littlest one along. Having and following a checklist will bring you peace of mind, help prevent overpacking and of course ensure that the entire family has a blast.
What would you add to your baby vacation packing list?
