Have you thought about going on a trip with your new family member? It can be scary to think about it, with thoughts of what to pack and how to keep up with routines while you're on the road. Don't worry—traveling with your baby can be a wonderful experience that will help you make memories that will last a lifetime. Smart planning is more important than just packing your things for a trip. This guide gives you a simple plan by listing the 10 main types of things you'll need for a smooth, safe, and fun trip with your child.
Item 1: Diaper Bag and Changing Supplies
Your diaper bag is the most critical thing you have for cleaning up when you're on the go. If you keep it well-stocked and organized from the start, you can deal with any mess swiftly and without worry, so you can go back to your day.
What to Pack in Your Go-Bag
Your diaper pack needs more than just diapers. As a general rule, you should pack one diaper for every hour you'll be traveling, plus a few extras. It's always better to have too many than not enough. We suggest getting a full-sized container of wipes because they can be used for more than just changing diapers. You need a portable, foldable changing mat so you can always have a clean place to change your baby, such in a public restroom or the backseat of your car. You should also pack some small garbage bags and a package of diaper rash lotion to keep dirty clothes and diapers until you can find a trash can.
How to Keep It Organized
Using smaller bags or packing cubes to divide things is the easiest method to prevent having to hurriedly hunt through your suitcase. Put diapering supplies in one bag, feeding supplies in another, and an extra set of clothes in a third. You can get exactly what you need straight immediately with this technique. A lot of modern diaper bags are made with this in mind. They have built-in pockets and sections that make it much easier to stay organized.
Item 2: The Feeding Fortress
A baby that is happy is often one who is well-fed. Your vacation feeding kit needs to be strong enough to handle anything that comes up, including an unexpected delay or a sudden growth spurt, so that food is always ready.
For the Formula-Fed Baby
Pre-measure powdered formula into individual serving containers or use a formula dispenser with multiple compartments. This saves you the trouble of scooping and measuring while juggling a hungry infant. Pack at least two or three extra bottles than you think you will need for your travel day. Bring a dedicated bottle brush and a small container of dish soap for cleaning, or consider disposable bottle liners for ultimate convenience. You can ask for hot water on an airplane or at a café to warm a bottle, or carry a high-quality insulated thermos with pre-heated water.
For the Breastfeeding or Pumping Mother
A comfy nursing cover can give you privacy in busy airports or on planes if you are nursing. For moms who pump, a breast pump that runs on batteries and is easy to carry around is a game-changer. Make sure you have everything you need, like flanges, tubes, and bags or bottles to store things in. A lot of airports now feature special lactation pods that are clean and private. When you can't get to a sink, make sure to include cleaning wipes made just for pump parts so you can quickly clean them. A small cooler with cold ice packs will keep breast milk safe to drink, but make sure you check the TSA's most recent rules about liquids for babies.
Item 3: Travel Crib and Sleep Aids
A baby that sleeps well often means that you will have a more relaxing trip. The idea is to make their new sleeping area as similar to their old one as possible so that they know it's time to sleep.
A portable travel crib or bassinet is an important piece of kit. Choose versions that are light, easy to put together, and come with a carrying case. A great example is a travel crib and play yard that is easy to set up and allows for good air circulation. Before you leave, let your baby take a few naps in the travel crib at home. This helps them become used to the new space, which makes the move to your destination much easier. Also, bring at least two of their sleep sacks and the fitted sheet from their crib at home. The smell of these things can be very reassuring in a new environment.
Item 4: Infant Car Seat
There is no piece of gear more critical to your child's well-being than their car seat. This is an area where no compromises can be made, whether you are driving to your destination or flying.
Car Seat Safety for Travel
For air travel, bringing your own car seat is the safest option. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly recommends that children fly in a government-approved car seat (often called a Child Restraint System, or CRS). Before you fly, confirm your seat is approved by looking for a sticker that reads, "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft." While you can gate-check your seat, bringing it on board protects it from being damaged and is the safest way for your infant to fly. Furthermore, if you are renting a car at your destination, using your own seat means you know its history and are familiar with how to install it correctly.
Installation and Use
Always install the car seat according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring it is at the correct recline angle for an infant and that the harness straps are snug against their collarbone. Rear-facing is the law in all 50 states for infants and the safest position for as long as possible.
Item 5: Baby Stroller & Baby Carrier
Having the right tools to move around with your baby provides the freedom to explore without being tethered to your accommodations. A combination of a stroller and a carrier offers maximum versatility.
A lightweight travel stroller that is easy to fold is perfect for navigating airports, city streets, and museums. Many models are compact enough to fit in an airplane's overhead bin. For more rugged terrain, like hiking trails or cobblestone streets, a baby carrier is often the superior choice. It keeps your baby close and secure while leaving your hands free. Wearing your baby can also be a simple way to soothe them in an overstimulating environment. Practice using both the stroller and the carrier before your trip to ensure you and your baby are comfortable with them.
Item 6: The Baby First Aid Kit
Minor health issues can arise anytime, and being prepared allows you to handle them calmly without a desperate search for an open pharmacy in an unfamiliar place. Assemble a compact kit with infant-specific supplies.
Your kit should include:
- Infant pain and fever reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen; confirm the correct product and dosage with your pediatrician)
- A digital thermometer
- Saline nasal drops and a nasal aspirator
- Antiseptic wipes
- Adhesive bandages in various sizes
- Gas relief drops
- A safe teething remedy, like a solid teething toy. Ask your pediatrician before using any numbing gels or tablets.
- Infant liquid antihistamine (for allergic reactions; consult your pediatrician for the right product and dosage before your trip)
- Any prescription medications your baby takes
- A card with your pediatrician's contact information
Store everything in a waterproof, clearly labeled pouch for immediate access.
Item 7: Plenty of Spare Clothes
For baby clothes, the mantra is to expect the unexpected. Spit-up, drool, and diaper blowouts are practically a travel rite of passage. Smart packing is your defense.
For each day of your trip, pack two complete outfits. Then, add three or four extra "emergency" outfits on top of that. Layering is a strategic approach. Pack bodysuits, pants, sweaters, and jackets that can be mixed, matched, and layered to adapt to changing temperatures. Don't forget essentials like socks, hats, and pajamas. Pack a small bottle of travel-size laundry detergent and a universal sink plug, allowing you to wash a few items in your hotel sink if necessary. Placing a full spare outfit in a large zip-top bag within your diaper bag keeps it clean and easy to grab in a hurry.
Item 8: Travel Toys and Books
A few carefully selected toys can be a huge help during long waits at the airport, on the plane, or at a restaurant. The goal isn't to bring the entire toy chest, but to have a handful of engaging items ready.
Choose toys that are lightweight, quiet, and versatile. Soft board books, textured teethers, and stacking rings are all excellent choices. A new toy, introduced at just the right moment, can often capture a baby's attention for a surprisingly long time. For older infants, a tablet pre-loaded with shows or simple apps can be a lifesaver during a meltdown, but it's best to save it as a last resort. Always avoid toys with many small parts that could get lost or become a choking hazard.
Item 9: A Travel Baby Monitor
Once your baby is asleep in the hotel room, a travel monitor grants you a measure of freedom. It allows you to relax on the balcony, have a quiet dinner in the adjoining room, or simply watch a movie without constantly worrying.
Modern travel monitors have come a long way. Many options use Wi-Fi and connect to an app on your smartphone, eliminating the need to carry a separate parent unit. These often provide high-definition video and two-way audio. Alternatively, audio-only monitors are smaller, often less expensive, and highly reliable. Test the monitor at home before you leave to become familiar with its setup, range, and features. This simple piece of technology can significantly improve the quality of your own downtime during the trip.
Item 10: Sun & Sleep Shields
It's important for your baby's comfort and health to keep them safe from the weather and make sure they have a dark place to sleep. You can manage their environment with a few important things.
To protect them from the sun, use a stroller screen or a muslin blanket that is securely fastened to the canopy to keep them out of direct sunlight while still letting air flow. You also need a wide-brimmed sun hat and sunscreen that is safe for babies (for babies over six months, talk to your doctor). Portable blackout curtains with suction cups are a great idea for helping you sleep in a hotel room that is too bright. They can make any space gloomy and cozy, which is good for your baby's naps. A small, portable white noise machine can also aid by blocking out strange sounds from hotels, making the sleep environment more like their own.
Prepare for a Memorable Adventure!
If you plan beforehand and bring the correct gear, your trip might be fun instead of stressful. The things you do now will help you have a great trip, so you can focus on establishing great new memories with your kid. Be thoughtful about what you pack, be ready for anything, and look forward to the journey ahead.