For trips shorter than one week, it’s advisable to pack enough clothing for both you and your baby for the entire journey as well as three extra outfits in case any items get stained during travel. As with all things, this allows for washing any dirty items on-board!
Bring along pacifiers and teething rings to soothe fussy babies during travel, along with a first aid kit containing adhesive bandages and infant Tylenol for just in case something goes amiss during travel.
Baby’s Clothes
Preparing ahead can make your journey smoother and safer, whether that be to the beach for vacation or family visitation. Every parent needs certain items in their luggage for making their journey comfortable and secure.
Traveling with infants requires several essentials. First and foremost is having access to formula or breast milk in a travel cooler for regular feedings while remaining cool in hot temperatures. For clothing needs, at least one outfit per day plus extras just in case unexpected delays or weather changes arise.
Your infant should also bring several pairs of pajamas so they’re comfortable when sleeping during long journeys, as well as some diaper rash cream to protect their skin against irritation.
Baby’s Feeding Supplies
No matter your feeding method of choice – breastfeeding or bottle-feeding – it is essential that you bring enough supplies on any trip with your infant or young child. This includes milk or formula as well as additional bottles and nipples. Consider investing in a travel baby feeder equipped with thermal containers so your food stays warm during feedings.
Bring snacks such as teething wafers and cookies, granola bars, and protein bars – as well as an appropriate container that closes securely during travel but opens easily for meal times. A snack catcher could be ideal here.
Always bring along a bottle brush and disposable liners so you can line the bottle multiple times without needing to clean it after each use. Also don’t forget bibs, wipes, first aid kits with bandages, antibiotic ointment and thermometers just in case anything should come up during your trip!
Baby’s Toiletries
Travel-sized baby shampoo, soap and lotion will come in handy if you need to bathe your little one while traveling. An inflatable bathtub could also prove useful if the location doesn’t feature tubs or large sinks.
Wet-dry bags can help keep dirty diapers, clothing and burped bibs separated from clean items. My favorite wet-dry bag is from Planet Wise as it’s inexpensive, easy to rinse off and dries quickly (making it a must have if bringing cloth diapers).
Travel changing pads make on-the-go diaper changes less messy, folding down to an easily portable clutch size that fits in diaper backpacks, carry-on bags and suitcases. In addition, antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer are useful when traveling through airports or planes and may come in handy if you need to disinfect toys or other objects from contamination during changes.
Baby’s Toys
Keep your baby entertained when traveling by flight – toys are an effective way to do this and can reduce the likelihood of meltdowns during their journey.
When selecting toys for your baby, choose ones with multiple uses to hold their attention in various ways. Stacking toys are ideal as they develop fine motor skills. Furthermore, these are compact enough to fit easily in their travel bag and easy to clean after being chewed upon!
Soft Crinkle Books are great travel toys to bring on flights or car trips. Not only will these make a delightful noise, they help develop hand-eye coordination as well as visual tracking and language development.
Finger puppets provide an engaging screen-free activity to occupy babies of any age, from infants to preschoolers. Easy to transport in their small pouch or bag, finger puppets offer hours of imaginative entertainment!
Baby’s Blankets
Your baby or toddler cannot go on vacation without their favorite blanket! A snugly sleep sack or muslin blanket are great choices that double up as both sleeping space and bib.
Parents know that accidents happen on vacation too, and it’s wise to bring along a receiving blanket for unexpected spills and wet seats. A receiving blanket allows parents to keep their child warm by covering them up without risking cold exposure.
Add a hat to your baby’s travel outfit when packing, especially if the climate is cool or they will be swimming. A bucket hat offers 50+ UPF sun protection with its adjustable chin strap to secure its placement on their head; blanket scarves also offer excellent cold weather travel protection.
Baby’s Diapers
If your baby still requires diapers, make sure you pack an ample supply. Plan on one for every two or three hours you plan on being away, plus extras in case any accidents arise during your journey.
Make sure your diaper bag includes a changing pad so you’ll always have a convenient, hygienic place for changing baby, even during flights or while dining out.
Your diaper bag must include a first-aid kit stocked with any medications your child takes as well as an emergency contact list in case of accidents or illnesses while traveling. A travel-size hand sanitizer could also come in handy. Incorporating wipes is another essential item, especially ones with flip-top lids so they’re easily opened while in a rush.
Baby’s Medicines
If your baby needs medicines while traveling, make sure you bring enough for the entire trip. Keep a bottle of water handy to provide your little one with much-needed hydration while on the road. Finally, don’t forget a pacifier as a travel essential in helping them sleep while traveling; alternatively you could bring along a teething ring or book to keep their attention!
When flying with babies, it is wise to familiarise yourself with your airline’s luggage policies in regard to babies. Most reputable airlines allow one free checked bag per baby. Furthermore, strollers or backpack carriers (carriers) often qualify for FREE transport as well.
Assemble a basic first-aid kit containing bandages, antibacterial ointment, and Tylenol for infants; in addition, keep some hand sanitizer and wipes on hand for cleaning hands and toys before and after feedings; bring along their travel documents; it could save them a trip!
Baby’s Shoes
Baby shoes are an absolute necessity when traveling with young ones. Not only will these shoes keep their feet warm and cozy, they will also shield them from harsh terrain conditions. To find the ideal pair for your travels, look for flexible soles that mold to their feet as well as Velcro fastenings for quick fastenings.
Carter’s shoes are ideal for babies just starting to walk. Their rounded toe box will help improve balance, while flexible soles and double hook-and-loop closure provide maximum flexibility and lightweight wearability. They’re even great with almost any outfit!
Stride Rite moccasins offer stylish options that can add some flair to your child’s look, with features including an ergonomic toebox to improve balance, flexible soles and an easy velcro fastening strap – plus multiple colors so you’re sure to find a match for their wardrobe!
Baby’s Accessories
Packing baby accessories like a travel high chair is essential when traveling, especially on longer journeys. A travel pillow can help soothe an infant or toddler during long flights and a portable changing station can make diapering much simpler for both you and your little one.
As babies can easily sunburn, having a sun-protective hat with UV protection and chin strap is essential. If breastfeeding, investing in a quality manual breast pump and stashing some milk storage bags into your diaper bag are also necessities.
LiqiSnugs leakproof bottles from LiqiSnugs are TSA approved and feature snap-on labels to differentiate shampoo and body lotion. Plus, their snack catcher allows for on-the-road snacking like granola bars, teething wafers or cookies!
