car travel with baby checklist

The Essential Packing List for a Road Trip With a Baby

If you’re like me and a first-time parent, it is daunting to go on your first road trip with a baby. What to pack, what to bring, the mental checklist runs on.

Our first road trip was from Sacramento to Los Angeles with our 8-week-old. Now home, I want to share what we brought on the trip to help make it go smoothly.

We booked a six-night trip that was split across two hotels and around a 5.5-hour drive each way. I spent probably too much time thinking about what to bring. But I would much rather be prepared and it certainly helped calm my nerves.

Now back home, I can say the trip was much easier than it felt in my head. The prep work definitely paid off and having a game plan was helpful. We thought about where we wanted to stop and made sure our car was set up for the stops to feed and change. More on that below.

So here’s my essential packing list for a road trip with a baby. It’s everything we brought for the car drive and what you may consider bringing on yours.

Essential Packing List for a Road Trip With a Baby

Travel tips for the road trip, time budget.

We chose to stop every 2.5-3 hours to give the baby a break from the car seat, feed, and change. These longer stops took around 45 minutes to an hour. Then we had the occasional one-off stop for a quick feed or change.

I would recommend the essentials being within hand’s reach and setting up a diaper changing area. We didn’t want to use public bathrooms so we changed her in the front seat of the car.

If you’re headed on a longer trip, try to time it with one of the longer naps. I know our baby sleeps longest in the morning and after the middle of the night feed. So we left at 5 am promptly after her feed. We got a really nice long stretch before having to stop.

Flexibility

Sometimes you may have to stop in the most random places or even only after being on the road for 15 minutes, roll with it!

Always double-check your car seat. Map out where you want to stop, it is super helpful.

What to Keep in the Front of the Car

Diapering station.

Several diapers + wipes
Butt cream (we used this one since we were going for 3-hour stretches)
Changing pads. For the changing pad, I bought these puppy puddle-proof liners to protect our car seats underneath our Gathre changing pad .
Plastic bags for dirty diapers or soiled clothes.

Feeding Essentials

Burp cloths and lots of them. I had a single bag just of burp cloths for the trip.
Haakaa if breastfeeding (super helpful if you get engorged/overfull on the trip)
Any other feeding essentials like bottles + formula

Other Essentials

Portable sound machine — we use this all the time in the car.
Nasal bulb suctioner in case you need to suction.
Blankets — we keep two in the car.
Outfit changes for you and baby. At least 2 for baby.
Sun shades for car windows — these block UVA
Safety mirror to see baby
First aid kit + one towel
Toys or books for baby for entertainment (see my toddler travel essential gear list for our favorites!)
Diaper Bag: I kept ours up front stocked with our normal go-to’s. I love our Caraa Diaper Bag .
Snacks and water

Everything Else to Pack

How much you pack is dependent on what gear you choose to travel with. Since we were road-tripping and using our SUV, we packed what would be most convenient for the trip.

I’ll share what we packed for gear and some alternatives to consider.

Car seat ( Cybex Cloud G ) + Mios 2 Stroller . These connect together as one travel system. (rain gear for carseat and a stretchy car seat cover — great for protecting baby from curious eyes!)
Baby Bjorn Bouncer — loved having another spot to put baby in our hotel room.
We have the Guava Pack & Play which is what I pack every time
The Slumber pod — a black-out tent for naps and fits over most pack & plays. Wouldn’t travel without it.
Artipoppe Baby Carrier — this was amazing to have on the trip, it’s one of our most used baby items.

Sleep Essentials

Whatever you may use to get baby down at night. For us that is:

Swaddle (brought 2 in case one was soiled) or sleep sack
Hatch Sound Machine – we use it as a nightlight, could use the portable sound machine instead. Certainly wasn’t necessary but we had the room.
VAVA Baby monitor . You don’t need any internet for this to work.
2-3 outfits a day – we live for bodysuits and kimono-style onesies.
Sweaters and outerwear
Sleep sacks or pajamas
Socks, shoes, beanies, and sun hat

Hygiene + Medical + Diapering

Laundry detergent — we did a bit of hand-washing
Baby Shampoo + Soap and brush
Thermometer and infant medications
Rash Cream and body ointment
Diapers, wipes, and changing pad
Baby brush and nail clippers if a longer trip
Nasal aspirator and saline drops
Burp cloths — these muslin ones are our favorite
Formula, bottles , cleaning brush
Fork and spoon set and suction plates
Breastfeeding: cover , disposable nursing pads , Haakkaa , breast pump if needed

Save This Post for Later on Pinterest

Ps — are you booking a trip soon use my booking checklist.

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

World Nomads (best for all-around)
Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in California

Western Montana Road Trip: Unique Stays, Small Cities, & Nature

Southern California Road Trip Guide: Laguna Beach to Big Bear

Here in July 2023 and found your list very helpful as we prepare for our first mini road trip with our 2 month old – thank you!

Write A Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Cayman Islands
Dominican Republic
Puerto Rico
South Dakota
Washington DC
Czech Republic
Netherlands
Switzerland
French Polynesia
Travel Tips
Family Travel
Accommodations
Packing Lists
Photography Tips
Northern California Guide
San Francisco
Lightroom Presets
Fine Art Prints
Rent Our Home For Photoshoots
California Map

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Getting Pregnant
Registry Builder
Baby Products
Birth Clubs
See all in Community
Ovulation Calculator
How To Get Pregnant
How To Get Pregnant Fast
Ovulation Discharge
Implantation Bleeding
Ovulation Symptoms
Pregnancy Symptoms
Am I Pregnant?
Pregnancy Tests
See all in Getting Pregnant
Due Date Calculator
Pregnancy Week by Week
Pregnant Sex
Weight Gain Tracker
Signs of Labor
Morning Sickness
COVID Vaccine and Pregnancy
Fetal Weight Chart
Fetal Development
Pregnancy Discharge
Find Out Baby Gender
Chinese Gender Predictor
See all in Pregnancy
Baby Name Generator
Top Baby Names 2023
Top Baby Names 2024
How to Pick a Baby Name
Most Popular Baby Names
Baby Names by Letter
Gender Neutral Names
Unique Boy Names
Unique Girl Names
Top baby names by year
See all in Baby Names
Baby Development
Baby Feeding Guide
Newborn Sleep
When Babies Roll Over
First-Year Baby Costs Calculator
Postpartum Health
Baby Poop Chart
See all in Baby
Average Weight & Height
Autism Signs
Child Growth Chart
Night Terrors
Moving from Crib to Bed
Toddler Feeding Guide
Potty Training
Bathing and Grooming
See all in Toddler
Height Predictor
Potty Training: Boys
Potty training: Girls
How Much Sleep? (Ages 3+)
Ready for Preschool?
Thumb-Sucking
Gross Motor Skills
Napping (Ages 2 to 3)
See all in Child
Photos: Rashes & Skin Conditions
Symptom Checker
Vaccine Scheduler
Reducing a Fever
Acetaminophen Dosage Chart
Constipation in Babies
Ear Infection Symptoms
Head Lice 101
See all in Health
Second Pregnancy
Daycare Costs
Family Finance
Stay-At-Home Parents
Breastfeeding Positions
See all in Family
Baby Sleep Training
Preparing For Baby
My Custom Checklist
My Registries
Take the Quiz
Best Baby Products
Best Breast Pump
Best Convertible Car Seat
Best Infant Car Seat
Best Baby Bottle
Best Baby Monitor
Best Stroller
Best Diapers
Best Baby Carrier
Best Diaper Bag
Best Highchair
See all in Baby Products
Why Pregnant Belly Feels Tight
Early Signs of Twins
Teas During Pregnancy
Baby Head Circumference Chart
How Many Months Pregnant Am I
What is a Rainbow Baby
Braxton Hicks Contractions
HCG Levels By Week
When to Take a Pregnancy Test
Am I Pregnant
Why is Poop Green
Can Pregnant Women Eat Shrimp
Insemination
UTI During Pregnancy
Vitamin D Drops
Best Baby Forumla
Postpartum Depression
Low Progesterone During Pregnancy
Baby Shower
Baby Shower Games

The ultimate packing list for traveling with a baby

Be prepared for just about everything with this tried and tested list.

What to pack when traveling with a baby

What to pack for your baby in a carry-on, free printable baby packing list.

Pre-kids, my husband and I were the people who'd show up at the airport 40 minutes before a flight, breeze through TSA pre-check, refill our water bottles, and walk right onto the plane with our carry-ons.

After I had two children, this strategy pretty much went out the window. It didn't matter if we were going away for one night or two weeks: when we started traveling with a baby , we packed nearly everything we owned. It took four years and countless trips, but I've since perfected the art of flying with a baby .

Ahead, find out exactly what you'll need to pack for a baby.

To make the packing process easier on yourself, start with the BabyCenter-approved list below. You can print it out and make any changes as needed – such as eliminating items your baby has outgrown, adding new things they need, and making adjustments based on the length of your trip and the climate.

It's helpful to start gathering supplies about a week in advance, laundering anything that needs to be cleaned (such as a pack 'n' play sheet), and shopping for used-up supplies (such as travel-sized toiletries).

If you're looking for more guidance, get extra-detailed tips below.

Travel gear

To get your baby from point A to point B, you'll need a few basics.

Travel stroller

If you're running late to catch a flight, it's much easier to push your baby in a lightweight umbrella stroller than to carry them through a long terminal. Some travel strollers are Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved and fold to fit in the carry-on bins on board, but most get gate-checked. Remember to bring the travel bag that came with it to protect the stroller from damage.

Add bag hooks and a stroller caddy (the Colugo Opens a new window one even doubles as a fanny pack), and utilize the under-basket storage. Some travel systems allow you to hook the car seat on top of the stroller, meaning you have one less item to lug around.

While you can rent car seats at your destination, experts highly recommend bringing one with you. "Renting one often comes with challenges, including risking it not being appropriate for age, weight, or height," says Chandani Patel DeZure, M.D. , a pediatrician and BabyCenter Medical Advisor . "In addition, it is safest to fly on an airplane with a baby in a car seat – just make sure the car seat is FAA-approved."

You can also use it for car rides to and from the airport.

Car seat bag

One of the best perks of traveling with a car seat is using a car seat bag, a giant lightweight backpack that fits a car seat. Usually, you can stuff extras – such as a package of diapers, swim floaties, or other odd-shaped items – that won't neatly fit in a suitcase.

Baby carrier

Parents swear by baby carriers for airport travel. I find them most effective for babies under 6 months . (After that, they get heavy!) Just don't baby wear on the plane during take-off or landing, per the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

The same sleep safety rules apply when you travel: Your baby should sleep alone in a crib or bassinet with nothing in it. Borrow a crib, bassinet, or pack 'n' play from your hotel, or try a reputable rental company (such as BabyQuip Opens a new window ).

Consider bringing a SlumberPod Opens a new window , which is a blackout tent that goes over the pack 'n' play. If your baby sleeps best in dark spaces, you can also pack travel blackout curtains or tape black garbage bags over the windows.

Don't leave home without the sleep accessories your baby is familiar with, such as a white noise machine, sleep sack or swaddle, and pacifier.

Breastfeeding, pumping, formula bottles, and solids feeding supplies

Depending on how you're feeding your child, you'll need certain gear. (And if you have a newborn, you'll also want a burp cloth on hand.)

Breastfeeding

Pack a daytime nursing bra, sleeping bra or tank, travel breastfeeding pillow (Boppy makes an excellent one Opens a new window I used on a plane with my then 4-month-old), and any nipple skincare products you use (creams, butters, pads, and the like).

You may also want to bring some sort of shawl to drape over the baby for in-public feeds. (This doubles as a way to keep both of you warm on chilly flights).

I've also traveled with breast pumps – both the Spectra (an electric pump ) and the original Elvie (a wearable pump). If the latter works for you, I highly recommend it as I was able to use it during the flight . You'll also need pump cleaning supplies (such as a brush, soap, drying rack, and on-the-go cleaning wipes), a pumping bra , milk storage bags , and bottles to feed the baby. And don't forget to bring a charger for the pump!

If you plan to freeze any extra milk, bring a freezer bag and ice packs. Frozen breast milk is easier to get through security than fresh milk, which may require testing. Read more about breast milk travel regulations .

Formula feeding

Ensure you're packing enough formula for the trip by measuring what your baby eats in a day and then bringing extra. You'll want more than enough in case of travel delays or spills. For in-flight travel, you can pre-measure formula , and store it in a Ziploc bag or bottle. Bring filtered water, or buy it at the airport to make a bottle in a snap.

You'll also need to bring bottles (I typically bring two), nipples, and bottle washing supplies (like a brush, soap, and drying rack). If your baby prefers warmed milk, you can pack a thermos. For your travel day, fill it with hot water and use that to warm up a bottle on the go. There are also travel bottle warmers .

First and foremost, you'll need to bring enough food for the travel day. (Squeeze pouches are always a great idea.) Additionally, pack kids' silverware ( spoon and fork), grippy plates and bowls, a sippy cup for water, spill-proof snack cups, and food storage containers. We always travel with an easy-to-wipe silicone bib (which also can save an outfit if your baby is a messy eater).

Unless your baby is going to sit on your lap for every meal (which might be miserable for you), you'll need to rent a high chair or bring a fold-up one (like the Bombol pack-up booster Opens a new window , which packs flat).

The easiest way to get a high volume of diapers to your destination is to send a package to the hotel in advance. Otherwise, throw a sleeve or two in the stroller bag or car seat bag (as diapers take up precious space in suitcases) and buy more when you get there.

If you are bringing diapers with you, count how many diapers your baby typically uses in a day. Then add enough for at least one extra day, since you never know how a trip will pan out. Here are some quick calculations, but note that every child is different:

Newborns: eight to 12 diapers per day

2-3 months: eight to 10 diapers per day

3-6 months: seven to nine diapers per day

6-12 months: five to seven diapers per day

You'll also need wipes (throw extra packs in the car seat bag!), a travel changing mat (or disposable changing pads), diaper disposal bags, and diaper creams (Aquaphor, butt paste, etc.). Remember to bring swim diapers if you're going somewhere with a pool or beach.

Clothing, outerwear, and shoes

Little ones, especially newborns, go through multiple outfit changes a day thanks to spit-up, blowouts, and other unexpected events. Pack about two outfits per day and extra pajamas (as the same principles apply overnight). Don't forget socks, shoes if you have a walker, and layers. (Babies get cold and hot quickly.)

If you're headed somewhere tropical, toss in a swimsuit, hat, and UPF clothing. For cooler climates, make sure your baby has cozy sweaters, booties, and a warm hat.

Some hotel rooms only have showers, and if your baby typically washes in a tub, you'll need to get creative. We've used an oversized kitchen sink as a makeshift bathtub, and we've also rented baby tubs or brought an inflatable one. Plan this in advance.

You'll also want to bring travel baby shampoo , body wash, and lotion – especially if your little one is sensitive to fragrance. We've also brought a baby towel and familiar bath toys to help our kids adjust to a new setting.

Health and safety

You won't regret traveling with a baby first aid kit. It can include band-aids, infant pain reliever, any other medicine or prescription ointments your baby uses, a thermometer, insect repellent, and baby-safe sunscreen. Pro tip: Throw in a few vomit bags for potential motion sickness incidents.

Consult with your child's pediatrician with any questions for this packing category.

Entertainment

What you pack comes down to parental and baby preferences. A tablet, preloaded with shows and movies, can be helpful to get through a flight or long car ride. If screentime is not on your agenda, try books, activity pads, coloring books (specifically the "magic marker" ones Opens a new window for less mess), and reusable stickers (great for sticking on plane or car windows).

Once you're there, you might want to have tummy time mats , sand toys , or baby dolls on hand. You can have toys delivered to your hotel from services like BabyQuip Opens a new window , or pack a selection of "surprise" playthings yourself. And don't forget your baby's favorite stuffie or lovey!

You'll never be prepared for all situations, so level-set expectations, but you can still be very prepared for most!

To start, your baby will need a passport if you're traveling internationally .

Also, grab extra diapers (at least a day's worth), a pack of wipes, a travel diaper pad, and diaper creams for mid-flight diaper changes . Pack an extra change of clothes for both you and the baby, because if they're sitting on your lap, any mishaps (spit-up, throw-up, or massive poop) may end up on you, too. Plastic bags – to catch vomit or store stained clothes – also come in handy.

Bring a full day's worth of food and some extra, as well as anything you need for breastfeeding and pumping. If your flight is delayed, you'll be so grateful to have a pump, milk bags, and a cooler on hand. (It's happened to me.)

Add in the first aid kit and meds. Then stuff as many toys as you can in the extra space left.

Print or download our BabyCenter-approved checklist for easier packing when traveling with a baby.

Was this article helpful?

40 tips for traveling with your baby or toddler

baby wearing funny hat and fake mustache with suitcase and palm fronds

Flying with a baby: 15 tips for an easier trip

mom and baby in airport looking out at runway

What to know about traveling internationally with a baby

family with mom, dad, baby, and older child on vacation

Best umbrella strollers

BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies .

American Academy of Pediatrics. 2023. Tips for Traveling with Young Ones this Holiday Season. https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/health--safety-tips/american-academy-of-pediatrics-tips-for-traveling-with-young-ones-this-holiday-season Opens a new window [Accessed February 2024]

American Academy of Pediatrics. 2023. Safe Sleep. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/safe-sleep/ Opens a new window [Accessed February 2024]

Transportation Security Administration. Undated. Is Breast Milk, Formula and Juice exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule? https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/breast-milk-formula-and-juice-exempt-3-1-1-liquids-rule Opens a new window [Accessed February 2024]

Lauren is a New York-based content director, writer, and brand consultant. She is a #girlmom to a school-age daughter and a toddler.

Where to go next

June 1, 2020

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after

Ukraine; Belarus; Moldova, Republic of; North Korea, Democratic People's Rep; Russia; Israel

This is a test environment. Please proceed to AllianzTravelInsurance.com and remove all bookmarks or references to this site.

Use this tool to calculate all purchases like ski-lift passes, show tickets, or even rental equipment.

Share this Page

{{errorMsgSendSocialEmail}}

The Essential Packing Checklist for Traveling with an Infant in the Car

You're on your first long road trip with baby, and just as traffic screeches to a halt your baby starts screeching too. She needs a diaper, stat — and as you rummage through your bag with one hand, you realize you forgot to pack them.

We don't want this to happen to you. Use this printable packing checklist next time you're traveling with an infant in the car.

Things To do Before Leaving on your Road Trip with Baby

Make doubly sure your car seat is installed correctly. This is a good time to take a look at your baby's car seat to make sure the straps fit snugly, the angle is correct and the seat itself doesn't move more than an inch in any direction. If you need help, SaferCar.gov can help you find a car seat inspection station near you . While it may be tempting to have your baby ride facing forward so you can keep an eye on him, rear-facing is the safest position for children until they're at least two. 1
Map out places to stop. Don't count on driving for six hours straight. Traveling with an infant will be less frustrating if you plan to take frequent breaks, ideally somewhere that will entertain your baby. We're not talking about Disney World, but rather places like parks and shopping malls. Even marinas and roadside construction sites can provide some much-needed distractions during a road trip with baby.
Plan ways for your baby to kill time. Every minute your baby's busy, you're another mile closer to your destination. Place a dozen small (but safe) toys in a cloth bag with a narrow opening and let baby reach in to pull them out. An older baby can fish Cheerios one-by-one out of a spill-proof snack cup.
Protect your own sanity. Download a favorite audiobook. Stash some chocolate in your diaper bag. Schedule Starbucks breaks. Do anything it takes to keep yourself relaxed and calm. If you can't take another minute of traveling with an infant who's screaming and crying, pull over. Hold your baby, change her diaper, read a book together and try again.

What To Keep in the Front Seat while Traveling with Baby

These are the supplies you'll want to keep close at hand when you're driving.

Diapers: Have one for each hour of transit, plus extras, BabyCenter recommends .
Wipes for diaper changes and messes
Diaper cream
Washable changing pad
Plastic bags for wet or dirty clothes and diapers
Burp cloths
Nursing cover
Two changes of clothes for your baby
Change of clothes for yourself
Any special toy or lovey
Drinks such as bottled water and juice
Snacks, such as cereal, puffs, crackers and fruit pouches. If you have a young baby, never give her foods she could choke on while you're traveling in the car.
Breast milk or formula
Canned or jarred baby food
Small cooler with ice packs
First-aid kit
A window sun shade
A safety mirror so you can see your baby
A stack of small board books
A grab bag of toys (make sure none are choking hazards)
DVD player or tablet with headphones, if baby will be entertained by an app or a TV show

Everything Else To Pack in the Car when Traveling with Baby

Umbrella stroller and/or full-size stroller
Backpack carrier
Pack-and-play or travel crib (unless your destination provides one) and sheets
Baby monitor and batteries
Diapers: Calculate how many your baby uses per day, then pack a few extra.
Rain and cold-weather gear (if applicable)
At least two outfits per day with socks, packed in individual bags
Shoes or booties
Pajamas and sleep sacks
Swimsuit and sunsuit
Water shoes
Swim diapers
Baby laundry detergent
Baby fork, spoon and dishes
Spill-proof snack cups
Bottles or sippy cups
Breast pump, if you use one
Dish soap and brush
Inflatable baby bathtub, if you're flying with an infant so young he/she needs one. Otherwise use the hotel sink.
Baby shampoo/wash
Baby toothbrush and toothpaste
Baby comb, brush and hair ties
Baby nail clippers
Baby thermometer
Sunscreen and sunhat
Baby sunglasses
Outlet plugs, doorknob covers, toilet locks and other safety devices for crawling babies or young toddlers
Infant medications, including antihistamine and acetaminophen, plus any prescriptions. Don't give your baby Benadryl or another antihistamine unless your pediatrician recommends it. 2
Oral rehydration unfrozen freeze pops: an essential, says Have Baby Will Travel
Nasal aspirator and saline solution

Print Our Checklist for Traveling with Baby

Be sure to print our checklist for traveling with a baby and take it with you. Simply click the print link below and make sure to have your browser set to print background images so that you can see the checkboxes.

Print Checklist

HealthyChildren.com
BabyCenter.com

Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at 800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

Return To Log In

Your session has expired. We are redirecting you to our sign-in page.

Little Blue Backpack

chase what's fun.

Road Trips , Tips & Tricks , Vacations · November 12, 2023

Baby Packing List: The Ultimate Travel Checklist

Babies need A LOT OF STUFF! That can make it a little daunting to take your new baby on a long flight or road trip. But you can rest assured that you’re not going to forget anything with this baby packing list! The ultimate travel checklist (short, quick version at the bottom) has you covered.

Whether it’s your first trip with your baby or the tenth, make sure you have everything for a successful vacation.

The Ultimate Travel Checklist

Sit back, read, and watch your stress levels come down as we run through everything you will need for sleep, feeds, diaper changes, and more!

This post includes affiliate links that will result in no extra cost to you.

Baby Packing List: Travel Essentials

Let’s start with the obvious must’s. Keep in mind that there are rental companies for many of these bigger items such as BabyQuip and Rents4baby . Personally, I’ve never used them, but they might be worth looking into.

Car Seat + Cover

Most of the time, you’re going to need your own car seat when you travel. Whether it’s being on a road trip, getting to the airport, or driving around when you reach your destination, your baby needs their own seat for obvious reasons.

Baby Packing List: Clothes & Toiletries

Next comes all the baby gear. I recommend a carry-on bag over a checked bag (cheaper and less risky), and if you can make it work, combine their stuff into your roller bag. Packing cubes are a huge help and can keep things separate.

TIP: Keep in mind if you will have a washing machine available. If so, you can get by with fewer clothes.

Tops & Bottoms

Rule of thumb: # of vacation days X 1.5, rounded up. If we are gone for 10 days, I’ll pack them 15 outfits. If we’re gone for 3 days, 5. Spills, blowouts, drool. There are certainly days you need more than one outfit and this will give you peace of mind.

Sleepers & Pajamas

Rule of thumb: # of vacation days X 0.75, rounded down. You shouldn’t need different pajamas for every single day. If we’re gone a week, 5 jammies. And 3 days, 2 of them. They can re-wear a few and some of their clothes likely double as pajamas anyway!

Socks & Mittens

This depends on their outfits. Try to pack a majority that includes feet. Socks can be a pain in the butt. And mittens are the same. Throw in 1-3 pairs just to be safe.

If you are spending time at the beach or the pool, you’ll need a couple of swimsuits. If this is you, don’t forget disposable swim diapers, as well.

Coats & Hats

Doing the opposite of swimming? If you are heading into cold weather, don’t forget 1-2 warm coats and hats.

Whether it’s sandals, tennis shoes, or boots, pack what you will need for the elements. TIP: Have them wear the bulkiest pair to avoid packing them. (This is assuming they don’t mind having them on!)

Lotion: Make sure all liquids are the required 3.4 oz or less.
Soap: I pour the brand we prefer (Honest) into travel bottles.
Baby Washcloth
Kids Toothpaste
Nail Clippers
Nose Sucker
Medication: Don’t forget the baby Tylenol!

TIP: Avoid a portable bath tub. They are too big for what they are worth.

Baby Packing List: Diaper Changes

Nothing better than changing a baby on the go, am I right!? Make it as easy as possible and don’t forget any of these items.

A nice, high-quality diaper bag is well worth it when you travel. There is so much needed during travel days and you want easy access to diapering necessities and a change of clothes, if needed. This used to be my backpack but you know, kids get everything, and I LOVE it as my diaper bag.

Diapers & Wipes

This is something you should have enough of for the travel day and maybe one extra day, but buy the majority of your diapers, and even wipes, when you get there. They are everywhere and it helps you save on space.

TIP: Don’t do cloth diapers. That is just too much when you’re traveling.

Diaper Cream

As mentioned above, if you’re flying, make sure it is the appropriate travel size! 3.4 oz is the max. We use Aquafor to prevent rashes and their balm sticks are great for travel.

Portable Changing Pad(s)

I cannot recommend the two changing pads we utilize on trips enough. We use this infant lounger when we take a road trip—it folds up for easy storage and can be laid out in the backseat or trunk area. And for planes (or just going anywhere out of the house) we use this easy roll-up changing pad that wipes clean in a breeze.

Baby Packing List: Feeding

Breast milk, formula, snacks. There is so much to think about when traveling with a baby and keeping them full.

Bottled Breast Milk (Cooler with Ice Packs)

Make sure you have plenty of milk ready! I usually have what I think I’ll need, plus two more. One of my favorite baby items is this cooler which holds 6 bottles and comes with perfect fitting ice packs. I also have another small one that fits any additional breast milk in storage bottles.

Breast milk is permitted to be taken on airplanes but be prepared for a little extra time when getting through security because they will need to inspect it.

TIP: Feed the baby on takeoff and landing as it’s said to help with their ears not popping. (And if they’re eating, they’re not crying…lol)

If you use a formula, make sure to have enough for your travels. We supplement with formula and I will usually send some to our destination so it’s one less thing to pack.

Breast Pump + Storage Bottles

Pumping never stops! I invested in the portable Elvie breast pump and I am SO glad I did—it’s perfect for travel and a great alternative to the big ones that are a pain to bring with you. The great thing about the Elvie is it is easy to pack and very discreet to use on the go. Added bonus: While they do make noise, it’s very hard for anyone to hear it besides you.

TIP: Make cleaning the pump parts a BREEZE with these handy-dandy cleaning wipes . And these are my favorite storage bottles . You can mark the day and time you pumped the milk. However do be cautious if you are an oversupplyer, they aren’t very big.

Bottle Warmer

One of the must-have items for travel is a portable bottle warmer. Heat it when the baby just starts to wake up and before they lose their mind out of hunger! The entire family will benefit from this one.

This is another item I will pour into travel-size bottles. I am picky about what I use to clean bottles and Branch Basics is my go-to for a soap with no additives and chemicals. You can purchase travel-size and I know big brands like Dawn sell the small size as well.

Bibs & Burp Cloths

In an effort to be efficient, it’s easiest to just have a bib on them the entire day! And I stick a burp cloth everywhere. Backpacks, cooler bags, and small pockets of the suitcase—make them easy to find and grab.

Baby Food & Snacks

If your baby is older or for small children in general, a great way to distract them is with food! Bring plenty of their favorite snacks—but be mindful of clean-up. Nothing that’s going to spill a bunch of crumbs and annoy flight attendants.

Portable High Chair

If you think it’s necessary, bring the portable high chair, though this would be one of the first things out for me if we were running out of space or hands to carry.

Baby Packing List: Sleep

Is there anything better than when your baby is asleep during travel? Make sure to include these items in your suitcases and backpacks so that can happen!

Baby Blankets & Swaddles

Bring a few. Baby blankets can be used for a number of different things from staying warm to blocking the sun in the car. And obviously, if your baby uses a swaddle at home, you don’t want to leave without it.

Bassinet or Travel Crib

These can be large and take up a lot of space and/or be hard to lug around. Decide if a pack-and-play or bassinet is necessary or if your destination has a place for your baby to sleep. Many hotels offer them so you can set it up in your hotel room. Or it might be smart to keep one available at a family member’s house if you will be there frequently.

Crib Sheets

If you do end up bringing your own, don’t forget the sheets to go with it! And spare might be smart if you have room as well.

Baby Monitor

If your baby is going to be sleeping in a different room on your trip, don’t forget the monitor.

Sound Machine

Sound machines are clutch—especially when you are in a new place. Drown out the noises and make sure your baby sleeps in peace. This is one of my favorite portable white noise machines .

Baby Packing List: Miscellaneous

And lastly, the random stuff that doesn’t really fit into one of the big categories, but you still don’t want to forget it.

Notice it’s plural. Make sure to bring more than one in case one gets lost or dirty. The ol’ pacifier will certainly come in handy at some point during your travels.

Books & Toys

If you have an older baby, bring entertainment. Small toys and a soft crinkly book should help keep their attention (for a few minutes lol.) Bonus if they are new toys! And something that’s been recommended to me time and time again are these window spinners .

Wet Wipes & Sanitizers

Messes will happen so make sure you are prepared with wet wipes. It’s also smart to bring hand sanitizer in case you end up changing a diaper on the go.

Ziplock & Plastic Bags

Need an outfit change? A plastic bag is perfect for poopy diapers and/or dirty clothes. It will lock in all of the smells until you find a trash can.

Seems like everything requires a charge these days and family travel will show you just how true this is! Don’t forget chargers for ALL of the electronics you bring.

First Aid Kit

It’s best to be prepared!

The Ultimate Travel Checklist – Baby Edition!

Use this quick-hit packing checklist for your next trip. There’s so much stuff to bring but your upcoming trip will be full of good times and worth ALL of the hassle.

Car Seat + Cover + Carrying Bag
Stroller Fan
Bottled Breastmilk (Cooler)
Bassinet or Pack-and-Play
Plastic and Ziplock Bags
Car Seat & Stroller Gate Check Bag

Whether it’s your first flight heading to Disney World, the first time taking a long road trip, or just a quick weekend getaway, I hope the baby travel checklist is a great starting point and helps you have a smooth vacation with a little one! Good luck 🙂

You’ll Also Love

Traveling with a Newborn Baby Road Trip Tips (2023)

What the people love.

Destinations
Save Money to Travel
Tips & Tricks
Let’s Connect

Road trip with a baby: The essential guide including Tips and Packing list

Post author: Lovicarious
Post published: November 19, 2022
Post category: Traveling with Kids

The thought of traveling with a newborn can sound intimidating, especially when it involves spending long hours inside a small enclosed vehicle. How do I calm my baby during a road trip? What should I pack? From travel tips to packing essentials, this guide covers everything you need to know on how to road trip with a baby from newborn to 24 months.

My family grew up taking 12-hour road trips from Washington DC to Chicago every Christmas. That time spent in the car as a family created some of the best childhood memories for me. I enjoyed singing in the car with my sister, raiding the cooler for snacks, stopping at different travel stations, and sleeping in “quirky” hotels . Road trips were an enjoyable experience for me, and I don’t doubt that there was a lot of planning that happened before we ever hit the road. Now as a parent, I want to continue the same tradition of spending quality time together as a family, traveling, exploring, and seeking out adventure. By the time our son was 10 months old, we had already driven well over 6,000 miles.

We have learned quite a bit when it comes to taking a road trip with a baby. We are here now to answer your questions in the hopes that you will be prepared to plan a successful road trip journey of your own.

*Disclaimer: Some of the links contained in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.*

What Should I pack for a road trip with my baby?

Your questions answered:.

How much time should I allocate for a road trip with my baby?

This really depends on a few factors including your child’s age, temperament, and ultimately how many times you need to stop. Babies move through stages quickly and with each stage comes a shift in their sleep/wake cycles, their attention spans, and their needs.

When our son was between 3-5 months old, his threshold was about 3 hours before he would need a break from the car seat. During that 3 hour-period he would nap and play with the soft toys dangling from his car seat. After that, he was bored, hungry, and ready for a diaper change. This cycle dictated our need to stop every 3 hours.

By 12 months, our son was only taking 2 naps a day so we needed to find a way to entertain him in his car seat for longer. In our case, the 3-hour threshold before boredom set in stayed about the same. (We were lucky.) Some 12-month babies might not be able to sit in a car for 3 hours straight, necessitating more frequent stops.

On average I would advise at least doubling the time it normally takes to arrive at your destination. If your baby is sleeping through the night and you are able to drive while they sleep then this would shorten that time frame. If you are driving through the day and are expecting more frequent stops, it might mean tripling your drive time. The key to remember is to let go of expectations, practice patience, and enjoy the ride. You’ll arrive at your destination eventually.

How do I change my baby’s diaper on a road trip?

Our son’s first out-of-home diaper change (excluding the hospital of course) was on a flat slab of rock. We took him hiking at one month old and changed his diaper on the mountain summit. That was the first of many mountain tops that would be graced with his bare little hiney. I tell that story to say that you can change your baby’s diaper pretty much anywhere as long as they have a clean surface to lay on.

Before ever leaving our home, we typically pack the trunk of our vehicle keeping in mind that we may need to perform a diaper change at some point along the journey. If it is not possible to leave one side of the trunk clear, we pack in a way that the items are easily moveable to quickly accommodate a changing mat or blanket. This flat space is usually the best location in a vehicle for changing a baby’s diaper while on a road trip.

Alternatively, a backseat or passenger seat also works. If you happen to be stopping at a restaurant or rest stop, most locations do have changing tables in their restrooms. The quality and cleanliness of public restrooms are not always reliable so I would strongly advise always using a portable changing mat if possible.

How do I prevent my baby from crying in the car?

It’s every new parent’s dream to discover the secret to preventing a baby from crying in the car, on an airplane, or any other enclosed space. If you can prevent your child from crying in the first place, an unlikely yet ideal situation, it will be a much easier car ride for everyone. Believe it or not, there are a few things you can do to help prevent or at least stave off the inevitable cry session for a bit longer.

Drive while the baby is sleeping .

The easiest way to plan a road trip with a baby is to drive at night while your baby is fast asleep. If that is not possible, try to drive during nap times. You can take advantage of wake hours for meals, exploration, and even spontaneous roadside attractions . While this may increase the duration of the car ride, you will be enriching your road trip with various activities and irreplaceable moments of family bonding. Furthermore, working with instead of against your baby’s regular sleep schedule, will result in an easier transition when you arrive at your final destination.

Take timely breaks .

Your baby is staring at the backseat of a car for hours so of course, they will get a little antsy. Take breaks every 2 to 3 hours for your child to eat and stretch those little limbs. Find a playground along your route or simply set a blanket down in a patch of grass.

Sit in the backseat.

Toys are entertaining for a time, but nothing can replace the joy and contentment of seeing a familiar face. Babies are fascinated by faces at this age and derive great excitement from simple activities such as imitating facial expressions and playing peek-a-boo. Even if they are too young to interact in that way, your simple presence can often be enough to make a baby feel safe and secure.

My baby won’t stop crying. What do I do?

If prevention is no longer an option and your baby is already crying in their car seat, what do I do next?

There are a number of reasons why babies cry, but they typically fall under one of three reasons. They are uncomfortable, they want your attention, or they simply do not like the physical restraint of being confined to a car seat.

With this in mind, if your newborn is crying in their car seat the first thing that you should do is check to see if there is an obvious cause. Do they have a wet diaper? Has it been a while since their last meal or break from the car? Is it too hot or cold in their car seat? Is the sun in their eyes? Are the seatbelt straps too tight? Are they sitting on a toy or sock? If none of these questions seem to resolve the problem, then you can try to pacify a crying infant with one of the following methods.

Give the baby a pacifier.

Pacifiers are called that for a reason. They provide temporary relief to babies who enjoy the sucking motion as it reminds them of being in the womb. Some studies show that the act of sucking a pacifier can help to lower the heart rate, blood pressure, and stress levels. We highly recommend using a pacifier clip as they are prone to popping out, dropping behind car seats, and otherwise getting lost.

Use the “baby shusher”.

We swear by this miracle sound machine. The Baby Shusher uses a rhythmic “shhh” to imitate the same cadence and sound of a parent soothing their child. If you have ever read the Happiest Baby on the Block, the “shhh” sound we make actually mimics the environment inside of the womb where babies hear all kinds of wooshing and swooshing sounds. This Baby Shusher worked best for our infant over other white noise sound machines. It is always one of our top travel tips for road-tripping with a baby.

If this didn’t work to prevent your child from crying, it might not help so much to soothe them once they are already crying. However, if you are still in the front seat, then I would certainly recommend moving to the backseat where your baby can see your beautiful comforting face. Try playing some peek-a-boo, playing with their toes, or engaging them in a crinkly toy, book, or song. Sometimes just letting them hold on to your finger is enough to calm them.

Give them snacks.

If your baby is old enough and used to eating solids, then you may consider giving them some soft snacks or a bottle during the drive. Always follow a few precautions when feeding a baby in the car: an adult should be sitting next to the baby to supervise, and avoid hard solids that might lead to choking. Some car seat-safe foods for babies include snack pouches and dissolvable rice-husk teethers. We provide some recommendations in the road trip packing list below.

Babies grow fast. Their needs and preferences seem to change just as fast. Here are some baby road trip essentials to keep your little one up to 18 months happy, comfortable, and entertained. Toddlers will require a different list of road trip essentials that are geared more toward their level of maturity and development. This list of travel toys for toddlers highlights all of the best toys to keep a toddler entertained during travel.

Road Tripping with a Baby: Packing List

Entertainment.

Dangling car seat toys – For newborns and infants, dangling car seats are essential entertainment. They might not have developed their grip strength or coordination yet to be able to grab other toys and rattles. Similar to a crib mobile, safely attached dangling car seat toys can capture a baby’s attention, while also helping them to develop spacial awareness. We recommend Baby Links and the interactive Hug & Tug Caterpillar which is appropriate for both infants and older babies.
Teething toys and rattles . Teethers help to soothe babies’ gums when their teeth begin to come in. Like rattles, teethers provide a safe form of entertainment in the car while helping baby to improve their fine motor skills, group strength, and spatial awareness.
Books – Babies like to chew, rip, and crumple books. With this in mind, it is best to pick up a selection of books that will stand the test against curious babies. Soft crinkly books like Peek-a-Boo Forest by Lamaze and Taggies are durable, washable, and engaging with flaps and tabs. Cardboard books are not indestructible, but they will serve their purpose and last you through many road trips with a baby. Our son was always the most engaged in learning books like First Numbers and First Words by Priddy.
Favorite stuffed animal – Stuffed animals are great travel toys for children at any age. Children can begin forming a bond with their toys at a young age so it is important to bring their “best friend” along for the car ride and journey.
Random items around the car – If all else fails there are many things that you likely have in the car that would keep a baby entertained for example an empty water bottle or a box of tissues. Just make sure that anything you give to your baby is safe: no small detachable parts that can pose a choking or suffocation risk.

Food and Drink

Milk and Bottle . If you are nursing exclusively, that eliminates a large portion of your packing needs! If you are not nursing, make sure to pack formula or milk (babies 12 months and older), along with a bottle or two. If you prefer to pack one bottle only, XYZ make kits for cleaning baby bottles on the go.
Snacks and pouches. A baby’s capacity to chew and digest certain foods evolves over time, so always reference the age recommendations on a food label. Up until 6 months, babies will pretty much be fine with just milk/formula. After you begin to introduce solids, prepacked baby food and snacks become an essential road trip item. Rice husks and yogurt melts are excellent road trip snacks. They dissolve quickly, don’t leave many crumbs, and our son loves them! For a more substantial meal, we find that pouches are more convenient than the more traditional glass jars. If baby is a bit older or if you are pulling over for a roadside picnic, other road trip foods for babies include yogurt, sliced soft fruit, and graham crackers. Our son is partial to breakfast bars, peanut butter Bamba puffs and Pirate’s Booty.
Snack cups . The more proactive you are in keeping the car seat free of crumbs, the easier it will be to clean and when it comes to babies every last bit helps. Using snack cups like the Munchkin Snack Catcher helps your little one to slow down the process of palming all their goldfish in one gulp. It also reduces the number of crumbs spilled into the car seat and the floorboard below.
Bib. If your baby is eating milk and purees exclusively, a cloth bib works just fine. If your baby has moved on to eating more crumbly solids like crackers and fruit slices, I would highly recommend using a silicone bib with a catcher. The Mushie silicone bib is easily washable which is ideal for travel, and the pocket catches most crumbs making clean up a much easier process.
Diapers. Diapers are an obvious item for your baby road trip checklist. Consider overnight diapers if you plan to drive through the night while your baby sleeps. The added material and increased absorbency will help to reduce leaks and keep baby dry.
Wipes. Wipes are essential for diaper changes, but they can also be used to clean faces, little fingers, and sticky surfaces. Pro tip: Wipe dispenser is almost empty? Keep the dispenser and fill it with toilet paper or ribbon. Babies love pulling things out of boxes and containers. This do-it-yourself baby toy will entertain your child for hours.
Diaper rash cream. Did you know that diaper rash cream is used not only to treat, but also to prevent diaper rash? If your baby will be spending long stretches of time in a car seat, it is wise to apply diaper rash cream as a preventative measure against rash and discomfort.
Portable changing pad – Using a portable changing station provides a more comfortable changing for the baby. It also provides an extra layer of safety when doing a diaper change in a public restroom.
Extra changes of clothing. You don’t want to be left unprepared when the inevitable blowout or spit-up happens. We recommend packing at least 2 extra changes of clothing.
Swaddle/ burp cloth. Swaddles are a bit universal and reduce the need for packing additional items. Although you wouldn’t swaddle a baby before placing him in a car seat, they do serve as great burp cloths and blankets. After arriving at your destination, you can then of course use the swaddle as intended…to wrap your baby like an adorable burrito bundle.
Baby Tylenol. There are many baby medications on the market, but really the only medication we have ever needed was baby Tylenol. Teething can bring about bouts of pain and fever. Baby Tylenol is a fever reducer that can help assuage your child’s discomfort. Always contact your pediatrician before administering to your child.

Supplies for momma

Breast pump. Depending on a number of factors (your milk production level, how much baby is drinking, etc) you may need to pump while on the road. While the manual breast pump is tried and true, the Elvie is a newer brand that many swear by. They make a wearable rechargeable breast pump that can be inserted into a nursing bra. It is discreet and portable making it possible to pump almost anywhere including at restaurants, in the office, and during a long car ride. Speaking from experience, make sure you have access to a pump! You do not want to get stuck in a situation where your body is telling you to empty the milk, but your baby isn’t hungry and you do not have a pump around. Women who have to delay pumping or nursing risk painful breast engorgement which can lead to medical problems and a reduction in milk supply.
Nursing Cover . It is likely that you may end up nursing your child in a busy parking lot. While I have nursed my son in a parking lot without a cover, I did receive some unwanted prolonged glances from individuals passing by my window. If this is something that makes you feel uncomfortable, it may be wise to pack a nursing cover just in case. I recommend the Bebe au Lait nursing cover with it’s peek-a-boo hole. It allows me to keep an eye on my son, but also provides him with some nice airflow.
Water. It is important for mothers to stay hydrated when nursing.

Additional items that make for a more comfortable trip

Portable blanket. A soft clean surface is a great item to bring along when traveling with an infant. If you are stopping by a travel plaza, gas station, or rest area there is usually a nice grassy area somewhere nearby. This is a great opportunity to unbuckle your little one, and let them have some fresh air. Lay a soft blanket in the grass and allow your baby some time to roll around, stretch their legs, and enjoy the change of scenery. We recommend the Rumpl blanket that compresses into a convenient bag perfect for traveling and road trips.
Car seat fan. When a baby is in their rear-facing car seat they don’t always have the same pleasure of cool air circulating around their bodies. This combined with warm sunrays peeking through the window can make a car seat pretty toast. It is a good idea to bring along a portable fan that clips onto the car seat to ensure that your child is cool and comfortable.
Car seat liner. If you have a 10-hour drive ahead of you, you do not want to deal with a wet soiled car seat. A waterproof liner provides protection from wet bathing suits, diaper leaks, and other accidents.
Backseat organizer to keep essentials close at hand. As you can see, there are many things to bring on a road trip if you want to ensure a smooth journey. You can be saved from headaches and stress in the long run if you are able to keep toys and baby essentials organized. A backseat organizer is helpful for keeping anything you or your baby might need close at hand.

Now that you have your questions answered and your car packed, the last step is to check out our top list of road trip with baby tips .

Best Travel Toys for Toddlers to Keep them Entertained

12 Tips for Hiking While Pregnant: Advice from an outdoorsy momma-to-be

This post has 3 comments.

Pingback: Best Travel Toys for Toddlers - Lovicarious

Pingback: The Great American Road trip: 7 Extraordinary USA Roadside Attractions - Lovicarious

Pingback: Day Hike Essentials: What to Bring on a Day Hiking Trip

Comments are closed.

Taking A Road Trip With Baby: Checklist + Packing List

Post last modified:
Post category: Mom Life / Travel

Taking A Road Trip With Baby

Based on my travel experience with a 4-month-old baby (over 26h drive).

Whether the pandemic ruined your plans of family travels by plane or a car would have been your transportation of choice anyway, taking a road trip with your baby for the first time might make you feel a little anxious or hesitant if you should do it at all. As a first-time mama, I found that it raises many questions, the same way anything does, that you do with your baby for the first time. Reading about someone else’s experience can give you great insight. Moreover, you can hopefully get some of your questions answered and feel more confident and prepared for your own journey.

ROAD TRIPPING WITH A BABY

F ir st things first. you might be wondering when you can take your newborn baby for a first car ride in general.

Well, as soon as YOU are ready. However, it is best to wait until your baby’s immune system is better developed.

Before you embark on a long journey it’s best to first take short trips with your baby, just to see how they feel and behave. Do they fall asleep easily while driving or are they more cranky? Do they overheat easily in their car seat? Those and many more are questions you want to have answers to before taking a long road trip.

But like I’ve said, you, mama, gotta be ready first. Postpartum is no joke. Even if you feel better after a few weeks or months, you still need to take extra care of yourself and that might not be possible if you’re stuck in the car for too long.

Depending on your and baby’s health as well as baby’s age, I suggest you consult your traveling plans with your gynecologist, pediatrician, or midwife to make sure you’re both set to go. Hearing from my health care providers that they think we’re both ready to travel as well as getting to know their stories of how they traveled with their babies early on, really put me at ease.

So now that you’ve decided you’re ready for your first road trip with your baby , how can you best prepare for it? What should you pack? What are some top tips to successfully travel by car with a baby? Well, let’s dive right into all those aspects now.

Top 7 Tips For A Successful Road Trip With Baby How to prepare your mind and what to do before embarking on the journey

Let’s start with preparing the mind, adjusting your expectations and your attitude. My top tips to successfully travel by car with a baby are all about what you can do beforehand to feel as calm and as confident as possible. This can mean a variety of things, you can inter alia:

1. Talk to your healthcare providers

Like I’ve said before, this can definitely boost your confidence and put you at ease. Moreover, you’ll find out if there’s anything extra healthwise you or your baby should do before or while traveling. In my case, we were traveling in hot weather and I was breastfeeding so it was good to know that I will feed my baby more often, but that I don’t need to (or even shouldn’t) give my baby any extra water. That’s something my lactation consultant explained to me.

It’s little things like that, which are good to know ahead of time and worth talking about to a professional instead of googling answers in panic during your trip, when in doubt.

2. Make a solid packing list

This will of course depend on where you’re going, what’s the weather like, what you plan on doing on the way, and so on. For my recommendations and travel essentials check the next section of this post.

GET YOUR FREE PRINTABLE PACKING LIST!

Click the link below to open your free PDF in a new tab!

Road Trip With Baby Packing List

3. C ollect all the needed documents

(seems like a no-brainer, however, i know first-hand how it is to have so much on your mind while being exhausted that you forget or simply overlook some basic things).

Depending on where you’ll be traveling to, make sure you have all the needed documents plus double-check if they’re still valid. Have a copy of your baby’s birth certificate with you or request a kid’s ID, a passport, etc. if needed. And don’t forget the car documents.

4. Get your car checked and make sure baby’s car seat is properly installed

5. Have realistic (or no) expectations as far as the duration of your trip – plan a lot of stops

You know that you don’t know how everything will go. How your baby will feel, how often you’ll have to change the diaper, feed your baby plus it’s not optimal for your child to be in the car seat for long stretches of time.

So make sure to take your baby out quite often, get some fresh air and hold them as well as let them lay down or even take some naps in between on a flat, firm surface. This can be in your car (we traveled with a van, so that was super convenient), or if you really have a long way to go make sure you book some hotels on the way so that your baby (and you) can get some proper sleep.

To find out more about car seat safety and about letting your baby travel in a car seat for long periods of time check out this page .

6. Take short trips with baby first, before embarking on a longer journey

I’ve mentioned this before, but it really is super important and can help you be so much better prepared.

For us, we’ve noticed that our son gets really warm, really fast in the car seat and as a result, sweats a lot. Which, by the way, after talking to some friends about it, seems to be a very common struggle. But knowing this helped us to be better prepared. We lined the seat with a cotton (burp) cloth to help absorb the moisture and kept changing it for a fresh, dry one at every stop to make sure our baby is more comfortable.

The same goes for clothing. We knew we had to dress him in light clothing and we had plenty of clothes ready to change him into as well, in order to keep him dry and happy.

Moreover, knowing he gets warm so easily we made sure to have a digital thermometer at hand to ensure his temperature is okay. Trust me, this saved mama from a lot of unnecessary stress and overthinking.

7. In these times – check current Covid-related regulations of places you’re traveling through and to

This might also mean you have to get vaccinated, if you haven’t already, or take a PCR/antigen test, as well as fill out online forms.

To check current regulations I recommend visiting the following websites:

x Trip , which covers Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, Africa, and South America.

The website lets you put in the countries you are traveling “from” and “to”, stating what the rules are to enter a particular country as well as to return to the country you’ve originally traveled from. What is more, you can choose to track policy changes for a particular search.

There is also a map showing you right away which countries have no restrictions, where entering and traveling is partially prohibited and where entry is prohibited.

Moreover, there is an app version of the website, which might be very convenient while already on the road.

x For Europe specifically I recommend the website or app Re-open EU

You can choose if you want to check a specific country’s regulations only or search travel rules “from” – “to” specific European countries.

What I like about this app is that when you look up a particular country it gives you a great overview of everything you might want to know, so you can get all the information that is specific to your trip.

You can find out inter alia what are the rules: x to enter a particular country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country x to enter with the EU Digital COVID certificate x to enter without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements x to enter from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country

You will also get answers to the following questions: x may I transit this country? (by air/by land)` x may I fly to this country?

Moreover, what are the countries measures as far as: the usage of facemasks, physical distancing, indoor, and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events, safety measures for public transportation as well as what about places of worship, non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops, tourist accommodations, catering establishments, cinemas, museums and indoor attractions, personal care services, outdoor areas, and beaches. Furthermore, what are the quarantine-related regulations? On top of that, there is information about the current health situation of the country you’re interested in traveling to.

Travel Essentials For A Road Trip With Baby

– packing list –.

Your detailed packing list will of course depend on where you are going, what the weather will be like, how long you will be driving for, and so on and so forth. Therefore, I must say I’m really not a fan of those packing lists that some people share which are telling you specifically how many, for instance, items of clothing you should pack for your baby and what those should be. This will differ from baby to baby, from trip to trip. However, there are certain things that might be considered travel essentials and certain things parents recommend, which can be super helpful to be reminded of. Here’s what I’d recommend besides the obvious like clothes, blankets, or water:

x well-stocked diaper bag x back seat car organizer/storage with essentials such as extra burp cloths, socks, wet wipes, and so on x changing pad that you can use in the car x digital thermometer x baby’s medicine just in case (paracetamol in case of a fever; make sure to store it properly!) x baby’s vitamins if they’re supposed to take any

x physiological saline solution and sterile gauze in case you’ll have to clean baby’s eyes or nose x mama’s vitamins x documents: ID’s, passports, drivers license, car papers, Covid vaccination certificate/ PCR test results, a copy of baby’s birth certificate x burp cloths to put in baby’s car seat in order to absorb sweat (I’ve seen special anti-sweat car seat covers, however only for bigger kids) x change of clothes at hand x mosquito net x sleeping bag x wet wipes as well as hand sanitizer for you x nursing-friendly clothes, a change of clothes and bras for you plus bra pads x trash bags for diapers x a separate bag for dirty/wet baby clothes, burp cloths, etc. x breast pump and nipple cream (even if you don’t usually have to use it, better safe than sorry) x first aid kit x stroller (you might want to check out the best stroller accessories that will make your life easier ) x sling/wrap x bouncer/rocker x car sunshades x small ventilator if you don’t want to use the AC with baby in the car

I want to note that we traveled with our baby when he was 4 months old, meaning he didn’t eat solids yet and I was exclusively breastfeeding, so there will be other things you’ll need depending on what and how you’re feeding your baby.

I hope you found this post insightful and feel better prepared as well as more confident about taking your first road trip with your baby.

Safe Travels!

This post was all about taking a road trip with baby and traveling with baby for the first time.

12 Empowering Birth Affirmation Cards FREE Printable

Baby At Wedding? All you need to know about taking baby to a wedding

17 Natural Labor Pain Management Tips & Tools

DISCLAIMER - Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions

Travel Checklist For Road Trip with Baby

The thought of traveling long distance with a baby is enough to make many parents stay home. Believe it or not, traveling with a baby is actually one of the easiest times in the life of a child to travel. They are incredibly portable! Often, babies fall asleep as soon as the car begins moving, because motion lulls them to sleep. Checkout this 11 step checklist for planning your ultimate road trip with baby compiled by our team of registered nurses and moms.

Reach out to Your Baby Consultant for tips and advice from our staff of registered nurses in Annapolis and Charleston areas. We also offer virtual consultations or will travel to meet you where you are located.

Travel Checklist For Traveling in the Car with Baby

1. what to pack.

When preparing for your car trip with baby, make a list of all essential items you use day and night for your baby – do this a week before your trip, so you can edit as needed. (Extra toys and stuffies are not essential). Consider will you have access to a washer and dryer to rewear baby clothes and blankets.

2. Check the carseat

Before you go anywhere, make sure baby’s car seat is installed correctly. Three out of four car seats are not used or installed correctly. Typically, carseat installation can be checked at your nearby fire station.

3. Minimize travel time

When planning your car trip with baby, calculate your travel time to minimize hours in the car – use Waze or Google Maps so you are not stuck in rush hour traffic. Plan your stops around meal and stretch times.

4. Scheduling

Try to keep baby on his/her schedule as best you can. Maybe during awake time, a parent sits in the back of car and plays or reads to baby. While during nap time, the parent moves to the front of the car for baby to fall asleep. Include a plan for breaks, a walk, mealtimes and sights to see. Yet, be flexible, when baby is sleeping, you may not need to stop for the photo op.

5. Prepare your car

When traveling with baby in the car, have the right tools to make the experience most pleasant. A window shade helps keep sun out of babies eyes, a playful mirror can be attached to keep baby entertained, and a seat protector can save your car from unexpected messes.

6. The essentials bag

Make a bag of essentials to keep in the back seat with baby (this prevents unnecessary car stops to dig items out of the trunk): Diapers, Wipes, Pacifier, Change of clothes, Toys, Books, Bottles, Snacks.

7. Ship supplies or buy once you’ve arrived

If staying at your destination for a week or more, you can have baby essentials like diapers, wipes, and formula shipped to your destination or make a quick pharmacy stop once you arrive.

8. Baby rental gear

For bigger baby gear like strollers, high chairs, portable cribs, check to see if your destination has baby rental equipment that you can use for the duration of your stay. It cuts down tremendously on what you have to travel with and allows you to still use the items that you and your baby are accustomed to having at home.

9. Practice a portable crib

If baby will be sleeping in a portable crib while away, practice a few nights before you leave for your trip to get baby familiar with a different crib.

10. Plan for the best sleep

If staying in a hotel, book a suite or two connecting rooms. This will allow you to put baby to sleep and then give you space to enjoy yourself. Even better research vacation rental properties. A closing door is super valuable. Otherwise, parents often feel they need to go bed at the same time baby does.

11. Find childcare

Look for local childcare through safety checked agencies such as Your Baby Consultant in Charleston or Annapolis and surrounding areas.

If you have questions about our night nurse services, please email us , fill out the contact form at the top of this page, or call. We are happy to answer your questions.

Send us your recommendations for road tripping in the car with baby.

Breastfeeding
Charleston Activities
Formula Feeding
Infant Sleep
Labor and Delivery
Parent Education
Parenting Books
Single Parents

Charleston Mom Groups – Finding Your Tribe

Summer Safety Tips (And Cool Products) for Babies

8 Helpful Parenting Books from Birth to Childhood

12 Tips to Calm a Crying Baby

Why You Should Read To Your Baby and Our Favorite Books

YBC Favorite Baby Products Round-Up

Stroller Friendly Walking Trails in Charleston

10 Stroller Friendly Walks in Charleston on #EarthDay

Let's get started.

Interested in learning more about our services and how we can help your family? Let us know what service you are interested in, and we'll be in touch to help book a service that best fits your family's unique needs. - Mandy

843-879-4878

[email protected], let's chat.

The Ultimate Packing List for Baby Travel (+printable checklist!)

Over the years, i’ve written a lot about how to travel with a baby..

Between leaping head first into baby travel when Evelyn was 5 weeks old, to taking our special needs baby Sophie on several trips around the country, we’ve become pretty well-acquainted with the world of travel with a baby by now.

Truthfully, traveling with a baby is not all that bad. But it does require a ton of preparation for all the things that you might possibly need.

We’ve covered what to pack in your carry on before, along with everything you need to know before flying with a baby . I’ve even shared our favorite baby travel gear and travel-friendly toys .

But one thing I haven’t covered? A comprehensive, everything-you-must-pack guide to make the whole trip with baby go extra smoothly!

We were reminded of just how much stuff one little human can require as we prepared for our month-long adventure around Southern California . Our packing list felt endless . And I can say pretty confidently that we left nothing behind.

So let me spare you the stress of wondering “what am I forgetting” ?

Read on for our ultimate baby packing list of EVERYTHING you might ever need when traveling with a baby! (+a free printable checklist at the bottom of this post!)

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which may reward us with a small commission (at no cost to you) if you click them. Thanks for supporting the blog in this way!

pin it for later:

Baby Packing List | Travel Gear

First things first, the big stuff !

You may not need all of these items for every trip, but for the most part, we bring this same travel-friendly baby gear just about everywhere we go:

Baby Carrier | A baby carrier is a must, even if it’s nothing more than an efficient way to move through the airport. I know not all kiddos love the carrier, but we find that having both a carrier and stroller available when we travel with Sophie is essential. You just never know when you’ll run into a place with lots of stairs or uneven sidwalks, so it’s good to have a back up that will keep you moving freely. We started out with the ErgoBaby , but made the switch to the more lightweight and compact MiaMily toddler carrier with Infant Insert and absolutely love it. Still on the fence? Read up and compare all of our favorite carriers for babies and toddlers here .
Stroller | Even though our carrier is indispensable, we like to have options. After using and abusing our Graco Aire, we switched to the UppaBaby G-Lite umbrella stroller. We liked both, but eventually splurged on the even more lightweight and carry-on compliant Babyzen YOYO+. (add the bassinet pack for newborns). (PS. Don’t forget a good stroller travel bag too.) Best decision we ever made! Honestly, it’s an investment I only wish we’d made sooner! Another popular choice for baby travel is the BabyJogger City Mini .
Car Seat | Depending on where you’re going, you may or may not want to bring the car seat. If you will need one, the Maxi Cosi and Nuna Pipa are two that can adapt to the YOYO+ (just get some adapters like these , and you’re good to go!). For older babies, a popular choice is the Cosco Scenera Next , which is super lightweight at just 10 pounds. I recommend getting a car seat bag to keep it clean while flying, and if you’re worried about it getting banged up by luggage handlers, you can upgrade to a padded car seat bag .
Travel Crib | We’ve always brought our own travel crib, mostly because I want our kids to feel the comfort of a familiar sleeping environment, no matter where we are. We’ve been especially happy with our Baby Bjorn Travel Crib , which has held up with our travels all over the country these past 6 years. For infants, you can get away with a more compact option, like this Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet . And if you’re in a pinch, most family-friendly hotels will offer cribs for free, or you can rent one from a baby gear rental company, like BabyQuip . Read up on all our favorite baby travel cribs here .

Pro Tip: Don’t want the stress of traveling with all your gear? Use BabyQuip and get bulky items like cribs, strollers, high chairs, car seats and so much more delivered straight to your hotel or rental!

Baby Packing List | Clothes

Sure, babies require a lot of stuff to pack, but the one area where they don’t take up much space in the suitcase: clothes!

I use these packing cubes for everyone in the family and almost everything for baby can fit into just one:

Pants & Leggings | Usually 2-3 pairs. In colder months I’ll skip the rompers and dresses, and add more leggings, pants and sweaters.
Shirts & Onesies | Usually 2-3 tops, adding 2-3 more in winter months.
Dresses or Rompers | Usually 2-3 for warmer destinations, because they’re so easy to pack and don’t require mixing and matching tops and bottoms.
Socks | 2-3 pairs , even in the summer months in case we end up somewhere chilly.
Booties or Shoes | I’ve recently become obsessed with little baby shoes, but I try to stick to one simple pair of baby moccasins that match everything for travel, like these from BirdRock Baby .
Hat | A must, no matter where you’re traveling, whether a sun hat for the spring and winter, or a fuzzy hat for the fall and winter.
Swimsuit | Only if necessary, of course. These boy and girl options from Rufflebutts are our favorites.
Pajamas | I stick to just 2 pairs of footie pajamas (plus a 3rd pair worn on our travel day).

This might not seem like a lot of clothes, but if we’re traveling for more than 5 days, we’ll wash and rewear items to keep our packing light. This means making sure we have access to laundry facilities while we travel (whether it be an Airbnb with a washing machine, hotel with a laundry room, or a wash and fold laundry service nearby).

Baby Packing List | Nursing & Feeding

Things change quickly with a baby, and depending on their age and feeding habits, you may need any of the following:

Bottles | We’ve always traveled with just two bottles and been fine. Tommee Tippee and Dr. Brown’s are our favorites.
Drying Rack | I love our OXO travel drying rack ; it’s come in handy more times than I can count! We also have a larger version of this Boon travel drying rack at home, and would highly recommend either. It’s truly one of the items you don’t think you need until you’re balancing wet bottles around a hotel sink.
Dish Soap | Never fails, I always forget dish soap! If you’re staying in an Airbnb, there’s no need to bring your own (unless you’re particular about what you use). But if you’re staying in a hotel, for sure pack this little travel-size one for washing bottles!
Nursing Cover | There’s a good chance you’ll have little privacy for nursing during travels, and at the very least a nursing cover can help with getting little ones to fall asleep in busy places. Or for a lighter solution, a muslin swaddle is great and doubles as a blankie.
Breast Pump & Supplies | It’s a pain to lug around for sure, but if you’re going to need it, consider investing in a few pieces to make pumping on-the-go easier: a special backpack and battery pack . (and good news, the airline won’t count this against your carry on luggage allowance)
Cooler Bag | We love a little cooler bag with ultra-thin ice packs , or if you need room for more bottles, this Medela cooler bag is a great option too.
Formula Dispenser | For babies on a formula-fed diet, this little guy makes mixing bottles on the go so much easier .
Tall Insulated Mug | This simple, yet useful item is a must for an on-the-go bottle warmer. Just ask your airport coffee shop to fill it with piping hot water after you get through security, and then dip your bottle in to warm milk up in no time!
Wipe-Clean Bib | Once baby is into solids, a wipe-and-reuse bib is awesome for on-the-go feedings.
Travel Spoon | Our favorite is still this one that comes with a little case for easy storage!
Snack Catcher | This travel container is perfect for little cereals you don’t want spilled all over.
Squeeze Pouch Baby Food | If you’re feeding while traveling, skip the mess and squeeze it from pouch form onto the spoon!
Sippy Cup | We’ve tried many of the years, and these classic sippy cups from Munchkin or these sippy cups with weighted straws are both at the top of our list of favorites.
Bottles Wipes | It’s tough to clean bottles, pacifiers, and spoons on-the-go, but these bottle wipes are a safe and easy way to do it when you don’t have a sink handy.
Travel High Chair | If you have the space for it, I can’t recommend this travel high chair enough, which folds down flat for packing. You could also opt for a cloth seat harness for an even lighter, more compact option.

Baby Packing List | Health & Bath

Diapers | My rule of thumb is to pack a maximum of 8 diapers in the baby backpack and then buy more as soon as we arrive.
Travel Wipes Case | These no-frills travel wipes cases have become my favorite over the years. Like diapers, I load one up with as many as I can fit and then buy more once we’ve arrived in our destination.
Dirty Diaper Baggies | These dirty diaper baggies have also come in handy more times than I can count.
Baby First Aid Kit | We keep a super simple kit that includes only the basics, like travel-size diaper rash cream , infant pain reliever , a few bandages , a small thermometer , nail clipper , skin cream , etc. For all those other ‘what if’s’, we’ll buy it at our destination if needed.
Prescription Medicines | Keep liquids in their original containers to avoid any issues with TSA, and for anything needing kept cold, we use our bottle cooler bag with ultra-thin ice packs .
Sunscreen | These pocket sunscreen sticks are my absolute favorite because they’re easy to apply and take up so much less space.
Mosquito Repellent | This natural one is our favorite. No chemicals or stink!
Sanitizing Wipes | Especially good for wiping down a dirty airplane seat. I always keep a small travel-size pack in the diaper backpack.
Hand Sanitizer | For obvious reasons, I always keep a travel-size hand sanitize r clipped to the backpack.
Baby Shampoo & Body Wash | This 2-in-1 combo is our favorite, filled in a small GoToob+ travel container .
Brush or Comb | Of course.
Inflatable Travel Tub | Finally, this handy inflatable bath tub is an absolute favorite of ours and has gotten way more use than I ever thought it would. It’s definitely worth the purchase if you don’t have access to a tub or your baby is not sitting up on their own yet.

Read Next: Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling with a Baby

Baby Packing List | Play & Sleep

Play Mat | We’ve stayed in lots of Airbnbs with hardwood floors and little comfortable space for baby to play. I so wish this fold-and-go baby gym was around when my kids were little!
Small Toys | I try to keep toys to a minimum, mostly because when you’re traveling, you’re out and about a lot anyway. Sassy brand makes a ton of my favorite simple baby toys, and I keep a little collection in one of these mesh storage bags for easy packing.
Pacifiers & Pacifier Clips | We find these pacifiers with these clips to work great!
Swaddle Blankets | Another must-pack item, Aden & Anais makes our favorite muslin swaddle blankets that double as a nursing cover or burp rag too.
Crib Sheet | Whether you bring your own travel crib or use the hotels, we like to have our own crib sheet. This crib sheet that’s designed specifically for portable cribs has traveled with us again and again.
White Noise Machine | We love our Shusher and I swear it has made all the difference in helping our babies fall asleep in new places. This portable sound machine is another favorite among traveling moms.
Favorite Blankie | Even though it can be a bit of a pain to travel with, having a soft baby blanket sure is nice for wrapping baby up on a cold airplane or having a familiar comfort from home.

FreshlyPicked Diaper Backpack | Passport Cover | Reusable Storage Bags | Dropper Stopper Tether

Baby Packing List | Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Diaper Backpack | A good diaper bag is essential, and I can’t recommend going with a backpack style enough! Having your hands free, especially in airports, is a necessity, and this FreshlyPicked diaper backpack has travelled with us all over the world!
Birth Certificate or Passport | Did you know some airlines require you to show a birth certificate for your lap baby? To be safe, I always carry a copy in my wallet. And if you’re planning on traveling internationally, be sure to start the process for your baby’s passport as soon as possible.
Dropper Stopper Baby Tether | From toys, to bottles, to snack cups, this is our favorite item for keeping all of our baby essentials from hitting the dirty airplane floor.
Plastic Storage Bags | Whether one-time use, or an eco-friendly reusable , we’re always finding a need for the modest plastic storage bag. Whether for dirty clothes from a blow out incident, saving leftover snacks, keeping trinkets and keepsakes together, we’re always finding a new use for these.

Free Printable Checklist: Baby Travel Packing List!

It doesn’t matter how many times we’ve traveled with a baby, I’m always bound to forget something!

After many missed essentials, I finally created our own baby travel packing list ! We use it for every trip, and now you can use for yourself!

get it here!

Thanks for being a subscriber!

PS. You can also find this and all of our printable family travel planning tools exclusively for subscribers in our free resource library .

What are your must-have packing list items when traveling with baby?

Wife and mom to two sassy little girls, Laura has been sharing her family's travels here on Our Next Adventure since 2016! Though lots has changed in both our family and the world of travel over the years, one thing remains: we love exploring new places together!

What to Pack in a Carry On for a 1 Year Old

Not really a baby, not quite a toddler: from 14-22 months is about the toughest time to be traveling with a little…

Disney Packing List: Must-Haves for your Disney Park Bag

Packing your Disney park bag requires careful consideration. Here’s all the must-have essentials you need on your Disney packing list…

How to Travel Light with Kids

Travel light? With kids? Sounds like an oxymoron doesn’t it?? We didn’t do it for fun. We did it out…

Baby Style: Packing for Mexico

Ah! Our trip to Mexico is coming up quick! To say I’m excited would be an understatement, but I’m also…

Flying with Baby: Everything You Need to Know

In the one long year Evelyn’s been on this earth, our little girl has gotten 18 flights under her belt….

Should I Buy a Seat on the Plane for My Child?

It’s a question I get asked a lot: When should I really start buying a seat on the plane for my child? Flying…

How to pack — and prepare — for travel with a baby

About to take your first trip with a new baby ? Or maybe this isn't your first time traveling with your little one , but you'd like to pack more efficiently this time around.

It can be hard to know how to prepare and pack when you have a baby in tow. Babies often change so quickly that anticipating their needs can be complicated — especially if you're planning a longer trip.

In addition to typical packing concerns, such as the weather in your destination or luggage size restrictions, it's not always clear what you can carry on or must check when it comes to your infant. Here's our advice to help you prepare, pack and travel better with your baby.

Choose accommodations wisely (and pack accordingly)

If you're traveling by car, you can easily pack a travel crib and other larger baby items.

However, if you're flying, choosing the right accommodation is the key to packing lighter, which is the goal. Toting around an infant is strain enough — staying somewhere that provides baby items means you can leave the extras at home.

Check with your hotel to see if it offers cribs or other baby items, as well as if it provides laundry services or facilities where you can do your own. Some hotels will even provide an extra fridge for milk storage upon request.

Often, a home rental might be a better choice than a hotel, assuming you pick the right one. Airbnb allows you to filter properties by items such as "crib" and "high chair." You can also message hosts to see if they have any other baby-friendly items available.

For example, I recently filtered an Airbnb search in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic to show only rentals that included a crib, high chair, washer and dryer. I ended up picking a rental that included not only the aforementioned items, but also a bottle sterilizer, bottle warmer and a few other infant-friendly items, which allowed me to pack less.

Some rentals I've stayed in even provided baby toys, books and cutlery. The key is communication. Don't hesitate to message and confirm the equipment again with hosts as you pack. You can also request or confirm that everything will be set up and ready for the baby upon your arrival.

Access to a washer and dryer is important since babies tend to have accidents or leaky diapers. Being able to do laundry also lets you pack fewer clothes. Also, if your rental is not a stand-alone house or a unit on the first floor, check that there is an elevator. A five-floor walk-up in a multi-unit building can be difficult with a stroller, shopping bags and baby in your arms.

Call your airline to understand the regulations

Depending on your airline, fare class and destination, you may have to adhere to different rules when it comes to traveling with an infant.

Those regulations can also vary depending on whether you've purchased a lap ticket versus a separate seat for your baby. In almost all cases, airlines allow travelers with an infant to gate-check a stroller or buggy, and some may also allow a car seat. Check with your airline ahead of time to understand baggage rules for your little one to avoid getting caught off guard at the airport or paying extra, especially when flying low-cost carriers like Ryanair or Spirit .

Flying with an infant in a car seat and hoping to bring it on the plane? Make sure it's approved for air travel. You may also want to request a bassinet for your baby, if the aircraft you're flying offers one (check the weight limits, however). Ask for an aisle seat, as it makes standing up with your baby much easier.

Invest in travel-friendly baby items

Having a dedicated (foldable) travel stroller will be useful beyond air travel. It's the perfect item to have when exploring a new city. Other key travel baby items to consider taking along are:

Travel diaper backpack.
Portable changing pad.
Travel car seat.
A bag for a car seat or stroller so these items aren't damaged if checked.
Portable baby monitor.
Baby carrier or wrap.
Swaddle or baby blankets.
Inflatable bathtub .
Pack 'n Play or travel crib.
Travel neck pillow (use it while feeding your baby).
Baby chair strap.
Disposable bottle liners.
Disposable bibs.
Portable blackout shades for travel cribs or strollers.

Purchase (or preorder) diapers, formula and more at your destination

Depending on how long your trip is and where you're headed, calculate (and it's always best to over-calculate) how many diapers you'll need for the trip.

If your baby uses a specific formula or baby food, make sure you know where to buy it at your destination. Amazon and other delivery services can be useful for ordering these items -- and remember, these services are available internationally, too. You can also compare ingredients to see if you can get a similar formula or food at your destination, so you won't have to load up your suitcase with diapers or formula.

Don't worry if you forget baby socks or another basic item. Babies live all over the world, so you'll likely find many basic items available for purchase wherever you are. If your baby requires something specific, though, pack it just in case.

There are also companies that rent baby gear in many destinations around the world. Research ahead of time to find out exactly where and how to obtain these necessary items, especially when traveling abroad .

Carry on the essentials (and extras)

Always pack your baby's key essentials in your carry-on . This includes comfort items like their favorite toy or pacifier, and extra clothes for both your baby and you (in case their wardrobe disaster becomes yours, as well). You should also pack enough food, diapers and other key items to last you through the trip, plus more for any possible delays and/or cancelations.

Here's a list of items you may want to keep in your carry-on bag :

Extra clothing for you and your baby.
Layers of clothing or blankets (plane temperatures are often extreme).
Pacifier and clip (and backup).
Comfort toy(s) or blanket.
Extra diapers.
Breast pump.
Snacks (for you and your baby).
Baby wipes.
Sanitizing wipes.
Extra bibs.
Ziploc bags for stowing soiled clothing (or a reusable, waterproof bag).
Baby Tylenol or any infant medications.
A basic first aid kit.
Small toy(s).

The rest of your baby's items, like additional clothing, blankets and more, can go in your checked bag. If you're checking more than one bag, split your baby's items among different checked suitcases. That way you'll be covered if the airline loses one of your suitcases.

Know the security regulations and have a backup plan

On a recent call to Iberia Airlines , I was told I could bring "reasonable quantities" of formula and breast milk through security. However, the representative also told me that in some cases during security checks, certain agents might not allow me to pass these items through security at the Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) . What?

Not all security checks, Transportation Security Administration agents or customs agents are alike, and each country, airport or airline may have specific regulations. Call ahead of time and prepare for things to not go as planned. If you do use formula, take your bottles already mixed, but also bring extra powder in case you need to prepare new bottles on board.

If you're pumping, it might also be a good idea to bring both a hand pump and an electric pump in case you have limited access to electricity or encounter issues with electrical outlets or voltage when traveling internationally.

Arriving at the airport early is always a good idea, because you may not breeze through security as you might have in your pre-baby days. Everything takes longer with an infant, so having that extra time can ensure a low stress travel experience. Take advantage and board the airplane first to give you extra time to get settled. If your airport has a family security line, use it.

Make sure you understand any remaining COVID-19 regulations

As mask rules and COVID-19 testing, entry and vaccine regulations continue to evolve in countries around the world, stay on top of exactly what you need to know and bring for your baby to get to your destination (and back home again). It's important to understand whether you'll need masks for your 2-year-old or need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 tests upon arrival at your destination or re-entry into the U.S. when traveling abroad.

Remember that airline staff members also struggle to keep track of ever-changing rules, so if you know something has recently changed or a rule seems specific, make sure to bring along proof of this information and whatever documentation you need in case you have trouble when boarding.

Photocopy important documents and always have extras. I loathe having to take paper documents along when traveling. However, having them may mean the difference between getting through customs, being able to board or being stranded at the airport. This is especially true if your phone battery dies or you're left without service for any reason. While being denied boarding is always dramatic, it's even worse with a baby in tow.

Download the right apps

Mobile phone apps can help you anticipate what you need, as well as keep your baby (and yourself) comfortable during travel.

A white noise app is key for better sleep for your baby — and therefore better sleep for parents — and allows you to leave a white noise machine home. Nightlight apps are also helpful during travel.

You can also connect most modern baby monitors to your phone and use an app to access the video of your baby so you won't need a separate viewing device.

Parents may find an app to track sleeping and feeding especially helpful during travel, particularly when switching time zones. A general packing app could help you keep track of what you need to bring for your infant, as well as the entire family. Make sure these apps are accessible offline if you need them while flying.

Don't forget their passport

This one is obvious, but you'd be surprised. Don't forget your baby's passport when traveling.

Look into identity and consent documents, as each country has its own requirements, especially if your partner isn't with you. If you have any older children, make sure to check that their passports are valid, as children's U.S. passports expire in just five years.

Traveling with a baby might seem like a lot. However, once you get the hang of it, packing, prepping and traveling with your infant becomes second nature. Ask for help when you need it and accept help when offered.

And when things don't go quite right, stay relaxed (remember, baby can feel your moods) — you'll figure it out. While it may seem tragic in the moment (like that major diaper blowout on board a plane), it will be an epic story to share one day.

Bottom line

When in doubt, bring enough baby supplies for a few extra days or a flight delay, but don't overpack. Make sure to be clear on any and all regulations that will cover your travel, from having the right documents to understanding what baby items you can bring through airport security . With these tips, packing and traveling will be a more enjoyable experience for the entire family .

About the Blogger
About the Globetrotters
Community Groups
Privacy Policy
PR & Media Inquiries
Guest Opportunities
Giveaways & Offers

Best Destinations
Explore My City
Australia & Oceania
Middle East
Pregnancy Travel
Baby Travel
Toddler Travel
Tween & Teen Travel
Theme Park Travel
Travel Health
Travel Photography
Flying with Kids
Beach Vacation
Camping, Hiking & Outdoor Adventures
Travel Toys
Baby Travel Gear
Toddler Travel Gear
Outdoor Gear
Airline Reviews
Accommodation Reviews
Attraction Reviews
Book Reviews
Travel Gifts
Packing Lists
Expat Life Blog
Expat Money Matters
Global Parenting Interviews
Expat Entrepreneurs
Family Life in Abu Dhabi
Booking Tools

Ultimate Baby Travel Checklist {+ printable packing guide}

baby playing on bed while mother is packing a suitcase

Essential items not to forget traveling with a baby

Ready for your first big family adventure with your baby? Undoubtedly some wonderful memories to be made but the packing alone can be a daunting prospect before you’ve even left the house. Babies really do come with a lot of STUFF!

We talked about the most essentials items for baby travel in some detail before , but in this bumper guide, we’re going to dig into the nitty-gritty details of every item you need to think about packing with a baby, along with the WHY – or WHY NOT!

For some more specific travel checklists make sure you also check out:

Essential gear you will need camping with a baby
Hiking with a baby essentials
Baby at the beach – essential gear and safety tips
Essentials you’ll need for a road trip with a baby
Taking off on your first flight with a baby

There’s no one right solution – your ‘nice to have item’ could be another tots absolute essential so base it on your families needs and adapt our suggested packing checklist to make it your own; but most importantly try and avoid the overpack!!

This post is part of our packing list series & also our best baby travel advice series – packed full of useful tips for first time family travellers

What to include in your baby travel checklist

Documents and Paperwork Before You Go
Feeding Gear
On the Move
Bath and Bedtime
Pool & Beach
Baby Travel Toys
Camping, Hiking & Outdoors

Before you go… More baby travel advice

NB – Many baby items are called all different things around the world! We know most of our readers are from the US so try and use the American name but we will slip in some of our Aussie and British expressions for baby gear too!! We’ve included some handy links to Amazon and some of our preferred baby gear suppliers, if you make a purchase we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

We suggest you work slowly through our printable checklist, cross out anything you definitely won’t need and use the spare lines to add anything vital to you.

It looks like a dauntingly long list but once you cross out anything unnecessary for the type of travel you’ll be undertaking it’s not too bad – but try to avoid too many unnecessary or ‘just in case’ extras. Remember people have babies all over the world!! You will almost certainly be covered if anything vital is forgotten.

We’ll ask you to subscribe to our newsletter too, but don’t worry we won’t bombard you. You can unsubscribe at any time if you just want the checklist

Baby Travel Checklist: Documents and Paperwork Before You Go

Crossing any international borders with your baby there are plenty of considerations:

Passport – Yes, even those adorably squidgy faces need a photo passport to travel overseas. Make sure you organise this well in advance of your proposed travel date. Consider whether you need a family passport holder to keep all your docs together now you’ve got several of you travelling in a group.
Permission to fly letter – Crucial if one parent is flying without the other parent – married or not – you will want something that documents you are allowed JUST IN CASE.
Insurance – Never leave home without it! Covering delays and cancellations, accidental breakages, theft, baggage loss, and so much more, travel insurance is more critical than ever for family travellers. We use and recommend World Nomads for international travel .
Visa – Some countries will require a Visa for your to visit for every person, even infants. Check if you can apply in advance or is it a visa on arrival. We always take a few spare passport photos in case they’re needed for these sorts of things.
Airline tickets – Even if your infant will be travelling as a lap baby and sharing your seat, they still need to be ticketed for every flight. If you booked the flight before your child was born you’ll need to update the airline with your babies full details (including passport number if you’re flying internationally).

How soon can you fly with a baby? We cover flying with your baby in much more detail in this guide .

Emergency Contact Details – Always have the important numbers you might need on your journey and at your destination near to hand. This includes hospitals/nearest doctor, insurance hotline, ambulance number. Over in our subscriber’s area , you can get your hands on our first aid travel checklist which includes a cutout card for placing all your emergency contact details, super handy to keep in your travel wallet alongside your passports, and a spare elsewhere in case passports are stolen.

Baby Travel Checklist – Feeding Gear

Feeding your baby away from home can be one of the more challenging areas of travelling with a baby, especially if you’ve hit the weaning stage and finding yourself in a juggling act between boobs, bottles and bringing along your own pureed food.

For more advice on feeding your infant on the move, you may also want to check out our detailed guides to breastfeeding on the move and bottle feeding away from home .

This feeding checklist list is pretty extensive – but oh so important! Make it less intimidating by crossing out any items not relevant to your baby’s age or feeding stage. Feeding items to consider packing for a baby:

Nursing Cover – Possibly one of our all-time favourite pieces of travel kit! Useful not only to give you and your baby some privacy while you feed, but a nursing cover can also be a super-versatile blackout or stroller cover, picnic blanket. We take a detailed look at the best types of nursing covers for travel here .

Portable Breast Pump – Whether you’re a regular pumper at home or not, there can be some great benefits to pumping while you travel, be it occasions you’ll find it difficult to feed on the move (just picture an epic hangry meltdown in the middle of a busy arrivals hall), or to keep up your milk supply while your baby is adjusting time zones. Find our guide to the best portable breast pumps for different types of travel here .

Bottle Warmer – Got a little one that only likes their milk when it’s at a certain temperature? A portable bottle warmer is great not only for bottle feeds but quickly heating baby meals too that you may have refrigerated for your journey. We take a much more in-depth look at what portable bottle warmers can do over here .

Muslin Burp Cloths – Oh so many uses! A bit like our nursing covers, these simple cloths have come EVERYWHERE with us for years, helpful for feeding times and sleeping or providing additional shade. A good pack of small and large muslin clothes is a travel baby essential.

Bottles – If your baby is bottle-fed in any way you will need a reasonable number of bottles with you with their favourite nibs. “Reasonable” is really down to circumstances and how often you’ll be able to wash and sterilise between feeds – we discuss it more in our travelling with a bottle-fed baby guide .

Bottle Cooler – Travelling with pre-pumped baby milk or cows milk? Then an insulated bottle chiller bag is essential for keeping your precious cargo chilled at the right temperature and ready for use. We talk in a lot more detail over here on how to transport breastmilk and the best milk cooler . Make sure this is easy to access and open for inspection if you pass through airport customs control.

Formula & Dispenser – Although we say you can get baby supplies anywhere in the world, we do know babies can be fussy and formula is one we always take with us if we can fit enough in our case for the duration of a trip. We find having a small formula dispenser in our travel bag already divided into portions one of our handiest pieces of baby travel gear.

Sterilising solution – For keeping your bottles clean on the move, consider these portable cold water bottle sterilising tablets or if space permits and you have the facilities at your destination, a portable microwave steriliser is one bulky item you won’t regret packing.

Portable High Chair – Weigh up whether it’s necessary or will you have adequate access to a high chair for mealtimes? This really depends on the type of travel you’ll be undertaking and the available facilities at your destination. Portable high chairs can be something that clamps onto the table, additions you add to a chair or a portable seat that sits on the ground. We take a much more detailed look at the right sort of high chair for your baby over here .

Washable Bibs – Either easy sponge clean or quick drying neoprene are ideal for traveling with a weaning baby.

Finger Food – Once your baby is upright and weaning, having a selection of quick grab snacks to stave off any munchies is essential (and this will be essential for many travelling years to come!). For the under 1’s, try yoghurt drops , cereal puffs , teether rusks .

We have a detailed guide here to our suggested healthy travel snacks .

Food pouches – We have found these pre-made pouches of pureed baby food are one of the easiest meal solutions when we are away from home without our baby food blender. For younger babies, we still spooned it into a bowl (or use one of these handy dispensing spoons ) while older infants can hold the packet on their own.

Platic bowl and spoon – This can be location dependent, but we always found it helpful to throw in our own bowl and spoon set for our infants. Even if they were joining in with a family meal out, you can give them their own portion in a bowl, you’ll just need to be sure you have the facilities to clean.

Sippy cup – Extra water on top of their milk feed is especially important in the heat ( you can see more of our tops for taking babies to hot climates here ).

Wet wipes/water wipes – Cleaning little fingers before mealtimes, wiping surfaces, faces, you name it we all know that these are one of the number one items in any parents arsenal, near or far from home!! Have an easy to grab purse pack of wipes with you always, as well as supplies you might keep in your diaper bag .

Washing brush and liquid – Think bottles, plastic containers, feeding spoons. No matter what stage you’re at this is probably one of those overlooked items you’ll be super thankful for us suggesting! Just pour a small amount of dishwashing liquid into a carry bottle to last the number of days you’re away and something to actually clean with – we love these travel kits including a drying rack .

Baby Travel Checklist – Baby Gear On the Move

So how do you get about with your baby away from home? You may find many of your everyday pieces of baby transportation gear will perfectly suffice for the most part or depending on your type of travel you may find yourself needing to invest in some specific travel items.

We’ll talk through all the different items we’ve found useful, and where investing in something specifically for travel may pay off:

Baby Carrier – 100% this has to come in at number 1. Whether you’re a regular baby wearer or not, this is the most useful thing a travelling parent can bring with them. Being hands-free at times is a must and this keeps baby with you close and secure.

We’ll continue to harp on about this and insist you keep using one well into the toddler years and they no longer fit! Go with something like a Boba Baby Wrap when they’re a newborn (practice the technique for wraps though before you leave home and can still follow YouTube instructions !), graduating into a structured baby carrier that can be forward or rear-facing as your infant grows.

Collapsible Stroller – You may or may not need a separate travel stroller depending on what you use day-to-day. We have owned an obscene number of strollers over the years, trying to find ‘ the right one ‘ categorically, there is no one! Your needs change from newborns to multiple children to different location needs which differ from what you want near home – I know at home your stroller can be like your mini moving home! On the move, you’ve gotta get sleek.

We’d suggest if you use a larger pram or bassinet style stroller at home, you’ll want something lighter that comes in one piece (after 6 months or once sitting upright) for travel. The best types of lightweight collapsible strollers fold up so small you can even take them all the way onto an airplane with you. We compare all the leading brands of ultra-compact travel strollers here .

If you have twins or children close in age, a lightweight and portable double stroller is a must. We compare all our favourite double strollers for travel over here , or if you’re heading on camping and outdoor adventures you may be better off with a larger but more robust double jogging stroller .

Stroller organiser – Even when we’re travelling we love keeping organised! These stroller organisers are super handy for keeping everything from sippy cups to maps in an easy to grab spot. We also take a Mummy Hook everywhere we go – ideal for hanging bags and shopping (Just be mindful if you are using a lighter travel stroller, it may not be capable of holding the same capacity off the handlebar as your everyday stroller).

Car Seat – whatever mode of transport you’re taking, almost certainly you’ll need a seat for transporting your baby safely. If you’ll need your car seat for both the car and on a plane, we recommend you check out our comprehensive guide to car seats and which brands are actually allowed on board, along with their conditions of use.

Travel system – A great all-in-one solution when your baby is still very young and in an infant car seat/capsule, you can easily switch from car to stroller to plane if using an all-in-one system. We’ve had varied success with these over the years; they don’t last your baby for long, especially if you’d prefer a collapsible stroller once they’re out of their capsule.

The market leader in a convertible car seat-cum-stroller all in one is Doona , but it is a little pricey. In other models, you can mix and match any car seat with a stroller base (two pieces) and as they grow out of their car seat, it converts to a proper stroller seat you can insert instead. Not our preference for baby travel, we prefer the lighter weight collapsible stroller, but many swear by buying complete travel systems.

Car seat/infant capsule cover – Will you be travelling somewhere ultra sunny or somewhere very cold? To keep baby’s temperature regulated when you’re travelling with an infant in their seat, you may need additional sun protection or a cosy toe cover. We look at both hot and cold weather capsule covers for infants over here .

Car Seat Travel Bag – If you’re taking any sort of car seat with you and won’t be using it on the plane, then it will need checking into the hold. We highly recommend preventing damage to your car seat (nothing like sorting that out at 3am with a screaming baby when we first moved to the UAE) then protect it with a proper car seat travel bag . We love the Hello Jolie – reviewed in detail here – for a sturdy wheeled option making getting around the airport with your bulky gear a cinch.

Stroller Cover – Ditto if you’re checking your stroller in the hold of a plane it’s imperative to keep it protected – some of these devices cost more than my first car! If your stroller doesn’t come with its own travel bag then invest in one of these generic brands – the more you pay the longer they’ll last.

Suitcase with Seat – A fairly new invention for travelling parents, if you are checking your infant’s car seat and stroller but still need to get from A to B, consider these super handy suitcase seats from Mountian Buggy , suitable for larger infants.

Car Seat Trolley – The alternative if you will be taking your car seat onto the plane, consider getting a small trolley to tow your car seat , they are surprisingly heavy and difficult to manoeuvre without some help! This is where you can see you need your baby in a carrier rather than a stroller when getting about with all this baby gear!

Baby Travel Checklist – Changing, Bath and Bedtime

We have a much more detailed guide over here to helping kids sleep on planes , plus that all-important guidance on how to conquer jet lag which will expand on many of the suggested items below.

Keeping as close as you can to your babies normal schedule of nap times, bathing and sleep will help all of you to adjust when you are on vacation – but go easy on yourselves, too; if bedtime is an hour or two late, does it really matter?

You can adjust to your new normal but there are aspects of your routine you may want to keep the same as we know babies thrive on routine and knowing what comes next. Not every item in this section is essential but may help your baby with those routine parts of their day around getting changed, bathing and sleeping away from home.

Diapers – Although we’ve not mentioned it anywhere else so far, should go without saying that diapers or nappies are a baby travel essential! Cloth of disposable up to you, but if you’re using cloth just think about what facilities you’ll have on your journey for watching.

Diaper Bag – Should go without saying, you’ll need something to carry everything on this list! Although backpack baby diaper bags are pretty much the norm these days, we highly recommend when travelling with all this kit you have something you can carry hands-free. If your everyday diaper bag doesn’t meet this criterion, consider a separate travel bag. We run you through all our favourite travel diaper bag designs over here .

Changing Kit – We like to have a small easy-to-grab kit that can be separated from the main diaper bag. We keep this in the pocket in front of us on the plane, or under our stroller on days out, so much easier than dragging your whole bag to a bathroom. Keep your small kit well-stocked before every outing with hand sanitiser , disposable diaper bags , wipes and diaper paste for running repairs!

Portable Bath Tub – Maybe not essential for every type of trip. Always check what’s available at your destination before packing a portable tub as even the smallest of portable tubs can still be quite bulky. We look at different ways to wash bubs on the go and portable bathtub styles over here.

Baby toiletries – You’ll likely prefer your own sensitive skin baby soaps and shampoos over using hotel supplied freebies. Bring with you small containers of everything you need. We also throw in some basics like cotton wool, nail clippers, extra diaper paste/Sudocrem and baby panadol.

Swaddle – We double up using the large muslin clothes for our travels for feeding and sleeping times, they can be used for pretty much anything you want! If your baby is swaddled at home, definitely don’t be afraid to continue swaddling away from home too, even in hot climates we’ve always continued to use breathable cotton swaddles.

Sleeping Bag – Likewise if your baby sleeps best in their sleeping bag, this is one of those bulkier items to make space for in your case. If you are travelling to a different climate from home, check the tog rating, you may want an 0.5 tog sleeping bag in a hotter climate, or something thicker and quilted like this in a cold climate.

Portable Cot – A super bulky but essential item. Again, we always check whether this is something we can get at our destination rather than bringing our own. Only when we’re making multi-stop trips and sleeping in many locations do we bring our own for surety. The type of portable baby cot you use depends on how small your tot is. Under 6 months there are some cute sleeping tents , older infants you’ll want a complete baby travel cot that will stay with them through their toddler years; avoid the bulky pack ‘n play style cots unless it’s their play space too.

Cot sheets – If these won’t be provided at your destination or you’re using your own portable cot, best to BYO crib sheets .

Favourite cuddly – Maybe not your most prized teddy from home but a toy that they’re familiar with that will assist them in feeling familiar at bedtime and getting to sleep.

Pacifier – And if your baby needs a pacifier or dummy to soothe themselves off to sleep, of course, this is essential to bring their favourite! Plus spares! There’s no guarantee on finding their favourite brand at your destination if things go horribly wrong!!

Blackout curtain – Research before you go what the sleeping arrangements are. However, bringing a portable blackout curtain can be one of those bulky extras you simply won’t regret! Some babies simply won’t nod off and get the sleep cues unless it’s dark – and jet lag is simply no help to this!

Portable Monitor – We’re not suggesting being miles away from your bub; But you may want baby resting in another room while you finish out your day and to give you that extra peace of mind when noises and location are different for you all. If you’re not using a device through your mobile phone, try one of these portable baby monitor units .

Baby Travel Checklist – Clothing

If there’s one area you may well want to overpack it’s baby clothes! No matter how many outfits you think you’ll go through on a trip you can be sure your infant will go through more.

Consider how long you will be away for and whether you will need to use washing facilities or laundry services while you’re away, or will you try and pack everything you need for your entire trip? It’s hard to suggest exactly what you’ll need as it vastly varies by climate so work through our list considering:

Short sleeve babygros/onesies
Long babygros/onesies
Socks/booties
Cardigan/jumper

We have more handy hints over here on keeping organised with laundry needs while you travel.

Baby Travel Checklist – Pool & Beach

Heading to the pool or beach on your family vacation there are several more baby items you’ll want to consider packing:

Swim Diapers – Designed to keep your infant from having number 2 accidents, these come in disposable swim diapers or re-usable swim diapers. Reusable swim diapers are much easier to re-use and keep clean on the go than their everyday diapers.

Bathing suit – Are you going for something cute or is sun protection paramount? As we mention in our baby sun protection article , babies should be kept completely shaded and no sunscreen until 6 months, so a cute swim diaper is likely all they need as you keep them shaded and protected. As they grow – babies should really use a rashguard, not a cute bathing suit, if they’re in the direct sun.

Rashguard – So rashguards are long-sleeved swim tops that babies and toddlers should really be wearing when out in the direct sun at the pool or beach for the first few years. They can, of course, still be cute and colourful but will provide your baby with SPF50+ protection all over their shoulders, arms and bodies. You can optionally add longer shorts and swim pants for boys and girls, or go for an all-over bodysuit.

Floaties/Swim vest – When your little ones are ready to start taking to the water on their own they will still need help with keeping afloat in the waves. As well as any novelty floating device they might be using (with adult supervision, of course), it’s best your infant has a wearable floatation device. We look at the different types of infant swim vest over here .

Sunscreen – Once you’re baby’s skin can handle it, SPF50+ sun cream is essential out in the sun. Babies can still have very sensitive skin so look for the organic sunscreens made especially for babies, not always cheap but definitely worth it – reef-safe a bonus.

Sun Hat – Clearly an essential for keeping heads protected, you can find our favourite infant sunhats that work well in water here .

Sunglasses – Love ’em or hate ’em? Your baby will soon let you know! Out in the bright sunlight do try a pair of baby sunglasses with head strap on your infant to protect their eyes but many babies totally reject the idea of wearing something on their face! Give it a go!

Beach Shade – If you’ll be out in the sun with your baby for any period of time during the middle of the day then a pop-up baby sunshade can be an excellent idea for protection against UV rays, especially if their skin is still too sensitive for sunscreen. This added layer of protection will give your bubs a protected area to play in the sane. We compare leading brands of baby pop up tents over here .

Water Carrier – Taking baby into the water, especially if your hands are full with other kids, you’ll want an easy way to keep bubs close. These can be wraps, ring slings or more structured carriers in waterproof material. Find our complete comparison guide for water carriers over here .

Beach Toys – Go light! You don’t need to invest in every plastic contraption under the sun when they’re only a baby. Some simple shape moulds and a bucket and a spade are really all a baby needs for some fun in the sand, possible some stacking cups they can use in the bath too. Bring a mesh bag to keep them in and keep sand away from everything else in your family beach bag . As they grow, we have more toddler beach toy ideas over here.

Paddle pool – It might feel counterintuitive to go to the beach and take a pool but this can be a great way to keep little one cool whilst safe away from larger waves. A great combination to help your baby beat the heat but join in with the family at the beach is to pop them with their toys in a small inflatable paddle pool under your pop-up tent = baby beach day sorted!

Hooded towel – Cute hooded towels for drying off and keeping warm by the pool or beach are a must for babies. Remember they are not nearly as well-equipped for regulating their body temperature so you want to change them as soon as they’re done in the water and out of soggy clothing.

We have more detailed guidance on taking your baby to the beach over here, plus a detailed family packing list for the beach .

Baby Travel Checklist – Baby Travel Toys

Babies, on the whole, need very few toys when you’re travelling – shock, I know!! It’s the area I’ve seen most first-time parents chronically overpack. Trust me, the stimulation of new environments and your company alone is normally enough for most babies.

Understandably on really long flights or car journeys, you’ll want a few tricks up your sleeve so make sure you check out our best baby toys for flying . We also have several guides for travel toys by age group, check out our favourites for:

Best travel toys for 1-year-olds
Best travel toys for 2-year olds
Engaging toddler toys for the car

The common theme you’ll find amongst our baby travel toy recommendations is small, portable, limited sound, no small parts and no electronics. We’ve included a selection of idea here but do go check out the detailed list for each age group – we’ve been specialising in baby toys for years!!

Baby Travel Checklist – camping, hiking & outdoors

If you’re planning a hiking or camping adventure with your baby (yes, it can be done!) then you’ll need to think about some more specialised kit including:

A Structured Baby Carrier – more than just your everyday soft infant carrier, for a hiking adventure with an infant you’ll want a structured carrier specially designed to cover long distances and wearing over an extended period of time.

A toy teether – keep your tot from dropping items to the ground when in their carrier or camp chair, a small but super-handy piece of kit to add to your outdoor arsenal.

Bug repellent – Choose something kind to little babies skin and DEET Free to keep those nasty bugs, mosquitoes and gnats away, or opt for mosquito repellent patches .

Camp chair – great for feeding on the go, picnics to camping we always took a portable chair with us. We’re currently loving the Summer Pop ‘n Sit for something easy, or if you’d like an outdoorsy portable highchair to last into the toddler years, try the Baby Delight Go With Me , a superb longer-term investment. We compare more outdoor baby chair options here .

Chair for Feeding – an optional extra if you’re a feeding mama out on a hike, it can be much easier for both of you to have a comfortable chair to sit on , though weigh this up of course with all the other gear you’ll be carrying

Rain cover for baby carrier – A little rain should never stop you from continuing to enjoy the great outdoors with your baby, just come weather prepared. If you don’t have a fitted rain cover on your carrier then get your baby a good weather-proof cover .

Shoes – Even pre-walkers will benefit from coverings on their feet for outdoor adventures. Most proper toddler hiking shoes don’t fit until at least a size 4, so go with a soft booty .

We have much more detailed guidance for hiking with your baby over here, plus a super-detailed gear guide for baby camping .

Thanks for sticking with us this far! A monster guide but we hope you’ve picked up lots of handy hints. You may also want to check out:

Our complete guide to travelling with a baby – All our best baby travel advice in one spot
Perfect gifts for the travel-loving parents-to-be – Give new parents a gift they can really use with this handy gift ideas list (+ how to set up a baby registry to get all the useful stuff you actually NEED!)
Family guide to stress-free packing – How exactly we set up ready for a big overseas trip with little kids.
Preparing your home before you travel – Don’t forget these important things that need taking care of around your home before a big vacation

Helpful? Bookmark this page or save it to Pinterest for later

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You can read our full disclosure policy here.

Like it? Share it!

2 thoughts on “ Ultimate Baby Travel Checklist {+ printable packing guide} ”

I have tried downloading the Pirntable packing list fot baby 5 times now and it keeps on taking me to the subscribe page. Then I put in my details and I just get the “Thank you for subscribing” message and nothing else happens.

Hi Sonet – sorry to here this is happening, it’s possible the welcome email is going to your junk with the login. I will get this emailed to you now.

Type to search

Roadtrip with Baby – Tips and Checklist

In this article I share from my experience some tips for road trip with a baby. You can also download a printable checklist of the must haves for road trip with newborn, infants and even toddlers.

Also Read: A complete packing checklist for any road trip

The post contains affiliate links for tours, hotels etc. This means if you make any purchase through the links in the post, I may get a commission without any additional cost to you.

A weekend road trip is a great way to kick-start your travels after having a baby. But travelling with kids is challenging. Travelling with a fussy 10-month-old and their nervous elderly grandparents is another ball game. That’s what we did when we went for a road trip after a gap of 2 years. I had to make sure everything was perfect, lest we are barred from travelling again by our son’s grandparents. (Typical Indian thing). And since that went so well, I did that again the next month, and plan to restart our monthly road-trips yet again.

A Quick Outline

At what age is a baby ready for travel?

Doctors advise a waiting period of 4 weeks before travelling with baby. Exceptions are made by some airlines for flying with newborn lesser than that age.

There are some cultural practices too that restrict travel for 40 days or even 6 months. But as per medical advice, it is completely safe to travel with an infant. Road trip by car is the most convenient mode of travelling with an infant.

Feeding Essentials

The number one priority on any road-trip with a baby, is the baby’s health. The quality of water is a big concern wherever you go, even though we boil the water and take necessary precautions. Here’s a checklist.

Water from home

The most common causes of health problems while travelling is water. While travelling with baby it is therefore advisable to carry few liters of water for the baby. Almost all hotels have electric kettles where you can boil the water. If not, you’d have to carry that too. So, check with your hotel beforehand.

Electric Sterilizer

Bottle sterilizer is a necessity wherever you go with your baby. it makes the process of sterilizing and keeping the bottle sterilized for hours, so convenient. Once I take that I also don’t need to worry about where to carry the bottles, feeding spoons, bowls, teethers, pacifiers etc.

My Recommendation: Phillips Avent Electric Sterilizer

Check other Sterilizers on Amazon

Check other Sterilizers on Firstcry

Adequate bottles/ feeding cups and other feeders

Till the age of 12 months, babies mostly rely on feeding bottles for liquid food. Always take more bottles or feeding cups than needed. Same goes for bowls and spoons for babies over the age of 12 months when their diet consists of more solid food than liquid.

Buy feeding bottles

Breast pump and storage containers

For breastfeeding babies, it’s important to carry breast pump and take some stored milk while traveling. While manual pumps are easier to carry along, I personally find them too slow, and exhausting compared to the electric ones.

My Recommendation: Medela Advanced travel-friendly set

Check out other breast pumps on Amazon

Check out other breast pumps on Firstcry

Adequate Formula Milk

For babies who have weaned or for those who are partially breastfed. Although formula milk is easily available in most medical shops in India, but you may not get the brand that the baby is used to. And trying something new on a trip is not a risk worth taking.

Adequate solid food mix like Cerelac / Slurpp etc.

A lot of restaurants offer baby food like khichdi, curd etc. Still, I’d prefer to carry baby cereal mix of a couple of flavors for variety instead. For my 10-month-old I exclusively relied on Cerelac wheat-apple-cherry flavor for snacks, and Cerelac rice-vegetable for lunch and dinner. For older babies one may give boiled eggs, milk, khichdi etc. from the hotel’s restaurant itself.

If you prefer cooking for the baby on a trip, do carry a baby food processor with you. That way you can save a lot of time cooking and also ensure hygiene instead of relying on the cooking utensils provided in the kitchen in your Airbnb.

Healthy Snacks

Healthy snacks like fruits, dried fruit peels (packaged), ragi biscuits are most certainly needed on a road trip. Here are my top picks for packaged items.

Bottle-cleaning gel

While I think we can manage cleaning bottles with hot water for a couple of days when on trip, it’s better to carry the usual bottle cleaning gel that you use. Pour it in a small container so that it is easy to carry while travelling.

Silicon Bib

Just one silicon bib is enough instead of carrying multiple cotton bibs on a roadtrip.

Feeding utensils

Just take one bowl and two spoons. You can also use bottle-spoons for feeding on-the-go.

A Case for Strollers

Going on a weekend road-trip and wondering if it’s worth taking the stroller along? Indian roads are usually not suitable to stroll along with the pram, but I’ll make a case for it.

I can say that carrying a stroller is useful because I didn’t take it the first time. It was impossible for us to eat at the restaurant with our super-active 10-month-old who couldn’t keep his hands off all the cutlery on the table. But if you have a stroller, you can buckle them there and keep them engaged with occasional chitchats and toys while eating. On our trip to the Vedic village resort our baby didn’t have to miss a thing – from the long strolls to the open-air chai time, to dinners.

Even feeding the baby in a stroller is much easier than without it. Anyone would agree over that. If the hotel does not provide a high-chair for the kids, you’re really going to miss the stroller while feeding solid food.

Check out the best baby strollers here .

Diaper Changing Essentials

You should carry all the diaper changing essentials in the carry-on bag or organise them in the backseat organiser of your car. Pack more than sufficient number of diapers in the suitcase. Here’s a checklist for diaper change.

Sufficient Diapers – I prefer the pant-style diapers for travel, over the taped ones, as the former prevents leakage to a large extent. However, changing tape-in diapers at night is easier, so you may prefer to carry the taped diapers in your suitcase for nights.
Diaper changing pad – pack a spare or two as well.
Diaper disposal bags . This is extremely important so that you don’t throw away the diapers anywhere. Just put it in the disposal bags and keep them in the car until you stop at an appropriate place for disposing it. These disposal bags lock the odor so that it won’t be uncomfortable for anyone.
Alcohol-free baby wipes
Diaper Cream to be applied liberally before diapering everytime.

Bathing & Hygiene Essentials

Here’s a checklist of bath and hygiene products to carry for the trip, lest you forget. For adults can always use the toiletries provided in the hotel, but babies should not.

You can buy a baby product travel kit from your favorite baby brands or pour a small amount in the travel containers.

baby wash and shampoo
baby lotion
Sunscreen lotion
baby hairbrush
Inflatable bathtub (Optional)

Buy a set of portable bottles with a pouch for carrying the baby toiletries.

Medicines & First-aid

Here is a checklist of the usual medicines that you need to carry on a road-trip. If the baby is on a special medication, don’t forget to carry them.

Mosquito gel
Colic drops
Sumol drops
Vitamin drops
Diarrhea medicines for precaution
any special medication that your baby is on

Clothes and napping accessories

What clothes to pack for the baby? Ofcourse you’ll have some in your mind for taking cute pictures and all. But never compromise on comfort while travelling. Here are a few things I’d take.

Tip: Organise these in packing cubes which makes it very easy to sort things out and separate the soiled ones from the new.

Lots of onesies
Sleeping bag
bed protector sheets

A Case for Car -seat

In the west, car-seat is compulsory for traveling with babies. Thankfully in India it is not. I have not heard great success stories about road-trips with a baby strapped to the car-seat. It may be a good idea for babies less than 8-months old, who are not so active and don’t want to move around a lot. Others won’t want to be strapped to the seat for more than fifteen minutes. I don’t know how that’s going to work! But if you can manage, it’s apparently safer (as per the advertisements go). Or with multiple trips you may get them more accustomed to this setting.

I have still refrained from using one on our road-trips as it just does not work for my kid.

Back-seat Organizer

A car backseat organizer is an amazingly useful accessory while travelling. The number of things you have to juggle with on-the-go while traveling with kids increase multi-fold compared to when you’re travelling as a couple. Back-seat organiser makes life easier. The down-side is that these are within the baby’s reach, so beware of the stuff you keep here.

Printable Checklist

And here’s the bonus printable checklist for you to download! This is a packing list for road trip with babies.

And here’s a checklist for things you need to check with the hotel for better preparation for your road-trip. I have also included suggestions for things to keep in your carry-on diaper bag and/or the car’s backseat.

So these were the best tips I could give to new parents from my experience. I hope you found it useful. Cheers to travelling with the tiny tots. If you have questions, tips or any thoughts to share, please feel free to comment. And don’t forget to share the post if you liked it.

Living in Bangalore? You can get some great ideas for long drives from Bangalore here .

Also Read: Roadtrip from Bangalore to Kolkata in 3 days!

Liked the post? Please share with your friends and family, and plan the trip now. Or you can save this guide to plan later.

Let’s stay connected on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter . You can also subscribe to get notified by email when a new post comes in.

Sinjana Ghosh is a full-time business professional with a penchant for writing and travel planning. Backpack & Explore is a journal of her travel stories and tips she collected from her experience. She is the author of the travel book “Postcards from India” which is available on Amazon, Flipkart and Notionpress.com

I am sure you did not get barred from traveling with your baby again. Hahaha! You went full prepared man.

Copyright Disclaimer

All images and content in the blog Backpack & Explore are copyrighted. Using these anywhere without permission of the blog admin can lead to legal action.

Affiliate Disclaimer

The site is mainly monetized through affiliates. This means when I recommend a hotel or service or any product, they are likely affiliate links. If you buy something by clicking on these links, we get a small commission for referring you, WITHOUT any additional cost to you.

We are affiliate partners of Amazon , Booking.com , and GetYourGuide , among others. All product or service recommendations on our blog are based on personal experience and research. It is not influenced by any brands or affiliate partnership.

Feature of the Month - Europe Trip Planning

Is Keukenhof worth visiting? A guide to Holland's Tulip Landscape
Most Walkable Cities in Europe
How To Plan a Europe Trip on Budget
Best of Madrid in 3 Days
Best of Amsterdam in 3 Days
Best of Paris in 4 Days

Join India Travel Community

Dig Into Archives

Sustainable Parenting Initiative
Fabric Innovations
About Our Brand
Our Fashion Story
Customer Service
Order Status
Ordering FAQs
Return Policy
Track Your Order

Your browser's Javascript functionality is turned off. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site.

Traveling with an Infant: The Complete Baby Travel Checklist

Family traveling with Chicco Bravo LE stroller

Are you getting ready to travel with your infant? Don't worry. You've got this! The key to success is careful planning to make sure all your bases are covered. We've put together some helpful tips below, complete with a comprehensive baby packing list, so you and your infant have everything you need to make your trip a breeze!

First of All, When Can You Travel With Your Infant?

Most doctors agree that infants are better off at home during the first few weeks of their lives. After all, they've been through a lot lately! Infant immune systems aren't yet fully developed and are more susceptible to infection.

If you must travel via air shortly after birth, talk to your pediatrician first and check with your airline about their age restriction policy. While some airlines allow passengers as young as two days old, others require that infants are no less than a week old.

Driving vs Flying With Your Infant

An easy-to-install rear-facing car seat is essential if you're driving and highly recommended if you're flying. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics ( AAP ), infants and toddlers should travel in rear-facing seats until they reach the maximum height and/or weight allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer. No matter how you choose to travel, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination to avoid unnecessary stress.

If your infant hasn't spent much time in a car seat, it's a good idea to take them on a few short car rides before your big trip to ensure they have a chance to get used to the experience and are comfortable in the seat.

If your destination is relatively close by, driving may be your best option but keep in mind that you'll have to factor in rest stops for you and your little one. The nice thing about driving is that you're in complete control of the itinerary, so you can go at your own pace, and stop for some playtime or to eat when your infant needs a change of pace.

If you're traveling a long distance, flying will be more comfortable for both you and your child. Just about every major airline will allow your infant to travel in your lap without a ticket, and some allow parents traveling with infants to use unoccupied seats next to them. Many parents find that having a separate space for their baby during long flights makes for a more convenient and relaxing travel experience. It is a good idea to book a seat for your baby and fly with them strapped into an air-travel-rated car seat . If you plan to use a car seat for your infant during a flight, make sure the following sentence is included on the product labeling:

"This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."

All Chicco 5-point harness car seats are certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft. The FAA recommends that a child weighing up to 40 lbs. use a certified, harnessed child seat while traveling on an aircraft. You must purchase a seat for your child on the flight if you decide to use a car seat.

Book direct flights to avoid any stressful layovers or delays. After all, getting through the airport and onto a flight with an infant is no small feat, and knowing you only have to do it once on your big travel day will give you valuable peace of mind.

Another option when flying with a child, is to purchase a Car Seat Travel Bag and check your car seat at baggage check. The Car Seat Travel Bag makes it easy to arrive, move through and depart from the airport and then use your Car Seat after you arrive.

Pro tip: The roar of plane engines can be overwhelming for little ones. One way to make your flight less stressful for your infant and yourself is to limit the noise they’ll experience. In the cabin, the rear section and window seats are slightly louder, so choose forward aisle seats when possible. Also, consider investing in child-sized over-ear protection to give your baby a buffer from the noise. Remember to do a few trial runs with them at home, so your baby has a chance to get used to wearing them before you're at altitude.

Should You Bring a Stroller or a Baby Carrier?

We recommend bringing both if possible. A lightweight stroller is perfect when you're out and about exploring your destination or if you need a break from the carrier. If you're traveling by air, remember that many airlines allow you to check strollers at the gate and will have them conveniently waiting for you when you deplane (check your airline's carry-on policy). Some lightweight strollers even fold down enough to fit in the overhead compartment.

Wearable baby carriers come in handy when navigating through crowds or tight spaces where strollers aren't practical. They also give you a hands-free advantage for dealing with carry-on luggage, boarding passes, or anything else that comes up. Oftentimes your little one might even prefer being in their infant carrier when traveling through unfamiliar environments.

Wardrobe Considerations

A good rule of thumb is to pack two outfits for every day you'll be gone and a few extras, just in case. Don't forget warm socks, booties, hats, and jackets if you're traveling during cooler months. If you're traveling somewhere warm, pack light, breathable clothing like cotton onesies and rompers.

Pro Tip: Pack only your baby's most changing-friendly outfits and avoid clothes you aren't familiar with putting on or taking off your baby (especially if they have buttons). You’ll save yourself any extra hassle if they need a wardrobe change at a less than opportune time or location.

The Nitty Gritty: What to Pack in Your Diaper Bag

Below, we've compiled a comprehensive list of essential items you'll need at arm's reach during your travels. With this gear on hand, you and your baby will be on track for a smooth, hassle-free trip!

Diapers: Always pack a few more diapers than you think you’ll need.
Changing pad: Make sure it's waterproof and wipeable.
Wipes: You simply can't have too many!
Diaper cream: Remember, keep it under 3.4 oz. You don't want to get caught without this essential!
Leak-proof resealable bags: This often overlooked essential is perfect for storing soiled clothes or diapers in your bag.
Pacifiers: Ear pain during takeoff and landing is common in infants and young children. To help alleviate the pain, it's vital to ensure that your child has a pacifier . You may also want to try timing feedings during takeoff and landing. The sucking motion helps to equalize ear pressure and helps reduce the pain.
Burping cloths / bibs: Trust us, you'll need both!
Baby blankets: Keep baby cozy and use the extras as breastfeeding cover-ups or burp cloths.
Change of clothes for your baby: At least two outfits, plus a few extras.
Change of clothes for you: We won't get into the possible scenarios here, but don't forget this one!
Formula or breast milk: Both are exempt from TSA's 3.4 liquid restrictions, but you'll need to screen them separately from your other carry-on, and you might face additional security checks so allow for extra time.
Food: If your baby is eating solids, bring small jars of baby food and easy-to-eat snacks for both baby and you.
Infant acetaminophen: Make sure to check the age requirement on the labels.
Toys and books: Bring a few brand new ones to keep your infant entertained but don't forget the old standbys!
Antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer: Clean up sticky messes on the go!
Soothers or teething toys: You'll want a few tricks up your sleeve!
Earmuffs: We recommend them to give your little one a break from stressful airplane noise.
Passport: Yes, babies need them to travel internationally.

What to Pack in Your Checked Baggage

Once your diaper bag is dialed in, it's time to think about your other luggage. When you finally reach your destination, the last thing you'll want to do is go shopping, so it's a good idea to bring everything your baby will need for a comfortable and happy trip.

More diapers and wipes: You don't want to get stuck without your preferred brand if you run out!
Diaper cream: It can be a little harder to change your infant's diaper right away during long trips (even for the most attentive parents), so make sure you're ready for rashes.
Baby lotion: Especially if you're traveling somewhere more arid than where you and your baby live.
Baby soap: During travel isn't the time to switch brands, so be sure to bring plenty of your favorite suds.
Infant nail clippers: (Pack them if you'll be gone for more than a week.)
More leak-proof resealable bags: You never know when they'll come in handy, but they definitely will.
Baby proofing supplies: If your baby is mobile and you're visiting a non-baby household, these can save you a lot of stress.
Breast pump (if you use one): Plus pack storage containers for milk.
Infant utensils: Think sippy cups, baby spoons, and the like.
More clothes: Pack no less than two outfits for each day you'll be away (and some extras).
Weather-specific gear: Sun hats, bathing suits, swim diapers, gloves, winter hats, coats, and anything you might need to keep your baby comfortable in the elements.
Pro Tip: Be aware that when flying internationally, U.S. car seats are not certified in many countries abroad. Safety standards vary worldwide so you’ll need to ensure your car rental company offers child-safety seats.
Baby carrier: It's nice to have the option and the peace of mind of having your baby attached to you in crowded and chaotic situations.
Lightweight stroller: (If you choose to use a carrier at the airport, you should consider checking the stroller).
Portable feeding seat: These are hard to do without if your baby is eating solids!
Baby monitor: If they're sleeping in a separate room or if you're not ready to go to bed when they are.
Play mat: It's nice knowing you have a nice, clean surface you can put down anywhere for your little one to stretch out.
More baby toys: Soothers, teething toys, books, you can't go wrong with a wide variety.

We know packing for a trip with your little one can be daunting, but we hope this baby travel list makes the process a little easier for you. Remember, the most important thing is to relax and enjoy your time with your little one. After all, they're only little once!

Check out more tips and guides on our blog . Happy travels!

How to Take a Road Trip With a Toddler

Fact-checking standards, latest update:, tips for taking a road trip with a toddler, consider your departure time, plan for breaks, read this next, map your route, bring out the entertainment big guns, but don't hand everything over at once, alternate drivers, if possible, prepare for queasiness, expect some stress, road trip essentials for toddlers, personal care items, entertainment, toddler comforts, best snacks for a road trip with a toddler, toddler road trip activities.

Long car trips with toddlers can certainly be taxing, and reaching your destination will likely take longer. But with a little advanced planning (and plenty of breaks!), you can navigate the inevitable speed bumps and reach your destination with a happy passenger.

What to Expect the Second Year , Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, 9 Fun Travel Games for Kids on the Go , October 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Healthy Snack Ideas for Toddlers , February 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Toddler Air Travel: What to Know Before You Fly , January 2019. American Academy of Pediatrics, Is It Safe for My Baby to Travel in a Car Seat a Few Hours At a Time? , August 2021. American Academy of Pediatrics, Travel Safety Tips , August 2018. KidsHealth From Nemours, Staying Healthy While You Travel , January 2021.

Trending On What to Expect

How to keep your house clean and healthy for your baby and your family, spacing your kids: the pros & cons of every age gap, ⚠️ you can't see this cool content because you have ad block enabled., how to make — and keep — a family budget, different types of parenting styles, how to earn money as a stay-at-home mom.

10 Tips for Road Tripping With an Infant

Image Source / Getty Images

Road trips with an infant can be stressful, but they don’t have to be, and the truth is a car ride with a baby is often less stressful than getting on a plane. You can stop your own vehicle for an emergency bathroom break or to move around a restless toddler. And if your baby does throw a tantrum, you can focus your attention on their needs instead of worrying about other passengers.

Whether you're hitting the road to visit the grandparents or heading to a vacation destination geared toward families with infants , you may be surprised at some of the simple things you can do to keep your little one calm and quiet during your trip. Whether you’ll be on the road for five hours or five days, these 10 tips will help your vacation go as smoothly as possible.

While one person is driving, have another sit in the back with the baby. Having that caretaker in the back seat can help address issues as they arise—preparing bottles, wiping up, curing boredom with some old-fashioned “peek-a-boo”—which can help minimize stops and avoid total meltdowns.

It's an old bit of wisdom, but "sleep when the baby sleeps" is solid advice during a road trip with kids . When the baby is sleeping, the person in the back should try to rest, too, so they can be refreshed enough to take over driving when the driver gets fatigued.

Manage Expectations

Any number of things can go wrong on a road trip—a flat tire, bad weather, food poisoning—but those hiccups become exponentially more stressful with a young (likely screaming) infant in tow. Accepting that going in and maintaining a sense of humor about the situation can go a long way to help ease the tension. After all, the difference between a fiasco and an adventure can be as simple as your state of mind.

One way to make light of unpleasant situations is to make a game out of them. For example, put together Baby Road Trip BINGO cards where spaces are filled in with any and all potential disasters—think "blow out in the car seat" or tiny victories like "finished a whole podcast." That way, even bad situations turn into wins.

Drive at Night

It’s a bit uncomfortable for the parents, but then again, so is a screaming child with no exit in sight. Driving at night means your baby will spend more time sleeping and less time awake and hungry, bored, or needing changes. You’ll be able to drive for longer stretches without needing breaks.

A great way to maximize drive time is to schedule your departure so that it coincides with bedtime. Go through your whole routine (bath, pajamas, bedtime song—whatever your nightly ritual entails), but put the baby down to sleep in the car seat instead of the crib or bassinet. Drive as long as you're comfortable—or for as long as the baby is sleeping—but be sure to switch drivers, caffeinate, and rest when needed to avoid driving drowsy.

Plan Frequent Breaks

You might be able to go six hours without using the bathroom or needing to eat, but the baby likely can't. Plan for stops every one to three hours during the day and three to six hours at night to change diapers, stretch legs, eat, and change sweaty or spit-up clothes as needed.

To avoid unnecessary stops, make a checklist of items that you go through during every break so you don’t forget anything, such as changing the baby’s diaper or clothes, using the restroom (for those not in diapers), and refreshing essential supplies.

Skip the Scenic Route

While scenic overlooks and long stretches of the open road might seem like the very things that make a road trip worthwhile, they can also make it difficult to find help or reprieve when you need it. Choose a route in advance that has frequent access to food, 24-hour gas stations, restrooms, and service areas.

Even better, plot out some pit-stops in advance —including some potential hotels if you think you might need a real rest—so you can pull over when necessary.

Keep Supplies Nearby

You might have a giant suitcase with everything you need to survive traveling with an infant for an extended period of time, but that's not what you want to be digging through at 65 mph while a baby is screaming in your ear, or while parked at a dodgy rest stop in the middle of the night.

Keep a kit within easy reach so you don’t have to unbuckle your seat belt to retrieve any critical items, and fill the bag with small amounts of necessities (you can always refill as you go). You could pack all of these items into a medium-sized backpack or tote bag:

A portable changing pad with two or three diapers
A packet of wipes
Pre-portioned bottles of formula or breast milk in a small cooler bag
Two or three small but versatile toys
Infant Tylenol or ibuprofen
A baby forehead thermometer
A small portable sound machine
An extra blanket

In addition to the baby kit, be sure there's one for the adults, too. That could include mobile chargers for your electronic devices, a tablet or e-reader, high-protein/easy-to-eat snacks, sleep aids, sleep mask, a small pillow, earphones, and earplugs. You might also want to bring along a car sun shade to help your little one nap.

Brush up on Baby Massage Techniques

Babies can get stiff and uncomfortable after sitting for hours in their seats, just like adults. Read up on some infant massage techniques that you can modify to use either while driving (if you’re on backseat duty) and during stops. Gently massaging legs and feet, in particular, can often help calm a fussy baby long enough to get you to a good stopping place where they can stretch out their legs in earnest.

Sing Simple Camp Songs

When it comes to fussy infants stuck in car seats, be prepared with a variety of tools at your disposal. Singing songs can often be more effective than the radio at helping to put a baby to sleep, calming them when they’re fussy, and entertaining them when they’re bored. Try to pick songs with simple melodies, but where verses can be added or improvised as with many nursery rhymes or typical camp songs. Taking turns inventing new lyrics can help break up the monotony for parents, too.

Take Precautions

With or without an infant, standard prep and safety precautions should be followed. Make sure you have a spare tire, car jack, and tire iron that are ready to go, especially if you're driving through sparsely populated areas where the nearest mechanic could be several miles away. It's not fun waiting hours for a tow truck to arrive and even less so when you have a baby on board.

While packing the car, be sure not to obstruct the driver’s view, including in the rearview mirror. And always take steps to pull over to well-lit areas when stopping at night.

Admit Defeat

If you’re tired, if you’re frustrated, if everyone in the car (including and especially your baby) can’t take another second on the road, then stop. It’s okay.

Find a place to rest and give yourself a few minutes or hours to regroup. Most hotels will take bookings any time of day and many provide cribs in the room upon request. Take a nap in a real bed or freshen up with a hot shower and a meal at a sit-down restaurant. Giving yourself and your baby a chance to reset can help make the rest of the ride go more smoothly.

The Best Family Road Trips for Every Age

Visiting France With Babies and Toddlers

The 8 Best Car Sunshades of 2024

Mountain Buggy Nano Travel Stroller Review

The 7 Best Travel Car Seats of 2024

The 9 Best Travel Strollers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The Best Travel Cribs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

How to Go Hiking With Your Kids

How to RV With Babies on Board

What to Pack in Your Carry-On Bag When Flying with Kids

Planning a Road Trip: The Complete Guide

Vacation Packing Checklist for France

Tips for Taking a Road Trip With Kids

Driving in Paris, France

The 8 Best Bags and Backpacks for Disney of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Baby travel checklist

Baby , Travel
By baby checklist on Dec 20, 2011

Priority items
Car seat You will need one of these for the car or the airplane.
Baby food and drink Enough for an entire day in case you experience delays.
Diapers Plan to use one for each hour in transit, plus pack a few extra.
Baby Wipes Bring enough for any contingency.
Diaper bag Preferably pack one with a waterproof lining and a shoulder strap.
Baby clothes Bring one change for the trip and plan for pack for two changes each day thereafter. Include a hat for sun protection.
First aid kit Enough to deal with minor medical problems. Include an emergency sheet with the names and phone numbers of your pediatrician, including your baby's health information and any medications.
Pacifiers If your baby uses them, be sure to bring extras.
Plastic bags Bring all sizes for dirty diapers or soiled clothing.
More things to pack
Bibs Disposables for the trip and several washables for when you arrive.
Baby blankets If you are nursing, bring one to cover yourself, and others to cover the baby and other surfaces.
Changing pads Buy disposables.
Disposable spoons For feeding baby food.
Extra shirt for mom In case of an accident, having an extra will prevent embarrassment.
Hand sanitizer gel Use to wash your hands, your baby and even as a baby lotion.
Tissues You can never have enough of these.
Snacks for you Keep your energy up with a nutritional power bar and plenty of water to keep hydrated.
Other items for your stay
Baby bath tub An inflatable one makes bath time easier.
Collapsible stroller You can check it at the gate or store in an overhead unit in the plane.
Baby Sling or baby carrier One of these keeps your baby safe and your movements easier.
Portable crib or play-yard Either of these creates an instant child safe area whenever needed.
Camera Bring extra batteries to be sure that you do not miss any Kodak moments.
Nightlight One of these makes your room just like home.
Reading light A clip on light allows you to read without disturbing your baby.
Sunscreen For baby and yourself.
Share via: Twitter , LinkedIn , Facebook , Whatsapp
39 views today
20 uses today

Other than short distances from home, traveling with a newborn baby is generally not encouraged until they reach the age of three months. At that age, however, babies are less fragile than parents fear, and travel does not have to disrupt their schedule. While car travel with your baby is much easier to handle than travel by air, both require organization and pre-planning. Arriving at your travel destination unstressed makes it possible for you, and the baby, to adjust more quickly to your new surroundings. By planning ahead for all eventualities and packing smart, your trip is bound to be a success!

Plan for airport security. When traveling by air, mothers must be aware of items that will and will not pass through security. More than three ounces of breast milk, formula or juice is allowed if declared at the security checkpoint. Breast milk is considered the same as liquid medications. Also allowed in your carry-on bag is gel or liquid-filled tethers, canned, jarred, or processed baby food. Schedule smart. For best travel results, try to pace your trip to your baby’s schedule for eating and napping.

Related Checklists

By Travel Bucket List

More Related Checklist Templates

By baby checklist

By Fae Fisher

By Miriam Caldwell

More Checklist Templates

"baby travel checklist" not suitable, search the world's largest free library of checklist templates.

Baseless Car Seat Installation: How to Keep Baby Safe In Taxis and Ubers

Choosing the correct car seat for your baby is one of the first big decisions parents make..

B efore your baby is even born, you likely spent hours researching which car seat to buy. You chose one you believe will be easy to use and will keep your baby safe and secure. But did you think about how much time you will spend in other people’s cars?

This story contains affiliate links; A Girls Guide to Cars may earn a commission from sales generated by links in this story. So, shop away!

If you live in a city where you will use taxis or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft or you travel to areas where you will use them, you’ll want to consider buying an infant car seat you can install without a base.

Installing a baseless car seat is simple, but you need to be sure you have it right before letting the driver know you’re ready to roll. These tips will turn you into a pro.

Baby in car seat. Photo: Canva

Pick the right seat for baseless car seat installation

When it comes to bucket-style infant seats there are three major types: standard, with a base that install with a seatbelt or to LATCH anchors; baseless or European belt path style that use only the seatbelt to install; and LATCH installed infant carriers which use rigid guides to clip onto LATCH anchors. Most infant carriers come with bases for convenience sake; these not only make it easier to install the baby bucket – just drop the seat into the base and listen for the click.

All child passenger car seats require seat belt installation since not every seat has LATCH anchors and tethers, and some older cars don’t have them at all.

And, some parents prefer an infant carrier with a base for the ease of installing the seat into the base, and other features such as anti-rebound bars and swivel bases that make installation easy.

But if you will use rideshares and taxis regularly, infant seats that install using the European belt path method may be best. This allows you to stretch the shoulder part of the seat belt behind the infant car seat and secure it through a special “belt path” on the back. That gives the car seat two spots where the seat belt holds it in rather than just one.

Practice makes perfect when it comes to baseless car seat installation

Don’t let the first time you install a car seat with no base be when you need to. Practice makes perfect. Try installing the seat — both with and without the baby in it — before you travel. Practice before you go, more than once.

Practice installing the seat on both the center of the back seat and the sides. Studies have shown that the center position in the back seat can be up to 43 percent safer for baby. But some center seats bump out a bit, which can make installation tricky.

What is the right installation? One that you feel confident is secure. So go with what you feel most comfortable.

Chicco KeyFit 35

The Chicco KeyFit35 is an outstanding baseless infant car seat that offers a range of impressive features. One of its notable strengths lies in its easy installation process, ensuring a secure fit in your vehicle every time. Additionally, the Chicco KeyFit35 is compatible with a wide range of strollers, allowing for seamless transitions between car rides and strolling adventures. Safety is paramount, and this car seat delivers with its included base is a rebound bar, providing an extra layer of protection.

We know how heavy infant seats can get, but the Chicco KeyFit wins in this category, coming in at a mere 10 lbs. It is notably lightweight, making it a breeze to carry and handle. It’s important to note that the Chicco KeyFit35 has a weight limit of 4-35 lbs. and a height limit of 32″. The Chicco KeyFit35 remains a popular choice due to its user-friendly installation, compatibility, safety features, and lightweight design.

Find it here for $245.

The Doona baseless car seat brilliantly converts into a stroller.

Doona Car Seat & Stroller

The Doona Car Seat and Stroller is an incredibly popular all-in-one travel system that has captured the hearts of many new parents. Its popularity often leads to high demand, making it challenging to acquire at times. Trust this as someone who tried to get one for my baby when she was little. However, its exceptional features make it well worth the effort.

Installing the Doona is a breeze in various vehicle types, ensuring convenience and peace of mind. Despite its compact size as a travel system, it doesn’t compromise on impact protection, offering robust safety features. It’s important to note that the Doona has weight and height limits of 4-35 lbs. and 32″, respectively. It is relatively heavier at 17 lbs. compared to other options, but the Doona’s versatility and convenience outweigh this factor for many parents.

It’s worth noting that the Doona falls into a higher price range ($550), making it a more expensive choice. However, its popularity, ease of installation, compact design, and impressive safety features make it a top contender among all-in-one travel systems for parents.

Find it here for $550.

Nuna Stokke infant car seat, a nice alternative to the Nuna Urbn. Photo: Nuna

Nuna Pipa Urbn

The Nuna Pipa Urbn is another highly sought-after infant car seat known for its exceptional safety features. Installing the Nuna Pipa Urbn using just the LATCH connectors is a breeze, thanks to its anchor guides that provide easy and secure installation in any vehicle. But it can also be installed using a seat belt if you don’t want to stick your fingers into the seat bight of a taxi or Uber to find out where the LATCH anchors are.

What sets this infant car seat apart is its incredibly lightweight design, making it effortless to carry and handle. The built-in latch system adds an extra layer of convenience. It’s important to note that the Nuna Pipa Urbn has a height limit of less than 29 inches and a weight limit of 4-22 lbs, which may be a consideration for families looking for a seat that will grow with their child.

Even though it falls in a higher price range, its safety features, easy installation, lightweight design, and the brand’s reputation make it an appealing choice for parents who prioritize the utmost protection for their little ones.

Find it here for $900, and other Nuna baseless infant car seats here .

Britax B-safe Gen 2 infant car seat. Photo: Britax

Britax B-Safe Gen 2

We’ve long been Britax fans for the brand’s dedication to safety. And the B-Safe infant seat also works in tandem with Britax’s strollers and other gear. Add to that the washable covers and multiple fabric designs, and you have a lot of options to fit your lifestyle.

It’s worth noting that the B-Safe accommodates babies 4 – 35 lbs, and up to 32″ in height.

Also worth noting is that all that the B-Safe infant car seat weighs in at just over 11 lbs., something to consider for parents traveling without a stroller (the base weighs 9 lbs.).

Get it here for $269.

Checklist for a Baseless Car Seat Installation

You’ve practiced installation and you’re ready for your first trip. Here are a few last-minute hints to be sure the baseless car seat installation goes smoothly.

Have your infant buckled into the car seat and ready to go. Remember that the same rules apply as in your own car, so be sure the child is securely strapped in without any poofy coats or unsafe car seat add-ons.
Going in a taxi? Tell the driver to start the meter while you install. This will relieve some of the “rushed” feeling and allow you to put your full attention on the install without the driver getting frustrated.
Perform the above mentioned installation instructions.
Before you shut the door to the car make sure the seat is tight (no more than one inch of wiggle in any direction), level (check your car seat manual to see what the visual on the car seat should look like), and that the seat belt is locked.
Never shut the door until the car seat is fully installed. This signals to the driver that you are ready to go!

We are big believers in traveling with babies, and raising kids who travel well. Happy travels with your baby !

Have a thought or comment? Share it with us on social media! You can find us on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and LinkedIn . And be sure to sign up for our email newsletter !

Car Shopping

Need a new car? Whether shopping for a new car or a used car we recommend using our car shopping service .

Tire Shopping

Need new tires? We recommend Tire Rack .

Need to get your car repaired? We recommend Repair Pal . Exclusively just for Girls Guide to Cars readers, call (877) 323-1708 to speak to RepairPal Car Genius for FREE automotive repair advice and if needed to find the right shop for you!

Traveling with baby in an Uber or taxi? Learn how to properly install a baseless car seat and get a line on some of our favorites. And travel happy–and safely!

Skip to main content
Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Thinking of taking a last-minute drive to see the eclipse here's what to know.

Geoff Brumfiel

RV traffic sits at a standstill along a two-lane road near Madras, Ore., a few days before the 2017 total solar eclipse. Experts say traffic could be heavy, but eclipse watchers shouldn't necessarily be deterred. AFP Contributor/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

NASA says that roughly 31.6 million people live in the path of this year's total solar eclipse, and a little under half of the U.S. population lives within 200 miles driving distance of the path of totality .

That could mean many millions of Americans will hit the road to get a better view on April 8. If you're still pondering whether or not you want to make the journey, here's what to consider.

Have some destinations in mind, and check the weather and cloud cover forecasts in advance

It's a good idea to scout out one or more locations within driving distance, so that you have some flexibility if traffic or weather is threatening your plans, says Jonathan Upchurch, a professor emeritus of civil engineering at Arizona State University who has studied travel around solar eclipses.

There are several interactive tools that show the path of totality, including Eclipse2024.org and the National Solar Observatory . You can use them to figure out what sites might work best for you.

In terms of weather, check not just the weather forecast, but also the cloud cover forecast. Some websites, such as Windy.com will predict cloud cover ahead of time, giving you a sense of whether you'll actually be able to see the eclipse in all its glory.

Everything you need to know about solar eclipse glasses before April 8

During the total solar eclipse in 2017, Upchurch says he chose to go to Idaho "because there were some great chances of having sunny skies, and I had the opportunity to be nimble and relocate if I wanted to."

Before driving into the path of totality, make sure your gas tank is full and that you've got everything you need

During the last total solar eclipse in 2017, it's estimated some 5 million people took to the roads, and those numbers will potentially be much higher this year.

Given all that, Upchurch says it's important to make sure you're taking what you need into the path of totality. You should make sure your car is gassed or charged up, and that you have plenty of snacks and water with you in case you get stranded for a while, especially when trying to leave.

Solar Eclipse 2024: Totality stretches from Texas to Maine

Simple tips to safely photograph the eclipse with your cellphone.

Also don't forget to bring eclipse glasses, which must be worn anytime you're looking at the sun, except for the few minutes when it is completely blocked by the moon.

Some state emergency planners also recommend bringing a paper map or road atlas in case cellular networks become overloaded with visitors seeking directions from their phones.

Don't forget your eclipse glasses everyone! Erika Goldring/FilmMagic hide caption

Don't forget your eclipse glasses everyone!

Arrive early and stay late

Once you figure out where you're going to watch the eclipse, and you've got your supplies, try to get there early. Although traffic is likely to be heavier than normal on the morning of eclipse day, it still should be possible to reach many destinations without too much hassle, says Upchurch.

"Leaving is definitely going to be more of a problem," he says. As the eclipse concludes, people will take to the roads all at once to try and get home as fast as they can. In 2017, that led to traffic jams that lasted many hours in some areas. If possible, Upchurch says, people should stay put for a while to try and avoid the worst of the post-eclipse rush, which in 2017 stretched even into the following day in some parts of the country.

Here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region

And one more thing: If you do find yourself on the move near the time of the eclipse, state officials stress that you should not simply pull over to the side of the road or highway you're driving on. It's important to be parked legally and safely at the moment of totality.

If you're already in the path of totality: Relax and enjoy!

Several major metropolitan areas including Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Buffalo are already inside the path of totality, so there's no need to seek a better view, Upchurch says. You'll probably have the most fun simply staying where you are.

Shots - Health News

Watching a solar eclipse without the right filters can cause eye damage. here's why.

If you're on the edge of the path of totality, however, you might consider making a short trip to get closer to the center of the eclipse's path.

"If you're within about 40 miles of the center line, you'll have two-and-a-half minutes or more" of complete totality, Upchurch says. It's up to you to decide whether it's worth making the trip to a more central location.

Despite studying the potential hassles of traveling extensively, Upchurch says he's still looking forward to seeing the 2024 eclipse, which he plans to watch from Texas.

"Totality is absolutely spectacular," he says. "If you have a chance to witness it, I would do it."

2024 solar eclipse
eclipse 2024
2024 eclipse
Traffic patterns
total eclipse

IMAGES

Traveling With A Baby (Printable Checklist)
The Ultimate Packing List for Baby Travel (+printable checklist!)
5 Tips for Road Tripping with a Baby
Packing list for traveling with babies and toddlers
Traveling With Baby
Checklist For Travel With Baby

VIDEO

What’s in my baby hospital bag ????
We tested must have car travel accessory , car cargo carrier 🚗
Carefully and Attentively
how far can this car go on zero fuel?
Traveling with a baby or toddler 2018 (Tips and advice)

COMMENTS

The Complete Baby Packing List for Travel
Here are more must-have items for your baby travel checklist. ... With toys. Try not to go overboard with this, but toys are important, not just at your destination but for your baby packing list for the plane or car ride, too. A few things to keep your baby entertained (such as a favorite stuffed animal, a few books to read aloud, something ...
The ONLY Baby Packing List YOU NEED (+ FREE printable)
In the baby travel checklist portion of our download, you'll see a timeline for booking your flights and whether you should be inquiring about a airplane bassinet for your baby. This will also get you thinking about whether you need to travel with a car seat or not. Our daughter in an airplane bassinet at 3 months old.
Baby Travel Checklist: What to Pack When Traveling With Children
Wipes, lots of them. A changing pad. Diaper cream (no more than 3.4 ounces if you're flying by plane) Two bibs. Three baby blankets that you can use as burp cloths or to cover yourself up with while breastfeeding. Two bottles (if you use them) Change of clothes for your baby.
The Essential Packing List for a Road Trip With a Baby
Laundry detergent — we did a bit of hand-washing. Baby Shampoo + Soap and brush. Thermometer and infant medications. Rash Cream and body ointment. Diapers, wipes, and changing pad. Baby brush and nail clippers if a longer trip. Nasal aspirator and saline drops. Burp cloths — these muslin ones are our favorite.
The ultimate packing list for traveling with a baby
Travel gear. To get your baby from point A to point B, you'll need a few basics. Travel stroller. If you're running late to catch a flight, it's much easier to push your baby in a lightweight umbrella stroller than to carry them through a long terminal. Some travel strollers are Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved and fold to fit in the carry-on bins on board, but most get gate-checked.
The Essential Packing Checklist for Traveling with an Infant in the Car
Blankets. Two changes of clothes for your baby. Change of clothes for yourself. Pacifiers. Any special toy or lovey. Drinks such as bottled water and juice. Snacks, such as cereal, puffs, crackers and fruit pouches. If you have a young baby, never give her foods she could choke on while you're traveling in the car.
Baby Packing List: The Ultimate Travel Checklist
The Ultimate Travel Checklist - Baby Edition! Use this quick-hit packing checklist for your next trip. There's so much stuff to bring but your upcoming trip will be full of good times and worth ALL of the hassle. Car Seat + Cover + Carrying Bag; Travel Stroller; Baby Carrier; Stroller Fan; Baby Passport/Birth Certificate; Tops & Bottoms ...
Road trip with a baby: The essential guide including Tips and Packing
From travel tips to packing essentials, this guide covers everything you need to know on how to road trip with a baby from newborn to 24 months. My family grew up taking 12-hour road trips from Washington DC to Chicago every Christmas. That time spent in the car as a family created some of the best childhood memories for me.
Road Trip With A Baby: 10 Essential Survival Tips + Packing List!
9. Pack A Few Travel Dining Essentials. Car travel with a baby means that you'll be stopping along the way to eat, which means you'll need to pack a few travel dining essentials. If your baby can sit up with support, a travel high chair can make indoor dining much easier. These fold up when not in use and can easily be stored in the trunk ...
Taking A Road Trip With Baby: Checklist + Packing List
Have a copy of your baby's birth certificate with you or request a kid's ID, a passport, etc. if needed. And don't forget the car documents. 4. Get your car checked and make sure baby's car seat is properly installed. 5. Have realistic (or no) expectations as far as the duration of your trip - plan a lot of stops.
Travel Checklist For Road Trip with Baby
9. Practice a portable crib. If baby will be sleeping in a portable crib while away, practice a few nights before you leave for your trip to get baby familiar with a different crib. 10. Plan for the best sleep. If staying in a hotel, book a suite or two connecting rooms.
The Ultimate Packing List for Baby Travel (+printable checklist!)
Shirts & Onesies | Usually 2-3 tops, adding 2-3 more in winter months. Dresses or Rompers | Usually 2-3 for warmer destinations, because they're so easy to pack and don't require mixing and matching tops and bottoms. Socks | 2-3 pairs, even in the summer months in case we end up somewhere chilly.
How to pack
It's the perfect item to have when exploring a new city. Other key travel baby items to consider taking along are: Travel diaper backpack. Portable changing pad. Travel car seat. A bag for a car seat or stroller so these items aren't damaged if checked. Portable baby monitor. Baby carrier or wrap. Swaddle or baby blankets. Inflatable bathtub.
Ultimate Baby Travel Checklist {+ printable packing guide}
Baby Travel Checklist - Pool & Beach. Heading to the pool or beach on your family vacation there are several more baby items you'll want to consider packing: Swim Diapers - Designed to keep your infant from having number 2 accidents, these come in disposable swim diapers or re-usable swim diapers.
Baby packing list (+ printable baby checklist for travelling)
The baggage allowance for babies and infants varies depending on the airline. As a rule of thumb, you're normally allowed the following for infants under two who are travelling without their own booked seat: 2 pieces of checked baby equipment (e.g travel cot, car seat or stroller) 1 carry-on changing bag.
Roadtrip With Baby
Here's a checklist of bath and hygiene products to carry for the trip, lest you forget. For adults can always use the toiletries provided in the hotel, but babies should not. You can buy a baby product travel kit from your favorite baby brands or pour a small amount in the travel containers. baby wash and shampoo; baby oil; baby lotion ...
6 ESSENTIAL Tips for a Road Trip with a Baby (0
4. Getting Baby Sleeping in the Car. Every baby is unique and hopefully you'll have a good idea of what conditions make your baby sleep in the car. This is stating the obvious, but for a baby on a road trip, sleeping in the car is a great way to easily pass the time. Our daughter asleep in the car.
22 Must-Have Baby Travel Essentials for 2024
The 22 Must Have Baby Travel Gear Items. 1. Baby Carrier for Travel. When it comes to getting around while traveling with a baby, I highly recommend a baby carrier. Under the category of infant travel essentials, I absolutely loved my Baby K'tan Wrap and would recommend it to anyone. I would walk our daughter to sleep before our family ...
Traveling with an Infant: The Baby Travel Checklist
The FAA recommends that a child weighing up to 40 lbs. use a certified, harnessed child seat while traveling on an aircraft. You must purchase a seat for your child on the flight if you decide to use a car seat. Book direct flights to avoid any stressful layovers or delays. After all, getting through the airport and onto a flight with an infant ...
Road Trip With a Toddler: Packing Checklist, Snacks, Activities and More
This toddler travel checklist might look a little long, but hey: No toddler parents have ever lamented that they packed too many toys or snacks for the car. And since you don't have to worry about dealing with checked bags or carry-ons, there's really no downside in being over-prepared. Personal care items. Diapers; Wipes; Changing pad, if needed
10 Tips for Road Tripping With an Infant
Having that caretaker in the back seat can help address issues as they arise—preparing bottles, wiping up, curing boredom with some old-fashioned "peek-a-boo"—which can help minimize stops and avoid total meltdowns. It's an old bit of wisdom, but "sleep when the baby sleeps" is solid advice during a road trip with kids.
Baby Travel Packing List & Travel Tips| HALO
You want to pack as little as possible in your carrying on or personal item on the plane, but with a baby a little can still be alot! You will want to keep essentials on hand & within reach: • 3-5 diapers. • Plenty of wipes. • Binky or pacifier if your child takes one.
Baby travel checklist
Baby, Travel. 28 tasks. By baby checklist on Dec 20, 2011. Priority items. Car seatYou will need one of these for the car or the airplane. Baby food and drinkEnough for an entire day in case you experience delays. DiapersPlan to use one for each hour in transit, plus pack a few extra. Baby WipesBring enough for any contingency.
Flying With a Baby? Travel Tips for Parents
Consider a Car Seat Even if Your Baby is Flying as a Lap Child It's common for airlines to allow children under 2 years old to fly for free when seated on a parent or caregiver's lap.
Baseless Car Seat Installation: How to Keep Baby Safe In Taxis ...
Pull out the seat belt; thread the lap section across the seat and across baby's feet; secure the belt to the car seat using the the lap belt guides on either side of the car seat; push the ...
Target Car Seat Trade-In 2024
The 20% off bonus applies to various baby gear, including a new car seat, car seat base, travel system, stroller and some baby gear for home such as play yards, high chairs, swings, rockers ...
Last-minute travel tips to see the total solar eclipse
NASA says that roughly 31.6 million people live in the path of this year's total solar eclipse, and a little under half of the U.S. population lives within 200 miles driving distance of the path ...

The Essential Packing List for a Road Trip With a Baby

Essential Packing List for a Road Trip With a Baby

Flexibility

What to Keep in the Front of the Car

Feeding Essentials

Other Essentials

Everything Else to Pack

Sleep Essentials

Hygiene + Medical + Diapering

Save This Post for Later on Pinterest

1. Book Your Flights

2. Book Your Accommodations

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

4. Book Your Car

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Related Posts

The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in California

Western Montana Road Trip: Unique Stays, Small Cities, & Nature

Southern California Road Trip Guide: Laguna Beach to Big Bear

Write A Comment Cancel Reply

The ultimate packing list for traveling with a baby

What to pack when traveling with a baby

Travel gear

Travel stroller

Car seat bag

Baby carrier

Breastfeeding, pumping, formula bottles, and solids feeding supplies

Breastfeeding

Formula feeding

Clothing, outerwear, and shoes

Health and safety

Entertainment

40 tips for traveling with your baby or toddler

Flying with a baby: 15 tips for an easier trip

What to know about traveling internationally with a baby

Best umbrella strollers

Where to go next

Share this Page

The Essential Packing Checklist for Traveling with an Infant in the Car

Things To do Before Leaving on your Road Trip with Baby

What To Keep in the Front Seat while Traveling with Baby

Everything Else To Pack in the Car when Traveling with Baby

Print Our Checklist for Traveling with Baby

Return To Log In

Baby Packing List: The Ultimate Travel Checklist

Whether it’s your first trip with your baby or the tenth, make sure you have everything for a successful vacation.

The Ultimate Travel Checklist

Baby Packing List: Travel Essentials

Car Seat + Cover

Read more on Traveling with a Newborn Baby Road Trip Tips

Baby Packing List: Clothes & Toiletries

Socks & Mittens

Coats & Hats

Baby Packing List: Diaper Changes

Baby Packing List: Feeding

Bottled Breast Milk (Cooler with Ice Packs)

Baby Food & Snacks

Portable High Chair

Baby Packing List: Sleep

Bassinet or Travel Crib

Baby Packing List: Miscellaneous

Ziplock & Plastic Bags

The Ultimate Travel Checklist – Baby Edition!

You’ll Also Love

Traveling with a Newborn Baby Road Trip Tips (2023)

Road trip with a baby: The essential guide including Tips and Packing list

What Should I pack for a road trip with my baby?

How much time should I allocate for a road trip with my baby?

How do I change my baby’s diaper on a road trip?

How do I prevent my baby from crying in the car?

Drive while the baby is sleeping .

Take timely breaks .

Sit in the backseat.

My baby won’t stop crying. What do I do?

Give the baby a pacifier.

Use the “baby shusher”.

Give them snacks.

Road Tripping with a Baby: Packing List

Food and Drink