Checklist: Packing list for traveling with a baby
Little travelers need a surprising amount of stuff! Here's a checklist of items that make traveling much easier, plus tips for efficient packing. For more information, see our articles on traveling with a young baby or an older baby.
Packing Checklist
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Diapers
One for each hour you'll be in transit, plus extras in case of delays -
Pad to put under your baby during diaper changes
You can buy disposable changing pads at supermarkets or reusable ones at baby stores. -
Blankets
Bring a few — you'll use them to lay your baby on, cover your baby, cover yourself if you're nursing, protect your clothes from messy burps, shade your baby, and more -
Plastic bags
Carry a variety of sizes for storing soiled diapers, clothes, and blankets. - Diaper rash cream
- Wipes
- Small bottles of disinfecting hand gel, baby wash, and baby lotion
- Tissues
- Extra pacifiers (if your baby uses one)
- A few of your baby's favorite toys
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Clothes, socks, and booties or shoes
One to two outfits per day is a good guideline. - Washable bibs
- Sun hat
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Lightweight plastic feeding set with utensils, and baby food
If your baby's eating solid foods - Formula, water, and juice if appropriate
- Extra bottles, nipples, and sippy cups if appropriate
- Energy-boosting snacks for you to munch on
- Breast pump (if you use one)
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Nightlight
So you can keep the room lighting soothingly low during middle-of-the-night diaper changes -
First-aid kit
Baby pain reliever and supplies for treating minor injuries -
Sling or front carrier
Lightweight, hands-free way to keep your baby close in crowded places like airports -
Portable crib or play yard
A safe place for your baby to sleep or play -
Inflatable baby bathtub
Can make bath time easier at your destination. - Car seat for safer travel by car or plane
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Collapsible stroller
Can be gate-checked or stored in the overhead bin of an airplane.
Tips
- Start preparing to pack a few days before you travel. Keep a running list of things to take, or put items out on a table or dresser as you think of them.
- Use a diaper bag with a waterproof lining and a shoulder strap.
- Be prepared for leaky diapers and baby spit-up on the airplane: Tuck an extra outfit or two for your baby – and an extra shirt for you – into your carry-on bag.
- Prevent leaks by packing medicines and toiletries in resealable plastic bags.
- Pack each of your baby's outfits in its own zipped plastic bag so you don't have to hunt around for tiny socks, shirts, and so on.
- Take your camera, battery charger, and an extra memory card.
- Take a clip-on reading light so you can read without disturbing your baby.
- Take the phone number for your baby's healthcare provider in case you have questions while you're on the road.
