Baby Travel Checklist: What to Pack for Trips With a Baby
The first time you travel with a baby, you'll pack like you're preparing for the apocalypse. Three suitcases, a stroller, a pack-n-play, enough diapers for triplets. By the second trip, you'll learn that most of it was unnecessary. Here's the trimmed-down list that actually works.
The Non-Negotiables
**Car seat.** You need this regardless of how you're traveling. Flying? Bring it on the plane if you bought baby a seat (the FAA recommends it). If baby is a lap infant, gate-check the car seat. Driving? Obviously. Check that the car seat is installed correctly at your destination, not just "close enough."
**Diapers and wipes.** Pack enough for the travel day plus one extra day. Buy the rest at your destination. Hauling a 40-pack of diapers across the country is a waste of luggage space. Every destination has a store.
**Portable sound machine.** If your baby sleeps with white noise at home, they need it on the road. The Yogasleep Rohm clips to a bag, runs on rechargeable battery, and saves hotel night sleep. Don't skip this one.
**Sleep setup.** A travel crib or pack-n-play. The Lotus Travel Crib ($230) is lighter and packs smaller than a standard pack-n-play. If budget is tight, the Graco Pack 'n Play ($60) works fine, it's just bulkier. Bring a fitted sheet for whichever you use.
**Formula/breast milk supplies.** If formula feeding, pre-measured formula packets and bottles. TSA allows formula, breast milk, and juice for infants through security in reasonable quantities. If pumping, bring the pump, storage bags, and a cooler bag.
Clothing
**One outfit per day plus 2 extras.** That's it. Babies don't need outfit changes at dinner. Pack onesies, footie pajamas, and layers appropriate for the weather. Zip-up clothes are faster than snaps when you're changing diapers in airport bathrooms.
**A jacket or sweater** regardless of destination. Airplanes, restaurants, and hotel rooms run cold.
**Plastic bags** for dirty clothes. Gallon-sized zip-locks keep dirty outfits separated from clean ones in the suitcase.
Feeding Gear
**Portable high chair.** The Inglesina Fast Table Chair ($70) clamps to most tables and packs flat. Worth it if you'll be eating out. Alternatively, most restaurants have high chairs, but they're usually gross.
**Bibs and utensils.** Silicone pocket bibs roll up small. Pack 2 bibs and baby's preferred spoon. Don't bring plates, just use the restaurant's.
**Snacks for the plane/car.** Puffs, crackers, squeeze pouches. More than you think you'll need. A hungry baby on a plane is everyone's problem.
Health and Safety
**Baby medicines.** Infant Tylenol, gas drops, saline spray, and the nasal aspirator. You don't want to search for a pharmacy at 11pm in an unfamiliar city with a screaming, feverish baby. Bring the basics.
**Sunscreen and hat** for warm destinations (babies 6+ months). A sun hat with a chin strap that actually stays on.
**Baby first aid basics.** Band-aids, thermometer, any prescription meds. Keep it in a small zip pouch.
Entertainment
**2 to 3 small toys** that are new or haven't been seen in a while. Novelty buys you time. A crinkle toy, a teether, and a small board book cover most situations.
**Phone loaded with a few videos** for emergencies. Yes, screen time guidelines exist. But a 4-hour flight with a screaming baby is a legitimate emergency. No judgment.
What to Skip
Full-size stroller (bring an umbrella stroller or carrier instead). Baby bathtub (the hotel sink or regular tub with a towel works). More than 3 days of diapers (buy at destination). More than 5 toys (they'll play with the hotel remote anyway). A separate bag for baby (use packing cubes in your suitcase instead).
Flying Tips
Book the bassinet seat on long flights if your airline offers it. Nurse or bottle-feed during takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure. Bring more snacks than you think is reasonable. And arrive earlier than you normally would because everything takes 3 times longer with a baby.