The ultimate packing list for traveling with a baby (2024)

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.

What to pack when traveling with 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 ColugoOpens 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.

Car seat

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).

Sleep gear

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 BabyQuipOpens a new window).

Consider bringing a SlumberPodOpens 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 oneOpens 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).

Pumping

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.

Solids

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 boosterOpens a new window, which packs flat).

Diapering

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

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• 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.

Bath time

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 rentedbaby 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" onesOpens 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 BabyQuipOpens a new window, or pack a selection of "surprise" playthings yourself. And don't forget your baby's favorite stuffie or lovey!

What to pack for your baby in a carry-on

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.

Free printable baby packing list

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