Travel checklist: Essential baby packing list
It can be overwhelming when you’re planning your first travel away with a baby, looking at all the day-to-day items you can’t live without and wondering which ones you really need to take on your baby travel checklist.
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So with a few trips under my belt, and inspired by another newish mum’s Facebook announcement that she could do with a baby travel packing checklist, these are my top 10 packing essentials for travel with a baby.
And here’s a more detailed version to download – ESSENTIAL BABY PACKING LIST
But before you start, work out what you can get at your destination. I’m not suggesting buying everything when you land but taking two weeks’ worth of nappies for a trip to Europe or the US is pointless – just pack enough for a couple of days to give you time to scope out a supermarket.
1. Sleeping
Travel cot – check if your accommodation will provide one (you’ll have more than enough to carry) but if not, here’s my tips on what to keep in mind when choosing yours.
Don’t forget sheets (or a big muslin), sleeping bags and any comforters, as well as a baby monitor (unless you’re in a single room).
2. Feeding
If you’re bottle feeding (formula or expressed), microwave sterilising bags are a godsend. I used the Munchkin ones.
Obviously, you’ll need access to a microwave for those so consider cold water sterilising if not (Milton is a good place to start).
3. Feeding (food)
If you’ve already weaned but aren’t at the point where your child is eating ‘adult food’, buy as much as possible when you arrive.
Baby food is not that different the world over, and you don’t want to spend your holiday pureeing… Pack some pouches (a few favourites, fruit and breakfast mixes were my usual standbys) as these travel better than glass jars.
Same goes for formula unless you need less than a container or you have a particularly fussy drinker.
4. Feeding (equipment)
High chair – again, if you can get one at the destination, do. But it’s worth packing a Totseat for when you’re out and about, or just in case your child doesn’t get on with the high chair.
The cummerbund alone is ideal for extra chest support if the chair has no shoulder straps.
5. Clothes
Your baby packing list needs layers, layers and more layers. Plus some hats. And plastic or wipeable bibs.
Even if you’re certain what the temperature will be, you might find you want loose ones to cover up in the sun, or for cooler evenings and unexpected breezes.
Always always keep at least one spare set in hand luggage, as leaks invariably happen at the most inconvenient times.
6. Clothes (washing)
Washing liquid – if you can do laundry while you’re away (assuming you’re going for more than a weekend), put extra in and take out half the clothes.
Then add a few bodysuits/vests back in – see point 5 for inconvenient leaks. And some stain remover…
7. Toiletries (first aid kit)
Wouldn’t it be lovely if no-one got ill on holiday. But unless you want to try to work out the local version of Calpol, or try to take a temperature by feel, well-stocked first aid kit is essential.
Keep some travel sachets of baby painkiller (plus spoon or syringe) in hand luggage too, in case teething strikes unexpectedly.
Check out my essential travel first aid checklist for more details
8. Toiletries (bath stuff)
It’s worth decanting some toiletries, especially if your baby has sensitive skin (now is not the time to discover they react to certain products) and a bath thermometer to be on the safe side.
But forget the inflatable baby baths and rubber ducks. Well, maybe one duck.
Check out my review of Munchkin grippy bath dots too, to avoid slipping over…
9. Entertainment
Toys/books – got anything flat or foldable? Perfect, put it in. My travel favourites include a couple of cloth books (complete with crinkly, chewy, generally entertaining bits) and a set of animal fingerpuppets which can be safely stashed in a pocket.
Be wary of anything squeaky – it might be a firm favourite, but after an hour’s squeaking on a plane, you won’t be the only person who’s thoroughly fed up of it.
For more of my travel toy favourites to add to your baby packing list, check out my top picks on Amazon
10. The failsafes
Is there a comforter your baby won’t sleep without? A toy which always puts a smile on their face? Take it. Take two. And a spare one, just in case.
If you’re heading right off the beaten track, it’s worth doublechecking exactly what will be available at your destination in case there’s anything missing to add to your baby packing list – but they do have babies worldwide. Except perhaps Antarctica…
PIN FOR LATER: ESSENTIAL BABY PACKING LIST FOR TRAVEL
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission
Image courtesy of Depositphotos
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