The Golden Rule of Packing with a Baby
You will always pack too much the first time. And the second time. Gradually, you'll learn what you actually use versus what you carried "just in case." This list is organized by priority — start from the top and only add from the bottom if you have space.
Absolute Essentials
- Diapers — enough for 2 days (you can buy more at your destination)
- Wipes — at least 1 full pack per 2 days
- Diaper cream
- 3–4 outfits per day of travel, 2 per day at destination (you'll do laundry)
- Pajamas — 2 sets
- Weather-appropriate outer layer
- Feeding supplies — formula + bottles OR nursing bras + pump + storage bags
- Medications — infant Tylenol, any prescription meds, vitamin D drops
- Documentation — baby's birth certificate or passport
Sleep Gear
- Portable crib or travel bassinet — a must unless your accommodation provides one (confirm in advance)
- 1 fitted sheet — for the portable crib
- Sleep sack or swaddle — what baby uses at home
- White noise machine — portable, USB-rechargeable. Or use a phone app as backup
- Blackout solution — portable blackout blinds (Velcro or suction cup) or even black garbage bags and painter's tape work in a pinch
Feeding and Food
- Bottles + bottle brush (or disposable liners)
- Formula — pre-measured portions in a dispenser, or ready-to-feed bottles for travel days
- Bibs — 3–4 total
- Portable high chair or chair harness (if baby is eating solids)
- Snack cups and pouches (for older babies)
- Dish soap for washing bottles
Diapering
- Portable changing pad
- Diaper disposal bags (scented)
- Extra outfit in the diaper bag at all times
Entertainment
- 2–3 small toys (rotate them to keep things fresh)
- 1–2 board books
- Teething toys (if applicable)
- Stickers or crayons (for toddlers)
Health Kit
- Thermometer
- Infant acetaminophen / ibuprofen
- Saline nasal drops
- Band-aids
- Sunscreen (6+ months)
- Insect repellent (if applicable)
- Hand sanitizer
What to Leave at Home
- Full-size stroller — bring a lightweight travel stroller or use a carrier
- More than 3 days of diapers — buy at destination. Diapers are available worldwide.
- Excessive "just in case" clothing — 2 outfits per day at destination is plenty
- Toys they don't care about — household items (plastic cups, wooden spoons) entertain babies as much as toys
- Your anxiety — easier said than done, but babies are more adaptable than we give them credit for
Frequently Asked Questions
How many diapers should I pack for a trip with a baby?
Pack enough diapers for 2 days of travel, plus extras for delays. You can buy diapers at your destination — they are available worldwide. For a travel day, plan roughly 1 diaper per hour of total travel time plus 4 extras.
Do I need a portable crib when traveling with a baby?
Yes, unless your accommodation confirms they provide one. A portable crib or travel bassinet is essential for safe sleep. Bring a fitted sheet, your usual sleep sack, and a portable white noise machine to recreate familiar sleep conditions.
What is the most important thing to pack for a baby trip?
Feeding supplies and documentation. Always bring more formula or nursing gear than you think you need, and carry baby's birth certificate or passport. Everything else — diapers, clothes, toys — can be purchased at your destination if needed.
