I have never given much thought about what I would need when traveling with a baby. I didn’t give it much thought until I had to do just that: figure out what Avery needed in order to go on a trip.
We just got back from a little weekend getaway. It was our 3rd annual trip to Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, ME and this year we had a little addition in tow. Since it was our first trip away with Avery and with another one planned in December to Newport, RI, I figured I needed to get my shit together I’d figure out what it really was that I needed to pack to travel with a baby.
So full disclosure: we were only going for a weekend away and we were driving to our destination. Is you are going for longer or flying with a baby I’m sure you could make small modifications to what I present here to fit your needs.
First thing is first. Make a list. Make a list of everything that you need because even with your list you are bound to forget one or two things. I forgot one important thing which I will share later on.
I’ll link all items that I used below the list. Some links may contain affiliate links which means I may get a small percentage if you make a purchase. This in no way influences the items I promote! I only promote items that I actually use and would recommend. You can see me full disclosures HERE.
1. Diapers: enough for your trip. I planned for at least 6 a day and then added a couple.
2. Wipes: 2 packs.
3. Outfits: one for each day you’ll be gone, include socks and bibs and pack at least one extra outfit.
4. Sleepers: add at least one extra
5. Pack n Play
6. Pack n Play sheets: I packed an extra sheet as well
7. Blanket: I had one extra that I use in Avery’s car seat
8. Bottles: I packed 2 to rotate
9. Dish soap: to wash your bottles and pump parts if applicable. I put this in a small, easily portable container.
10. Pacifier: this is what I forgot. Let’s just say it was not pretty when Avery found out.
11. Pump: as well as all the parts
12. Baby lotion and wash: I also put small amounts in smaller containers linked below.
13. Tylenol with measuring syringe: Avery is teething so this is a must some nights.
14. Trash bags: I actually always keep one in my diaper bag because you never know when an accident may happen.
15. Carrier: sometimes it is just easier to stick Avery in the baby carrier then trying to push a stroller around.
16. Stroller: But don’t forget the stroller. I’ve done that once.
17. Toys: especially tethers. Need to keep the baby entertained somehow.
18. Food and utensils: Avery is super picky about what she eats and loves the mixed purses. So I made sure to bring
19. Outerwear: Hats, gloves, boots. We live in Maine so I literally have to prepare for all the elements especially in November.
20. Portable sound machine: for whatever reason Avery loves listening to the tide coming in when going to bed.
21. Diaper backpack
So I ended up packing 3 bags for our trip. I had my pump bag with the parts, dish soap as well as the bottles. I also happened to put a Tupperware container that I could use to disassemble the pump parts and wash in.
I also packed Avery’s diaper backpack with diapers, wipes, the extra outfit and a couple of trash bags. I also put Avery’s hat, mittens and jacket in here as well.
Everything else went in Avery’s main travel bag.
Here are the links to what I used to make this travel a little bit easier!
Diapers: Pampers Swaddlers Disposable Baby Diapers Size 3, 168 Count, ONE MONTH SUPPLY
Pack n Play: Graco Pack n Play at Walmart
Sheets: Graco Play yard Sheet
Travel containers:4 Leak Proof Travel Bottles - 3 oz Travel Containers for Travel Size Toiletries with TSA Quart Bag
Trash Bags: Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Bag Dispenser with Bags, Lavender Scent, Colors May Vary 1 ea
Sound machine: Portable Owl Sound Machine
Diaper backpack: The one I have is currently unavailable but here is one from Freshly Picked.
So tell me what is a must to pack when traveling with kids or if you don’t have kids tell me what is a must to pack for yourself! I am always looking for suggestions to make my own packing easier.
BMB says
If I am somewhere I will not be doing laundry, I bring at least 2 outfits per day. Got to be prepared for the blow outs, drool sessions and food everywhere. Thankfully, we mostly travel places where we can do laundry.
Brilliant reminders! I am definitely sharing this with my first-time mom who is about to embark on a trip. Perfect timing!
Gladys Parker says
The pacifier-you forgot the pacifier-that could ruin an entire trip!! I sure hope it didn’t and Avery enjoyed herself. You certainly remembered everything else you needed. I’ll bet you NEVER forget the pacifier again!
Hirra Pervaiz says
Now that’s a very helpful lists for people travelling with a baby.
Bindu Thomas says
These are some great tips for parents. I will share this with my best friend. She has a little naughty baby. Thanks a lot.
I don’t have children but I have a friend who does, and she always packs so much for her baby when she goes away with him. I agree that at the beginning of all packing there should be a list. It’s so much easier to follow it and this way you can make sure you don’t forget anything at home.
Maartje van Sandwijk says
Brilliant list! Not a mum but I can imagine it can be so hard to remember everything you need to take with you when travelling with a baby!
Sondra Barker says
I haven’t had to travel with a baby before but these sound excellent tips. I know that if I did I would be stressed out!
Shannan P says
This is a great list! It’s been a long time since I had to travel with a baby in tow, but it sounds pretty similar to what I used to pack. Hope you were able to handle the pacifier situation! That would have required a middle of the night run to the store over here when mine were little.
Jeannette says
I am so glad you posted this. So many new moms just don’t travel because it seems like such a hassle. However, having a baby doesn’t have to stop you from having adventures. It actually can make things a little more interesting!
These are must have on a list before traveling. Traveling with baby is not easy at all and we need those stuff for the entire trip.
Non stop family - Tips for family travels says
I loved that time when our son was a baby and we went travel… But it’s true, it requires some preparation but, it’s so great to travel all toguether. Great tiips you leave here.
Stephanie Stebbins says
Excellent reminders! I always forget something, lol!
Alexandra says
Great tips here! Very accurate. It’s not always easy to travel with a baby. I’m sure this tips will help lots of mamas out there!
Clare Minall says
Such a great reminder. I never get a chance to travel with my baby
But this could be a big help when I decide to bring her to my trip.
Oh, I am SO thankful that my kids are older. But I feel this one in my soul. I had three kids under the age of four, and traveling was crazy!
Elizabeth O says
Ideas sounds so great and easy to do. I would rather follow this instructions than to have a chaotic vacation with the baby 🙂 thanks for sharing!