Many believe that traveling with a baby is akin to planning a major relocation. Sure, if you're accustomed to light travel, you might need to adjust that mindset for a bit... but with a little one in tow, you can still pack efficiently and effectively!
Embracing the joys of travel means accepting things might not mirror the comforts of home... and that's perfectly alright! In this guide, I'll provide you with hands-on advice for packing for a trip with baby.
Packing for Baby: Clothes and Textiles
Baby clothes
don't take up a ton of space. This allows you to pack essentials without significantly weighing down your luggage. Each baby is unique: while some stay relatively clean, others might need multiple outfit changes daily. If your baby falls into the latter category, consider scheduling laundry during your trip instead of overpacking.
When you're on the road with your baby, search for accommodations with a washing machine. Platforms like Booking.com make it easy to filter for this amenity.
Hotels, especially those rated 3-stars and above, often offer laundry services, though they can be pricier. Utilizing a machine at a local launderette can be more cost-effective. Alternatively, smaller items like bodysuits can be hand-washed.
Baby Suitcase: Clothes
When packing, remember to include:
- Bodysuits: Depending on the season, you might need long-sleeved or short-sleeved options. Front-opening bodysuits can be more user-friendly than those with American collars which are foot-entry.
- Pyjamas: Choose between cotton or velvet based on the weather.
- Outfits: In warmer months, consider rompers, bloomers, dungarees, or dresses – simple "one-piece" attire that easily goes over the bodysuit. They make changes on-the-go easy without compromising style. For other times, pack pants and tops (both short and/or long-sleeved).
- Socks, especially if the pants you pack don't include feet.
- Footwear, based on your baby's age and the prevailing temperatures.
- Protective headgear like a cap, hat, or bob depending on the weather.
- Swimwear: You can choose between disposable pool diapers or reusable options like this. There are also UV-protective suits available, for example on Amazon.
- If heading to colder climes, pack a warm wetsuit. Since babies often remain stationary in strollers, ensure they're adequately bundled up.
- An appropriate jacket for the season – be it a windbreaker, down jacket, or something lighter.
- Baby sunglasses. While I personally prefer Izipizi, other brands like Maïka, Béaba, Hello Hossy, and Julbo offer great choices too. You may have different brands in your own country!
Other Textiles for Traveling with Baby
For bedtime, consider packing a baby sleeping bag, and perhaps a fitted sheet for the crib if not provided. Babies should sleep in a clutter-free environment, so no additional items are necessary.
The bath cape you might use at home can be swapped for a regular towel, helping to save space. Whether you're at a hotel or a rented space, towels are typically provided.
However, having a few large flannel baby blankets on hand can be a lifesaver. They can offer shade in a stroller, add comfort on a changing mat, or even support your arm when holding the baby on a plane.
Hygiene Products to Pack for your Baby
When thinking about toiletries, consider taking travel-sized items, just as you might for yourself, to save space in your suitcase. This sort of travel container set is perfect to eliminate the need for larger bottles.
Remember to pack:
- Your baby's preferred cleansing cream or soap;
- A moisturizing lotion or cream since babies often have dry skin;
- Diaper rash ointment, especially if your little one tends to get rashes. Liniment can be a good alternative;
- Single-use saline packets for cleaning their nose and eyes.
Bathing and hygiene accessories
:
- A gentle hairbrush;
- Nail clippers or a fitting pair of scissors (baby nails grow quickly!);
- Cotton swabs for cleaning ears;
- A bath thermometer;
- Diapers, especially if you'd like to stick to the brand you use at home (if you're buying them locally, bring a two-day supply to tide you over until you can shop).
I also recommend carrying a pack of wipes (in your diaper bag, for instance) and a small bottle of hand sanitizer for on-the-go changes when water isn't readily accessible.
Feeding your Baby while Traveling
Feeding can be bulky: if you're not breastfeeding, you'll need to bring infant formula with you. Switching formulas isn't recommended for newborns to prevent upsetting their delicate digestive system. Smaller cans (about 14 ounces instead of 28) might be available for brief trips. Additionally, you'll need bottles, nipples, a brush for cleaning, and a small bottle of dish soap for degreasing (or you can purchase some once you arrive).
A handy tool for your journey: formula dispensers! They allow you to pre-measure what you'll need for several feedings, letting you take as many compartments as needed. They're very convenient for dispensing powdered formula. This means there's no need to lug the large formula container around. And post-trip, it can be a staple in your diaper bag.
Travel tip: If you often travel, train your baby to drink formula at room temperature from an early age. It simplifies things, eliminating the need to warm up the bottle each time!
For those who breastfeed and need to pump, don't forget your breast pump, milk storage bags, and a marker to label each bag with the date and time of pumping. Plus, you'll still need bottles, nipples, and cleaning supplies. Personally, I went with the Momcozy S9 Pro breast pump, a budget-friendly, portable, and compact choice.
Once you introduce solid foods, you'll also need:
- Baby spoons (I'm a fan of the Munchkin ones);
- Bibs, and long-sleeved ones can reduce laundry;
- A no-spill sippy cup (I picked the Twistshake training cup).
Regarding baby's meals, it'll largely depend on where you're headed and your preferences. Some might cook fresh meals (ensure your accommodation has the necessary appliances for making purees), while others opt to buy premade baby foods. When packing for travel with your baby, it's optimal to avoid bringing everything. Research what's available at your destination and, just like with diapers, bring an initial supply for the start of your trip.
Water is vital. If you're uncertain about the water quality where you're going, use bottled water for everything, especially washing fruits and veggies. If you're bottle-feeding, you'll need bottled water, but that can be locally sourced.
What to Pack for Vacation with Your Baby
Here are a few pieces of baby gear that you might need for traveling:
- A stroller: Many travel enthusiasts opt for a compact stroller, like Babyzen's Yoyo stroller, which can be taken as carry-on luggage on planes. This city stroller is lightweight (about 13.2 pounds) and easy to maneuver, making it a favorite among travelers. However, it's not suitable for all destinations since it's not designed for rugged terrains.
- A versatile baby carrier: This is my go-to when traveling as it's perfect for uneven terrains, like during my visit to the fortress of Rethymnon, or simply for hiking trails. I have a few favorites: for newborns, I recommend the Koala Babycare sling, which is easy for beginners; and for toddlers, the Manduca First baby carrier or the PhysioCarrier from Love Radius.
- A travel crib: Ideally, there'd be a crib waiting for you at your destination. If not, consider a portable crib like the one from Hauck. Although it's somewhat heavy (around 16.5 pounds), there's a lighter alternative: the Deryan tent bed weighing only about 4 pounds, suitable up to about 2.5 years old.
- A car seat: If you're traveling without your car, consider renting a car seat at your destination rather than lugging yours around, especially with the risks associated with airline baggage handling.
Always pack the stroller's rain cover and/or a sunshade based on the season. They're more practical than umbrellas, which need frequent adjustment and may not withstand strong winds.
Handy Items to Pack for a Trip with Baby
A First-Aid Kit
When packing for a journey with your baby, a first-aid kit is essential. Seek advice from your pediatrician or GP about the basic items to include, such as creams for mosquito bites, repellents, pediatric sunblock, teething relief solutions, band-aids, antiseptic, and mild pain relievers. Avoid self-medicating your baby; always consult a professional.
Digitally scan key pages of the health booklet, such as vaccination records, so you have them handy without the need for the physical booklet.
Entertainment for the Baby on the Go
Traveling exposes your baby to many new experiences which can be stimulating and tiring. Hence, you won't need as many toys as at home. Consider multi-functional toys like activity books such as this one or that one. They are lightweight (around 3.5 ounces) and won't add much weight to your luggage.
Don't forget your baby's cherished stuffed animal and a few pacifiers for comfort during sleep.
Another option is a baby storyteller. My son loves the Conteuse Joyeuse designed for toddlers. It's a cube filled with pre-loaded nursery rhymes and songs, but it's also customizable, allowing you to add your own favorites.
Smart Travel Items
A power strip might be handy to charge multiple baby gadgets. If you're renting accommodations, like a villa, where the baby's room might be distant, pack a baby monitor.
Pack garbage bags for used diapers and odour-blocking bags to keep your living space fresh.
Always carry your baby's identification, such as a passport or ID, depending on your travel destination.
Final Packing Tips for a Trip with Your Baby
For your first journey with the baby, jot down everything you pack. This list can then be refined for future trips based on your experiences.
If your baby is used to certain sleep habits, get him accustomed to the travel bed at home first. This familiarity will help him adjust better to new environments.
Organize the suitcase with storage bags, available in various sized packs. This strategy helps differentiate your items from the baby's, prevents tiny outfits from getting jumbled up in the suitcase, and allows you to group items by categories like clothes, underwear, electronics, etc.
It's also wise to separate "just in case" items from essentials. Often, many things can be purchased at your destination, helping avoid over-packing. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to adapt your routine to suit the travel environment.
Some argue there's little point in traveling with a baby, thinking "they won't remember." But when you witness your child's eyes light up with wonder as they encounter new experiences, the value of the journey becomes clear. Experiencing unfamiliar sounds, seeing diverse landscapes, and immersing in a different way of life undoubtedly make an impression, fostering adaptability and broadening horizons for the future!
