You’ll be surprised how much stuff you need when travelling with a baby or small child. Here’s a handy checklist you can use for your next trip. Choose your items according to your needs and the type of trip you will be taking. It is important to pack efficiently but don’t pack too much. You don’t want to carry heavy luggage AND a baby all day.
- Food: If you bring baby food that can be eaten out of a jar or by hand, you don’t need to carry plates and bowls as well.
- Eating utensils for baby: Bring ONE SPOON because if you need it again you can always wash it.
- Toys: Bring Baby’s favourite small hand toys and pin them to the blanket with a nappy (diaper) pin.
- Baby wash / baby lotion / waterless hand cleaner
- Baby bath towel
- Bath toys
- Blanket(s): One or two are enough. If you’re travelling by air, they will probably have blankets on the plane and you will most likely be holding onto your baby most of the time anyway.
- Bottles, nipples, and/or Sippy cups: One or two of what you use is enough. You can always wash them.
- Breast pump (if you use one)
- Camp cot or play pen: A safe place for your baby to sleep or play
- Car seat: Your car seat can be great on-board a flight if you bought a seat for the baby, but if you didn’t, then you will have to check it in as you board the plane if there is not an extra seat available.
- Clothes, socks, and booties: One to two outfits per day is a good guideline. A Babygro (onesie) is great for sleeping time.
- Dummy (“pacifier”) (if your baby uses one): Take one or two extra just in case you lose the first one.
- Energy-boosting snacks for you
- First-aid kit: Baby pain reliever, thermometer and supplies for treating minor injuries. Before you leave the house, put your liquids in one plastic bag to save you from having to pull everything out at the airport.
- Formula / pumped milk / juice / water: Whatever is appropriate
- Inflatable baby bathtub: It will make bath time easier at your destination.
- Nappies (“diapers”): Pack what you use in the same amount of time at home and then add two or three more.
- Nappy rash cream
- Nightlight: So you can keep the room lighting low during middle-of-the-night nappy changes
- Plastic change mat/pad
- Plastic bags: Carry a variety of sizes for storing soiled nappies, clothes, and blankets.
- Plastic or disposable bibs
- Sling or front carrier: It’s a lightweight, hands-free way to keep your baby close in crowded places like airports or train stations. It makes it easier to get through security and allows you to go places (like the bathroom) that you may not fit with your stroller.
- Pram (“stroller”): Handy for carrying your stuff and your baby and it can usually be checked at the plane if you’re flying. Try to get one that you can fold with one hand and that fully reclines.
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Tissues
- Wet wipes
- For Yourself: An extra shirt, an energy snack, a bottle of water (if your flying, you’ll have to get one after you go through security), phone, wallet, passport and camera. Don’t carry heavy things such as books or magazines and heavy clothing.
Tips
- Don’t over pack your bag. You don’t want to carry 22kg of gear AND a baby all day. Most places will have the necessary essentials nearby but check beforehand where the nearest shops will be.
- Start preparing to pack a few days before you travel. Keep a running list of things to take, or put items out on a table or dresser as you think of them.
- Use a nappy bag with a waterproof lining and a shoulder strap.
- Take the phone number for your baby’s healthcare provider in case you have questions while you’re on the road.
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