The first time we traveled with a toddler-aged Tiny Traveler, I wrote out a packing list of everything I thought I needed to bring with me. Then I panicked at how long it was, and went out to buy a huge suitcase. Traveling with a baby or toddler is a whole new ballgame.
I hate over-packing. But the more of my familiar go-to items I could have with me, the less stressful it was being away from home, for both me and the baby. I just planned to check my suitcase for a few years and thought of Tiny Traveler as my new carry-on item.
Here is the packing list I used for family vacations until she was a preschooler. It looks long, but the good thing about baby stuff is that it’s small. And at least some of these items, like diapers, only make a one-way trip.
There’s a carry-on list, too, that will keep you prepared for whatever long flights or delays you might face.
Pair this with
• My All-purpose Basic Packing List for Parents & Big Kids
• My list of 33 Items I Love for Traveling With a Baby or Toddler
•My readers’ 13 favorite bags for traveling with kids
The Ultimate Packing List for Traveling with a Baby or Toddler
My Best Packing Tips for Traveling With A Baby or Toddler
If your trip is domestic and you aren’t picky about brands, just pack enough diapers, wipes, formula and baby food for the first two or three days. Stock up for the rest of the trip at your destination.
But if you’re headed to an island, where these items are extremely expensive, you’ll save money by bringing with you what you need for the whole trip. If you’re headed to someplace where you don’t speak the language, or you need specific brands, it will be easier and less stressful to pack enough to last the trip.
I always gate-checked the stroller because it carried Tiny Traveler and at least one bag as we walked across giant airports. It will have to go through the security X-ray machine, so take one that folds easily. A stroller travel bag will help to protect it in the cargo hold.
I liked to borrow a car seat from the car rental agency or taxi company. It was usually fine. I just don’t recommend doing it in countries without good car-seat laws. The quality might be low and they might not know how to install it properly.
I always used the hotel crib. They were often playards and were fine, but I learned quickly to pack a playard-sized fitted sheet because they never have sheets that fit properly.
A light baby carrier that folds will keep your hands free if the baby falls asleep on you on the plane. Just be ready to take it off when you go through security checks.
Put more formula, snacks and diapers than you ought to need for your flight in your diaper bag. You don’t want to get caught short if there are delays and you can’t get to your luggage.
I quickly learned to always to pack lollipops, too. It keeps tots occupied during take-off and landing, when other forms of entertainment might not be available. And it can help alleviate ear pain from the changing pressure. The landing lollipop became a part of the flight that Tiny Traveler looked forward to.
Finally, pop by Target or a similar store before your trip and pick up an inexpensive toy (or two) that will be a novelty and help to keep your toddler occupied.
Your Baby & Toddler Vacation Packing List
- Diapers/wipes/changing pad
- Baby Powder or diaper paste
- Several onesies
- Several changes of clothes
- 2 Pajamas
- Sun hat or winter hat
- Crib or playard sheet (hotels have cribs or placards but they never have the right sheets)
- Sleep sack
- 2 Burp cloths
- Bath-time essentials (towel, washcloth, baby soap/shampoo)
- Pool/bath toys (just a few, but they really come in handy)
- Small bottle of baby laundry detergent
- Small bottle of dish detergent (handy for getting spills and stains out of your clothes)
- Cuddly toy
- A few picture books
- Bottles or spill-proof sippy cups
- Feeding essentials (bowl, spoon, fork, bib, place mat)
- Formula
- Essential baby food & snacks
Optional Items
- Car seat (and bag if you’re gate-checking)
- Travel crib (and bag if gate-checking)
- Swim diapers (if there is a pool or beach involved)
- Bathing suit and cozy cover-up
- Extra pacifiers
Your Baby & Toddler Carry-On Packing List
- 2 day’s worth of diapers/wipes
- Changing pad
- Extra outfit (2 for long flights)
- Pacifier
- Blanket
- Fleece or sweater
- Bottle or sippy cup
- Pre-measured formula
- Snacks
- Extra baby food & snacks
- A few small toys
- Crayons and paper
- Downloaded videos (a couple of reliable favorites to supplement whatever the plane might have)
- Toddler-sized headphones
- Stroller (ideally with a bag for gate-checking)
- Front baby carrier
- Harness or car seat (optional)
- Infant Hammock (optional)
Print the list!
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