I remember when my brother came to visit me with his new baby many years ago. He and his wife brought so much stuff, I thought they were staying for a month, not a weekend! Bags of clothes, diapers, even a baby bathtub! It was mind-blowing... how could someone need all that stuff?
Then I took my first trip with baby, and my world was changed. It was SO easy and tempting to pack everything. We might need this... what if that...? Bring it ALL!
But with a little practice, I have mastered some checklists and packing techniques that should help you travel a little lighter, and way more worry free.
Let's imagine you're going away for 3-4 days, and traveling by plane, with a baby under 6 months.. You can modify this list based on length of stay, location, weather, special occasions, etc., but the basic structure should apply.
What to Pack - Checked Baggage:
Clothes
Make outfits in advance. Line them up and double check. You'll be tempted to bring everything that's cute. Control yourself.
Find items that mix and match. For 4 days, you could have a total of 8 tops and 6 bottoms. Try not to pick outfits that require their own kit of accessories.
Pack maximum 2 pairs of shoes (not counting special occasion shoes if required), plus whatever they're wearing when they travel. Find shoes that match with everything and are multipurpose.
Pack 4-6 pairs of socks max. If they get dirty you can hand wash them, but small children socks really don't get dirty (unless they're walking).
1-2 sweaters/sweatshirts (if applicable). If anything, bring one with you when you travel.
Two sets of pajamas, sleep sacks, or swaddles (whatever you use).
Head/hair - bring universally compatible hats/bows/ribbons to match your outfits. You really don't need a bow in every color.
If you have "fancy" occasions, bring 1 outfit per event, plus a spare (babies have blow-outs at the WORST times!). If this needs special shoes, try to get a single shoe style that works with every special occasion outfit.
At least 2 swimsuits (if applicable). For girls, I have discovered this brand Fasten that makes diaper changing or going potty with a swimsuit 100 times easier.
Bathroom
Bottle of baby wash - Travel size if possible (you can pour your favorite into a travel container to keep it light).
Baby lotion, if required. Most times, unless your baby has skin issues, they can forgo a few days without lotion.
Don't worry about baby towels, unless your baby has allergies. Hotels and family homes usually have clean towels.
If you need a baby bath for a very small baby, there are plenty of fold-down baths or mats you can purchase for under $40 on Amazon.
If your baby already sits up, just use a towel for a non-slip sitting surface in the tub/shower. Or, if you really want a bathtub, here's a great inflatable one that packs down. (This helped us on a cruise!)
Baby toothbrush and toothpaste (if applicable).
Buy diapers locally if you can, or even on Amazon/other to arrive ahead of time (if applicable). Take a few more than you usually need on hand though. Or, if you want to take your own diapers and wipes, I usually stuff them into the car-seat or crib bag - there's always extra space in there.
Baby sunscreen (if applicable)
Hair brush
Sleep
Most hotels have portable cribs. Be sure to ask for one when you make your booking.
If not, you have a few options:
1. If this is a family home you plan to visit with frequency, consider purchasing a portable crib to store locally and use for future visits.
2. If you need to buy your own travel crib, there are many options depending on age. Just be mindful you'll have to carry it. Here are a few different styles to consider: Bassinet-style: Baby Delight, Koalty, Munchkin, Scuddles.
Crib-Style: Flisko, Graco PNP On the Go, and KidCo (we got the larger size when traveling with toddlers - also UV protective, so great for the beach or pool).
Pack extra pacifiers (if required).
Young babies usually don't sleep with toys under 12 months, so you don't need to bring anything extra.
There are some great low-cost travel monitors (audio or a/v) you can purchase for under $40. Here's a good video camera option.
A blackout shade - totally optional. Here's a fab one we found and use it for travel, overnighters, even for guests who stay over. Very easy to install.
Food/Milk
You can usually get most food at your local destination. Unless there's something super special, don't bring a ton of food with you.
Bring a spare set of bottles, and baby bottle soap (in travel size containers). I personally like this travel brush/drying rack set from Oxo, but there are other comparable brands if you have the space. Otherwise, use your hands!
If you're pumping, bring at least one extra set of kit (and extra valves!).
If you use formula, take some extra on the plane with you (1-2 more bottles' worth than you need - just in case), but check the rest (or buy it locally).
If baby is using sippy cups, or other special spoons/forks, I'd bring one set along (in your carry-on cooler or diaper bag).
Transportation:
This is a tough one. If you plan to lap sit baby and not buy a seat for their infant car-seat, it's 50/50 whether you want the car seat/stroller with you, or to check.
Pros: You can put baby down, the stroller has baskets to carry stuff.
Cons: You have to go through security, you have to planeside valet (both ways), you have to pay for bags (check airline rules)
Honestly, checking everything worked best for me. Baby carriers/slings/bjorns are very helpful and the planeside valet is cumbersome and tedious.
If you are going to check your stroller or infant car seat, invest in a great padded carrier bag. You want to protect your investment. And don't do the backpack thing - you'll regret it. Get something with wheels.
There's almost always extra space in the car seat bag, so use this to carry your bathroom items, diapers (if you bring), extra bottles/food, wrapped sunscreens, etc.
See my blog about traveling with toddlers for suggestions on traveling with larger car-seats/strollers.
What to Pack - Hand Carry:
Diaper bag: include changing pad, wipes and diapers (2x more than usual), diaper cream, burp cloth, change of clothes for baby (universally compatible colors), pacifier, paci-wipes (life savers for pacis, spoons and bottles if you don't want to bring soap), mini first aid kid, 1 toy, 1 book, spare bottle, baby fork/spoon set (if required), phone charger, large Ziploc bags x 2, hand sanitizer.
If you can put your own phone/wallet in the diaper bag, skip bringing a separate purse on-board and check one.
Sweatshirt for baby
Small blanket. This is good for tummy time in the airport or on board (if you can book bulkhead - which is a MUST!)
I usually bring one small cooler with ice pack that can clip to my diaper bag when in the airport. Here's what I put in there:
1. If the baby is still milk only, bring 1-2 more bottles' worth than you deem necessary for the time frame. This will help in case of delays (or hunger emergencies).
2. Bring snacks to travel, for you and baby (if they eat). Mostly for you. ;-)
**If you have formula or breastmilk, you will be stopped by TSA. They test it without touching it, but be prepared. TRAVEL HACK - TSA won't check any liquid that's FROZEN SOLID.
Breast pump (if applicable). Bring a clean set of kit, spare pump bottles/caps, milk storage bags (if necessary) and a Ziploc bag for used parts (if you plan to pump while traveling). Use the cooler and icepack mentioned above to store milk if necessary. Here's a great portable soap to use (no brushes required).
Cover-up for pumping/feeding (if applicable)
Baby carrier, sling, bjorn, whichever you prefer. Whether or not you are bringing stroller.
Stroller/infant car seat. If you do decide to bring your stroller with infant carrier, you might want a good planeside valet bag. You can use the wheeled one mentioned above, or a lightweight bag like this one for seat and stroller. Not necessary, but again, protect your investment, especially against drops and bad weather.
Optional: Some people like the idea of a baby sling in the plane for hands free cradling while baby sleeps (good through 5-6 months). Here is a suggestion from Sky Baby.
See my blog about traveling with toddlers for suggestions on traveling with larger car-seats/strollers.
So that's it. LOL. Good luck and don't stress. Try to keep it all in perspective. Notice a lot of what I said was optional.
And I promise you, you CAN survive a weekend with baby on only the contents of your diaper bag, plus some milk - I've done it (lost bags, long story...)!
For traveling with an older baby/toddler or small child, check out my article "Travel like a Pro - Packing for Toddlers and Young Kids"
For traveling to a theme park destination, like Disney or Universal, check out my article "Travel like a Pro -Packing for Theme Park Vacations"
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