Packing for a baby can feel extremely overwhelming. I remember the first time I took Oscar on holiday I felt so nervous and probably took way too much stuff – but I didn’t have this baby travel packing list!
Like every parent, I wanted to be prepared, but I soon realised that most of the ‘just in case’ stuff was pointless and simply meant more to carry.
Now, after seven years of travelling with babies, toddlers and school-aged children, I’ve learnt that successful packing is all about getting the balance right. You need the essentials that will keep your baby happy and comfortable, without taking half the house with you. Oh, and packing cubes are a godsend! We colour-code ours for each family member now.
So I’ve put together my ultimate baby travel packing list, based on everything I’ve learnt from travelling with my own children. Whether you’re heading on a beach holiday, city break, cruise or staycation, it covers the baby travel essentials you’ll need, from feeding and sleep to clothes, changing and getting out and about.
You can adapt the list depending on your destination, the weather and your baby’s age – and download the complete baby packing checklist to use for your next trip.
Baby Travel Documents
Before you even think about clothes or nappies, make sure you’ve packed the important paperwork. Getting your baby’s first passport can take time, so I’d recommend applying well ahead of your first family holiday.
- Passport
- Visa (if required)
- Travel insurance documents
- Boarding passes or tickets
- GP details
- Consent letter if travelling without one parent
Feeding Essentials
If you’re breast feeding
I honestly think breast feeding is the cheat code to traveling with a baby. You don’t need to pack lots of bottles and sterilisation stuff – your boobs are there doing all the work for you.
- Maternity bras – I love Jojo Maman maternity bras and these are my favourites for sleeping.
- Breast pads – I prefer washable oned for comfort. For me Lansinoh are the GOAT of breastfeeding products.
- Muslins – Aden + Anais are the softest and best.
- Nursing cover (optional) – I’m long past caring about covering up for breastfeeding but when I first started I had a cover like this.
- Breast pump (if needed) – The Elvie which super portable and wearable is the one I swear by.
- Milk storage bags – Again, Lansinoh for the win.
- Bottle for expressed milk
If you’re bottle feeding
- Bottles – Baby bottles are quite a personal thing but these ones by Mam are good!
- Formula – Whichever your baby prefers
- Bottle brush – Opt for a silicone brush from a trusted brand.
- Sterilising tablets or Sterilising bags
- Bottle warmer – Not everyone uses one and your hotel may be able to help with warming bottles, but this is a reputable option.
SilverSpoon Tip: Ready-made formula can be really helpful during travel days, especially if you don’t have easy access to boiling water.
If your baby is weaning
Honestly, when they start weaning is when travelling with a baby starts getting somewhat annoying! But these baby feeding essentials will help save the day.
- Bibs – Big ones that cover your whole baby. Thank me later.
- Baby spoons – Any will do!
- Suction plate or bowl – I’m a sucker (lol) for these ones, which are are pretty and practical.
- Pouches, jars, snacks – I’ve been caught short at hotels that don’t provide baby food, so I always used to bring some along. They’re handy for travel days too.
- Travel high chair – I’ve never used one myself but make sure you go for something sturdy and reliable.
Nappy Changing Essentials
One thing you definitely don’t want to run out of while travelling is nappies! Pack enough for your travel day plus a few extras in case of delays. Of course, you can usually buy more when you get there, but it pays to be prepared.
- Nappies – We use pampers
- Baby wipes – WaterWipes for the win
- Nappy cream – This is a good one.
- Changing mat – A folding one like this is really portable and handy for travel.
- Nappy bags
- Swim nappies – We used these and I always double up with a happy nappy.
SilverSpoon Tip: Keep a small pouch with your nappy-changing essentials with you at all times, along with a complete change of clothes for your baby – and one for you too! You’ll thank me when you need it.
Baby Clothes
As a general guide, I pack around one outfit per day, plus two or three spares for the inevitable mess! When I first had Oscar, I was all about fancy baby clothes and even designer ones. These days, I’m much more concerned with packing things that are comfortable, practical and easy to wash.
Exactly what you need will depend on your destination and the weather, but these are my everyday baby clothes for travel.
Everyday Clothing
- Sleepsuits – My absolute favourite for sleepsuits is Baby Mori
- Vests
- Tops
- Leggings or trousers
- Dresses or rompers
- Cardigans or jumpers
Baby Clothes for Warm Weather
If you’re heading somewhere hot, add these warm-weather baby essentials to your packing list:
- Sun hat – Bonus points for one that protects the neck
- Swimwear
- UV suit – I like to put my kids in full sun protection or UV suits. We have these due to the current Toy Story obsession
- Sandals
- Sunglasses – Babiators are cute.
- Float – One like this works well for babies.
Heading somewhere colder? If you’re planning a family ski holiday, I’ve put together a complete ski packing list with kids, covering everything from ski clothing and equipment to what to pack for the journey and hotel.
Sleep Essentials
A well-rested baby (and parent!) makes travelling much easier – if I can’t sleep, I simply won’t have a good holiday! My main advice is to stick with what your baby knows and keep their bedtime routine as close to home as possible.
- Sleeping bags – Choose the correct tog for the destination. Once again, Mori saves the day and these are just the best.
- Comforter
- Favourite teddy
- White noise machine – Good old Ewan the dream sheep!
- Portable blackout blind – You would hope a good hotel would have a decent black out blind but here’s a portable one just in case.
- Dummy
SilverSpoon Tip: Check with your accommodation before travelling to see what they can provide. I always ask the hotel to arrange a travel cot rather than bringing one with me.
Bath Time Essentials
You don’t need to bring the entire bathroom with you, but I like to pack the products my baby is already used to.
- Baby wash
- Moisturiser
- Hooded towel – This one is really soft.
- Hairbrush
- Nail scissors – Here’s baby hygiene kit with all of the above
- Bath toys
- Toothbrush and tooth paste.
Baby First Aid Kit
Once I didn’t bring Calpol on holiday… never again. I always pack a few basic first aid essentials when travelling with children.
- Calpol
- Thermometer – This one is very accurate.
- Teething gel or granules
- Family first aid – I really recommend this first aid kit, which has everything you need like antiseptic wipes, plasters, bandages, safety pins and more.
- Baby-safe insect repellent
- Bite relief cream
Sun Protection
If you’re travelling somewhere warm, sun protection is one of the most important things to think about. For young babies, shade and protective clothing are particularly important, so make sure you have everything you need to keep them protected from direct sun.
- Baby sunscreen – Choose one suitable for your baby’s age and follow the product guidance.
- UV beach tent
- Pushchair sunshade – We use this one that is compatible with our pram.
- Portable fan – You can get one that clips omto the pram.
Toys and Entertainment
We usually don’t bring many toys, but it’s worth having a few up your sleeve, especially for journeys. I actually have a whole post on the best travel toys for kids that you can read here.
- Favourite books
- Soft toys
- Sensory toys
- Rattles
- Busy board – These are great and so multi-purpose.
- Yoto Mini – The Yoto mini is my absolute ride or die travel toy. It’s basically a story box and you can insert story cards. It keeps the boys entertained for ages.
Out and About Essentials
These are the items you’ll probably use every day while you’re away, so make sure they’re on your baby travel packing list.
- Pushchair – Our absolutely non-negotiable thing and my most important travel item ever since Oscar was a newborn is our YOYO pram. It folds and unfolds so easily and fits in the overhead compartment of a flight.
- Car Seat – A foldable and portable car seat can be really useful when travelling
- Rain cover – This raincover works well with the YOYO
- Footmuff – (for colder weather)
- Baby carrier or sling – I like this one that works for even the smallest of babies. It’s super handy to be hands free when traveling.
SilverSpoon Tip: Remember, almost anything can be bought once you arrive if you forget something. Focus on packing the essentials that make travelling easier and help your baby stick as closely as possible to their usual routine.
Download My Baby Travel Packing List
After years of travelling with babies and children, the biggest thing I’ve learnt is that you don’t need to take everything – you just need the right things.
To make packing even easier, I’ve created a downloadable baby travel packing checklist. Pop your details in below and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.
Whether you’re heading on a beach holiday, city break, cruise or staycation, I hope this baby packing list helps you feel prepared without taking half the house with you!
And if you found it useful, save this guide for your next family holiday.
And if you’re planning your next family holiday, have a look at my guide to the best luxury family hotels in Europe for some inspiration.
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