Packing for a baby can feel extremely overwhelming. I remember the first time I ever took Oscar on holiday I felt so nervous and probably took way too much stuff – but I didn’t have this baby packing list!

Like every parent, I wanted be prepared, but I soon realised all the ‘just in case’ stuff was pointless and just more to carry.

Now after 7 years of travelling with babies, toddlers and now school aged children, I’ve learnt that successful packing is all about getting the right balance. Don’t forget the essentials that will keep your baby happy but overpacking makes travel even more stressful. Oh and packing cubes are a god send! We colour code for each family member now. That said I’ve put together the ultimate baby travel packing list, one I refer to again and again.

Whether you’re heading on a beach holiday, a city break, a cruise or a staycation, this ultimate baby travel packing list covers everything you’ll need. You can adapt it depending on your destination, the weather and your baby’s age and save the images to Pinterest.

Baby Travel Documents

Before you even think about clothes or nappies, make sure you’ve packed the important paperwork. The UK passport office is quick but give yourself lots of time to get baby’s first passport.

• Passport
• Visa (if required)
• Travel insurance documents
• Boarding passes or tickets
• GP details
• Consent letter if travelling without one parent

Feeding Essentials

You’re breastfeeding – 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 favourite for sleep.
• Breast pads – I prefer washable one 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 and a trusted brand.
• Sterilising tablets or Sterilising bags
• Bottle warmer – not everyone uses one and the hotel can provide but this is a reputable one.

Top 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 travel starts getting somewhat annoying! But these items 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. It’s 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 Essential

One thing you never 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 buy them when you’re there but be prepared!

• Nappies – we use pampers
• Baby wipes – water wipes for the win
• Nappy cream – this is a good one.
• Changing mat – A folding one like this is really portable and handy.
• Nappy bags
• Swim nappies – we used these and I always double up with a happy nappy.

Also have a pouch with all these essentials on you all the time as well as a change of clothes for your baby and for you!

Baby Clothes

As a general guide, pack around one outfit per day plus two or three spare outfits. When I first had Oscar I was all about fancy clothes and even designer ones. Now I’m more concerned with having things that are comfortable and practical.

Everyday Clothing

• Sleepsuits – my absolute favourite for sleepsuits is Baby Mori
• Vests
• Tops
• Leggings or trousers
• Dresses or rompers
• Cardigans or jumpers

Warm Weather

• 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 obsession with Toy Story.
• Sandals
• Sunglasses – babiators are cute.
• Floatie – one like this works well for babies.

Sleep Essentials

A well-rested baby (and parent!) makes travelling much easier – if I can’t sleep, I will simply not have a good holiday. My main advice is stick to what your baby knows and keep the routine as close to at home as possible.

• Sleeping bags (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 provide good black out blinds but here’s one just in case.
• Dummy

Top tip: Check with your accommodation before travelling – I always get the hotel to arrange a travel cots.

Bath Time

• 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. Always be prepared!

• 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, don’t forget sun protection.

• Baby sunscreen – use at your discretion. Babies under 6 months shouldn’t wear suncream.
• UV beach tent
• Pushchair sunshade – We use this one that is compatible with our pram.
• Portable fan – you can get one that clips to the pram.

Toys

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 about travel toys 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 are on your baby packing list.

• Pushchair – Our absolutely non-negotiable thing and my most important travel item ever since Oscar was a newborn is our YOYO pram which folds and unfolds so easily and fits in the overhead compartment of a flight.
• Car Seat – These are foldable and portable.
• 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.

Remember, almost anything can be bought once you arrive if needed. Focus on packing the essentials that make travelling easier and will help your baby stick to their usual routine.

Save this baby travel packing list before your next family holiday and use it as your checklist every time you travel. It’ll help you pack with confidence, avoid last-minute stress and spend more time enjoying your trip together.