When our baby was 9 months old, we finally took the plunge and embarked on our first family trip, with domestic flights from Los Angeles to Chicago. We thought it was genius to include a stopover halfway to let our baby girl stretch her little legs and provide a fail-safe in case she wouldn’t stop crying.
>>>Scroll down to the bottom for a printable and clickable travel packing list<<<
Little did we know that just when she would fall asleep, the lights would come on full blast and the loudspeaker would blare for takeoff and landing. While the time in between went okay, I’ve learned my lesson: next time, we’re going to buy a ticket for a non-stop flight unless we’re traveling internationally.
The travel days were the most nerve-wracking part of the trip for us. Otherwise, it was pretty easy. After all, if you forget something, you can always go to a store. We were visiting my husband’s family, so grandma and grandpa were thrilled to help. They got us essentials like diapers, borrowed a neighbor’s high chair, and brought out some old toys for our little one to play with to make the trip as travel friendly as possible.
If traveling by plane, make sure to have at least 3 things on hand for sucking/swallowing to make sure your little one’s ears are popping with ease for takeoff and landing. I took apple sauce packets, a pacifier, and nursed our baby for take off and landing. This is where you would want to have a bottle ready to go if you bottle feed, or their favorite sippy cup with something special. We like using the honey bear best. Bottom line is do whatever you need to do to keep them swallowing during this time.
Traveling with babies and toddlers might require extra planning, but with the right preparation, you can have a smooth trip.
Here’s a list of tips and essential items to pack when traveling with your little one (in addition to the printable list below):
1. Embrace Being Prepared
Overpacking might be the right move. While you don’t want to go too overboard, having the essentials you know you’ll use is crucial. Focus on enjoying your destination rather than running errands.
2. Make a List
Use tools like PlanTrip to create a comprehensive packing list.
3. Consider Shipping or Delivery
Depending on your destination, you might be able to schedule a delivery of necessities (like diapers) to your hotel or vacation rental to keep your luggage lightweight and easy.
4. Compression Bags
For bulky items like diapers or blankets, vacuum compression bags can help increase extra space. Ziplocks work well too.
5. Travel Documents
If traveling by plane, pack a copy of your little one’s birth certificate. If traveling internationally, a passport for your baby is required. Double-check airline policies for newborn travel as they vary by airline, for example, Jet Blue allows for travel after 3 days old. Southwest also has a pretty nice policy.
Here are American Airlines rules and Delta’s rules. Check for differences in international vs domestic rules as well.
6. Diapers and Wipes
Pack enough for the duration of your trip, along with wipes to keep your baby clean and fresh.
7. Diaper Bag
Ensure your diaper bag is well-stocked with all the essentials, including bags for soiled clothing (use a wet bag and I keep a ziploc with a sample of laundry detergent ready to soak any stain), an extra set of travel clothes, a blanket that can double as a nursing cover, wet wipes, teething tablets, diaper rash ointment, and a travel bib. I also like this faux leather mat that can be used as a changing mat or for a placemat. These disposable mats are great if you’re on the road.
We loved using our carry on bag for organizing baby things for the flight since, let’s face it, you’ll be spending most of your time getting baby to nap. The only thing I used for myself is headphones and an audiobook. The best thing about this specific carry on is it’s super compartmentalized.
8. Diaper Cream
Prevent diaper rash with your preferred diaper cream. I prefer Redmond’s baby powder but I highly recommend bringing samples for travel.
9. Baby Wash
For car rides, bring gentle baby wash for bath time or use a shampoo that doubles as both like this one from Honest Company.
On many of my airplane trips I bring Viori bars because they’re lightweight and compact. It’s hard to beat the natural, fragrance free formula for my perfect baby shampoo. I do not see any citric acid listed in the ingredients either. I love it for me too since I have delicate skin!
10. Body Lotion
Keep your baby’s skin moisturized with baby-safe lotion or consider using butter! That way you don’t have another thing to lug around. Here’s a cute Sophie travel set.
11. Sunscreen
If over 6 months, I tend to apply if we’re out all day no matter the season. However, 10 minutes of unprotected sun can be very beneficial for optimal Vitamin D levels. For the first year I preferred to use rash guard shirts and sun hats whenever possible.
Since then I’ve been using this mineral sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast and works great. I asked them for a referral code for you! Use MICHAELL at checkout. Once you read the simple ingredient list you’ll understand why it’s the only one I use anymore. It glides on like velvet, doesn’t look white after it’s rubbed in, and you can get it in 50SPF.
12. Infant Nail Clippers or a Nail File
Babies’ nails grow quickly and can be painful if scratched, so having nail clippers or a file (this is my favorite) can be handy if you’ll be away for more than a couple days.
13. First-Aid Kit
Include necessary medications, bandages, ointments, and your pediatrician’s contact information. Personally, I prefer using coconut oil for most cuts that need ointment (antibacterial) and arnica for any bumps and bruises. Arnica is in teething tablets so you can use them for most ouch situations for a 2-in-1 travel solution. I also like to keep Baby Coldcalm around so I can react quickly at the start of a sniffle. Consider outlet covers for babyproofing if you have a curious kid.
14. Breast Pump and Milk Storage (if applicable)
If you’re breastfeeding, consider a hands free breast pump and storage bags for expressed milk. If using formula, pack enough for the trip. For me personally, I was able to nurse on demand so none of this was needed. Downside: you need to be available every 2 hours.
15. Baby Clothes
Pack enough outfits for each day, considering potential spills or accidents. Include extra socks, hats, and mittens if the weather is cold. Obsessed with these bubble shorts for summer with an easy tee and these hair ties.
16. Travel Day Outfits
I found a sweatpants outfit (or separate pants and sweatshirt) was the best for travel because you don’t have to do any snaps or zippers and if there is a spill you don’t necessarily have to change the whole outfit. We also brought simple tees that are comfortable to sleep in.
17. Blankets and Swaddle Wraps
Bring lightweight blankets for warmth and swaddle wraps for comfort during naps or bedtime.
18. Baby Carriers
My favorite travel carrier is the Tushbaby, which has an attachment called the “snug.” It also has lots of compartments for things. I wore this most of our trip and rarely carried a diaper bag once we got to our destination.
For strollers, call ahead to your hotel and inquire about the amenities they offer for family travel. Many upscale hotels provide items like travel strollers and even diapers to make your stay more convenient. If that’s not an option, I prefer the strollers like Uppababy because you can take the infant car seat and put it in the stroller–2-in-1!
If you prefer a lightweight travel stroller, Nuna has a great reputation with a similar system.
19. Travel Crib
If your destination doesn’t provide a crib, consider bringing a travel crib for your baby to sleep in or a combo playpen/crib or pack n play. Check out the lotus travel crib. If you choose to co sleep while staying in a hotel, ask for extra pillows to put on the floor in case your baby rolls and check out the Safe Sleep 7 checklist.
https://llli.org/news/the-safe-sleep-seven/
20. Rear Facing Car Seat
If you’re traveling by car, ensure you have a properly installed rear-facing car seat.
21. Bottles and Formula (if applicable)
If bottle-feeding, pack enough bottles, formula, and a bottle brush for cleaning.
22. Toys and Entertainment
Keep your little one entertained during travel with age-appropriate toys, books, and as many multi-use stuffed animals as possible. Coloring books can also be a great distraction for the over 18 months crowd.
My favorite books for over 9 months are the Indestructible books because they’re paper thin and can be chewed and washed. I like stuffed animals that have multifunction as well. Even food can be entertainment if they’re learning how to use their pincer grasp. Take a look at the Epic! Books app as well.
23. Make a list of games you can play that don’t involve toys
Some of my favorites are creating an interactive playlist, like “If you’re Happy and you know it” and “One Little Finger” and “Baby Shark.” Also, peek-a-boo, high five, pointing and naming things, saying “hi” and waving up and down the airplane aisles, hiding things. My little one is obsessed with taking any type of sticker on and off–band aids, window clings, etc.
24. Proof of Age
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires proof of age for lap infants, so make sure you have a copy of your child’s birth certificate and a passport if traveling internationally.
25. Other baby travel items to consider
A baby monitor, travel sound machine, ice packs, baby food, and of course, travel size everything that you can.
If you are traveling internationally, call the airline you are traveling with to see if they can provide a bassinet while on the flight. This way you and baby can enjoy the flight just a little bit more.
Additionally, consider the season you are traveling. You may need some other odds and ends like an extra warm jacket in the winter or mosquito repellant and sun hats in the summer. Since non-toxic is important for kids, I like this one by Earthley and opt out of Deet based products.
Remember to adjust this list based on the duration of your trip and the specific needs of your baby. Let me know if you think I should add anything to the checklist and safe travels!
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