I don’t think anything can beat the joy of seeing your little one experiencing the beach or ocean for the first time. Taking them to meet long-distance grandparents is also nothing less than magical. But taking little travellers will mean carrying a lot of baggage. When you plan for a first family vacation or vacation abroad, it can be confusing what to pack when you are travelling with a baby.
Trying to figure out what you will need during the trip to keep the baby safe and keep your sanity at the same time is an art itself. It can be very overwhelming and stressful, but keeping a list of items will solve your problem. You might be a light traveller, but the list of items can increase when travelling with your baby.
Here is a checklist of items so that your baby and you both can experience a fun vacation trip.
What are the Cleaning Items you Need to Carry?
- Diapers
Consider packing diapers on an hourly basis. These items should be the most important item on your travelling list, and add a few as a back-up option. Consider buying diapers that are made up of more environmentally friendly materials.
- Easy-to-pack blankets
Blankets are must-have items in your diaper bags. Make sure you pack several blankets for your journey, which can be used for a nursing cover, burp cloth, changing pad, shopping cart cover or a blanket to lay down your baby.
- Bibs
Pack at least two bibs if your child has a habit of wearing bibs. A washable bib will come in handy and help with keeping the outfit clean. It will protect it from spills and messes. The bibs you carry should be soft, wrinkle-free, lightweight and easy to roll up.
- Changing station
It can be quite tricky to change the diapers of a baby when you are travelling. Consider keeping a small and foldable changing station that will ensure the comfort of your baby.
- Changing pad
Although diaper bags come with changing pads, it is essential to ensure that you keep them on your baby’s travel checklist. Discovering there is no soft, clean spot while changing the baby’s diaper is the last thing you would want. This way, you will be able to change pad on a restaurant, floor, hotel room, train or anywhere.
- Disposable bags
Disposable bags are necessary items to throw out dirty clothes, used diapers and burped blankets. You cannot just throw the dirty items anywhere, and to prevent it from happening, disposable bags are the most useful item.
- Reusable wet bags
Reusable wet bags are one of the must-haves in your baby packing list. Your wet bags will be useful if you face a kind of an accident or you need to stash wet swimming gear.
- Baby wipes
Baby wipes are multi-functional, and thus it is one of the most useful items in your travelling. Besides cleaning the baby’s behind, you will also be able to use it as meal clean-ups, wiping spills, or wipe your hands. It is recommended to using unscented baby wipes for newborn and sensitive skin.
- Diaper cream
Carry diaper creams to save your little one from having those terrible diaper rashes. Rashes can make your baby becoming fussy and irritable.
- Hand sanitizers
Your hand sanitizers should have at least 60% alcohol, and this is why it is recommended to check the back sanitizers before buying them.
What are the Clothing Items to Pack?
- Extra clothing
You must consider checking the climate whenever before going on vacation. It will help with picking clothes for your baby.
While packing for the baby, make sure that you add extra clothes for your diaper bag and checked bag (if you are flying). They should include sleepwear, two swimsuits, a sweater or jackets, a couple of nice outfits for your infant to go outside, underwear, or any necessary clothing item.
- Sun protection hat
A bucket hat is another necessary item that acts as a sun-shielder. It provides 50+ UPF sun protections, and it comes with a chin strap. It will protect your baby from the sun. For the winter season, consider carrying a warm hat or beanie for your little one.
- Baby shoes
Since baby socks are hard to stay on, add baby shoes to your list of clothing items.
What are the Feeding items You Should Pack?
- Baby food
If your baby is used to eating solids, do not forget to carry pouches as they are easier to throw, and they also do not take up too much space. You can also carry a bag of oatmeal. You can keep plenty of snacks. Other easy-to-pack options include cheerios, teething cookies, etc.
- Portable breast pump
Yes, bringing a baby on vacation is a huge responsibility, but that does not mean you cannot enjoy it at all. Bring a portable breast pump with you or, better, a hands-free breast pump.
- Bottles
When you are packing, carry as many baby bottles as you might require for one day. You will have to wash them on a regular basis.
- Formula
You will also have to pack an amount of formula for the trip. Add it in a ziplock bag, so it does not take a lot of space.
- Familiar dish and utensils
Carry the dishes and utensils that your baby has familiarity with. Seeing foods in familiar utensils and dishes will bring a sense of comfort to your baby.
- Storage containers for breast milk
During travelling, you may need to pump, and this is why it is necessary to carry proper storage containers with you. They are easier to transport, and they take up less space.
What Baby Travel Gears You Must Carry?
- Baby carrier/Wrap/Carrier
When you are visiting the market or going around places, consider carrying a baby carrier/wrap/sling in case babies want to be held. This way, you will be able to keep your hands free.
- Car seats
Whether you are travelling by road or on a plane, car seats will be important for your baby’s safety.
- Foldable play mat
Consider bringing a play mat with you that can be foldable in your bag. You will be able to turn your hotel room into a baby playground.
- Crib sheets
Whether you have a travel crib or using a crib provided by the hotel, make sure you pack your crib sheets. A baby needs to sleep comfortably, and that can only be possible wit using crib sheets.
What Health Care Items You Need to Carry?
- Vitamins
- Thermometers
- Band-aids
- Allergy medicine
- Children’s fever/pain reliever
- Disinfecting liquids like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
- Pain relief tablets
- Prescription medicines
What Miscellaneous Items You Should Carry?
- ID cards
- Drivers’ license
- Vaccination documents
- Favourite toys of the baby
- Small flasks
- Pacifier
- Phones and chargers
- Baby books
- White noise sound machine
- Baby camera monitors
- Sunscreen
- Nail clippers
- Insect repellent
- Brush & comb
- Flashlight
- Assorted plastic containers
- Power Bank
- Sippers
- Baby shampoo and soaps
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss
- Inflatable duck tubs
Wrapping up,
You should start packing a few days before you plan on traveling. Traveling is a whole new experience for the baby. Prepare your list of items in a way that you and your baby both get to enjoy the vacation. Do everything to make sure that you and your baby build wonderful memories to think back on.
Karen Hamada has years of experience in one of the best childcare health centres in the UK. She is also associated with MyAssignmenthelp.com, where she supports students who are facing academic stress. She has been offering quality word counter and proofreading services to students for 10+ years now.