Introduction:
Traveling with a baby can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if you’re unprepared. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or a long-haul flight, having the right essentials can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your little one. Preparation is key when it comes to travelling with infants, so you can feel confident everything you need is right at your fingertips, and there’s no last minute stressing or forgetting important items. To help you get ready for your next adventure, here’s a list of top baby travel essentials that every parent should have on hand.
1. Packing the Right Clothing
When packing for your adventure, you want to ensure baby has plenty of comfortable and climate-appropriate attire. It’s also a good idea to pack for unexpected weather, as well as extra clothing in case of unexpected messes! Start with the basics and then build up from there, planning for 2-3 outfits per day. Infants get dirty easily, so better to over-prepare! Here is a handy list to follow for packing clothes:
- Onesies- Long and Short sleeve
- T-shirts
- Shorts
- Swimmers (if applicable)
- Swimming Nappies
- Long sleeved tee’s
- Long Pants
- Jumpers
- Jacket(s) (if applicable)
- Beanie
- Hats
- Socks
- Bibs
- Mittens
- A few “going out” outfits
2. Sleep and Comfort Items
When travelling, it’s absolutely essential to have familiar sleep aids on hand to help babies transition smoothly to a new environment. You want to keep interruption to their normal routines and sleep patterns as minimal as possible, whilst still being able to go out and enjoy the sights without being nap-trapped. Having the same comfort items for baby improves your chances of them sleeping on the go. These essential items may include a comforter, dummies, portable sound machine, sleep sack or swaddles. A Porta cot is another essential item for travelling, you want one with a firm, but comfortable mattress to recreate baby’s cot or bassinet at home. And don’t forget a couple of cot sheets as well!
This adorable Giraffe Comforter is a perfect companion for your little one. It is the perfect size for your baby to cuddle, and keep baby feeling soothed and reassured whilst away from home. It is incredibly soft, beautiful quality and comes in a range of cute little animals that you can choose from to suit your bub. It is important to keep in mind however, that is only recommended to add toys and blankets to your baby’s cot after the age of 6 months.
The ErgoPouch Cocoon Swaddle bag is a popular, comfortable and snug option for keeping babies warm during naps and at night. They are lightweight, made of pure cotton and have a bell shape to prioritise healthy hip development for babies. Some babies prefer to have their arms in and close to them, whilst others prefer arms out. The Ergopouch swaddle bags come with snap arm holes to suit every babies’ needs, and support their growth milestones. The swaddle helps to reduce bub’s startle reflex, keeping them sleeping longer. It also has 2 way zippers, for ease during night time nappy changes.
A Porta-cot is must-have travel essential with a baby. This Baby Joy Portable 3-in-1 Foldable Porta-cot has everything you need. It can be used as a bedside sleeper, nappy changing station and activity centre. It comes with a large capacity storage basket and mesh netting on all sides to provide good ventilation whilst allowing parents to keep an eye baby at all times.
3. Nappy Bag (with Organisation)
A well-organised nappy bag is the cornerstone of baby travel. Look for one with multiple compartments for easy access to essentials like nappies, wipes, creams, bottles, and snacks. Some nappy bags even come with built-in changing pads or insulated compartments for bottles.
Key Features to Look for:
- Easy-to-access pockets
- Insulated bottle holders
- A detachable changing pad
- Sturdy straps that can be worn as a backpack or crossbody
4. Transport and Mobility
When travelling with a baby, you want ultimate convenience and ease to get around. A baby carrier or sling is the best way to achieve this, allowing parents to keep their hands free whilst navigating busy, crowded areas. It’s also a good way to keep your baby close to you and comforted, without physically having to carry them around. A good travel pram also makes a huge difference when travelling, as they are lightweight, compact and are able to be reclined for naps on the go.
The ErgoBaby Omni 360 baby carrier is the perfect structured carrier for getting around with your baby. It is adjustable to use for your newborn right up until the toddler stages, so it’s worth the investment! It is hip-healthy for baby, is soft and cozy with padded shoulder and back support, and can be used in all carry positions. ErgoBaby is a trusted brand when it comes to baby products and you can feel confident that their products are safe and will last you a long time.
When it comes to a travel pram, this one from BabyJoy DELIVERS!! It is truly a super lightweight, compact travel pram that is so easy to get around with, and can folds up to fit in most airplanes’ overhead storage. It is comfortable for bub, and comes with an easily adjustable backrest, so your baby can nap comfortably. It has a 5 point safety belt and detachable bumper bar, as well as a peek a boo mesh window at the top to be able to keep an eye on bub while you’re moving. You really can’t beat this convenient, and affordable travel pram!
5. Baby Food & Bottle Gear
If your baby is on formula or baby food, keeping their feeding needs in check while traveling can be a challenge. Invest in a travel bottle warmer, bottle sterilizer, or a formula dispenser to make feeding times easy.
What to Pack:
- Pre-filled bottles or formula dispensers
- Travel-friendly bottle warmer (electric or portable)
- Baby food pouches or easy-to-carry snacks
- Small cooler bag to store bottles or food
6. Portable High Chair or Seat
When dining out or visiting family, a portable high chair can make mealtime a breeze. Many compact travel high chairs attach securely to regular chairs and are easy to clean.
Why You Need It:
- Keeps your baby safe and comfortable during meals
- Easily portable for restaurant or family visits
- Wipeable and durable material
The Ingenuity Baby Base Booster Seat is a small and portable seat that can easily be strapped to a dining chair or used on the floor for baby at mealtimes. It fits babies to toddlers from 6 months to 4 years old, comes with a detachable tray that can be stored underneath, and a 3 point safety harness to keep baby secure. This is a must- have item for a super convenient, easy way to feed your baby on the go!
7. Hygiene and Health Essentials
Traveling can expose your baby to new environments, so it’s important to have a health and safety kit on hand. This kit should include things like a thermometer, baby-safe sunscreen, and any medications your baby might need. You will also need plenty of nappies and wipes, as well as a portable change mat for changing your bub on the move.
Essential Items to Include:
- Nappy Cream
- Digital thermometer
- Baby Panadol
- Baby Sunscreen – I love this one from Wot Not as it’s mineral based so safe for babies delicate skin!
- First-aid items (band-aids, antiseptic wipes)
- Teething relief gel or medicine
- Baby Body Wash
- Nail file (depending on length of travel)
8. Entertainment and Toys
Long journeys can get boring for babies, so it’s essential to have some compact toys or games to keep your baby occupied. A few soft toys, teething rings, or interactive books can help keep your baby busy and happy during the trip. For more ideas, check out my Top Baby Toys for Babies Guide.
Ideas for Entertainment:
- Soft, non-toxic toys
- Interactive fabric books
- Teething rings or teethers
- Musical or light-up toys
Fidget Spinners are a small, easy toy that is easy to transport and can provide endless entertainment to little ones! You can stick them to most surfaces- including windows, highchair trays, doors, even the bathtub or shower. They are also BPA free and non-toxic so they are safe for babies mouths!
9. Extras
A portable pram fan is an absolute must-have if you are travelling to warm climates, particularly in Australia! This cute little fan comes on a flexible tripod that you can easily bend to clip onto any pram. It is USB rechargeable, strong and durable, and comes with 3 wind speeds. This was such a lifesaver for us when we travelled to Fiji!! It was powerful and helped keep bub cool in the heat whilst also being super quiet, so as not to interrupt bub’s sleep.
Depending on how long you’re travelling for, and what facilities you have available to you, bringing your own sensitive laundry detergent for baby is another consideration. If you plan on washing so you don’t have to bring ample baby outfits, bringing along a small container with bub’s washing powder is a great option. This Pigeon Baby Laundry Powder is perfect for bub’s sensitive skin, and you can buy it in smaller sizes as well which are perfect for travel.
Lastly, don’t forget to include your baby monitor, so you can keep an eye on your sleeping baby or toddler at all times, without having to actually be in the room.
10. Baby Travel Documents
If you’re flying, make sure to have your baby’s passport, birth certificate, and any necessary travel documents with you. Many airlines require babies to have their own ticket, so keep these items in a safe but accessible location. Also ensure you have baby’s Medicare card, and any other information you might need if baby unexpectedly gets sick.
The last thing you need is something to fit all of these travel essentials in, a bag! Whether you decide to pack everything in to your own suitcase or pack your little one’s own bag is your decision to make, but if you do pack a separate bag, one like this on wheels is the easiest way to transport luggage.
Final Thoughts
With the right gear, traveling with a baby doesn’t have to be stressful. By preparing ahead and packing the essentials that suit your baby’s needs, you can make your journey more enjoyable and less overwhelming. Every baby is different, so tailor your packing list to what will work best for you and your little one.
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