We all know that scary feeling of forgetting something while packing for a trip – and this increases ten-fold once babies are in the picture. Fret not, because we’ve got you covered! Check out our ultimate list of what to pack for a trip with a baby under 6 months to ensure a comfortable and smooth trip, both for you and your little one.
Packing checklist for a trip with a baby under 6 months
The key to a smooth trip is packing everything your baby may need and having what you packed readily available when you need it. To make it easier, we’ve divided our packing list according to the bags or luggage the item ideally goes into:
What to pack in the diaper bag
Many airlines allow you to carry a diaper bag, breast pump, car seat and stroller in addition to your regular carry on. That said, it’s best to check with your airline prior to your flight to see what they allow. Low cost airlines may be stricter with what you can take on board. Pack the following in your diaper bag or carry-on bag:
- Two days’ worth of nappies, to cover potential delays
- Plenty of wipes
- Changing pad
- Small tub or tube of diaper cream
- 2 bibs
- 2 or 3 pacifiers and a pacifier chain
- Pacifier cleaning wipes
- 3 muslin squares (more, if you will be using them as a cover up while breastfeeding – larger muslin squares can double up as blankets, too)
- Blanket
- Cardigan as it can get cool on the plane
- Bottles, formula and hot water in a tightly sealed thermos flask (count the number of feeds you’ll need to prepare while en route to your destination, also covering potential delays)
- Sippy cup
- Breast Pump, nipple cream, and nursing pads, if needed
- Change of clothes for your baby (add an extra one if it’s a long haul flight)
- Extra outfit for baby in case of lost luggage
- Change of clothes for you
- Large resealable bag to place soiled clothes and muslin squares in
- Large resealable bag to store used bottles
- Baby food if your baby eats solids, plus a few snacks for them to nibble on
- Snacks for you, especially if breastfeeding
- Your little one’s favourite toy and a new one for added excitement
- Infant paracetamol and syringe
- Antibacterial wipes and sanitizer
- Mobile phone and charger (ensure you’ve got your pediatrician’s number saved)
- Your little one’s health record and vaccination card
- Wallet
- Passports
- Consent letter from non-travelling parent if travelling alone
- Face masks
What to pack in your baby’s suitcase
With the essentials covered in your diaper bag, this is what you need to pack in hold luggage:
- Nappies and wipes (you can use the same diaper cream you have in the diaper bag)
- Your baby’s usual body wash
- Sunscreen
- Any medications your little one might need in case of illness during the trip, plus a note with your pediatrician’s number (and teething gel!)
- Formula and an extra bottle or two
- Baby food
- Bottle brush, washing liquid for bottles
- Travel steriliser
- Infant utensils
- Resealable bags for soiled clothes
- Smaller resealable bags to store snacks while on the go
- Clothes according to season – two outfits for each day plus two extra. Pack a jumper or lightweight jacket even if travelling in summer
- Lightweight stroller or baby carrier (or both)
- Car seat
- A toy, book and teethers
- Baby monitor if you’ll be sleeping in separate rooms
- Outlet covers for baby proofing (duct tape works well, too, and you can also use it to bind blind cords for safety)
- Optional: portable feeding seat and playmat
Yep – we know this list is frightful, especially if you’re a light packer. But babies require a lot of things and you don’t want to forget anything while travelling. Hang in there though, it will get better. Your little one will need less and less items as they grow. In the meantime, happy travels!
If we’ve convinced you to book the trip your family has been dreaming of, head to Booking with Kids for more tips, support and family friendly city guides. We’ve also made it easier for you listing the travel gear we love to make travelling with kids a breeze.
Disclaimer:
The content of this page is purely for informational purposes. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Should you decide to act on the information presented on this page, you do so at your own risk.
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