Ultimate Baby Packing List For Travel (0-12 Months)

After packing light for so long, it was alarming the first time we packed for a trip with Julian, our three-month-old. Suddenly, our minimalist travel days were over, replaced by what felt like packing our entire house for a weekend away.

You definitely need more things when traveling with kids, and there’s more anxiety about having everything you might need. However, there’s still a way to stick to the essentials if you have the right mindset and a solid packing list to guide you.

This ultimate baby packing list for travel breaks down exactly what to pack for babies 0-12 months, with specific products we actually use and what you can skip. 

Use the base minimalist list and customize it with our optional add-ons, and according to your baby’s age and whether you’re driving or flying, using the sections below. I’ve also included a downloadable checklist to make packing easier for your next trip with baby.

Base Baby Packing List for Any Type of Travel

Diaper Backpack

• Backpack – I know some people get real fancy with their diaper backpacks, but honestly, a simple one from Amazon will do. This is the one we use (in blue!). It’s stylish enough and has all the organization you’ll need. 
• Diapers – You’ll want to have enough diapers in your pack to change your baby at least once every three hours. If your baby poops more often (which is common in the first three months), pack however many diapers they typically go through for your outing time, since you should change poopy diapers right away. For an eight-hour outing, I pack three diapers since I always round up. We’ve been using the Huggies Little Snugglers from day one, and they’ve worked great. If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly option, one of my friends uses these bamboo ones instead.
• Diaper cream – This is the cream we’ve always used with Julian since it’s the one they used in the NICU. We put it on after every diaper change. 
• Water Wipes – These are the wipes we use for Julian’s diaper changes. You can also use these as food wipes for babies who eat solids, to clean milk off pump parts, and to wipe down the portable changing pad and spit-up if you prefer not to pack a dedicated spit-up cloth.
• Portable changing pad – Similar to the backpack, you don’t need anything fancy, just a pad that’s easy to wipe clean. This is the one we use for our trips. 
• Doggy bags for dirty diapers – These are a compact and convenient way to store dirty diapers before disposing of them. Keeps the smell at bay, too.
• Anti-bacterial wipes – Great to have on hand for diaper changes when you’re unable to wash your hands right away. It’s also helpful for keeping your hands clean while feeding, changing, or playing with your baby. These are a solid, lightweight option for travel, with just 15 wipes in each package.
• Muslin blanket – I like having a muslin blanket in the diaper bag because it’s such a multi-use item. You can use it as a surface for the baby to lie on or as a lightweight blanket to keep the baby warm and cozy. It can also double as a nursing cover.
• Change of clothes for baby – It’s always good to have a full change of clothes for baby in the backpack in case of large spit-ups or blowouts. I usually go for footie pajamas or a onesie with pants and socks. I always pack a hat too, either a beanie or a sun hat, depending on the weather.
• Pacifiers + Clips + Cases x 2 (if needed) – If your baby uses a pacifier, it’s nice to keep two clean ones in your backpack. These are our favorite pacifiers that we use with Julian. I recently got these pacifier cases, and I love the material and how cute they are. Pacifier clips are also nice because babies often love to spit out their pacifiers.

Optional Add-Ons:

• Spit-up cloth – Having a spit-up cloth is nice to have, but not a necessity (you can use water wipes instead). I like these long muslin ones because they stay on my shoulder and they’re super soft. You can also use these muslin bibs for easier cleanup and to minimize the need for frequent outfit changes if your baby spits up frequently.
• Stain remover wipes – It’s nice to have a stain remover that works well for baby messes on your clothes and your baby’s clothes.

Out and About

• Stroller – We’ve just been using our regular stroller for car trips, which is the UPPAbaby Vista with the bassinet attachment. The bassinet attachment is nice for stroller naps while you’re out or just a place to put the baby down to stretch out. If you’re flying or simply trying to pack lighter, consider a travel stroller like the Joolz AER+ or the Bugaboo Butterfly.
• Carrier – It took us a while to find a carrier that Julian liked. He didn’t love the wrap carriers, where he was pressed up against us super tight, and he wasn’t big on the more structured BabyBjorn carrier we tried out. We just started using the WildBird Aerial carrier, and it seems to be the perfect fit. He’s still able to lean back and look around while staying secure, and it’s fairly open and made from linen, so he doesn’t overheat. It’s also comfy and supportive for the wearer. Most carriers have a weight minimum of eight pounds, so you can skip this if you’re baby is under that.   

Optional Add-Ons:

• Stroller fan – A stroller fan is a nice addition if you’re traveling to a hot destination and plan to spend a lot of time outside. We got one for our recent trip to Murphys, CA, and used it during outdoor wine tasting on a hot day. We just attached it to a chair and had it on me and Julian while he was taking a nap in the carrier. It made the afternoon more comfortable, but this isn’t a must-have.
• Hiking Carrier – If you’re going on an outdoorsy trip, such as to a national park, where you plan to do hikes over a couple of miles, I recommend bringing a hiking carrier. We haven’t tested one out yet, but I’ve heard good things about the Osprey Poco Carrier. 
• A purse that can double as a diaper bag for shorter outings – My friend Carrie got me the medium Baggu bag for my birthday, calling it the perfect “mom” bag. She was right—it’s great as a smaller diaper bag for short outings. Similar to when you travel with a daypack, it’s nice to bring a medium purse for when you’re just going out for a few hours or in the evenings. This purse is great when you don’t want to lug around your heavy diaper backpack. Just throw in a few diapers, diaper cream, wipes, a changing pad, and a few doggy bags, and you’re good to go.   

Feeding

We do a mix of breastfeeding, pumping/bottle feeding, and formula with our three-month-old, so we have experience with a little bit of everything during our travels.

Bottle Feeding/Formula

• Glass bottles (4 oz or 8 oz) x 2 – I know many people prefer traveling with plastic bottles for feeding, but I still prefer glass bottles. Two bottles are sufficient, and you can opt for the 4-oz or 8-oz size, depending on how much your baby typically eats during a feeding. Make sure to pack these silicone sleeves as well to protect the bottles.
• Formula – We use the Similac Sensitive formula. Simply pack what you need for your trip into a plastic ziplock bag, and you’re all set.

Optional Add-Ons:

• Ceres Chill Breastmilk Chiller – This is basically a breastmilk thermos. It’s been super nice to bring for trips, and also when I’m away from Julian for the day and want to store my pumped milk safely. You can store breastmilk at room temperature or on ice, and it doubles as a bottle warmer when filled with hot water. I prefer this over bringing a cooler bag to store breastmilk or a separate travel bottle warmer. 
• Soap for washing bottles and pump parts – You can skip this if you’ll be staying in an Airbnb or house with dish soap, but if not, it’s a good idea to bring a gentle, foaming soap for washing all pump parts and bottles on the go. 

Things we learned you probably don’t need to bring:

• We brought a travel bottle rack dryer on our last trip. It was nice to have a dedicated place to dry bottles and pump parts, but honestly, it wasn’t necessary. You can use paper towels or napkins instead.
• Some people like to bring a portable bottle warmer, but we recommend getting hot water in a cup or mug from your accommodation or a place like Starbucks and warming bottles up that way or in the Ceres Chill.
• We brought a Boppy pillow for breastfeeding on a recent car trip and realized that although it’s comfortable, it’s not necessary to bring on trips since it’s pretty bulky.

Sleeping 

Note: I recommend bringing anything with you that makes your baby’s sleeping environment as similar as possible to their usual sleeping environment at home. For us, that’s a noise-canceling machine, and we might eventually get something to darken the room (a blackout cover) once Julian upgrades to a travel crib.

• Travel bassinet & blanket – If your baby is under six months, they’re probably still using a bassinet. This is the portable bassinet we use at home, and it’s easy to pack for road trips. We use this blanket as a bassinet sheet for added comfort, and it also doubles as a regular baby blanket. I personally like this bassinet because it’s off the ground and a bit roomier than other travel bassinets, so it’s also a place I can put Julian down to play in during his wake window. However, if you’re looking for a lightweight and compact option, especially for plane travel, this is the one that most people recommend. If your baby is over six months, see the relevant section below, but I recommend using the Guava Lotus travel crib (+ sheets).
• Swaddle or sleep sacks x 2 – Depending on the age of your baby and whether they’re rolling yet, you’ll want to bring a swaddle or sleep sack. I’d recommend bringing two for your trip, just in case one gets dirty. 

Optional Add-Ons:

• Blackout cover – I know people love the Slumberpod, but I can’t justify $200 for a blackout tent for a baby. My sister-in-law told me about a much more affordable option that works with most Pack ‘n Plays and the Guava Lotus Crib.  
• Small noise-cancelling machine – We use this one on trips to help Julian transition between sleep cycles. Additionally, you never know how noisy your accommodation will be, and it’s helpful if you’re sharing a room. 
• Travel baby monitor – This is a super lightweight and affordable option that works with an app on your phone. We brought it on our last trip, but didn’t end up using it. However, it can still be nice to have for peace of mind, especially if the baby is sleeping in another room. 

Clothing

• Sun hat and beanie (diaper bag) – You’ll likely want to bring a sun hat and a beanie to protect your baby from the elements. For colder destinations, I’ll still pack a sun hat to protect the baby from the sun, especially since sunscreen shouldn’t be used before six months. For hotter destinations, it’s still good to bring a beanie for colder mornings and nights. I usually keep these in the diaper bag with the baby’s change of clothes.
• Footie pajamas (1 per every 2 nights)– I recommend bringing one footie pajama for every two nights and using them only for sleeping.
• Daytime outfits (2 per day) – Julian goes through 1-3 outfits per day, depending on spit-ups and blowouts, so we like to bring two outfits per day while traveling. Again, it depends on the weather, but it’s nice to bring a mix of onesies with different sleeve lengths. I usually bring pants instead of shorts. And I generally opt for mix-and-match separates over one-piece outfits, since if he spits up on one piece, he can still use the other. 
• Socks x 2 – Good for keeping little feet warm. These are the ones we have, and we also have more secure ones that are less likely to fall off. 
• Outerwear x 1 – Bring one piece of outerwear for chillier days or air-conditioned rooms. You could bring a sweater, jacket, or teddy, depending on how cold it will be.
• Wet dry bag for dirty clothes – These are often used once your child starts preschool, but they’re also great for trips to keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones. 

Optional Add-Ons

• Swimsuit and swim diapers – If you plan to swim at your destination, bring a baby swimsuit and a few swim diapers (one for each time you plan to go swimming). 

First Aid & Health

• Baby Acetaminophen – Always good to bring some baby Acetaminophen with a syringe for any aches or pains and to reduce fevers. This is a cleaner alternative to baby Tylenol.
• Baby thermometer – It’s good to pack one of these to check for fevers on the go. 

Optional Add-Ons:

• Baby lotion – Julian gets super dry skin, so this one is a must for us since we apply it multiple times per day. We like the unscented Aveeno baby lotion, and we’ll just put it in a travel-sized container for trips.
• Gas relief drops – These drops are good for a gassy baby. 
• Band-Aids – Pack Band-Aids small enough to work on babies. 
• Eczema & Hydrocortisone cream – Our baby has had pretty bad eczema since birth, so we take this cream everywhere with us, as well as 1% Hydrocortisone cream (recommended by our pediatrician). You might not need these, depending on your baby, though. 
• Saline spray & snot sucker – A kit to clean out sinuses and help with nasal congestion. Might be helpful if you’re flying a lot.
• Vitamin D drops (if you’re breastfeeding) – These drops are important to use daily if you have a breastfed baby.

Miscellaneous 

• Extra day’s worth of diapers – I learned the hard way on our last trip with Julian how much space diapers take up. Because of this, I now prefer to take just enough diapers for the travel day (in the diaper bag) and the day after (in case of delays), and then I’ll buy what I need once I arrive at my destination.
• All the charging cables for baby things and portable pumps – A reminder not to forget any important charging cables. I also like to use one of those multiple USB wall plugs so I can charge everything at once.
• Baby’s insurance card & other important medical info – Make sure you have your baby’s pediatrician’s number, insurance cards, and any other important medical info on hand.

Optional Add-Ons:

• Baby soap and shampoo – We only bathe Julian once per week, so I’d only recommend bringing this if you’re going on a longer trip (otherwise, you can wipe your baby down with Water Wipes or a washcloth. I like the Honest Company’s soap and shampoo. I just put it in a travel-sized container.
• Toys – Everything is a toy to a baby, so this isn’t a necessity, but we like to bring one of Julian’s favorite toys on trips for comfort. On his first trip away, Julian was a bit overwhelmed being in a new place, and he was visibly comforted by his favorite hedgehog. This elephant toy is another one he likes a lot.

For Breastfeeding or Pumping Mom

• Nursing/pumping bras x 2 – If you nurse and pump, I highly recommend packing two Kindred Bravely combo bras that work for both. They’re expensive but worth it, so you don’t have to switch between bras. I’d just recommend sizing up because they run small.
  • If you only nurse, these are good bras that I also use. 
  • If you’re exclusively pumping, this is the bra I use. I have a friend who swears by the wrap as well, since it seems a little quicker to put on. And my sister-in-law told me about this convertible clip-on pumping bra (basically works similarly to the Kindred Bravely bra to allow you to do both), which I’ve also used. For the pumping-only bras, I’d just bring one since you only wear them while pumping.
• Nursing/pumping clothing – Really, any top that gives your baby easy access is fine for nursing (V-necks, camis, button-ups, wrap dresses); they don’t necessarily have to be nursing-specific tops. I usually just make sure the tops or dresses I pack are nursing-friendly or easy to put wearables in.
• Portable pump – I’ve tried so many pumps at this point, but my favorite portable pump is the Willow Go. It’s not cheap, but I was fortunate enough to receive a good discount on it through my insurance. It’s particularly convenient for on-the-go pumping, as it’s a wearable device that allows you to simply place the pumps in your bra. My second favorite portable pump is the Pumpables Genie+. You can use the collection bottles that come with it, but I use Medela pump parts and bottles, as I was initially using the Medela Symphony for at-home use through my insurance. You could also use the Legendairy Collection Cups if you prefer a wearable option over flanges. The only thing I don’t love about these is how many pieces they have, and you can’t put them in the sanitizer. 
• Snacks for travel days and on the go – Breastfeeding and pumping can leave you incredibly hungry, so having snacks in the car or for travel days is non-negotiable.
• Reusable water bottle – You often feel dehydrated while nursing and pumping, so having a large water bottle is essential. This is the one I use for car rides, and this is the one I use for flights (not that large, but with the idea that I’ll be able to refill it more often).  
• Chapstick – Dehydration = chapped lips, so a good hydrating chapstick is also good to have on hand. I’m personally a Burt’s Bees stan. 

Optional Add-Ons:

• Electrolyte tablets or coconut water – I used electrolyte tablets more when I first started breastfeeding, as my body was adjusting to it. Now, I just like to hydrate with a chilled glass of coconut water. I’d probably bring electrolyte tablets to add to my water if I’m flying (I do this even when I’m not breastfeeding since flights are so dehydrating), and cartons of coconut water in the car if I’m driving. 

Nipple Care

Note: I used a lot of this stuff when I first started breastfeeding/pumping, but I actually don’t use any of these items three months in. That said, most women prefer to use some kind of nipple butter and Silverettes to prevent chafing, so bring whatever you usually use at home that brings you the most comfort.

• Nipple butter or coconut oil – I’ve tried both, and I actually prefer coconut oil (the smell and texture) over nipple butter. I’d use it right before pumping and after pumping, and I’d also grease up the flanges with coconut oil to make them more comfortable. I’d just get a big jar of coconut oil and then put it into a travel-sized container. 
• Nursing pads – I never had to use these, but some women may need them if their breastmilk leaks between feedings or pump sessions. 
• Nipple Silverettes – These were really nice to use in the first month of breastfeeding to prevent chafing, but then my nipples started getting irritated by them. 

Vitamins

• Pill organizer – I’ve never had to take so many pills in my life as I do now (and while I was pregnant). A small pill organizer is a lifesaver for taking only what you need on a trip and keeping it organized.
• Prenatal/postnatal vitamins – You can continue taking your prenatal vitamins postpartum, but I ended up trying these postnatal ones and liked them a bit more. 
• Calcium – Important to take if you’re breastfeeding! I like these chews since they give me a break from swallowing so many pills. 
• Sunflower Lecithin – I deal with clogged ducts a lot, so these are a must. I take two a day for maintenance and up to four a day when I feel a clog coming on. 
• Metamucil – I just started taking this, and it’s been nice to keep things regular and less painful, especially since my postnatal vitamins contain iron.

Over Six Months Changes & Add-Ons

• Travel crib and crib sheets (replace travel bassinet) – Upgrade to a travel crib from the bassinet. I’ve heard great things about the Guava lotus (+ sheets); that’s the one we’re planning to get once Julian is old enough.
• Solid foods & snacks – Your baby is likely eating solids now, so you’ll want to bring some good baby-friendly snacks (options 1, 2, 3, 4). 
• Silicone sleeves with handles for bottles – If your baby can hold their own bottle now, I’d replace the silicone covers in the feeding section above with these ones that have handles.
• Baby toothbrush and toothpaste – If they’re teething or their first teeth have come in, it’s good to bring a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean their little gums and teeth. 

Optional Add-Ons:

• Mineral-based sunscreen – You’re not meant to use sunscreen on babies younger than six months, but once they’re over that age, it’s good to bring if you plan to be outdoors a lot. 
• Different types of toys and teethers – My three-month-old isn’t that into toys yet, but older babies need more toys to stay entertained while traveling. I got this car seat toy that Julian hasn’t been too interested in yet, but we’ll probably use it once he’s older. You may also want to bring items like teethers if your baby is at that stage. If you have any other toy recommendations for babies over six months, let me know in the comments below!
• Sippy cups – Your baby is likely drinking some liquids and water now, so bringing a sippy cup might be nice. 
• Silicone Baby Feeding Set – This is a good feeding set that’s easy to clean and includes a bib that collects dropped food, baby utensils, plates and bowls that have suction, and one of those lids that keeps snacks inside the cup even when tipped upside down. I still prefer the sippy cups above since they have more secure lids and a more comfortable straw, but you could use the sippy cup included in the set instead.
• Portable high chair – Suneel’s cousin has twins and loves traveling with these portable high chairs. His cousin already bought us one to use once Julian is eating solids. His cousin liked this one more than the ones that clip onto tables, since you can set it up anywhere, and you don’t have to worry about the thickness of the table you’re sitting at. 
• Freezable lunch bag – to keep fruits, perishable snacks, and drinks cold on the go for your baby. This one came recommended by my sister-in-law (also good for popsicles!).

Car & Road Trip Travel

• Car seat – I recommend a car seat and stroller travel system that clicks right into the stroller. We use separate ones since they’re hand-me-downs, but a system would be more convenient for travel. We use the Chicco Bravo car seat. We also have the stroller that it clicks into, but we prefer the Uppababy. 
• A large jug of water – Having a large jug or two of water in the car is convenient for cleaning blowouts, spit-ups, or other accidents, or for making formula. It’s also good to have in case of emergencies.

Optional Add-Ons

• Baby car mirror – This is the one we use to check on Julian when we’re both in the front seats. You’ll need to tape something to the back to get the right angle since it doesn’t sit perfectly on its own. 
• Window sun shade for baby – We just got these for our trip to Murphys, since it was meant to be pretty warm, and we loved them. You can still see through them, so they don’t block your view, but they have UPF protection and keep the baby cooler. 
• Baby Car Kit – For road trips or car travel, it’s nice to have an extra set of clothes (for baby and parents), cleaning supplies, and diapering things in the car. This is a good organizer kit to keep all the extra things in. It already comes with disposable bags for diapers and a reusable changing pad. This is what I’d add to it:

Flying

Note: For plane travel, I recommend minimizing the number of large items you pack. Some hotels or Airbnbs provide Pack N Plays, or you can sometimes rent gear like car seats, strollers, and travel cribs from a company like this. If you plan to bring your own items, many airlines allow you to check (or even gate check) car seats and strollers for free, and bring a carry-on diaper bag as an extra personal item that doesn’t count towards your bag limit. Always check with the specific airline you’re flying with, though. 

• Car seat and car seat cover – Bring your favorite car seat and a car seat cover to keep it clean. Car seat covers usually come with the car seat when you buy it.
• Travel-friendly stroller – If you’re flying, I highly recommend going for a stroller that’s lightweight and easy to fold down with one hand. This one and this one are the two that most people recommend for travel these days, and they can both be used for toddlers, too. They can also fit in most overhead compartments. We’ll probably go for the Joolz AER+ once we invest in a travel stroller. 
• Copy of the baby’s birth certificate – This is helpful to have if your baby is traveling as a lap infant, in case the airline requests proof of age. 
• Baby’s passport (if needed) – You’ll need this if you’re flying internationally. 

Optional Add-Ons:

• Inflatable Airplane Bed – This baby airplane bed can be great for bringing on long-haul flights to help your baby sleep. Of course, you’ll need to book an additional seat to use it, so this wouldn’t work if you’re traveling with your baby as a lap infant. Additionally, some airlines have specific baby beds that are allowed, so it’s essential to double-check with your airline before bringing this on board.

Tips for Traveling With a Baby

Before You Go

• Download offline maps to your phone in case you lose service while navigating with a crying baby.
• Book accommodations with a kitchenette if possible—having a fridge and sink makes everything easier.
• Take photos of important documents (birth certificate, insurance cards) and save them to your phone. Make sure the pediatrician’s number is saved on your phone.

Flying Tips

• Have something ready to help baby’s ears pop during takeoff and landing (nursing, bottle, or pacifier). And pack baby Acetaminophen in your carry-on in case of ear pain from pressure changes.
• Book the aisle seat so you can easily get up for diaper changes and walking around.
• Have sanitizing wipes handy to clean the airplane seat, tray table, and armrests.
• Gate-check your stroller—you can use it right up until boarding and get it back immediately when you land. Check with your airline in advance to make sure you can do this. 

Car Travel

• Plan for frequent stops—every 2-3 hours is realistic with a baby.
• Time your departure around baby’s schedule if possible (during nap time is ideal).
• Bring entertainment that attaches to the car seat for older babies.

At Your Destination

• Ask your accommodation about borrowing baby gear (high chairs, Pack’n Plays) or renting from a company like BabyQuip to avoid packing everything.
• Stick to your baby’s routine as much as possible, especially around sleep times.
• Don’t overschedule—babies need downtime, and you’ll need flexibility for unexpected meltdowns or extra-long naps. Julian gets overstimulated when he’s out for too long in loud places, so it’s nice to have an Airbnb or hotel that’s centrally located to come back to during the day for some naps. 
• Lower your expectations and be flexible—things will take longer and not always go as planned. That’s okay! You’re making memories with your baby and helping them become more adaptable.