![\""Baby](\"https:\/\/theatlasheart.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Baby-Packing-List-For-Travel.jpg\")
<\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAfter 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.<\/p>\n
You definitely need more things when traveling with kids, and there\u2019s more anxiety about having everything you might need. However, there\u2019s still a way to stick to the essentials if you have the right mindset and a solid packing list to guide you.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Use the base minimalist list and customize it with our optional add-ons, and according to your baby\u2019s age and whether you\u2019re driving or flying, using the sections below. I\u2019ve also included a downloadable checklist to make packing easier for your next trip with baby. <\/p>\n
Base Baby Packing List for Any Type of Travel<\/h2>\nDiaper Backpack<\/h3>\n\n![\"Baby](\"https:\/\/theatlasheart.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-diaper-bag-backpack-Baby-packing-list-travel.jpg\"\/)
![\"Baby](\"https:\/\/theatlasheart.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-diaper-bag-backpack-Baby-packing-list-travel.jpg\")
<\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n- Backpack<\/strong> \u2013 I know some people get real fancy with their diaper backpacks, but honestly, a simple one from Amazon will do. This is the one<\/strong><\/a> we use (in blue!). It\u2019s stylish enough and has all the organization you\u2019ll need.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Diapers <\/strong>\u2013 You\u2019ll 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\u2019ve been using the Huggies Little Snugglers<\/strong><\/a> from day one, and they\u2019ve worked great.\u00a0If you\u2019re looking for a more eco-friendly option, one of my friends uses these bamboo ones<\/a><\/strong> instead.<\/li>\n
- Diaper cream<\/strong> \u2013 This is the cream<\/strong><\/a> we\u2019ve always used with Julian since it\u2019s the one they used in the NICU. We put it on after every diaper change.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Water Wipes<\/strong> \u2013 These are the wipes<\/strong><\/a> we use for Julian\u2019s 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.<\/li>\n
- Portable changing pad<\/strong> \u2013 Similar to the backpack, you don\u2019t need anything fancy, just a pad that\u2019s easy to wipe clean. This is the one<\/strong><\/a> we use for our trips.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Doggy bags for dirty diapers<\/strong> \u2013 These<\/strong><\/a> are a compact and convenient way to store dirty diapers before disposing of them. Keeps the smell at bay, too.<\/li>\n
- Anti-bacterial wipes<\/strong> \u2013 Great to have on hand for diaper changes when you\u2019re unable to wash your hands right away. It\u2019s also helpful for keeping your hands clean while feeding, changing, or playing with your baby. These<\/a><\/strong> are a solid, lightweight option for travel, with just 15 wipes in each package.<\/li>\n
- Muslin blanket<\/strong> \u2013 I like having a muslin blanket<\/strong><\/a> in the diaper bag because it\u2019s 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.<\/li>\n
- Change of clothes for baby<\/strong> \u2013 It\u2019s 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<\/strong><\/a> or a onesie<\/strong><\/a> with pants<\/strong><\/a> and socks<\/strong><\/a>. I always pack a hat too, either a beanie<\/strong><\/a> or a sun hat<\/strong><\/a>, depending on the weather.<\/li>\n
- Pacifiers + Clips + Cases x 2 (if needed)<\/strong><\/strong> \u2013 If your baby uses a pacifier, it\u2019s nice to keep two clean ones in your backpack. These are our favorite pacifiers<\/strong><\/a> that we use with Julian.\u00a0I recently got these pacifier cases<\/strong><\/a>, and I love the material and how cute they are. Pacifier clips<\/strong><\/a> are also nice because babies often love to spit out their pacifiers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Optional Add-Ons:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Spit-up cloth<\/strong> \u2013 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<\/strong><\/a> because they stay on my shoulder and they\u2019re super soft. You can also use these muslin bibs<\/strong><\/a> for easier cleanup and to minimize the need for frequent outfit changes if your baby spits up frequently.<\/li>\n
- Stain remover<\/strong> wipes<\/strong> \u2013 It\u2019s nice to have a stain remover<\/strong><\/a> that works well for baby messes on your clothes and your baby\u2019s clothes. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Out and About<\/h3>\n\n![\"Baby](\"https:\/\/theatlasheart.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2-out-and-about-baby-travel-packing-list.jpg\"\/)
![\"Baby](\"https:\/\/theatlasheart.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2-out-and-about-baby-travel-packing-list.jpg\")
<\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n- Stroller <\/strong>\u2013 We\u2019ve just been using our regular stroller for car trips, which is the UPPAbaby Vista<\/strong><\/a> with the bassinet attachment. The bassinet attachment is nice for stroller naps while you\u2019re out or just a place to put the baby down to stretch out. If you\u2019re flying or simply trying to pack lighter, consider a travel stroller like the Joolz AER+<\/strong><\/a> or the Bugaboo Butterfly<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Carrier<\/strong> \u2013 It took us a while to find a carrier that Julian liked. He didn\u2019t love the wrap carriers, where he was pressed up against us super tight, and he wasn\u2019t big on the more structured BabyBjorn carrier we tried out. We just started using the <\/strong>WildBird Aerial carrier<\/strong><\/a>, and it seems to be the perfect fit. He\u2019s still able to lean back and look around while staying secure, and it\u2019s fairly open and made from linen, so he doesn\u2019t overheat. It\u2019s also comfy and supportive for the wearer. Most carriers have a weight minimum of eight pounds, so you can skip this if you\u2019re baby is under that.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Optional Add-Ons:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Stroller fan<\/strong> \u2013 A stroller fan<\/strong><\/a> is a nice addition if you\u2019re 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\u2019t a must-have.<\/li>\n
- Hiking Carrier<\/strong> \u2013 If you\u2019re 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\u2019t tested one out yet, but I\u2019ve heard good things about the Osprey Poco Carrier<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- A purse that can double as a diaper bag for shorter outings<\/strong> \u2013 My friend Carrie got me the medium Baggu bag<\/strong><\/a> for my birthday, calling it the perfect \u201cmom\u201d bag. She was right\u2014it\u2019s great as a smaller diaper bag for short outings. Similar to when you travel with a daypack, it\u2019s nice to bring a medium purse for when you\u2019re just going out for a few hours or in the evenings. This purse is great when you don\u2019t 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\u2019re good to go.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Using our stroller fan and WildBird Aerial Carrier on a hot day at a winery (left) and grabbing burritos from a taco truck with Julian in the UPPAbaby Vista (right).<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nFeeding<\/h3>\n\n![\"Baby](\"https:\/\/theatlasheart.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/3-feeding-baby-packing-list-travel.jpg\"\/)
![\"Baby](\"https:\/\/theatlasheart.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/3-feeding-baby-packing-list-travel.jpg\")
<\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nWe 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<\/em><\/em>.<\/p>\nBottle Feeding\/Formula<\/em><\/h4>\n\n- Glass bottles (4 oz or 8 oz) x 2 <\/strong>\u2013 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<\/strong> <\/a>or 8-oz size<\/strong><\/a>, depending on how much your baby typically eats during a feeding.\u00a0Make sure to pack these silicone sleeves<\/a><\/strong> as well to protect the bottles.<\/li>\n
- Formula<\/strong> \u2013 We use the Similac Sensitive formula<\/strong><\/a>. Simply pack what you need for your trip into a plastic ziplock bag, and you\u2019re all set.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Optional Add-Ons:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Ceres Chill Breastmilk Chiller<\/strong> \u2013 This is basically a breastmilk thermos<\/strong><\/a>. It\u2019s been super nice to bring for trips, and also when I\u2019m 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.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Soap for washing bottles and pump parts <\/strong>\u2013 You can skip this if you\u2019ll be staying in an Airbnb or house with dish soap, but if not, it\u2019s a good idea to bring a gentle, <\/strong>foaming soap<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>for washing all pump parts and bottles on the go.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Things we learned you probably don\u2019t need to bring:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- 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\u2019t necessary. You can use paper towels or napkins instead. <\/li>\n
- 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. <\/li>\n
- We brought a Boppy pillow for breastfeeding on a recent car trip and realized that although it\u2019s comfortable, it\u2019s not necessary to bring on trips since it\u2019s pretty bulky.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Although it was nice to have, we really didn\u2019t need to bring the Boppy Pillow on our first weekend trip with Julian (left). We used the Ceres Chill as a bottle warmer during a recent trip, when we were out all day (right).<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nSleeping\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n![\"Baby](\"https:\/\/theatlasheart.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/4-sleeping-baby-packing-list-travel.jpg\"\/)
![\"Baby](\"https:\/\/theatlasheart.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/4-sleeping-baby-packing-list-travel.jpg\")
<\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nNote: <\/strong>I recommend bringing anything with you that makes your baby\u2019s sleeping environment as similar as possible to their usual sleeping environment at home. For us, that\u2019s a noise-canceling machine, and we might eventually get something to darken the room (a blackout cover) once Julian upgrades to a travel crib. <\/em><\/p>\n\n- Travel bassinet & blanket<\/strong> \u2013 If your baby is under six months, they\u2019re probably still using a bassinet. This is the portable bassinet<\/strong><\/a> we use at home, and it\u2019s easy to pack for road trips. We use this blanket<\/strong><\/a> as a bassinet sheet for added comfort, and it also doubles as a regular baby blanket. I personally like this bassinet because it\u2019s off the ground and a bit roomier than other travel bassinets, so it\u2019s also a place I can put Julian down to play in during his wake window. However, if you\u2019re looking for a lightweight and compact option, especially for plane travel, this is the one<\/strong><\/a> that most people recommend.\u00a0If your baby is over six months, see the relevant section below, but I recommend using the Guava Lotus<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>travel crib <\/strong>(+ sheets<\/strong><\/a>).<\/li>\n
- Swaddle or sleep sacks x 2<\/strong> \u2013 Depending on the age of your baby and whether they\u2019re rolling yet, you\u2019ll want to bring a swaddle<\/strong><\/a> or sleep sack<\/strong><\/a>. I\u2019d recommend bringing two for your trip, just in case one gets dirty.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Optional Add-Ons:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Blackout cover<\/strong> \u2013 I know people love the Slumberpod<\/strong><\/a>, but I can\u2019t justify $200 for a blackout tent for a baby. My sister-in-law told me about a much more affordable option<\/strong><\/a> that works with most Pack \u2018n Plays and the Guava Lotus Crib.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Small noise-cancelling machine<\/strong> \u2013 We use this one<\/a><\/strong> on trips to help Julian transition between sleep cycles. Additionally, you never know how noisy your accommodation will be, and it\u2019s helpful if you\u2019re sharing a room.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Travel baby monitor<\/strong> \u2013 This is a super lightweight and affordable option<\/strong><\/a> that works with an app on your phone. We brought it on our last trip, but didn\u2019t 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.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Clothing<\/h3>\n\n![\"Baby](\"https:\/\/theatlasheart.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/5.jpg\"\/)
![\"Baby](\"https:\/\/theatlasheart.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/5.jpg\")
<\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n- Sun hat and beanie (diaper bag)<\/strong> \u2013 You\u2019ll likely want to bring a sun hat<\/strong><\/a> and a beanie<\/strong><\/a> to protect your baby from the elements. For colder destinations, I\u2019ll still pack a sun hat to protect the baby from the sun, especially since sunscreen shouldn\u2019t be used before six months. For hotter destinations, it\u2019s still good to bring a beanie for colder mornings and nights.\u00a0I usually keep these in the diaper bag with the baby\u2019s change of clothes.<\/li>\n
- Footie pajamas<\/strong> (1 per every 2 nights)<\/strong>\u2013 I recommend bringing one footie pajama<\/strong><\/a> for every two nights and using them only for sleeping.<\/li>\n
- Daytime outfits (2 per day)<\/strong> \u2013 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\u2019s nice to bring a mix of onesies<\/strong><\/a> with different sleeve lengths. I usually bring pants<\/strong><\/a> instead of shorts<\/strong><\/a>. 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.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Socks x 2<\/strong> \u2013 Good for keeping little feet warm. These are the ones<\/strong><\/a> we have, and we also have more secure ones<\/strong><\/a> that are less likely to fall off.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Outerwear x 1 <\/strong>\u2013 Bring one piece of outerwear for chillier days or air-conditioned rooms. You could bring a sweater<\/strong><\/a>, jacket<\/strong><\/a>, or teddy<\/strong><\/a>, depending on how cold it will be.<\/li>\n
- Wet dry bag for dirty clothes<\/strong> \u2013 These<\/strong><\/a> are often used once your child starts preschool, but they\u2019re also great for trips to keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Optional Add-Ons<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Backpack<\/strong> \u2013 I know some people get real fancy with their diaper backpacks, but honestly, a simple one from Amazon will do. This is the one<\/strong><\/a> we use (in blue!). It\u2019s stylish enough and has all the organization you\u2019ll need.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Diapers <\/strong>\u2013 You\u2019ll 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\u2019ve been using the Huggies Little Snugglers<\/strong><\/a> from day one, and they\u2019ve worked great.\u00a0If you\u2019re looking for a more eco-friendly option, one of my friends uses these bamboo ones<\/a><\/strong> instead.<\/li>\n
- Diaper cream<\/strong> \u2013 This is the cream<\/strong><\/a> we\u2019ve always used with Julian since it\u2019s the one they used in the NICU. We put it on after every diaper change.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Water Wipes<\/strong> \u2013 These are the wipes<\/strong><\/a> we use for Julian\u2019s 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.<\/li>\n
- Portable changing pad<\/strong> \u2013 Similar to the backpack, you don\u2019t need anything fancy, just a pad that\u2019s easy to wipe clean. This is the one<\/strong><\/a> we use for our trips.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Doggy bags for dirty diapers<\/strong> \u2013 These<\/strong><\/a> are a compact and convenient way to store dirty diapers before disposing of them. Keeps the smell at bay, too.<\/li>\n
- Anti-bacterial wipes<\/strong> \u2013 Great to have on hand for diaper changes when you\u2019re unable to wash your hands right away. It\u2019s also helpful for keeping your hands clean while feeding, changing, or playing with your baby. These<\/a><\/strong> are a solid, lightweight option for travel, with just 15 wipes in each package.<\/li>\n
- Muslin blanket<\/strong> \u2013 I like having a muslin blanket<\/strong><\/a> in the diaper bag because it\u2019s 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.<\/li>\n
- Change of clothes for baby<\/strong> \u2013 It\u2019s 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<\/strong><\/a> or a onesie<\/strong><\/a> with pants<\/strong><\/a> and socks<\/strong><\/a>. I always pack a hat too, either a beanie<\/strong><\/a> or a sun hat<\/strong><\/a>, depending on the weather.<\/li>\n
- Pacifiers + Clips + Cases x 2 (if needed)<\/strong><\/strong> \u2013 If your baby uses a pacifier, it\u2019s nice to keep two clean ones in your backpack. These are our favorite pacifiers<\/strong><\/a> that we use with Julian.\u00a0I recently got these pacifier cases<\/strong><\/a>, and I love the material and how cute they are. Pacifier clips<\/strong><\/a> are also nice because babies often love to spit out their pacifiers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Optional Add-Ons:<\/span><\/p>\n
- \n
- Spit-up cloth<\/strong> \u2013 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<\/strong><\/a> because they stay on my shoulder and they\u2019re super soft. You can also use these muslin bibs<\/strong><\/a> for easier cleanup and to minimize the need for frequent outfit changes if your baby spits up frequently.<\/li>\n
- Stain remover<\/strong> wipes<\/strong> \u2013 It\u2019s nice to have a stain remover<\/strong><\/a> that works well for baby messes on your clothes and your baby\u2019s clothes. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Out and About<\/h3>\n
\n<\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Stroller <\/strong>\u2013 We\u2019ve just been using our regular stroller for car trips, which is the UPPAbaby Vista<\/strong><\/a> with the bassinet attachment. The bassinet attachment is nice for stroller naps while you\u2019re out or just a place to put the baby down to stretch out. If you\u2019re flying or simply trying to pack lighter, consider a travel stroller like the Joolz AER+<\/strong><\/a> or the Bugaboo Butterfly<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Carrier<\/strong> \u2013 It took us a while to find a carrier that Julian liked. He didn\u2019t love the wrap carriers, where he was pressed up against us super tight, and he wasn\u2019t big on the more structured BabyBjorn carrier we tried out. We just started using the <\/strong>WildBird Aerial carrier<\/strong><\/a>, and it seems to be the perfect fit. He\u2019s still able to lean back and look around while staying secure, and it\u2019s fairly open and made from linen, so he doesn\u2019t overheat. It\u2019s also comfy and supportive for the wearer. Most carriers have a weight minimum of eight pounds, so you can skip this if you\u2019re baby is under that.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Optional Add-Ons:<\/span><\/p>\n
- \n
- Stroller fan<\/strong> \u2013 A stroller fan<\/strong><\/a> is a nice addition if you\u2019re 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\u2019t a must-have.<\/li>\n
- Hiking Carrier<\/strong> \u2013 If you\u2019re 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\u2019t tested one out yet, but I\u2019ve heard good things about the Osprey Poco Carrier<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- A purse that can double as a diaper bag for shorter outings<\/strong> \u2013 My friend Carrie got me the medium Baggu bag<\/strong><\/a> for my birthday, calling it the perfect \u201cmom\u201d bag. She was right\u2014it\u2019s great as a smaller diaper bag for short outings. Similar to when you travel with a daypack, it\u2019s nice to bring a medium purse for when you\u2019re just going out for a few hours or in the evenings. This purse is great when you don\u2019t 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\u2019re good to go.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nUsing our stroller fan and WildBird Aerial Carrier on a hot day at a winery (left) and grabbing burritos from a taco truck with Julian in the UPPAbaby Vista (right).<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Feeding<\/h3>\n
\n<\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nWe 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<\/em><\/em>.<\/p>\n
Bottle Feeding\/Formula<\/em><\/h4>\n
- \n
- Glass bottles (4 oz or 8 oz) x 2 <\/strong>\u2013 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<\/strong> <\/a>or 8-oz size<\/strong><\/a>, depending on how much your baby typically eats during a feeding.\u00a0Make sure to pack these silicone sleeves<\/a><\/strong> as well to protect the bottles.<\/li>\n
- Formula<\/strong> \u2013 We use the Similac Sensitive formula<\/strong><\/a>. Simply pack what you need for your trip into a plastic ziplock bag, and you\u2019re all set.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Optional Add-Ons:<\/span><\/p>\n
- \n
- Ceres Chill Breastmilk Chiller<\/strong> \u2013 This is basically a breastmilk thermos<\/strong><\/a>. It\u2019s been super nice to bring for trips, and also when I\u2019m 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.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Soap for washing bottles and pump parts <\/strong>\u2013 You can skip this if you\u2019ll be staying in an Airbnb or house with dish soap, but if not, it\u2019s a good idea to bring a gentle, <\/strong>foaming soap<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>for washing all pump parts and bottles on the go.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Things we learned you probably don\u2019t need to bring:<\/span><\/p>\n
- \n
- 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\u2019t necessary. You can use paper towels or napkins instead. <\/li>\n
- 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. <\/li>\n
- We brought a Boppy pillow for breastfeeding on a recent car trip and realized that although it\u2019s comfortable, it\u2019s not necessary to bring on trips since it\u2019s pretty bulky.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Although it was nice to have, we really didn\u2019t need to bring the Boppy Pillow on our first weekend trip with Julian (left). We used the Ceres Chill as a bottle warmer during a recent trip, when we were out all day (right).<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Sleeping\u00a0<\/h3>\n
\n<\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nNote: <\/strong>I recommend bringing anything with you that makes your baby\u2019s sleeping environment as similar as possible to their usual sleeping environment at home. For us, that\u2019s a noise-canceling machine, and we might eventually get something to darken the room (a blackout cover) once Julian upgrades to a travel crib. <\/em><\/p>\n
- \n
- Travel bassinet & blanket<\/strong> \u2013 If your baby is under six months, they\u2019re probably still using a bassinet. This is the portable bassinet<\/strong><\/a> we use at home, and it\u2019s easy to pack for road trips. We use this blanket<\/strong><\/a> as a bassinet sheet for added comfort, and it also doubles as a regular baby blanket. I personally like this bassinet because it\u2019s off the ground and a bit roomier than other travel bassinets, so it\u2019s also a place I can put Julian down to play in during his wake window. However, if you\u2019re looking for a lightweight and compact option, especially for plane travel, this is the one<\/strong><\/a> that most people recommend.\u00a0If your baby is over six months, see the relevant section below, but I recommend using the Guava Lotus<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>travel crib <\/strong>(+ sheets<\/strong><\/a>).<\/li>\n
- Swaddle or sleep sacks x 2<\/strong> \u2013 Depending on the age of your baby and whether they\u2019re rolling yet, you\u2019ll want to bring a swaddle<\/strong><\/a> or sleep sack<\/strong><\/a>. I\u2019d recommend bringing two for your trip, just in case one gets dirty.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Optional Add-Ons:<\/span><\/p>\n
- \n
- Blackout cover<\/strong> \u2013 I know people love the Slumberpod<\/strong><\/a>, but I can\u2019t justify $200 for a blackout tent for a baby. My sister-in-law told me about a much more affordable option<\/strong><\/a> that works with most Pack \u2018n Plays and the Guava Lotus Crib.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Small noise-cancelling machine<\/strong> \u2013 We use this one<\/a><\/strong> on trips to help Julian transition between sleep cycles. Additionally, you never know how noisy your accommodation will be, and it\u2019s helpful if you\u2019re sharing a room.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Travel baby monitor<\/strong> \u2013 This is a super lightweight and affordable option<\/strong><\/a> that works with an app on your phone. We brought it on our last trip, but didn\u2019t 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.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Clothing<\/h3>\n
\n<\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Sun hat and beanie (diaper bag)<\/strong> \u2013 You\u2019ll likely want to bring a sun hat<\/strong><\/a> and a beanie<\/strong><\/a> to protect your baby from the elements. For colder destinations, I\u2019ll still pack a sun hat to protect the baby from the sun, especially since sunscreen shouldn\u2019t be used before six months. For hotter destinations, it\u2019s still good to bring a beanie for colder mornings and nights.\u00a0I usually keep these in the diaper bag with the baby\u2019s change of clothes.<\/li>\n
- Footie pajamas<\/strong> (1 per every 2 nights)<\/strong>\u2013 I recommend bringing one footie pajama<\/strong><\/a> for every two nights and using them only for sleeping.<\/li>\n
- Daytime outfits (2 per day)<\/strong> \u2013 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\u2019s nice to bring a mix of onesies<\/strong><\/a> with different sleeve lengths. I usually bring pants<\/strong><\/a> instead of shorts<\/strong><\/a>. 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.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Socks x 2<\/strong> \u2013 Good for keeping little feet warm. These are the ones<\/strong><\/a> we have, and we also have more secure ones<\/strong><\/a> that are less likely to fall off.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Outerwear x 1 <\/strong>\u2013 Bring one piece of outerwear for chillier days or air-conditioned rooms. You could bring a sweater<\/strong><\/a>, jacket<\/strong><\/a>, or teddy<\/strong><\/a>, depending on how cold it will be.<\/li>\n
- Wet dry bag for dirty clothes<\/strong> \u2013 These<\/strong><\/a> are often used once your child starts preschool, but they\u2019re also great for trips to keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Optional Add-Ons<\/span><\/p>\n
- Footie pajamas<\/strong> (1 per every 2 nights)<\/strong>\u2013 I recommend bringing one footie pajama<\/strong><\/a> for every two nights and using them only for sleeping.<\/li>\n
- Small noise-cancelling machine<\/strong> \u2013 We use this one<\/a><\/strong> on trips to help Julian transition between sleep cycles. Additionally, you never know how noisy your accommodation will be, and it\u2019s helpful if you\u2019re sharing a room.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Swaddle or sleep sacks x 2<\/strong> \u2013 Depending on the age of your baby and whether they\u2019re rolling yet, you\u2019ll want to bring a swaddle<\/strong><\/a> or sleep sack<\/strong><\/a>. I\u2019d recommend bringing two for your trip, just in case one gets dirty.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Travel bassinet & blanket<\/strong> \u2013 If your baby is under six months, they\u2019re probably still using a bassinet. This is the portable bassinet<\/strong><\/a> we use at home, and it\u2019s easy to pack for road trips. We use this blanket<\/strong><\/a> as a bassinet sheet for added comfort, and it also doubles as a regular baby blanket. I personally like this bassinet because it\u2019s off the ground and a bit roomier than other travel bassinets, so it\u2019s also a place I can put Julian down to play in during his wake window. However, if you\u2019re looking for a lightweight and compact option, especially for plane travel, this is the one<\/strong><\/a> that most people recommend.\u00a0If your baby is over six months, see the relevant section below, but I recommend using the Guava Lotus<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>travel crib <\/strong>(+ sheets<\/strong><\/a>).<\/li>\n
- Soap for washing bottles and pump parts <\/strong>\u2013 You can skip this if you\u2019ll be staying in an Airbnb or house with dish soap, but if not, it\u2019s a good idea to bring a gentle, <\/strong>foaming soap<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>for washing all pump parts and bottles on the go.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Formula<\/strong> \u2013 We use the Similac Sensitive formula<\/strong><\/a>. Simply pack what you need for your trip into a plastic ziplock bag, and you\u2019re all set.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Hiking Carrier<\/strong> \u2013 If you\u2019re 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\u2019t tested one out yet, but I\u2019ve heard good things about the Osprey Poco Carrier<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Carrier<\/strong> \u2013 It took us a while to find a carrier that Julian liked. He didn\u2019t love the wrap carriers, where he was pressed up against us super tight, and he wasn\u2019t big on the more structured BabyBjorn carrier we tried out. We just started using the <\/strong>WildBird Aerial carrier<\/strong><\/a>, and it seems to be the perfect fit. He\u2019s still able to lean back and look around while staying secure, and it\u2019s fairly open and made from linen, so he doesn\u2019t overheat. It\u2019s also comfy and supportive for the wearer. Most carriers have a weight minimum of eight pounds, so you can skip this if you\u2019re baby is under that.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Stain remover<\/strong> wipes<\/strong> \u2013 It\u2019s nice to have a stain remover<\/strong><\/a> that works well for baby messes on your clothes and your baby\u2019s clothes. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Diapers <\/strong>\u2013 You\u2019ll 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\u2019ve been using the Huggies Little Snugglers<\/strong><\/a> from day one, and they\u2019ve worked great.\u00a0If you\u2019re looking for a more eco-friendly option, one of my friends uses these bamboo ones<\/a><\/strong> instead.<\/li>\n