Summer is here and that means it’s time to start gearing up for those much-anticipated family vacations! For all the type A moms out there (like me!) who love to have everything meticulously planned, I’ve got you covered with the ultimate vacation packing essentials for every member of your family. Let’s kick things off with a focus on the littlest member: baby.
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Traveling with a baby is HARD work, and they require a whole lot of gear. However, it can make your trip a lot less stressful if you’re prepared with everything you’re likely going to need, or potentially will need well in advance of the day you leave for vacation. But not to worry! With this comprehensive vacation packing list for your baby, you’ll be well-prepared for whatever adventures lie ahead.
This post is all about vacation packing essentials.
Travel Gear
First things first, let’s talk gear. When it comes to traveling with a baby, having the right equipment can make all the difference. Here are a few must-haves:
Doona Stroller System
This first recommendation is a little on the pricey side, and definitely not needed just for traveling. However, investing in this car seat / stroller system when you have a baby is sure to make your life easier. When my husband and I would travel with our son when he was younger, we would just gate check the Doona and carry him onto the plane.
Travel Stroller
If you don’t have the Doona, I highly suggest purchasing a light-weight travel stroller to accompany you on your family vacation. Whether you’re driving or flying, it will be nice to have something easy to put baby in while you’re out and about on your trip.
Baby Carrier
Another absolute essential to include in your baby vacation packing list is a baby carrier. This Baby Bjorn carrier is really easy to learn how to use, and is a great option in the airport if you plan to check your car seat and stroller.
Baby Wrap
If you don’t like the more structured feel of the Baby Bjorn carrier, another great option is a softer baby wrap. This Solly baby wrap is super popular right now, and for great reason. It’s really comfortable and pretty easy to learn how to use (they have a lot of YouTube videos available to walk you through those first few times). Another great perk is that it takes up very little space in a suitcase!
Portable Sound Machine
In my opinion, a portable sound machine is an absolute. must. have. This option in particular is really affordable, and can be taken anywhere from the plane to the car to the beach.
Stroller Fan
Another great option, especially for the warmer weather vacation options. This stroller fan in particular is rechargeable and can configure to any stroller or car seat handle.
Inflatable Baby Bath Tub
An inflatable baby bath tub will help to make your life a little bit easier when it comes to the nightly bath time routine. If you’re planning to stay at a hotel, some rooms do not have a bathtub and then you’re stuck trying to do a quick rinse-off for your little one in the shower or sink which is not ideal.
Infant Pool Floatie
For a warm weather vacation, a pool floatie is a great option to be able to be hands-free while you’re in the pool with your baby. Linked below is a great option because it has a sun-shade as well.
Pop-Up Tent
A pop-up tent can be great for virtually any vacation, and is a wonderful place to keep your little one out of the sun. I even liked using this in my backyard in the summer to keep my little guy out of the sun.
Clothing
Next up, let’s talk about clothing. Babies don’t need much on vacation, but be sure to include:
Lightweight Outfits
H&M has great vacation finds for baby at some really great prices. Here are a couple sets for baby boy or baby girl that are super cute!
Casual Sets
Matching multipack sets are a great option to pack for vacation. You can get a variety of options also at a really affordable price point.
Comfortable Pajamas
Don’t forget cozy pajamas for bedtime. Keeping baby cool and comfortable at night is definitely a must!
Feeding
Feeding your baby while on vacation is a top priority, so be sure to pack all the essentials.
Bottles
If you’re formula feeding, be sure to pack enough formula for the duration of your trip.
Travel Bottle Brush & Drying Rack
Trying to clean bottles while on vacation is not an easy task. Definitely get some sort of travel bottle brush for cleaning, like this set from target that also includes a drying rack.
Snacks
Snacks are an absolute must-have. Serenity Foods has some great, healthy pouches and puffs that my son absolutely loved when he was little.
Snack Containers
While you’re packing up a million snacks for your trip, you’ll also need to have a few containers on hand to keep them in.
Bibs
Definitely throw a few easy to clean bibs in your bag as well for mealtimes.
Bowls / Utensils
I really like this bowl & utensil set from Target because it has a lid which will make it super easy for travel.
Travel High Chair
Not exactly a must-have, but this travel high chair will make life a little easier particularly if you’re staying in a rental property or going to the beach.
Bath & Health
Maintaining your baby’s hygiene while traveling is essential. Here are some items to include in your packing list:
Baby Shampoo/Body Wash and Baby Lotion
The Pipette brand from Target has a really great baby shampoo / body wash combination and I love their baby lotion as well. It’s fragrance-free and made with clean ingredients.
Muslin Washcloths & Hooded Towel
A personal preference, but I prefer to travel with my own washcloths and towels for baby. I find towels at a rental house or hotel just aren’t the same.
Comb / Brush
Obviously.
Nail Grinder
Again, a personal preference depending on the length of your trip but easy to throw in a toiletry bag.
Thermometer
Just in case, a thermometer is always nice to have on hand.
Pain Reliver
I never leave the house without some sort of pain reliver in my bag because you never know when you may need it.
Baby Cosmetics Bag
Lastly, a super cute cosmetics bag is definitely a must in my opinion. I really like this Stoney Clover dupe from Amazon!
Sleep
Ensuring your baby gets enough rest while traveling is crucial – for baby and for you & your partner! Here’s what you’ll need to create a cozy sleep environment:
Pack & Play
You can rent pack & play cribs in a lot of places, however I tend to like to bring my own. It’s really easy to set up and pretty light-weight.
Crib Sheet
Definitely pack a crib sheet whether you’re using your own pack & play or not.
Slumberpod
The Slumberpod is a bit of an investment, but worth every single penny for the ability to be able to hopefully get some sleep on vacation. I also really like this for hotel rooms because you can still be moving around in your hotel room during nap time while your baby is still sleeping.
Travel Baby Monitor
Even though you’ll be staying likely in the same room as your baby while on vacation, if you use the Slumberpod you may want to have eyes on them through the tent. Our baby monitor that is non-WiFi is pretty easy to travel with, so I always pack it up when we head out of town.
Sound Machine
I mentioned this earlier, but do. not. forget. to pack the sound machine (trust me on this one).
Sleep Sack
Definitely be sure to bring your baby’s usual sleep sack or sleep swaddle.
Pacifiers
Another must if your baby uses one.
Muslin Swaddle Blankets
This is not a recommendation for your baby sleeping, but I do really enjoy bringing these while traveling on the plane in case your baby falls asleep. They make a great sleep cover and are lightweight so you are comfortable too.
Board Books
I always bring 1-2 books when we travel to bring a little piece of our bedtime routine with us.
Phew that was a lot, but hopefully helpful and will ease your mind when you’re packing up your little one for your next vacation adventure. With these packing essentials for baby in tow, you’ll be ready to hit the road (or the skies) with confidence. Happy travels!
This post was all about vacation packing essentials.
