Wanting to make sure you’re super prepared for your upcoming family vacation with your new baby? This is the best list of baby travel essentials that will have you feeling prepared and stress-free.
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Going on your first big family vacation with your new baby can be nerve-wracking to say the least. You’re trying to think of every big and little thing you could possibly need. You have the “absolutely need” list, the “maybe the baby will need…” and “just in case…” lists that tend to get out of control. Having been on multiple vacations with a new baby, I have definitely had my share of trial and error, mostly in the form of overpacking which ends up being the worst. You have your hands full as it is!
It’s normal to get stressed out when figuring out what to pack but you’ll also be filled with excitement for your upcoming adventure. The memories are priceless! Let there be a few hiccups in the road because nothing compares to the beautiful and fun family time you’re about to embark on.
These baby travel essentials include travel-size necessities, entertainment ideas, electronics, kitchen supplies and so much more. This list will help put your mind at ease so you can focus on having the best time with your family on your upcoming trip!
Baby Travel Essentials
Airplane Baby Travel Essentials & Tips:
If your trip requires a plane ride to your destination, these are the top items you’ll need for a seamless flight as well as a few helpful tips.
Tip #1: Book a direct flight when you can.
I understand that every penny counts when planning a vacation but this is one of the few instances where I would spend the extra money per plane ticket to avoid a layover. You’ll be so happy you did.
Tip #2: Choose early morning departures.
I tend to find my baby, as well as all the other passengers on the plane, are way more pleasant and accommodating for morning flights. Plus, baby should be taking a nice morning nap during your flight and there is no better white noise than the sounds of the plane.
Tip #3: Pack an extra bottle.
If your baby is starting to eat food, packing some puffs is a great non-messy option. If your baby is still solely drinking milk/formula, I always like to have an extra bottle on hand for comfort and when those little ears start to pop during landing.
1. Airplane Phone Mount
This is so easy to throw in your carry-on and assemble. Perfect for putting a movie, nature clips, or animal videos on so baby can be entertained.
2. Wheel Activity Center
This toy suction onto the tray table so it won’t fall on the floor and flies ten rows towards the back. This is an item we’ve personally used and it kept our baby busy.
3. Suction Cup Spinner Toys
These suction to the tray table or the seat in front of you. These are so easy to pack and the kiddos love watching them spin.
Car Ride Baby Travel Essentials & Tips:
If you’re driving your vehicle to your destination, these are the top items you’ll need to make the ride feel as short as possible.
1. Tip #1: Leave the house early.
This is my husband’s and mine’s golden rule. Leave the house as early as possible so the little ones are asleep for a huge chunk of the journey. We like to depart around 4:30am and it’s a gamechanger. I’m not a fan of traveling through the night. I find it extremely dangerous and would not recommend trying to put yourself through that misery.
2. Tip #2: Make sure you can sit next to the car seat if Baby needs you.
The majority of the time you’ll be upfront helping your partner navigate the roads but there will be times along the ride that baby needs your company. I find myself climbing over the console and into the backseat a handful of times each trip to soothe a crying baby, tackle a feeding or provide much-needed entertainment for those long hours. Always make sure the backseat seat is clear of luggage or other travel items so you can quickly tend to the baby.
3. Tip #3: Heat the water for baby’s bottles before you leave the house.
You can do this on the stove or in the microwave. Heat the water until it’s really hot and fill the travel bottles WITHOUT adding the formula in (it would cook the formula and you don’t want that). I also like to fill the bottles to the top to keep the water warmer longer. When it’s feeding time, check the water temperature in the bottle and if it’s still too warm, add some water from a cold water bottle and mix it until the temperature is just right. Then measure, add the formula, and mix. This avoids having to give the baby a cold bottle so tummies are happier and the formula dissolves properly.
1. Kids Tablet
Letting the kiddos enjoy extra screen time when traveling is an easy decision. It’s made with a kid-proof case so it won’t break when dropped and also has a stand.
2. Car Caddy Organizer
This is such a great organizer that I like to place on the ground in the middle seat section. You can put diapers, wipes, snacks, toys etc. for easy access and the handle makes it easy to take with you on the go.
3. Backseat Car Organizer
If you like to keep everything tidy and off the floor, these are fantastic. You can fit so much in these pockets for the entire family.
Baby Travel Essentials Packing List:
Whether you’re headed to the coast or a national park, these items will be great to bring along for your baby’s needs as well as your own personal sanity.
Check out my post on Baby Beach Essentials for more specific suggestions for a beach vacation.
Bath items:
1. Travel Size Care
Having this will save you a lot of packing space and it comes with a cute pouch to store these products in.
2. Hooded Baby Towels
I’ve forgotten to take my baby’s towel before and the bulky ones at our Airbnb just didn’t cut it. I highly suggest packing this!
Laundry Items:
1. Waterproof Wet Bag
Use this bag to store clothes, wet swimwear, toiletries and so much more.
2. Travel Size Detergant
Most rentals have a pod or two for the wash so I’d recommend packing a small one of your own that is safe for baby’s skin.
Kitchen/Eating items:
1. Baby Bottles
We’ve found 3-4 to be the perfect number to take on a trip. Not too many and not too few!
2. Bottle Brush
I thought it would be unnecessary to bring this on my first trip with my newborn and boy was I wrong. Absolutely take one and you can always throw it away at the end of the week.
3. Foaming Dish & Bottle Soap for Travel
You won’t want to be stuck in a hotel room or a rental and not have soap to properly clean bottles. This product is a lifesaver!
4. Baby Formula Dispenser
Such a great product!! This is so much easier to throw in the car or a diaper bag for a day out than a big tub.
5. Silicone Placemats
The disposable placemats tend to be difficult to peel off the table and spills go right through them. I highly suggest a placemat you can wipe and store in your diaper bag like these. Plus – so adorable.
6. Disposable Bibs
You’ll love getting to throw these away after a meal instead of storing food-stained bibs in your bag after a family meal out.
7. On the Go Bag Dispenser
You’ll use these constantly when traveling! Trash cans are not always available so putting a used diaper in a trash bag is ideal until you can throw it away.
Electronics:
1. Stroller Fan
I have this exact fan and it works great. It has multiple speeds and a light.
2. Portable Sound Machine
Make sure you don’t leave this behind! I love the travel size sound machine because it works great at night and also to clip on a stroller or diaper bag.
3. Bottle Warmer
This is a nice item to have along with you to make sure bottles are being warmed properly.
Big items:
1. Compact Stroller
If space is tight with luggage and travel supplies, opt for this stroller instead of your heavy-duty one. It will hardly take up any space at all.
2. Portable Fold-Up Bassinet
You’ll love how easy it is to set this up and it will fit nicely into your vehicle. Perfect for baby to sleep in on your trip.
3. Child Carrier Backpack
If you’re headed on an outdoor adventure or National Park, this backpack will be your best friend. We used one and LOVED it. You’ll be amazed at how lightweight your baby feels on your back.
Diaper bag travel items:
These mini travel-sized care products fit perfectly in the pocket of a diaper bag. No need to lug full-sized items with you when you already have enough to carry.
1. Baby Powder
2. Butt Paste
3. Healing Ointment
4. Hand Sanitizer Spray
Have an amazing vacation with these baby travel essentials and tips!
