Ultimate Travel Packing List for a Baby: Smart Tips for Parents

Traveling with a baby can feel overwhelming, but trust me, it’s possible to make it smooth and even enjoyable with the right preparation. As a mom who’s traveled with little ones—including a 3-year-old and a 6-month-old—I’ve learned a lot about packing smart and planning ahead.

One of our most memorable trips was to Hawaii, and while it wasn’t without challenges, a few key strategies made it manageable. Here’s my personal guide to packing for a baby, filled with tips, tricks, and lessons learned along the way.

Why a Baby Travel Packing List Matters

Packing for a baby requires more thought than packing for yourself. Babies come with a unique set of needs, and forgetting an essential item can lead to unnecessary stress. A well-thought-out packing list ensures you’re prepared for everything from diaper blowouts to unexpected weather changes.

1. Clothing Essentials for Your Baby

a mom packing up baby items for vacation

Babies are unpredictable, and messes happen more often than not. For our trip to Hawaii, I packed two outfits per day for each child, plus extras for those inevitable diaper leaks or spilled snacks.

What I Pack:

Lightweight rompers and onesies
Comfortable pajamas (Hawaii’s warm evenings made light cotton PJs ideal)
Sun hats and swimsuits
A cozy jacket for cooler evenings
Socks and soft shoes

Pro Tip 1: Always include a spare outfit in your baby’s travel packing list to handle unexpected messes during flights or trips. During our flight to Hawaii, my baby had a diaper blowout mid-flight, and having a fresh outfit in my diaper bag was a lifesaver!

Pro Tip 2: Babies seem to come with more “stuff” than anyone else, but no one understands how to simplify and save space better than a mom. When I travel with my kids, I pack outfits they’re about to outgrow.

At the end of the trip, I find someone at the hotel—like a staff member or local charity—who might need them. This way, I lighten my load for the trip home and get to donate the clothes to someone who can truly use them. It’s a simple act of kindness that helps me declutter while giving back.

2. Feeding Supplies: Stay Organized

Feeding on the go can be tricky, but planning ahead saves a lot of stress. Since I was nursing my 6-month-old and my 3-year-old was all about snacks, I packed items that made feeding easier for both.

What I Pack:

Pre-measured formula and bottles (if formula-fed)
Sippy cups and bibs for my toddler
Snacks like crackers, puffs, and fruit pouches

Pro Tip: For our trip, I packed a small cooler bag with snacks for the flight and ordered baby food and snacks from Amazon to be delivered directly to our hotel. This saved space in my luggage and meant I didn’t have to haul everything with me.

3. Diapers and Personal Care: Order Ahead

Diapers take up a lot of room, so I don’t pack a full trip’s worth when we’re traveling for more than a few days. For our Hawaii trip, we had diapers, wipes, and baby shampoo shipped directly to our hotel via Amazon. It was a game-changer!

What I Pack:

Enough diapers for the flight and first day at the destination
Travel-sized wipes and diaper cream
Disposable changing pads
Baby sunscreen and lotion
A first-aid kit with baby-safe medications

Pro Tip: Check with your hotel ahead of time about accepting packages. Most hotels are happy to hold deliveries for guests.

4. Transporting Items: Gear That Saves the Day

Traveling with two young kids meant we had to be strategic about gear. For our 6-month-old, we relied on the Doona, which is both a car seat and stroller in one. It was a lifesaver in airports and taxis. For our 3-year-old, we used the WayB Pico car seat, which is lightweight and folds up for easy transport.

What I Pack:

Doona Infant Car Seat/Stroller for the baby
WayB Pico Car Seat for the toddler
A lightweight travel stroller as backup
Baby carrier for hands-free walking

Pro Tip: The Doona is one of the best baby travel gear items for navigating airports seamlessly. We could quickly fold it into a car seat when we reached our rental car. It’s easily one of the best investments we’ve made for travel.

5. Sleeping Arrangements: Keep It Familiar

Babies sleep better in familiar environments, so I always try to replicate their bedtime routine as much as possible. For our Hawaii trip, the hotel provided a crib, but I brought along my own fitted sheet and my baby’s favorite blanket to make it feel more like home.

What I Pack:

Portable crib or pack-and-play (if the hotel doesn’t provide one)
Fitted crib sheets
A white noise machine or app on my phone
Favorite lovey or stuffed animal

Pro Tip: If your baby struggles to sleep in new environments, try introducing the travel crib at home for a few nights before the trip to help them adjust.

6. Entertainment and Comfort: Keep Them Happy

Keeping a baby and a toddler entertained during long travel days is no small feat, but a variety of toys and comfort items go a long way. On our flight to Hawaii, I brought a mix of soft toys, teething rings, and my toddler’s favorite sticker book.

What I Pack:

A mix of age-appropriate toys (rattles, teethers, or board books)
Pacifiers (at least 2–3 backups)
My toddler’s favorite blanket for extra comfort
Downloaded shows or music for distractions

Pro Tip: I wrapped a few small toys as “gifts” to hand out during the flight. It was such a fun way to keep my toddler engaged and excited!

7. Plan Ahead and Stay Flexible

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that no trip goes exactly as planned when you’re traveling with kids. For our Hawaii trip, I had an itinerary, but I also left room for flexibility. Some days, we ditched our plans to just relax by the pool or let the kids nap longer.

Research your destination ahead of time for family-friendly activities.
Use apps like BabyQuip to rent gear like strollers or high chairs instead of lugging them.
Have a backup plan for rainy days or unexpected delays.

Pro Tip: We discovered a kid-friendly restaurant near our hotel that wasn’t on any of the “top lists” online, simply by asking the concierge. Local recommendations are always worth seeking out!

Traveling with a Baby: You’ve Got This!

Traveling with a baby may require extra planning, but it’s absolutely worth it. By packing thoughtfully and using resources like Amazon deliveries and versatile travel gear, you can make the experience less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone.

No matter where you’re headed, remember to pack patience, flexibility, and a sense of humor—those are the real essentials for traveling with little ones.

Do you have a favorite tip for traveling with babies? Share it in the comments below!
Discover More Family Travel Tips at Strollers & Suitcases.

FAQs: Baby Travel Packing List

What are must-have items in a travel packing list for a baby?

Essentials include diapers, wipes, feeding supplies, a change of clothes, and age-appropriate toys. Don’t forget gear like a car seat or stroller if needed.