A Quick Guide on How to Pack While Traveling With Your Baby

I t’s safe to say that packing for a baby is nothing like packing for an older child, or yourself. Especially for first-time traveling, packing for a baby is a daunting and confounding task. You want to pack everything: the clothes, the medicine shelf, the toiletries, the toys. But then the bags become too big and you barely have space left for your luggage. So what now? You consider leaving your baby behind but there is no worthy caretaker who would give the time, attention, and care to your baby that you could. So it becomes inevitable to focus and get this right.

First Things First

Before you even consider the travel for your child, the most important thing is to get a thorough medical checkup from a pediatrician. This will help you in the following ways

You will be able to decide if the travel is too long for your baby in the first place.

Any sickness the baby has that hasn’t been detected yet (we all know babies fall sick all the time) will come to light and you’ll be able to proceed accordingly.

The pediatrician will recommend a prescription for the baby’s motion sickness and let you know suggestions on how to cope in case the baby unexpectedly falls sick.

Things To Keep In Mind

One thing babies and traveling have in common is the fact that they’re both completely unpredictable. Just like an unforeseen weather condition, roadblock, or engine failure can hinder travel. A baby can, and will, puke, cry, scream, and render you helpless and speechless at any given opportunity. So you have to be prepared for the unforeseen. Keep the following in mind while packing for a baby:

Pack light; Don’t pack more than you need to.

Keep your baby’s birth certificate in case of a flight or international travel

Keep the baby’s liquids like water and breast milk in a double ziplock.

Keep only one carry-on.

The Big Stuff

These all aren’t by how long your travel is going to be, but these are the absolute basics.

These all aren’t absolutely necessary, but having these on hand can make your travel easier. It depends on where you’re traveling to, how long your stay will be, and how often you’ll be changing locations.

Stroller. If you’re staying at a hotel and plan on sightseeing and being outdoors, take a foldable stroller with you.

Baby Carrier. Even if you’re not taking a stroller, or if it’s not necessary, A baby carrier is something you need to have on hand.

Car Seat. If you’ll be renting a car where you’re going. Or if you’re traveling by car, a car seat is an absolute must-have.

Packing Clothes

Keep this methodical. Don’t pack too much of one kind of clothing and regardless of weather, keep warm clothes on hand. Here’s a basic guide on what to pack. You can modify this in accordance with how long your travel is going to be, but these are are the absolute basics.

• 2-3 pairs of pajamas.
• 2-3 shirts and onesies
• 2-3 dresses/rompers.
• 2-3 pairs of pants/leggings.
• A pair of sweaters or jackets according to the weather
• A swimsuit, depending on location.
• Hats and beanies (Only keep one or two

Regularly wash the dirty clothes and make your baby re-wear the casual wear. Remember, if you pack heavily it’ll be just that much harder to do laundry and bring all of that back.

What To Pack In A Carry-on

A carry-on is possibly the most important bag you’ll have on hand while traveling with your baby. Keep only one carry-on with you while traveling, these are the staple items that you’ll need

Diaper Essentials

• One diaper for each hour of travel and a few extras
• Diaper cream
• Changing pad
• Baby wipes
• Sanitizing wipes
• Plastic bags

Feeding Essentials

• Breast milk or formula powder packers
• Jars of baby food if your baby is eating, or squeeze pouch baby food
• Extra bottles
• Spoon
• A few bibs
• A sippy cup
• Snacks if your baby can eat

Clothes

• Two sets of clothes for your baby 
• One change of clothes for yourself

Health essentials

• Nail clipper
• Tissues and napkins for nose
• Basic first aid kit
• Infant Tylenol
• Infant cough syrup
• Comb/Brush
• Thermometer

For comfort

• Pacifier
• Teether
• A few baby toys 

If you keep these in mind while packing for a baby before traveling, it should go smoothly. Use this as a checklist and happy travels!

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• Traveling With Baby
• travel essentials
• packing essentials
• packing for baby
• infant traveling