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Careful packing and preparation are essential if you’re travelling with a baby. Here is a baby travel packing list to make sure that you don’t miss a thing. Good planning and organization reduces anxiety and makes for a smooth and enjoyable trip.
We are a full time travel family who have done lots of travel with a baby. We are super excited to share our packing lists with you. This packing list focuses on FLYING with a baby. We have split this article into two lists, a carry-on packing list and a check in luggage packing list.
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Don’t miss our FULL baby travel checklist
Baby travel packing list – what is your baggage allowance?
More prestigious airlines tend to have better baggage policies. Budget airlines are generally more restricted. Always check your specific allowances when you book tickets.
- Most good airlines have a FREE check in baggage allowance of 20kg – 30kg. The dimensions vary from airline to airline.
- Most airlines let you bring a large carry-on bag (usually at least 55cm x 36cm x 20cm – even for budget airlines). Your carry on will probably need to be under 7 – 10kg depending on the airline.
- When you are flying with an infant you should be allowed to bring an additional smaller carry on bag for your baby.
- You should also be allowed to bring a pram, stroller or a baby carrier (backpack) for FREE if you are traveling with a baby. Remember to check this carefully.
Note: Paying for extra baggage is often very expensive. Also if your bags are particularly large or you are bringing specialist equipment, you may need to pay additional charges.
Carry on baggage packing list
Travel light – don’t miss our guide on how to travel with just a backpack
Here are some things to pack in your carry-on bags. Anything you will need quickly for your baby can be put in a small bag under your seat.
Your main carry on bag
- Passports for you and your family
- Other travel documents for you and your baby (e.g. visas)
- A folder or wallet for documents (we use and A4 zip wallet)
- Travel insurance policy cover summary (some airlines and countries check this)
- A print out of onward or return flights (some countries may want to see this)
- A note of your hotel name and address (normally needed for immigration documents)
- Vaccination records (for you and everyone in your group)
- Your covid-19 vaccination certificate (where relevant) or PCR test certificates
- A warm top (airplanes and airports can actually be quite cold due to the air conditioning)
- Notepad and pen (can be surprisingly useful)
- Refillable water bottle (airports normally have water fountains / water dispensers even after security you can refill your bottle)
- Adaptor plug – suitable for your destination country
- Wallet, bank cards, foreign currency
- International drivers license (where relevant)
- Electrical goods cameras, laptops, pads, charger cables etc…
- Sunglasses with a good case (we recommend bringing these in your carry on because they are fragile)
- Face masks (check your airline and destination country for mask requirements). It is always worth traveling with a few masks – just in case.
A few extras for your baby bag (stick it under your seat)
- Baby bottles and formula or other drinks for your baby
- A change of clothes for you and your baby
- If you breastfeed, wear a good nursing bra, a top for feeding, and a shawl or lightweight scarf to cover you and your baby
- Plenty of snacks for you and your baby
- Dummy or pacifier if your baby uses one (useful to alleviate ear pain at take off and landing)
- Muslins (small cloths)
- A small blanket (great for the airport)
- Plenty of ziplock bags (for dirty clothing or if you drop a dummy on the floor)
- Nappy rash cream (even if your baby is not normally prone to nappy rash – travel with a baby can lead to nappy rash)
- Medication for you and your baby
- Baby headphones / ear muffs to protect your baby’s ears from the noise of the airplane and improve sleep.
- Small toys, games or books. Consider things like blocks, magnetic toys, and stacking or building toys
- Lots of nappies (flights can be delayed so bring more than you need for the flight time)
- Plenty of wet wipes and hand sanitizer
- Some antibacterial wipes
- A travel baby changing mat (these tend to be quite compact and may have some useful pockets or pouches)
Baby travel checklist – Check in baggage packing list
This packing list is specifically for your check in luggage. We have tried not to repeat anything from your carry on luggage.
- Sling, pram, stroller or baby carrier
- Clothes for you and your baby (use stuff sacks or packing cubes to organize your clothing)
- Feeding bottles
- Baby formula (where relevant)
- A few toys or books from home
- Wash kit / toiletries / make up
- First aid kit (consider things like calpol, thermometer, nappy rash cream, insect bite cream…)
- Swimming kit for you and your baby (look for SPF swimming clothes)
- Compact travel umbrella (can be surprisingly useful to protect from the sun and the rain)
- Shoes – whatever you need for the trip
- Water proofs (even in hot or tropical countries these can be useful)
- A travel towel (depending on your travel style and accommodation)
- Head torch (depends on your travel style and needs)
- Some small fabric bags for carrying shopping, gifts etc… The pack down small and can be super useful
- Lots of spare nappies (good to bulk out your bag and protect other items)
A few things for a hot country
- Baby sun hat
- Baby friendly suncream (SPF 50)
- Mild DEET free insect repellent
- Baby travel bed with mosquito net (depending on your accommodation)
PRO packing tips for baby travel
Here are some more baby travel packing tips:
- Photograph your packed bags uncase you need evidence for an insurance claim
- Avoid overpacking – especially if you plan to be on the move lots. If you have space in your bag you can bulk it out with nappies and then have room to bring some things home
- Find a bag with lots of compartments, zips and pockets.
- If you are planning to travel around lots in your destination we recommend backpacks over suitcases and wheel cases. On the other hand, if you are planning to chill in your hotel or resort, then backpacks are less important.
- Pack your valuables and electronics in a dry sack. This way they are harder to steal from your bag AND they are protected from rain
- Consider a small padlock for your valuables bag
- Consider flying with a baby carrier backpack. Some airlines will let you take this instead of a pram. You can also stuff this with extra nappies and baby stuff. A baby carrier can also be used as a baby chair where necessary.
- When you are packing, consider the journey time to and from the airport, waiting time and layover times and also possible delay times.
