Your baby’s first trip can be exciting and stressful. You don’t know how your child will react to their first journey, so it’s best to be prepared by planning ahead. It will save you both! When starting your travel list, spend some time thinking about things that calm him or her. You also want to try to keep on your baby’s schedule as best you can, so bear in mind your travel arrangements and items that may help you stick to the schedule. The key is to keep your baby as comfortable as possible to make the trip as easy as possible for you both.
#1 Make Your Travel List
If you’re traveling where you only have a carry-on, such as flying, make a checklist, so you don’t forget anything. If you do, you won’t have access to what you missed. Start packing a couple of days ahead of time to give you plenty of time to prepare. Here’s a general list of items that you can personalize for your needs while traveling.
- Diapers and cleaning wipes with extra in case there are delays.
- Two to three receiving blankets for warmth, nursing covers, and protection for your clothes from spit-up.
- A change of clothes for you and the baby.
- Nursing pads if your breastfeeding or formula and bottles.
- Pacifiers if you’re using them and a couple of comfort toys.
- A sling or baby carrier.
- Baby-friendly snacks and a couple of Ziploc bags for snacks and soiled diapers or clothes.
#2 Make Your Destination List
Start by taking into consideration how long you will be away and your destination. Will you be gone long enough to need to do laundry, and if so, will you have access to a washing machine? Is your baby eating any solid foods, and if so, do you want to take food with you? You will need most things from your travel list, but how much more will you need to cover your trip? A couple of items to add to the list is a collapsible stroller and a travel crib. You want to take the baby stroller if you’re flying or planning to do a lot of walking on your trip. A quality travel crib will take up less space than the hotel’s and may be safer than a relative’s old stored one.
#3 Extra Items to Consider
- Disposable diaper changing pads or a reusable one
- Small bottles of hand disinfecting gel, baby wash, and baby lotion
- Socks, booties, and shoes
- Diaper rash cream and a small container of powder
- Washable bibs and a sun hat or bonnet
- Tissues and wipes
- A small flashlight or nightlight for nighttime changes
- A plastic feeding set of utensils if your baby is eating solid food
- Breast pump if you are using one
- Extra bottles, nipples, and at least one sippy cup if your child uses one
- Energy-boosting snacks for you
- First-aid kit with baby pain reliever if you’re camping out
- Inflatable baby bathtub if you’ll need one at your destination
- Car seat
#4 Packing Tips
Start packing in plenty of time before you leave so you have time to double check and make sure you don’t miss anything. A diaper bag with a waterproof lining and a comfortable shoulder strap are best. Be prepared to manage leaky diapers and spit-up as you travel. If your baby is taking any liquid medication, be sure to pack it in a Ziploc in a case of leaks. It’s also helpful to pack the extra outfit for your baby and a shirt for you in a Ziploc so you can find them quickly. Make sure to have your child’s pediatrician’s number in case you need to call while you’re traveling. You may want a clip-on reading light and reading material for yourself. Don’t forget the camera, battery charger, and the extra memory card; you’ll want to take lots of pictures.