A 2023 U.S. Family Travel Survey from New York University and the Family Travel Association showed that 80% of parents think traveling gives kids a new perspective on the world.
And many families are planning to see more of the world soon, with 76% of respondents saying they plan to take their children traveling internationally over the next two years.
While family travel can be exciting and fulfilling, it can also be challenging when you’re traveling with young children. To help you out, here are some essential packing tips for traveling with babies and toddlers that will ensure your trip runs smoothly.
Essential Items to Pack for Babies and Toddlers
Packing can be stressful when it’s just for yourself — let alone when you’re packing for the whole family! And even more so when you have very young children.
However, traveling with young children is easier than you may think, and while you will have to carry more stuff with you, if you have a clear packing list and plan, you’ll be prepared for anything.
Must-have diapering essentials
You’ll need to have diapers, wipes, and changing pads handy. Put these essentials into separate Ziploc bags or packing cubes (rather than having stacks of diapers and wipes deep in your diaper bag).
That way, if you have to change your baby on a plane or pop into a train station bathroom, you can grab the smaller bag and have everything you need.
Another tip: Use a backpack as a diaper bag instead of a standard large purse or diaper bag. For example, this Herschel Little America Backpack also makes a good carry-on.
A backpack enables you to have both arms free while you’re traveling.
Feeding on the go
If you feed your baby formula, pre-measure it ahead of time to make prep easy. If you breastfeed or pump, pack a cover, a portable pump, and bottles.
Find out if the airports or rest spots you’re visiting have dedicated areas for mothers to feed their babies.
If you’re traveling to a place that doesn’t have high chairs, you can also pack a portable high chair.
Sleep essentials for travel
Your baby or toddler might have a favorite blanket or stuffed animal. Consider buying a duplicate for your trip, just in case it gets left behind somewhere.
While it might seem like overkill, bringing a blackout curtain and sound machine can also help create a good sleep environment wherever you’re staying. The more you can mimic your sleeping environment at home, the better.
Clothing strategy
To save time and make one less decision each day, pack by outfit. You can even put each outfit in a large Ziploc bag or packing cube to make it easy to grab if you have to change your child quickly.
Remember to check the weather before you leave your accommodations each day — if it’s calling for rain, you may want to put extra clothes or shoes into your daypack.
Bath and hygiene supplies
If your child has sensitive skin, pack travel-sized baby shampoo and soap. If your preferred brand doesn’t come in travel size, you can buy refillable bottles and fill them up yourself (which is also cheaper in the long run and better for the environment).
Hotels or vacation rentals usually provide soap and shampoo, but if they’re unfamiliar brands, they might irritate your child’s skin.
Documentation and medical needs
Just in case, bring copies of your child’s birth certificate, medical records, and health insurance cards.
If your child has a chronic health condition or needs a specific daily medication, make sure to pack extra in case you get delayed.
Transportation must-haves
Travel strollers, like this Jeep Travel Stroller, are great to bring because they fold up easily and are lightweight.
You can bring your own car seat, or if you’re renting a car, you can pay to have it added to your reservation.
RELATED: Family Travel Tips for Planning Safe Ground Transportation
Baby-friendly first-aid kit and safety supplies
There’s nothing worse than your baby or toddler getting sick on vacation, but unfortunately, it can happen. Pack a first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, a thermometer, and child-friendly medicines for pain relief, upset stomachs, and allergic reactions.
You may also want to pack some childproofing supplies like locks for cupboards and covers for electrical outlets to keep them safe in your new accommodations.
RELATED: How To Find a Family-Friendly Doctor on Vacation
Entertainment for long trips
Pack several different types of entertainment. Go to the dollar store and purchase a few new toys they haven’t seen or played with before. Also, you’d be surprised how entertaining everyday household items are, like blue painter’s tape.
If your baby or toddler grows tired of books and toys during a long flight or car ride, you can always turn on a favorite show or movie on your phone or iPad. While some parents might think toddlers are too young for screens, it’s okay to make an exception when traveling if it keeps them occupied.
Common Mistakes Parents Make When Packing
No parent is perfect, and we all make mistakes. But hopefully, you’ll now know not to make these ones when you’re traveling with your babies and toddlers.
Overpacking unnecessary items
It’s easy to overpack when you have small children. However, remember that you can often pick up supplies wherever you’re traveling. You can even use DoorDash or Amazon Prime to deliver items to your hotel or rental.
Buying an item in a hotel gift shop might be a little more expensive, but it can save you space in your luggage if you don’t bring everything.
READ MORE: How To Pack Smart for Family Travel
Forgetting backup clothes for parents
Parents are great about packing extra clothing for kids. After all, kids regularly have accidents or get food on their clothes.
However, parents often forget to pack additional clothes for themselves. You’ll be grateful to have an extra shirt and pants in your bag if you spill your coffee or slip in muddy terrain.
Not preparing for airport security with baby gear
There have been reports of challenging interactions with the TSA when trying to bring breast milk, formula, and baby food through security, but it is allowed.
If you run into issues, you may have to educate the TSA. To be extra prepared, print out the TSA’s policy, which states that you’re allowed to bring these items in quantities greater than 3.4 oz.
FAQs About Packing for Babies and Toddlers
What’s the best way to sterilize bottles on the go?
You can purchase sterilizer bags that you put in a microwave to sterilize your bottles. Dr. Brown’s sells these in a pack of five.
If you’re concerned about sterilizing water for formula, you can purchase travel-sized sterilized water bottles to mix with formula.
Should I bring a stroller or baby carrier for travel?
This depends on the age of your child, the number of children you have, and the length of your trip. It’s best to bring an affordable travel stroller with you on the plane, since they fold compactly and are useful when you don’t want to carry your child everywhere.
How do I handle diaper changes on a plane?
Changing diapers on a plane is inconvenient, but the best place to do so is in the airplane’s bathroom. Some bathrooms come equipped with a changing table, but of course, the space is very small.
Bring wipes to sterilize the bathroom. If there is no fold-down changing table, you can bring a blanket and put your baby on your lap. Again, it’s not the best place to change a diaper, but hopefully you won’t have to do it too many times.
TL;DR: How To Pack for Babies and Toddlers
Traveling with little ones doesn't have to be stressful. Organize your essentials like diapers, feeding supplies, and comfort items, but don’t go overboard — you can always grab things at your destination..
With a bit of planning, you'll be creating amazing family memories instead of stress-filled travel days!
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