To pack, or not to pack?
Tiny travelers, big adventures! Congratulations — you’re basically preparing for a tiny, adorable hurricane (or two). Between diaper blowouts, snack demands, and spontaneous dance parties, you’ll need a suitcase packed with magic. Fear not, brave traveler! Whether you’ve got a newborn snuggle bug or a wild four-year-old explorer, I’ve rounded up the must-haves to survive — and actually enjoy — your adventure.
Let’s pack like pros and make memories (not meltdowns)!
Infants and babies
(up to 4 months)
Let’s face it, you already know: packing isn’t just tossing clothes into a suitcase — it’s an art form. From favorite blankies to back-up bottles, the right stuff can mean the difference between vacation magic and meltdown mayhem. Don’t worry — I’ve got your back (and your diaper bag).
👜 Daily Essentials
- Diapers & Wipes (plan extras for travel days)
- Day time AND Night time diapers (yes, there’s a difference). We use Huggies® “Snug & Dry” for night time and Huggies® “Little Snugglers” for daytime. Always buy 1 size up from what your baby is currently wearing to allow extra comfort and protection from blow-outs.
- Travel bath essential pack- whether it’s a pre-gifted, or self-packed one.
- Baby soap (get the soap and shampoo combo)
- Baby washcloth
- Baby lotion
- Baby toothbrush
- Travel bath- we use something similar to this one: Stokke Flexi Bath Bundle
- Hand sanitizer & disinfecting wipes
- Pacifiers (with clips if needed)
- Changing pad (foldable, waterproof)
🍼 Feeding Supplies
- Breastfeeding gear (nursing cover, nipple cream, breast pump, storage bags)
- Wearable pumps are the way to go! remember your charger!
- 1 pack of breast pump wipes- I use both Momcozy brand and Medela brand (whichever is the better price on amazon)
- An entire 16oz can of Formula & clean water (if using)
- Bottles and Nipples
- 1 Instant sanitation bag- Like these
- Thermos (for warm water on the go)
- Bibs (drool and feeding)
- Burp cloths
😴 Sleep Gear
- Travel Bassinet- like this: Travel Bassinet
- Favorite sleep sack or swaddle (depending on what they’re using)
- White noise machine / app
- Portable blackout shade (great for naps in unfamiliar places)
- Monitor (if needed where you’re staying)
🧸 Entertainment & Soothing
- Soft toys / rattles
- Teething oil
- Interactive toy with lights or music (compact)
- Pacifiers (with clips if needed)
👕 Clothing
- Multiple changes of clothes per day (spit-up, blowouts, etc.)
- Weather-appropriate layers
- Sleepwear (footed onesies or PJs)
- Sun hat / warm hat depending on climate
- Socks
🚗 Travel Gear
- Car seat (FAA-approved if flying)- Free to check in on flight
- Baby carrier (essential for airports, sightseeing, hands-free naps)
- Stroller (lightweight, reclining)
- Travel bag for gear (backpack-style is best)
- Bottle travel bag with ice-pack
📄 Documents & Safety
- Passport / birth certificate (check travel requirements)
- Immunization record copy
- Insurance card
- List of allergies / emergency contacts
- Infant Tylenol and/or ibuprofen (follow your Dr’s instructions)
- Nail clippers & baby thermometer
🚗 Optional But Helpful
- Car seat and stroller bags (you can pack items in these, they’re free to check)
- Swim diapers
- Swim baby carrier-Like this
- Car seat (bring your own if flying or renting a car)
- Dog poop bags- seriously, don’t buy “baby diaper bags”, they’re all the same.
- Diaper cream
(4-6 months)
Essentially all the same items-Just, a few differences
👜 Daily Essentials
- Diapers & Wipes (plan extras for travel days)
- Day time AND Night time diapers (yes, there’s a difference). We use Huggies® “Snug & Dry” for night time and Huggies® “Little Snugglers” for daytime. Always buy 1 size up from what your baby is currently wearing to allow extra comfort and protection from blow-outs.
- Travel bath essential pack- whether it’s a pre-gifted, or self-packed one.
- Baby soap (get the soap and shampoo combo)
- Baby washcloth
- Baby lotion
- Baby toothbrush
- Hand sanitizer & disinfecting wipes
- Pacifiers (with clips if needed)
- Changing pad (foldable, waterproof)
🍼 Feeding Supplies
- Breastfeeding gear (nursing cover, nipple cream, breast pump, storage bags)
- Wearable pumps are the way to go! remember your charger!
- 1 pack of breast pump wipes- I use both Momcozy brand and Medela brand (whichever is the better price on amazon)
- An entire 16oz can of Formula & clean water (if using)
- Bottles and Nipples
- 1 Instant sanitation bag
- Thermos (for warm water on the go)
- Bibs (drool and feeding)
- Burp cloths
- Every flavor of Step 1 food pouches (Discuss with Dr.)
- Spoons and snack containers
- High chair cover (for restaurant high chairs)
😴 Sleep Gear
- Travel crib / pack ‘n play (or confirm one is available at your destination)
- There are also companies that allow rental of such items
- Favorite sleep sack or swaddle (depending on what they’re using)
- White noise machine / app
- Portable blackout shade (great for naps in unfamiliar places)
- Monitor (if needed where you’re staying)
🧸 Entertainment & Soothing
- Soft toys / rattles
- Fine motor toys
- Teething items
- Teething oil
- Interactive toy with lights or music (compact)
- Pacifiers (with clips if needed)
👕 Clothing
- Multiple changes of clothes per day (spit-up, blowouts, etc.)
- Weather-appropriate layers
- Sleepwear (footed onesies or PJs)
- Sun hat / warm hat depending on climate
- Socks/shoes
🚗 Travel Gear
- Car seat (FAA-approved if flying)- Free to check in on flight
- Baby carrier (essential for airports, sightseeing, hands-free naps)
- Stroller (lightweight, reclining)
- Travel bag for gear (backpack-style is best)
- Bottle travel bag with ice-pack
📄 Documents & Safety
- Passport / birth certificate (check travel requirements)
- Immunization record copy
- Insurance card
- List of allergies / emergency contacts
- Infant Tylenol and/or ibuprofen (follow your Dr’s instructions)
- Nail clippers & baby thermometer
🚗 Optional But Helpful
- Car seat and stroller bags (you can pack items in these, they’re free to check)
- Swim diapers
- Swim baby carrier-Like this
- Dog poop bags- seriously, don’t buy “baby diaper bags”, they’re all the same.
- Diaper cream
- Portable baby gate (if staying in an unfenced area)
- Outlet covers / baby-proofing items
(6-12 months)
👜 Daily Essentials
- Diapers & Wipes (plan extras for travel days)
- Day time AND Night time diapers (yes, there’s a difference). We use Huggies® “Snug & Dry” for night time and Huggies® “Little Snugglers” for daytime. Always buy 1 size up from what your baby is currently wearing to allow extra comfort and protection from blow-outs.
- Travel bath essential pack- whether it’s a pre-gifted, or self-packed one.
- Baby soap (get the soap and shampoo combo
- Baby washcloth
- Baby lotion
- Baby toothbrush
- Baby soap (get the soap and shampoo combo
- Hand sanitizer & disinfecting wipes
- Pacifiers (with clips if needed)
- Changing pad (foldable, waterproof)
🍼 Feeding Supplies
- Breastfeeding gear (nursing cover, nipple cream, breast pump, storage bags)
- Wearable pumps are the way to go! remember your charger!
- 1 pack of breast pump wipes- I use both Momcozy brand and Medela brand (whichever is the better price on amazon)
- An entire 16oz can of Formula & clean water (if using)
- Bottles and Nipples
- 1 Instant sanitation bag- Like these
- Thermos (for warm water on the go)
- Bibs (drool and feeding)
- Burp cloths
- Every flavor of Step 1 food pouches
- Every flavor of Step 2 food pouches (Discuss with Dr.)
- Spoons and snack containers
- Snacks, lots of snacks
- High chair cover (for restaurant high chairs)
😴 Sleep Gear
- Travel crib / pack ‘n play (or confirm one is available at your destination)
- There are also companies that allow rental of such items
- White noise machine / app
- Portable blackout shade (great for naps in unfamiliar places)
- Monitor (if needed where you’re staying)
🧸 Entertainment & Soothing
- Fine motor toys
- Teething items
- Teething oil
- Interactive toy with lights or music (compact)
- Pacifiers (with clips if needed)
👕 Clothing
- Multiple changes of clothes per day (spit-up, blowouts, etc.)
- Weather-appropriate layers
- Sleepwear (footed onesies or PJs)
- Sun hat / warm hat depending on climate
- Socks/shoes
🚗 Travel Gear
- Identification bracelet-We have these
- Car seat (FAA-approved if flying)- Free to check in on flight
- Stroller (lightweight, reclining)
- Travel bag for gear (backpack-style is best)
📄 Documents & Safety
- Passport / birth certificate (check travel requirements)
- Immunization record copy
- Insurance card
- List of allergies / emergency contacts
- Infant Tylenol and/or ibuprofen (follow your Dr’s instructions)
- Nail clippers & baby thermometer
🚗 Optional But Helpful
- Car seat and stroller bags (you can pack items in these, they’re free to check)
- Swim diapers
- Dog poop bags- seriously, don’t buy “baby diaper bags”, they’re all the same.
- Diaper cream
- Portable baby gate (if staying in an unfenced area)
- Outlet covers / baby-proofing items
Toddlers
Traveling with a 12–24 month old can be rewarding but requires good planning. Here’s a list of must-haves
👜 Daily Essentials
- Diapers, Pull-ups & Wipes (plan extras for travel days)
- Always buy 1 size up from what your baby is currently wearing to allow extra comfort and protection from blow-outs.
- Travel bath essential pack- whether it’s a pre-gifted, or self-packed one.
- Baby soap (get the soap and shampoo combo)
- Baby lotion
- toothbrush
- Hand sanitizer & disinfecting wipes
- Portable toilet seat cover
🍼 Feeding Supplies
- Thermos (for warm water on the go)
- Snacks- Lots of snacks (all toddlers do is eat!)
😴 Sleep Gear
- Inflatable Bed Bumpers
- Favorite blanket
- Favorite snuggle toy
- White noise machine / app
- Portable blackout shade (great for naps in unfamiliar places)
🧸 Entertainment & Soothing
- Interactive toy with lights or music (compact)
- Board Books
- Sensory Board- We have 3 types of these
👕 Clothing
- Multiple changes of clothes per day (blowouts, spills, etc.)
- Weather-appropriate layers
- Sleepwear (footed onesies or PJs)
- Sun hat / warm hat depending on climate
- Socks and shoes- Pack appropriately
- Multiple changes of potty training underpants
🚗 Travel Gear
- Identification bracelet-We have these
- Car seat (FAA-approved if flying)- Free to check in on flight
- Stroller (lightweight, reclining)
- Travel bag for gear (backpack-style is best)
📄 Documents & Safety
- Passport / birth certificate (check travel requirements)
- Immunization record copy
- Insurance card
- List of allergies / emergency contacts
- Tylenol and/or ibuprofen (follow your Dr’s instructions)
- Nail clippers & baby thermometer
🚗 Optional But Helpful
- Car seat and stroller bags (you can pack items in these, they’re free to check)
- Dog poop bags- seriously, don’t buy “baby diaper bags”, they’re all the same.
- Swim diapers
- Sound proofing headphones (for the frequent trips to “scary”, loud rest stops and bathrooms)
- Another adult in the group to stand outside and reassure others your kid isn’t getting trafficked-I’ve had 1 too many encounters with police officers- about my OWN child!
Younglings
(24mo-4yrs)
Packing for a 2 to 4-year-old—especially if it’s your first time—can feel like you’re prepping for a tiny tornado. But don’t worry! With a few must-haves and a bit of planning, you’ll be all set
👜 Daily Essentials
- Pull-ups & Wipes (plan extras for travel days)
- Travel bath essential pack- whether it’s a pre-gifted, or self-packed one.
- Baby soap (get the soap and shampoo combo)
- Baby lotion
- toothbrush/toothpaste
- Hand sanitizer & disinfecting wipes
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Portable toilet seat cover
🍽️ Food & Snacks
- Their fave snacks — lots of them
- Spill-proof water bottle or sippy cup
- Easy meals or food pouches if you’re not sure what the food situation will be
- Reusable snack containers- HINT: if you have an old fish tackle box, use that for snacks
- Toddler utensils (they still get picky!)
🛏️ Sleep gear
- Favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or lovey (do not forget this — it’s a trip-ruiner)
- White noise machine or app on your phone
- Inflatable bed rail
- PJs and maybe a back-up pair if they’re still having nighttime accidents
🧸 Entertainment-Allow them to help pick out these items
- Books (board books or ones they like to “read”)
- Coloring stuff or sticker books.
- Definitely those sensory activity mats.
- A few small toys or surprise “busy bags”
- Something new they haven’t seen before = gold
👕 Clothes
- 2–3 outfits a day (yes, still necessary — messes happen fast)
- Jacket or hoodie (planes/hotels can be cold)
- Comfy shoes + backup pair
- Swimsuit and water shoes if there’s water nearby
🚗 Travel Gear
- Identification bracelet-We have these
- Car seat (FAA-approved if flying)- Free to check in on flight
- Stroller (lightweight, reclining)
- Travel bag for gear (backpack-style is best)
- Snacks, lots of snacks
📄 Documents & Safety
- Passport / birth certificate (check travel requirements)
- Immunization record copy
- Insurance card
- List of allergies / emergency contacts
- Tylenol and/or ibuprofen (follow your Dr’s instructions)
- Nail clippers & baby thermometer
🚗 Optional But Helpful
- Car seat and stroller bags (you can pack items in these, they’re free to check)
- Dog poop bags- seriously, don’t buy “baby diaper bags”, they’re all the same.
- Swim diapers (if not already potty trained
- Sound proofing headphones (for the frequent trips to “scary”, loud rest stops and bathrooms)
- Air tag bracelet
- Leash- Like this
Packing for kids ages 0–4 means making sure you’ve got the essentials—diapers, snacks, clothes, comfort items, and entertainment. A little planning can make a big difference in keeping everyone happy while traveling. I’ve been there—it’s tough hauling all that gear—but trust me, it’s worth it. Watching little ones take in a whole new world, even if it’s just a trip to the shore, makes all the effort worth while.
