Holiday Packing Checklist for Your Baby
With the holiday season upon us, you’re probably wondering what to pack for your baby when travelling over Christmas, New Years or other holidays. Travelling with a baby can create many beautiful memories for your family and being prepared can make a world of difference. Whether you’re looking for baby holiday packing tips or packing tips for general travel, Baby Bunting is here to help.
Babies and toddlers do not pack light - your baby’s packing list might be longer than your own! And if you’re travelling with gifts and extra knick-knacks for the holiday, it can be easy to forget some things. This handy travel checklist will make sure you’ve got it covered.
Baby Travel Accessories
Car seat
If you’re going on a road trip but not taking your own car, most car rental services can provide child seats for an additional fee and even install them for you – just add whatever type of car seat you need when you book the car. We recommend checking what seat belt and child restraint safety laws are in place for your destination, and to book as far in advance as possible as car seats are subject to availability. It is also a good idea to phone ahead a few days before you’re due to pick up your vehicle to make sure the car seat will be there.
Travel Pram
A lightweight, collapsible travel pram is great for sightseeing and exploring. If you’re going to walk off-road or on bumpy roads, an all-terrain pram is ideal. If you’re flying and transiting through airports, check out our blog on flying with little ones for more handy advice and information.
Blanket
Depending on whether you’re going to a warm or cold destination, a blanket is great for your little one when they’re seeking comfort or warmth. When bringing a travel blanket, it’s nice to have one that smells like home, since the familiar smell can be a comfort to your little one as they explore new places. If a blanket will be too hot for your holiday destination, opt for a favourite toy or a muslin wrap.
Sling
Little ones love being close to us, and a baby sling or carrier is a great way to keep them close. Unlike a travel pram or a carrier, a sling is hands-free transportation, which is super handy for airports, train stations or just getting around your home away from home. We recommend practicing putting a sling or carrier on and off, so you feel confident when you reach your destination. It’s also important to follow the T.I.C.K.S. rules for safe babywearing.
Baby Food and Drinks
Whether your little one is breastfeeding or bottle feeding or if they’ve moved on to solids, there are a few things to pack to help keep them comfortable and full. So — what food and drink items should you put on your baby travel list?
Breastfeeding Accessories
If you’re breastfeeding, are there any accessories you may need? For example, in some destinations, showing skin in public, even to breastfeed, is considered culturally insensitive. If that’s the case for your upcoming holiday, you may want to pack a shawl or a muslin blanket so you can keep yourself covered and comfortable. Additionally, packing items like a pump, creams and comfortable tops might be helpful as feeding routines may be thrown off with the excitement of travel.
Bottled Milk and Formula
Most destinations will stock baby formula, but the range and quality may vary if you’re heading overseas so we recommend packing your own, particularly if your baby prefers a particular brand or type. If you're travelling via plane, make sure you check with your airline for recommendations on how to bring milk and formula on board and how they can help make your feeding experience smooth in the air.
Regardless of whether you’re flying, driving, or taking a train, you’ll also need to think about how you’ll keep the bottles clean and sanitised while on holiday, or how you’ll warm your baby’s milk.
Solid Food
If your little one is eating solids, pack one or two extra meals per day in addition to what they already eat. That way, you have extra on hand if they get hungry while travelling or if you think food will be a good distraction. If you’re flying, some airlines can provide a baby meal if requested, but it’s a good idea to pack foods you know your baby will eat.
Baby-safe Snacks
Having snacks on hand will help keep your little one comfortable and distracted. Rice cakes, pouched food and small crackers are great options for easy on-the-go foods.
Utensils and Feeding Accessories
Having all the accessories for feeding your little one will make your travel life easier. If you use baby formula, bring bottles, teats, sterilising equipment, and a way to warm the bottles. If your little one eats solid food, pack bibs, spoons, sippy cups and baby wipes.
Baby Clothes
Once you have the baby accessories packed, it’s time to start packing your baby’s travel clothes. In addition to all your little one’s cute holiday outfits, make sure to pack some clothing basics.
Tops
For baby tops, keep the weather in mind so you can dress your little one appropriately. Regardless of whether you’re travelling to colder or warmer weather, dressing your baby in layers helps with temperature fluctuations throughout the day and night. There are four types of tops to consider when making your baby travel packing list:
Singlets: Baby singlets are an important first layer. You can layer anything over a singlet or if it’s warm, they can get around in just a singlet and nappy, or a singlet paired with shorts or a skirt, plus lots of sunscreen and a hat if outdoors!
Baby tops and T-shirts: For warmer weather, pack lightweight, long-sleeved tops to protect your little one from the sun but without making them feel too hot. For colder weather, pack a warm base-layer top.
Baby jackets and jumpers: For warmer weather destinations, a jumper probably won’t be necessary unless it cools off at night or if it might rain. For colder weather, having a winter-weight jumper and jacket can keep them warm in blustery or snowy weather.
Bottoms
For bottoms, there are four types to consider packing for your little one during the holiday season:
Trousers: If you’re travelling to a warmer destination, lightweight, long trousers are a great way to protect your child from the sun. Thicker versions like jeans or woollen tracksuits are good cold weather options.
Leggings: A great layering piece, leggings are easy and convenient pieces to pack for your little one. There are heavy and lightweight options, so they are a versatile piece of clothing for any holiday.
Growsuits: Growsuits are excellent choices for smaller babies experiencing their first winter holiday. You can quickly zip your baby into their clothing, and they can be worn underneath or over other clothing items.
Nappies: Nappies might be the most important thing to pack! If you’re planning on bringing nappies instead of buying nappies at your destination, pack at least a few extra per day you’re away than you would typically use in a day at home. In this case, it’s better to have more than not enough! Don’t forget to pack all the nappy accessories in your bag, such as a travel changing mat, wipes, nappy bags, and hand sanitiser.
Baby Bedding and Sleep Accessories
Just like at home, when you’re on holidays everyone wants to get enough sleep to prepare for anotherday of fun. But what should you pack for your night-time and bath time routines while travelling with a baby?
Travel Cot
Most hotels will be able to provide a cot. If that’s not an option, packing a travel cot means your baby will always have a familiar space to sleep.
Baby Sleeping Bag
If your baby sleeps in a wearable sleeping bag, check that the sleepsuit you have now is appropriate for the temperature rating for your travel destination. As with clothes, packing a few sleepsuits and wraps will mean you always have one on hand should accidents happen.
Sound Machine and Night Light
As you travel for the holidays, it can behelpful and comforting to your little one if you canrecreate their home environment as much as possible. A sound machine and night light can be comforting and create a relaxing space for your baby to sleep in, if that’s something they’re used to at home.
Tips for Packing Clothes for a Baby
As you finalise your packing list for the holidays, in general, it’s better to have more clothes than less. As a rule of thumb, pack two complete outfits for each day you’re travelling. If one gets messy, you’ll have a backup outfit, which means less stress for you!
While on holiday, see if there are any laundry facilities available. Whether it’s through the hotel, at a loved one’s house or a laundry business, if you get the opportunity to wash your baby’s clothes you won’t have to pack as much but you’ll still have plenty of outfit options for your baby.
As you travel to visit friends and family for the holidays, Baby Bunting can help you be as prepared as possible so your little one is as comfortable as can be. Shop our range of baby travel accessories, including travel prams, portacots and more online, or pop into one of our stores to speak with our friendly and experienced staff.
Whatever your plans, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!