Did you read my last post, “Vacationing with a Newborn Expert Tips”? If you have read it and the idea of getting back into travel sounds intriguing to you, then you will love the tips for what to pack in this post. Traveling with a newborn can be challenging, but with a lot of planning, organizing, and having the right essentials, the experience will be much smoother. Here are the must-have items for traveling with a newborn.

Selecting the Ideal Baby Gear Bag for Newborn Travel

When traveling with a newborn, it is important to have a suitable baby gear bag. Look for a bag that is spacious enough to hold all the necessary items for your baby, such as diapers, wipes, extra clothes, and blankets. I’d suggest packing a few plastic bags if you need to separate soiled clothing. The bag should also have multiple compartments to keep everything organized and easily accessible.

Consider choosing a bag with a waterproof lining to protect against spills and accidents. Additionally, opt for a bag with comfortable shoulder straps or handles for easy carrying.

I recently saw this really cool packing idea on YouTube. Check it out! Would this method work for you? If so, you pack the items in the shoe holder first. Next, as the video shows, you roll or fold them to fit into a suitcase.

Puke or blowout? We all know one or both of these will happen while out and about! It is common for a newborn only to need soil part of their outfit. Try to pack neutral colors as your extras! That way, if you have to change the pants due to a massive blowout, you won’t need to change your baby’s top, too, for everything to match.

Selecting the ideal baby gear bag will ensure you have everything you need within reach while on the go.

Don’t forget the baby gear!

When packing for a vacation with a newborn, it is crucial to bring all the necessary baby gear. This includes items such as:

• stroller
• car seat
• baby carrier or baby wrap

These items will make it easier to navigate through airports, hotels or, walking through a beach town.

Depending on the kind of vacation you are going on, and how you are traveling, you may want to add some additional gear, such as a swing or bouncy seat.

More suggestions when packing for newborn travel

Additionally, remember to pack more diapers, wipes, and clothing than you think you will need for your baby. It is always better to have more than you think you will need, as unexpected situations will arise during travel.

Want to pack less? Have Amazon deliver diapers or other items to your destination ahead of time. If you decide to do this, be sure that someone is there who can receive the items and keep them in a secure location. A friend of mine traveled to Disney World with her grandchild, and they had many items delivered to their hotel before their arrival.

Other essential items to bring include a changing pad, burp cloths, and a portable crib or bassinet for sleeping. If you will have your baby sleep in a pack-n-play on vacation, try having them sleep in it at home for a few nights. Then, when you reach your destination, your baby will already be familiar with it.

Bring Newborn Comfort Items

Traveling can be unsettling for a newborn, so it is important to bring comfort items to help them feel secure and relaxed. Pack their favorite blanket, stuffed animal, lovey, or pacifier to provide a sense of familiarity.

Additionally, consider bringing a portable white noise machine or using an app on your phone to help drown out unfamiliar sounds and create a soothing environment for your baby. Bringing comfort items for your baby will help them adjust to the new surroundings and make the journey more enjoyable for both of you.

Essential Baby Feeding Supplies

When traveling with a newborn, it is essential to pack all the necessary feeding supplies. If you are breastfeeding, you may want to bring a nursing cover or scarf for privacy. Don’t forget your breast pump if you are pumping. If you are bottle feeding, bring enough formula and bottles for the duration of your trip. Remember to bring dish soap and a bottle brush as well.

Do not forget to pack extra bibs and burp cloths. If your little one can sit, you may want to bring a portable high chair or booster seat for feeding your baby comfortably at restaurants or in hotel rooms. Having all the essential feeding supplies will ensure that your baby is well-nourished during your vacation.

Keeping Baby Safe and Healthy

When traveling with newborns, their safety and health should be your top priority. Make sure to pack a first aid kit with essential items such as:

• Assorted sized bandages
• Antibiotic ointment
• Alcohol pads or soap wipes
• First aid tape
• Gauze
• Thermometer
• Necessary infant medications ( e.g., acetaminophen, gas drops)

A first-aid kit can contain many items. The above list is minimal enough to fit in a suitcase.

If your baby is 6 months or older, it is important to bring sunscreen to protect your baby’s delicate skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Additionally, pack insect repellent to prevent bug bites during outdoor activities. Be sure to check the appropriate age on the insect repellent literature or ask your pediatrician. Always watch your baby and ensure they are in a safe and secure environment.

The Day Of Travel

If you will be checking your luggage at the airport, make sure to pack all the supplies you will need for your baby on the day of travel in a carry-on bag. When storing carry-on luggage in a bin above your seat, be sure you have some items in your seat area that can be accessed quickly. Be sure to check the MyTSA app to quickly search if your baby’s liquid bottles and other supplies are allowed through TSA and on the plane. This app also lets you know if TSA is busy at the time you plan to arrive.

If you are traveling by car, you may not want to have to go through your packed car to get diapers and wipes out. So, be sure to have some items close by, inside the car.

Lastly, follow proper hygiene practices by washing your hands frequently and sanitizing surfaces that your baby comes into contact with. Keeping your baby safe and healthy will ensure a worry-free and enjoyable vacation.

A Condensed Newborn Packing List

Creating your own packing list will save you time when packing for future trips. Below is a list of things you can add to your packing list. Keeping your list handy and updated before your trip will save you tons of time when packing.

• Outfits – enough for the trip (plus extras) unless you have laundry access
• Swimsuit or sunsuit, if appropriate
• Sun hat
• Changing pad- may be included in your diaper bag
• Diapers
• Wipes
• Butt paste/ Aquaphor or whatever your preferred diaper rash solution is
• Blankets
• Plastic bags for messy items
• Hand sanitizer or, as I recently learned, Hanitizer (who knew?)
• Stroller
• Carseat
• Baby carrier or baby wrap
• Swing
• Bouncer
• Burp cloths
• Bibs
• Pack-n-play
• Favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or lovey (please don’t allow your baby to sleep with these items until they are 12 months old)
• Pacifier (plus extras)
• Portable white noise machine, or you can use an app on your phone
• Nursing cover
• Breast pump (if needed)
• Bottles
• Formula (enough to last for the trip)
• Bibs
• Dish soap
• Bottlebrush
• Booster seat, if your baby is sitting
• Beach umbrella or canopy
• First-aid kit (see above for specific items to have in the kit)
• Disinfecting wipes
• Medications

I hope these Newborn Travel Essentials items help you and your family enjoy the trip.

Could you use some help getting your baby to sleep better before you take your trip or once you have returned? I’d love to help you with my practical “Newborn Sleep Tip Sheet with Coaching package.” Having been a postpartum doula since 2006, I can also help with other newborn issues while we work on sleep.

Related Posts You May Want to Visit

• Vacationing with a Newborn Expert Tips
• Baby’s Sleep Schedule Tips During the Holiday Season
• The 5 Best Newborn Baby Sleep Environment Tips
• The Best Sleep Schedule for a Newborn
• Expert Tips for Getting Baby to Sleep After a Night Feed