The Perfect Vacation Packing List: With All the Baby & Toddler Travel Essentials
6 minute read
Is there anything more exciting than getting away for a much-needed vacation? Whether it’s a spring break beach trip, winter ski vacation, or visit to Grandma’s…traveling together is such a fun way to create new memories as a family.
But, traveling with littles can be daunting… And it can be hard to know where to begin when it comes to packing for a baby, toddler, or multiple kiddos. You don’t want to overpack but also don’t want to forget any of the essentials you’ll need.
This handy family vacation packing list covers all the travel essentials for babies and toddlers so you can get ready for your trip with ease!
How to Pack for a Family Vacation:
When it comes to packing for your upcoming trip, the key to success is: only pack the essentials.
We know how tempting it can be to want to pack everything you think you might need for any possible situation. But this can lead you to overpack. Which means lugging around extra-large suitcases, heavy backpacks, a ton of baby gear… And let’s not forget, your baby(ies!) too!
Using a kids packing list can help you streamline your packing needs so that you only take what you really need on your family vacation. This will prevent you from overstuffing your bags so that you actually have room to pick up a souvenir or two while on your adventures!
And with fewer suitcases in tow, you’ll have a much easier time packing your car or navigating the airport with ease.
Why We Love a Minimalist Toddler & Baby Travel Checklist
A simple kids packing list — like this one! — is great for babies, toddlers, and young kiddos. It covers all the baby and toddler essentials your little one will need for a trip that’s anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks or even 2 months!
Keep in mind that you may want (or need) to reuse certain items throughout your trip. It can also be helpful to do a load of laundry or two at your destination.
Use this toddler and baby travel checklist as a starting point, but feel free to modify it to fit your needs! You can always add an extra outfit or back-up item if you think your little one will need it.
Remember, you know your kiddos the best! If you have a baby that spits up a ton, consider bringing a burp cloth or two. Or if your toddler is a messy eater, pack an extra bib or spare shirt.
Using a Family Vacation Packing List:
Using a kids packing checklist like the one below will ensure that you don’t forget any of the essentials that your baby or toddler will need while you’re traveling. And it will help you weed out the extra things that you probably won’t use while you’re away from home.
Simply pull up the checklist on your computer, tablet, or phone. Make sure you know the number of days and nights that you’ll be traveling. And it can also be helpful to check out the weather forecast for your destination.
Gather the suitcases, backpacks, and diaper bags you think you’ll use on your trip. This is a great way to see how much space you have to work with.
Pro Tip: THESE packing cubes are an absolute game changer when it comes to keeping your suitcase super organized and maximizing your space!
Full Baby & Toddler Travel Checklist
Here’s our favorite packing list for babies and toddlers. Let’s get you ready for your trip!
Toddler & Baby Travel Checklist: Clothing
Start by gathering all the clothes your little one will need on your trip. Think about layering and try to pack an extra outfit for your baby so that you’ll be prepared for any situation! For example, if your trip is 4 days long, pack at least 5 outfits so that you have one to spare.
- 5 onesies / tops / dresses (short or long sleeved depending on the weather)
- 5 bottoms (shorts, pants, or leggings))
- 3 pairs of footies/pajamas
- 5 pairs of socks/underwear
- Bathing suit/rash guard
- Shoes/sandals
- 1 sweater
- 1 jacket (if needed)
- Swaddle or sleep sack
Toddler & Baby Travel Checklist: Feeding Essentials
Photo of Zoli BOT 2.0 Weighted Straw Sippy
Feeding supplies can take up a lot of room in your suitcase. Consider taking only what you’ll need for your travel days if it’s possible to purchase or borrow supplies at your destination.
Your baby or toddler may need:
- Chest/breast pump, storage bags/bottles
- Baby bottles and cleaning supplies
- Chest/breastfeeding pillow
- Nursing cover
- Food (formula, puree pouches, snacks, meals)
- Feeding supplies (bibs, cup, bowl, utensils, on-the-go storage) (turn any cup into a sippy cup with this amazing sippy lid!)
Toddler & Baby Packing Essentials: Sleep Needs
Photo of UPPAbaby REMI Playard
Think about your baby or toddler’s bedtime routine at home and all the items you normally use to help them fall asleep. You’ll want to take these items with you to help create a familiar sleep space and bedtime routine to help your little one drift off into dreamland with ease.
You may want to bring:
- Baby monitor
- White noise machine (The Hatch is perfect for kids of all ages!)
- Black out curtains
- Pacifiers + clips, blanket or lovey
Toddler & Baby Packing Essentials: Bathroom Items
You don’t need to pack a ton of bathroom items when traveling with kids. But you’ll want to have the essentials so that you have what you need in most situations and emergencies. You can also choose to purchase any of these items at a grocery store or pharmacy while on your trip.
- Diapers/wipes (Take enough for travel days or your whole trip if you can’t buy any at your destination. We are big fans of cloth diapers — both the all in one — and all in two/hybrid varieties. But these are our favorite disposable diapers.)
- Travel changing pad and dirty diaper bags (we LOVE these reusable wet bags!)
- Diaper rash cream
- Toothbrush/toothpaste (This sonic toothbrush is FUN and effective!)
- Shampoo/body wash (Jack n’ Jill has a great baby wash along with a shampoo and body wash for big kids!)
- Baby sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Saline spray, nasal aspirator
- Lotion (Lavender, sweet citrus, and orange…There are so many yummy scents to choose from!)
- Nail file/clippers (The NailFrida Snipperclipper Set is a must-have.)
- Brush/comb
- Medications/first aid supplies
- Hand sanitizer/wipes (These are the perfect on-the-go hand sanitizers!)
- Travel potty seat
Toddler & Baby Packing List: Travel Gear
Having the right travel gear for your baby or toddler will make your busy travel days so much smoother!
- Diaper bag (This diaper bag has the perfect combo of glam and functionality. But this one is a winner if you want a classic style that looks good on everyone!)
- Car seat (These travel systems are the way to go. But we’ve also got an amazing selection of infant car seats, convertible car seats, and booster seats).
- Car seat cover (A good travel bag is a must-have to keep your car seat safe from damage during transit.)
- Baby carrier/wrap (The Solly wrap or a ring sling are perfect for travel days. And a sturdier carrier like THIS is great for longer walks and day-trips!)
- Travel stroller or wagon (THIS travel stroller is super lightweight and ultra-compact making it a breeze to take with you on any adventure!)
- Travel pack n’ play and sheet
- Travel high chair
Toddler & Baby Packing List: Entertainment
Photo of Jellycat Rainbow Tails Activity Book
It can be difficult for little ones to sit still for long periods of time. But having the perfect toys, activities and books all ready to go can be a life-saver! Stash away a few different options in your little one’s diaper bag and suitcase to keep the fun going throughout your whole trip.
- Activities (Consider activities that will stimulate your child’s learning — they’ll be having so much fun, they won’t even realize they’re stuck in the car or on a plane!).
- Toys (Choose a few toys that will be easy to pack and that your little one(s) don’t play with that often so they keep their attention for longer!)
- Teethers (For littles, fun teethers can also be a great distraction while on the go!)
- Books (Indestructibles are a great option for travel — they’re light-weight and easy to wipe clean. Activity books are also a great way to go.)
Toddler & Baby Travel Checklist: Outdoor Gear
It can be helpful to consider the season, location and activities that you’ll be doing on your trip. That way, whether it’s 100 or zero degrees, you’ll have everything your little one needs.
Hot Weather:
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Beach towel (THESE sunscreen towels are the best!)
- Beach blanket, beach tent
- Beach and water toys (THESE water toys are great for the bath and the beach.)
- Goggles
- Swim diapers
- Mini fan, spray bottle
Cold Weather:
- Hat, gloves, scarf (We can’t get over how cute THESE knitted hats are!)
- 1 base layer
- 1 heavy jacket or bunting
- 1 set snow pants
- Heavy blanket or stroller cover
Shopping for Toddler & Baby Travel Essentials
Photo of Babies in Bloom Online Boutique
If there’s an item or two on this kids packing list that you need, head on over to the Babies in Bloom Boutique! We know how hard it is to prepare for an upcoming trip. That’s why our boutique only features a curated selection of parent-tested, family-favorite products. So you can have peace of mind that you’re taking home items that your little one(s) will love (and actually use) on your trip!
We’d love to help you pick out what you need! Come by the shop to chat with one of our experienced staff members or give us a call if you prefer to shop online.
Boutique Website: https://babies-in-bloom.myshopify.com/
Boutique Address: 127 Main Street, Vista, CA 92081
Boutique Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm (We are closed on Sunday!)
