The ultimate baby traveling checklist + free printable
best baby traveling checklist
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If you are going anywhere with your baby, you will need a baby traveling checklist. It will save you mountains of stress!

If you enjoyed traveling before you had a baby, the level of planning for the recent addition will be a rude awakening. When you are traveling with a baby, you’re playing in a completely different league. If you were kind of haphazard about your planning before, you’ve got to step it all the way up now because when babies need things, there is no explaining to your baby that you forgot it.

The best way to pack is to have a baby travel checklist (free printables below). Otherwise, you’re going to be overwhelmed and forget important things.

Important things you need to be aware of

  • The baby travel checklist is huge. That’s because babies need a lot of things. However, also understand that you have limitations—you won’t be able to carry everything. As you pack, think realistically about what you can manage. Remember, you’ll also have a baby to carry or push.
  • While the baby travel checklist is important, only pack the things that apply to your baby. For example, if you are breastfeeding, you obviously don’t need to pack formula and bottles.
  • Rules vary from airline to airline. Take careful note of your airline’s check baggage guidelines. Before you pack, call the airline or check online to see what their luggage size and weight limitations are.
  • When you are packing your carry-on, remember the TSA 3-1-1 rule.
    3-ounce maximum container limit for liquids, aerosols, and gels.
    1 quart-sized zip-lock bag where all of your containers must fit in.
    1 quart-sized zip-lock bag per passenger.

TSA rules about baby food and milk

  • Pack as much baby food, formula, or breast milk as your baby needs. The 3-ounce container rule does not apply to baby foods. However, TSA is encouraging parents to only bring as much bottled breast milk or formula as their baby will need for the flight.
  • To make your life easier while traveling with a baby, separate your baby’s food and milk from other items. Once you get to the checkpoint, let the officers know that it’s baby milk and food, and present it for additional inspection.
  • Even if you are traveling without your baby, moms may take breast milk through security.

The ultimate checklist for traveling with baby

The ultimate baby traveling checklist + free printable

What to pack in your carry-on/ diaper bag

  • A change of clothes for baby
  • A change of clothes for you
  • Burp cloths
  • Bibs
  • Pacifiers + pacifier clip
  • Enough diapers for the entire flight + 2 more 
  • Changing pad
  • Baby wipes
  • Ziplock bags for soiled clothes
  • Disposable diaper bags for soiled diapers
  • Nursing cover (if necessary)
  • Formula + baby bottles (enough to make it through the flight + extra)
  • Baby blanket (air conditioner on flights can get cold)
  • Baby’s favorite toys + 2 new toys

Baby travel essentials

  • Pacifiers + a pacifier clip
  • Baby proofing items like outlet covers if your baby is crawling.
  • Lightweight stroller or a baby carrier
  • Baby car seat (If you are flying “baby-in-arms”, you can check your car seat at the gate. If you bought a seat for your baby, you will need a car seat that is approved for air travel.)
  • A baby monitor (if  baby will sleep in another room)
  • Entertainment for baby – pack his/her favorite toys + 2-3 new toys.

Clothes and Accessories

  • 1-2 outfits per day + a few extras for the inevitable accidents.
  • Socks
  • Shoes (if your baby is walking)
  • Jacket or sweater
  • Pajamas 

Summer (Warm Months)

  • Swimsuit
  • Disposable swim diapers
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunhat
  • Sandals (if your baby is walking)

Winter (Cold Months)

  • Boots
  • Socks
  • Gloves
  • Winter hat

Feedings

Select the items that apply to you and your baby at the time of your travels.

  • Portable breast pump & accessories
  • Milk storage bags
  • Nursing cover (if you need it)
  • Powdered formula
  • Baby bottles
  • Baby bottle brush
  • Dish soap (to clean baby bottles)
  • Portable highchair (if your baby is sitting up and has started solids)
  • Baby snacks
  • Baby spoons
  • Baby cereal
  • Bowls for cereal
  • Baby food
  • Sippy cups
  • Burp cloths
  • Bibs

Baby Toiletries

When you are traveling with baby, the goal is always to be efficient with your packing. The more things you bring, the more you have to carry around. For example, you could get an inflatable baby tub for your baby, but this will take up unnecessary space in your luggage. Instead, if your baby is small enough, bathe him/her in the sink. If your baby is too big for the sink, the bathtub will do. (Be sure to never take your eyes off your baby while he/she is in the tub.)

  • Baby soap
  • Baby shampoo and conditioner
  • Hair detangler
  • Baby brush
  • Baby sunscreen
  • Baby bath towel (if you are staying at a place that does not provide towels.)
  • Baby toothbrush and toothpaste (for older babies)
  • Nail clippers (if you plan to be away for more than a week.)
  • A baby first aid kit – Pack infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen, (suitable for your baby’s age), other medications your baby might need, nose aspirator, thermometer, antibiotic ointment, bandages + your pediatrician’s telephone number. 

Diapering

  • Diaper bag
  • Diapers (or pull-ups) (Pack what you’ll need. If you are unsure, use a diaper calculator to determine how many you’ll need.)
  • Baby wipes
  • Diaper cream
  • Changing pad
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Ziplock bags for soiled clothes
  • Disposable diaper bags (for soiled diapers)

These free printable checklists have everything you will need. Simply hover over your preferred checklist to open and print your free copy. 

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About The Author

Hi! We’re the Cheltens’. We visit South Africa 1-2 times per year. We want to share our experiences with you so that you may make educated decisions when you plan your next trip to the rainbow nation.

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