The Ultimate Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List for First Time Parents
When we booked our first family holiday with a baby, I’ll admit it – I panicked. How could one tiny human need so much stuff? I genuinely asked myself if Amazon could deliver to the hotel in case we forgot something important!
Now, after a few trips under our belt, we’ve finally nailed our ‘go to’ list and trust me, you don’t need to bring the entire house with you.
Here’s our ultimate baby and toddler travel packing list for first time parents – stress tested by us, so you don’t have to learn the hard way…
Pre-Packing Tips: Before You Even Open Your Suitcase
Check with your hotel: Many resorts provide essentials like cots, highchairs and sterilisers – no need to pack what’s already waiting for you!
Think about your travel style: Will you need baby gear on the go (e.g. carrier for cobbled streets)? Or is it a poolside resort trip?
Start early: Begin packing a few days ahead – not the night before. Trust me.
Use packing cubes or labelled zip bags for easy access to your little one’s things.
Create a checklist (you can even reuse this one!).
These are the things you want within reach during the journey:
- Nappies, wipes, nappy cream and travel changing mat
- Milk (formula or breastmilk) and sterilised bottles
- Baby food / snacks for the journey
- Water bottle or sippy cup
- Dummy, teether or comforter
- Small toys or sticker/activity books (the peel-off kind!)
- A spare outfit – for them and maybe even for you
- Calpol, teething powders/gels
- Travel documents (passports, booking printouts)
- Tablet or phone with pre-downloaded shows
- Antibacterial wipes or child-safe hand sanitiser
Top Tip: Feed your baby (breast/bottle/sippy) during take-off and landing to help with ear pressure. It works like magic – think of it as their version of a lollipop!
Hand Luggage Essentials (Changing Bag and Cabin Bag)
Main Suitcase: Essentials for Your Stay
Let’s break it down by category to make packing easier:
Sleep and Comfort
- Travel blackout blind (essential for bright hotel rooms)
- White noise machine or app
- Baby monitor (great for balcony evenings)
- Sleep sack or favourite blanket
- Portable travel cot (if not provided)
- Extension lead or plug bank (especially abroad)
- Rockit baby rocker (great for naps on the go)
Pool and Beach Essentials
- UV-protected swimwear
- Swim nappies and reusable swim pants
- Sun hat and baby sunglasses (UV protected – not just the cute ones!)
- Beach tent or pop-up shade
- Swim float (some with UV cover)
- Baby beach shoes or slip-free sandals
- Pool friendly toys & inflatables
- Microfibre or hooded towels for little ones
- Pram parasol or SnoozeShade
- Pram fan (lifesaver in hot climates)
- A cube packed with pool essentials at the top of your suitcase for easy access if you arrive before check-in
Feeding Gear
- Travel steriliser or sterilising tablets
- Breast pump (if needed)
- Bibs (wipe-clean silicone are ideal)
- Suction bowls, toddler cutlery & snack pots
- Portable highchair or fabric seat harness
- Lunchbox & foil (perfect for bringing snacks from breakfast buffet!)
- Baby food/snacks (especially if they have faves or allergies)
Clothing and Toiletries
- Day outfits and plenty of spares
- PJs or sleepsuits
- Lightweight layers or jackets
- Swimsuits for beach/pool
- Suncream (baby-safe SPF)
- Baby shampoo, bubble bath and lotion
- Nail clippers, hairbrush, toothbrush and paste
- Mini first aid kit: thermometer, Calpol, Nurofen, teething gel, plasters, insect bite cream/repellent, rehydration sachets (e.g. Dioralyte)
- Travel adaptors
On the Go Essentials
Airline-approved travel stroller (ideal for airport and naps)
Baby carrier or sling (great for sightseeing)
Car seat (if needed for transfer or car hire)
Travel playmat or soft blanket for floor time
My Personal Packing Hacks
Snack wisely: Pack things that don’t stain, aren’t messy and won’t cause sugar crashes.
Activities? Less is more. A good sticker book or mess free colouring pad goes far.
Pack your “first few hours” kit at the top of the case: Swimwear, nappies, wipes and a sunhat so you’re not digging through luggage while waiting for your room.
Home comforts matter: Don’t underestimate the power of a familiar blanket or sleep aid – routines help little ones settle, even abroad.
Label everything: Bibs, bottles, toys – especially if you’re heading to a resort with a kids’ club or shared spaces.
Make-shift bath tub: No bath in your room? Only a shower? Take a small paddling pool (and I mean small – literally big enough for your little one to sit in) and have balcony bath time in the pool!
A Quick Word of Reassurance for Parents
Something will probably be forgotten and that’s okay. Either you won’t need it, or you’ll find it locally. Remember, people have babies everywhere. As long as you have your passports, your child and your sense of humour (and maybe Calpol), you’ve got this.
Final Tips & Bonus Advice
Consider hiring bulky items like travel prams or car seats to save space
Most airlines allow free baby gear (check out my other article: “Flying with a Baby or Toddler: What You Can Take for Free”)
Always pack a baby carrier – airports can be chaotic and it’s a game changer to have your hands free and your baby with you (well – attached) at all times.
Start small: You don’t need every gadget – just the things that help you and your little one feel calm and comfy.
Want More Family Travel Tips?
Check out my other posts on flying with babies, choosing family friendly resorts and real reviews from our travels.
Follow along on Instagram @little_family_diaries_ for honest tips, reviews and the chaos and joy of travel with little ones.