Baby Travel Checklist: 18 Things to Pack for Babies & Toddlers
Travelling with a baby can feel like you're packing for an entire extra person. Between nappies, feeding supplies, travel gear, and holiday essentials, it's easy to worry about forgetting something important.
The good news is that most trips become much simpler when you focus on the basics. This checklist covers the essentials for getting there, managing the journey, and settling into your holiday once you arrive.
Travel & Transport
Before thinking about toys and holiday outfits, it's worth making sure the travel essentials are covered.
Passport
If you're travelling abroad, check expiry dates well before your trip. Children's passports can take time to replace if they've expired.
Travel Insurance
Hopefully you'll never need it, but it's one of the most important things to arrange before travelling.
Stroller
A stroller can make airports, transfers, and long days out much easier.
Baby Carrier
Carriers are particularly useful for security checks, boarding, sightseeing, and places where a stroller isn't practical.
Nappy Bag
Having all your essentials in one organised place can make travelling much less stressful.
Baby Headphones
Useful for flights, airports, and busy holiday environments where noise levels may be higher than usual.
If you're preparing for a flight, my Flying With a Baby guide covers practical tips for making air travel a little smoother.
If packing for a day out already feels overwhelming, Leaving the House With a Baby covers some simple ways to stay organised when you're on the go.
On the Plane
The journey itself is often what parents worry about most. Having a few essentials within easy reach can make a huge difference.
Food & Milk
Whether that's breast milk, formula, bottles, snacks, or toddler food, it's worth packing enough for delays.
Nappies & Wipes
Flights rarely go exactly to plan, so having extras can be useful.
Spare Clothes
A change of clothes for your baby and a spare top for yourself can be surprisingly helpful.
Comfort Items
Favourite blankets, dummies, comforters, or soft toys can help make unfamiliar environments feel more familiar.
Entertainment
Simple toys, books, and activities can help pass the time and keep little ones occupied.
Anti-Bac Wipes
Useful for tray tables, armrests, changing facilities, toys, and general travel messes.
If you're wondering what toys are worth packing, Developmental Toys by Age can help you choose activities that suit your child's stage.
What helps: Products I actually used
Nappy bag with portable changing mat — keeps changing essentials organised and easy to access.
Two-way baby carrier — useful for airports, sightseeing, and hands-free travel.
Portable cooler bag — handy for milk, snacks, and drinks while travelling.
Toddler reins — can be useful in busy airports, train stations, and crowded tourist areas.
Noise cancelling headphones — helpful for flights and noisy travel environments.
Holiday Essentials
Once you've arrived, a few simple items can make life much easier.
Sun Hat
Provides additional protection from direct sunlight and helps keep babies comfortable in warmer weather.
Sun Cream
Choose an age-appropriate sunscreen and follow current guidance for your child's age.
Swim Nappies
Useful for pools, splash parks, and water play during holidays.
Swimwear
Having dedicated swimwear makes beach and pool days much simpler.
Thermometer
One of those items that often isn't needed until you really need it.
First Aid Basics
Simple first aid supplies and age-appropriate medicines can provide peace of mind when you're away from home.
If you're travelling somewhere warm, my How to Protect Baby Skin in Hot Weather guide covers practical ways to help keep babies comfortable in higher temperatures.
If your child becomes unwell while you're away, Baby's First Cold explains what parents commonly notice and what can help.
Final thought
Travelling with a baby rarely goes perfectly, and that's okay.
Most parents find that the things they use most are surprisingly simple: feeding supplies, nappies, spare clothes, somewhere to carry their baby, and a few comfort items.
Having a checklist can help reduce the mental load and make travelling feel a little more manageable.
This isn’t professional advice — just a simple breakdown of what I’ve found helpful.
Most of this is easier to understand visually.
I’ve put all my guides into one place so you can browse them properly.
FAQs
What should I pack when travelling with a baby?
Most parents pack feeding supplies, nappies, wipes, spare clothes, comfort items, travel documents, and basic medicines. The exact list will depend on your baby's age and destination.
What should go in a baby's hand luggage?
Food or milk, nappies, wipes, spare clothes, comfort items, and entertainment are usually the most important things to keep within easy reach.
How many nappies should I pack for a flight?
It's usually worth packing more than you think you'll need. Delays and unexpected travel disruptions can happen.
Can I take baby milk through airport security?
Yes. Breast milk, formula, and baby food are generally permitted through airport security, although additional screening may sometimes be required.
What are the most important baby travel essentials?
Passports, travel insurance, feeding supplies, nappies, spare clothes, and a way to transport your baby are usually at the top of most parents' lists.
How do I keep my baby entertained on a flight?
Simple toys, books, comfort items, and age-appropriate activities are often enough. Rotating toys throughout the journey can help maintain interest.
Do babies need travel insurance?
Travel insurance isn't always required, but many parents choose it for additional protection against medical costs and travel disruptions.
What should I pack for a baby beach holiday?
A sun hat, age-appropriate sun cream, swimwear, swim nappies, plenty of fluids, and basic first aid essentials are common holiday essentials.
What medicine should I take on holiday for my baby?
Many parents pack age-appropriate pain and fever relief alongside any regular medicines their child may need. Always check suitability for your child's age.
How do I stop forgetting things when travelling with a baby?
Using a checklist before you travel can help reduce stress and make it easier to remember the essentials.