Travelling with Baby
Travelling for the first time with an infant can feel overwhelming, but with a little planning, it can also be incredibly rewarding. This checklist is meant to reassure you, help you feel prepared, and remind you that you’ve got this.
Take what’s helpful, leave what’s not, and remember that flexibility is your greatest travel companion.
📝 Planning
- Try to schedule flights around sleep windows when possible.
- Pre-select seats early and request a bassinet if available.
- Check passport requirements early (infants need their own, and processing can take time).
- Plan where baby will sleep (same room or separate area, in a crib, playpen, or bed-sharing safely).
🧳 Packing & Gear
- Bring your own equipment (stroller, playpen, car seat) if possible. Availability and quality can vary at destinations.
- Stuff checked car seats or playpens with diapers to save luggage space.
- Wrap checked baby gear in sturdy bags with a secure opening for luggage tags.
- Pack a lightweight stroller that reclines fully for naps and late outings.
- Pack more diapers, wipes, and feeding supplies than you think you'll need.
- Bring a small foldable changing mat for airports and poolside.
- Pack familiar comfort items (sleep sack, pacifier, blanket) to help baby settle.
- Bring a portable white noise machine or app for unfamiliar sleep environments.
- Bring a baby monitor if you have a suite or separate sleeping area.
- Pack baby-safe laundry detergent packets for hand-washing.
- Pack dish soap if baby still uses bottles (helpful for cleaning on the go).
Bring familiar foods and snacks your baby already enjoys. New environments are not the best time to introduce new foods.
- Bring Ziplock bags for buffet snacks and messy clothes.
- Bring age-appropriate floating device with shade for pool time.
- Pack outlet covers and basic childproofing supplies for accommodations.
🎒 Carry-On Essentials
- A full change of clothes for baby and parents
- A quick-grab pouch with diapers, wipes, and cream for tight airplane bathrooms
- Extra diapers, wipes, and feeding supplies in case of delays
- Double-insulated water bottles to keep liquids cool or warm
- New small toys and fun snacks to entertain baby during the flight
- Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes for tray tables and armrests
- Nursing cover or blanket if breastfeeding
🧴 Health & Safety
- Bring more sunscreen than you think you'll need (destination prices are often much higher).
- Pack infant medications for fever, teething, gas, allergies, and any regular needs.
- Bring an infant thermometer.
- Pack UPF clothing, sun hat, and stroller shade for extra sun protection.
- Bring bug spray safe for infants if traveling to areas with mosquitoes.
🛂 At the Airport
- Look for family lanes at security and customs (staff are usually happy to direct you if you ask).
- Baby liquids are allowed through security (formula, breast milk, baby food, water). Just let the officer know before screening.
- Strollers and carriers are often allowed right to the gate, even when not clearly stated.
- You'll be asked to remove your child from the stroller at security (it screens separately, and agents will guide you).
- Ask about family washrooms or nursing rooms (they're often tucked away).
✈️ On the Plane
- Take advantage of family pre-boarding to organize seats and get settled.
- Don't hesitate to ask flight attendants for help (they're usually very accommodating).
- Try to feed baby during takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure.
- Dress baby in layers for changing cabin temperatures.
🌴 At the Destination
- Use bottled water for formula or brushing gums, depending on your destination.
- Do a quick safety scan of the room (cords, balcony doors, sharp edges).
- Know where local medical facilities and pharmacies are (even if you don't need them, it's reassuring).
- Set up a baby monitor if you have a suite or separate sleeping area.
💛 Peace of Mind Reminders
- Build in extra time. Everything takes longer with a baby, and that’s okay.
- Lower expectations and celebrate small wins.
- Most airline, airport, and resort staff are very accommodating with infants. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
- You don’t need perfection. A prepared, calm parent matters more than any checklist.
Travelling with a baby comes with adjustments, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Focus on the experience, not perfection.
Safe travels and enjoy your time together.
Download the Printable Checklist (PDF)
Perfect for saving on your phone or printing before you travel. No email required.