Packing Checklist For Travelling With Your Baby

The thought of going away with your baby for the first time can be quite overwhelming when you think of all the day to day items you need. With a little bit of planning, travelling with your baby will be a breeze.

When considering your accommodation both self-catering and hotels have many advantages. With self-catering, you’ll have a lot more space and a kitchen where you can prepare your food and bottles when you need to. Hotels may offer additional facilities such as a baby pool or a creche.

Accommodation geared towards families is far more likely to have the essentials you need to make your stay as stress-free as possible. It is also a good idea to see where the nearest pharmacy and local shops are for any items your baby will need.

Before making your booking, you may want to contact the accommodation directly so they can answer any questions you have and to check what equipment they can provide such as a travel cot, baby bath or high chair.

A front carrier or baby sling is a great way to transport your baby, as being close to you will make your baby feel safe. Babywearing also makes travel much easier as you will have your hands free so you can find anything you need such as tickets, purse or passport.

Foldaway pushchairs take up a lot less space, are lightweight, and fit into a car with ease. If you are travelling by plane, your baby can stay in their pushchair to the plane door when it will be put in the hold. Don’t forget to get a luggage tag for it when you check-in. If you are travelling somewhere hot, you will also want to take a sun canopy or umbrella.

Pack their favourite toys, soft books with lots of different textures, rattles, teething rings and finger puppets which are great distractions. Stacker cups are also great as they can also be used as bath toys.

It’s important that you also have everything you need for yourself. In your hand luggage, you might want to pack a:

• spare top
• bottle of water
• paracetamol/ibuprofen
• muslin/scarf
• antibacterial gel/hand wipes
• snacks
• fully charged mobile phone
  
• Oh...and baby socks (well we do make baby socks)

Take a look at our downloadable essential guide to help you to pack for your holiday. It includes all the items you will need, and you can tick off any items your accommodation already provides.

Download the baby travel checklist from here.