Traveling with littles can be a daunting task! Especially when you are travelling with your baby for the first time. The car seat, the stroller, the pack-n-play, etc. This list can seem endless. I have found it helpful to make a list of the “must-haves” in my notes section, so I can try my best not to forget the essentials! Here are some of my “must-haves” for vacation with a baby or young infant.
Baby Travel Must-Haves
- Diapers and Wipes – (look for one with 40% zinc oxide).
- Feeding Supplies – A breast pump if you’re pumping, and formula if your baby uses it.
- Bottles, Nipples, and a Drying Rack – Plus soap for cleaning bottles, nipples, and pacifiers.
- Outfits – Bring more than enough onesies! Always double-check the weather before your trip!
- Pack-n-Play or Portable Crib – Bring two crib sheets and at least two swaddles.
- Diaper Bag – Stock it with diapers, wipes, a changing pad, pacifiers, an extra set of clothes, a hat, bottles/nipples, burp cloths, and even an extra shirt for a parent.
- Home Medications – These are essential and easy to forget. I always bring:
- A thermometer (for newborns/infants, rectal is most accurate)
- Important note: A rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher is a fever. If your baby is less than one month old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher, seek emergency care.
- Medications like infant Tylenol, children’s ibuprofen (only if over 6 months), and Zyrtec
- A syringe for accurate dosing
- A printed or saved dosing sheet for Tylenol and ibuprofen: Tylenol and Ibuprofen Dosing Sheet
- A thermometer (for newborns/infants, rectal is most accurate)
- Carrier/Stroller – One that your car seat clips into is ideal for convenience.
- Bath-time Items – Gentle soaps, Aquaphor or Vaseline, and a nail file. If you can’t bring a portable baby tub, sponge baths work just fine.
- Sound Machine – Helps soothe your baby and blocks out outside noises.
- Baby Monitor
- Laundry Detergent – If you can do laundry. Bring a free and gentle detergent.
- Insurance Card & Healow Portal Access – In case of an urgent care or ER visit, having your baby’s medical history accessible can be extremely helpful.
- Know your Surroundings – Look up the nearest urgent care and ER ahead of time. You likely won’t need them, but it’s always better to be prepared.
- Ask your Airbnb or Hotel – Many can provide a pack-n-play and sheets. That’s one less thing to fit in the car!
My babies are now “big kids,” but I have always treasured the trips that we could take as a family! Was it stressful at times? OH, YES. However, looking back, I have never regretted taking the vacation! If you can, bring helpers so that you can also have time for yourself! My advice is to book the trip and anticipate that it will not be perfect, but it will be memorable!
Until next time!
Siobhan D’Elia, FNP-C
