Traveling with Baby: The Ultimate Weekend Packing Checklist

Ready to pack that bag? Whether you’re traveling with a newborn, toddler or a car filled with kids, you’ll want to ensure that from plane ride to destination, (and back again), is as smooth as possible.

With this ultimate packing list, planning a weekend getaway with your little ones will be quick and easy, whether you're traveling by car, plane, train or boat! 

From diaper bag to suitcase, we have you covered so you can start your getaway!  

In the Diaper Bag or Carry On: 

When you’re traveling, you need to be prepared for many little surprises: 

Spit up...surprise! 

Yogurt taking flight out of your toddler's little hands... and all over your car...surprise! 

Scared to use the bathroom on the plane...surprise! 

Starving kids plus ZERO in-flight food...surprise!  

Below is a checklist of those go-to diaper bag (or carry on bag) essentials that need to be easily accessible--whether you’re traveling by car or by plane: 

• Wipes, wipes and more wipes. Having reliable, non-toxic wet wipes within reach will be a lifesaver whether you’re in the car on a plane or traveling. 
• Your kid’s  favorite snacks! One of the best ways to ensure a happy trip is to have snacks or baby food your little ones love.
• Breastfeeding cover: if you’re breastfeeding and prefer a bit of privacy having a little cover will make you more comfortable in tight travel situations. 
• Eco-Friendly Diapers: We recommend 6 or more depending on travel time.
• Activity books or toys: Bring some favorites and a couple of surprise ones too. Check out our favorites below! 
• Changing pad or cover-disposable so you don’t have to worry about washing on-the-go.
• Two bibs 
• Hand-sanitizer 
• Three baby blankets to use for burping or to cover yourself while breastfeeding
• Two bottles (if you use them) 
• Change of clothes for your baby or toddler
• Change of clothes for you (in case your baby spits up -- or worse) 
• Long sleeves for both of you
• Large ziplock bags to store soiled clothes in 
• Several pacifiers (if your baby uses one)
• Food: 
• two small jars of baby food per meal, plus snacks if your baby is eating solids. 
• Plus easy-to-eat options for you like granola and cereal bars
• Formula if you're not breastfeeding 
• Infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen, depending on baby's age 
• Cell phone and cell phone charger 

In the Suitcase: 

Even if it’s just a weekend getaway, you’ll want to spend your time enjoying your holiday rather than scrambling to find a store that carries wipes, diapers or that specific snack your baby craves when upset. 

Here’s your go-to list of what to pack in your suitcase:

• 1- 2 Packages of Eco-Friendly Diapers: depending on your baby's age, you'll want to ensure you’re covered with your favorite diapers.

Travel Tip: Check your diaper and wipes subscription delivery ahead of time and plan to have it arrive before your trip. That way you’ll have plenty of diapers and wipes in stock to take while you’re away!

• Plastic Free Wet Wipes: 4 packages (or more depending on length of stay)
• Hypoallergenic baby wash and shampoo 
• Band-Aids 
• A first-aid kit: Pack any medications your baby might need, bandages, antibiotic ointment, your pediatrician's number, and outlet covers for baby proofing. 
• All natural sunscreen for baby 
• Breast pump, plus storage for milk or formula 
• Baby food: a few jars
• Portable cooler and ice packs 
• A bottle brush 
• Infant utensils 
• Reusable eco-friendly snack storage containers or Ziploc baggies to store snacks 
• Clothes, socks, bottles or shoes: Pack two outfits for each day you'll be away, plus two extra ones.  
• Monitor (if your baby will be sleeping in another room) 
• Playmat 
• Weather-specific clothing items 

Other Essentials: 

Favorite Activity Books and Toys

Grabbing some of your baby's favorite books and toys from home are must-haves when traveling. Toss in a few new eco-friendly options to keep everyone entertained is even better! Below are two eco-friendly stores that feature amazing toys so you can easily check this item off your packing list!  

• Oompa: classic organic and wooden toys for babies and kids of all ages!  
• Bella Luna Toys: Large selection of natural, organic, wooden toys for babies, toddlers and older kids! 

Meal time: 

Planning on eating out? Make mealtime at restaurants easier by remembering to pack these essential items: 

• Portable feeding seat (if your baby is sitting up and eating solids)
• Highchair covers & placemats--Both are easy to pack and clean while on the go plus they’ll  give you that additional peace of mind when it comes to protecting your little one from germs. 
• Biodegradable Wet Wipes  

Car Seats:

Even if you’re not traveling by car, you’ll want to have your car seat on hand in case you decide to do some exploring. 

Stroller or Sling: 

Depending on where you’re traveling, you might want to consider whether a stroller or a sling makes the most sense.! Both might be necessary but to alleviate overpacking consider the following: : 

• Lightweight Stroller: 

If you’re traveling through an airport,  anticipate waiting in long lines, or are planning a trip to a city, a stroller is always convenient for longer time periods. 

• Slings: 

A sling is great if you have babies or smaller kids and you’re out and about for a short period of time. 

Headphones for you or older kiddos 

Whether you’re traveling by plane or car, headphones are great for kids who might love to listen to audio books or kids music. 

Napping kids? Grab headphones for yourself too! You can take a few minutes to catch up on some reading or a movie without disturbing your littles. 

Favorite blankets: 

There’s nothing more comforting than a soft, cozy blanket. Grab some blankets or one-piece snuggies that your baby is used to sleeping with at home to make the transition over the holiday easier. 

Ready, Get Set, Travel! 

This ultimate packing list for traveling with baby will make your trip comfortable and so much more enjoyable. 

By making small preparations ahead of time (think stockpiling on diapers and wipes through easy subscriptions) and using this packing checklist, you’ll guarantee that you don’t under or overpack and that your time away with family is spent relaxing.  

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