What to Pack when Traveling with Baby

When my husband and I first met, both of us were already accustomed to backpacking, spending long hours in airports, and road trips which were usually a thrill. Our son arrived about a year and a half later, and we were determined to keep up our nomadic lifestyle—if at all possible—with baby on board. Our first trip out of his home country happened at just 2 months old, when we made the long drive from Germany, through the Bavarian Alpine route and towards the Trentino-South Tyrol region of Italy. After that, we were always moving, wherever the wind, wheels, or circumstances took us.

When we flew across continents to visit my birthplace, the Philippines, Karsten was just over 3 months old. Traveling is still a joy — though, to be honest, it causes more anxiety. I can’t just assume we can get more diapers or baby milk at our destination, and comfort on the road is never guaranteed. It helps to have a good packing plan, or at least know what the essentials are.

The more you travel, the more it will come naturally, both for you and your child. Here’s my list for long road trips:

In the diaper bag:
1. Baby bottles filled with drinking water
2. Disposable diapers. Calculate the hours you will be away from home and how many messes you can expect to clean.
3. Baby wipes.  Essential for everything from car spills to when there’s no bathroom for diaper changes.
4. Diaper rash cream
5. Any medication or vitamins baby is on that you may not find at your destination
6. Baby formula. Having this in compact containers in pre-measured quantities allows you to prep new bottles in a matter of seconds.
7. A foldable diaper pad. Most public bathrooms don’t have changing tables, so pack a soft pad to place baby on at the sink counter
8. Pacifier: If baby is still dependent on this, you don’t want to forget it at home
9. A hat for unexpected rain or shine
10. Comfy socks

Click here to see lists of what to pack for the car and in your bag.