The Baby Travel Checklist: Everything You Need for a Smooth and Happy Trip

The Baby Travel Checklist: Everything You Need for a Smooth and Happy Trip

Author: The Baby Gift Company | Date: 04/07/2025

Travelling with a baby can feel a little daunting especially if it’s your famiy's first time. But with some thoughtful planning (and a well-packed bag), you can enjoy a smooth, stress-free getaway with your bub in tow. Whether you’re heading off on a family holiday, visiting relatives, or just planning a weekend escape, our baby travel checklist will help you feel organised and confident every step of the way.

Before You Go: Planning Is Everythingbaby travel essentials

Start with the essentials: check your accommodation for baby-friendly amenities, consider flight times or drive durations that align with your baby's sleep schedule, and prepare important documents (like birth certificates or travel insurance).

Tip: Pack a few days (or even better weeks) in advance, the last-minute scramble isn’t fun with a little one!

According to Australian baby sleep consultant Jo Ryan, establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help babies drift off to sleep more quickly and wake less during the night. She emphasizes that once a routine is in place, it benefits both the baby and the parents by promoting better sleep habits.

By building a flexible but familiar routine around your trip, you’ll set your family up for a smoother, happier journey and a more settled baby.

Top Tips for Travelling with a Baby

Going away with your little one doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are some tried-and-true tips for travelling smarter, not harder.

Flying with a Baby

  • Feed during take-off and landing to ease ear pressure, breastfeed, bottle-feed, or offer a dummy.
  • Choose aisle seats for easier access to the loo and nappy changes.
  • Bring a baby carrier onboard to keep your hands free.
  • Check airline policies for bassinets, stroller check-in, and priority boarding.
  • Pack a change of clothes for both baby and you because spills and accidents happen.

Staying in Hotels with a Baby

  • Call ahead to confirm if the hotel provides cots, high chairs, or a mini fridge.
  • Create a mini sleep zone by using a travel cot in a quiet corner with white noise.
  • Stick to your routine as much as possible (bedtime, feeding times, etc.).
  • Bring your own bedding or a familiar sleep sack for comfort and consistency.
  • Baby-proof the room by moving cords, covering outlets, and keeping small items out of reach.

Baby Travel Essentials: The Ultimate Checklisttravelling with a baby

  1. Nappies and Wipes

Pack more than you think you’ll need. You never know when you’ll face delays or messy accidents.

  • Nappies (1 for every 2–3 hours of travel)
  • Natural Baby Wipes (travel-sized packs are handy)
  • Nappy bags
  • Changing mat (preferably foldable and waterproof)
  1. Baby Feeding Supplies

Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or transitioning to solids, here’s what you might need:

  • Bottles and teats
  • Formula dispenser or pre-measured formula
  • Breast pump and storage containers
  • Bibs (wipeable or disposable)
  • Snacks and baby food pouches
  • Spoons and sippy cups
  • A portable high chair or booster seat (if needed)
  1. Baby Clothes and Layersestablishing a consistent bedtime routine can help babies drift off

Babies are messy, and weather can be unpredictable — pack layers for flexibility.

  • Daily outfits (plus a few spares)
  • Singlets and socks
  • Pyjamas and sleepsuits
  • Jumper or cardigan
  • Sunhat or beanie (depending on climate)
  • Swimmers and swim nappies (if swimming)
  1. Sleep Essentials

Helping your baby sleep well on the go makes for a happier trip for everyone.

  • Portable cot or travel bassinet
  • Sleeping bag or blanket
  • Favourite comforter or soft toy
  • White noise machine or app
  • Baby monitor (for hotel rooms or Airbnbs)
  1. On-the-Go Gear

Keep bub safe and comfy when you’re out and about.

  • Pram or stroller (lightweight and foldable is best for travel)
  • Baby carrier or sling
  • Car seat (check airline or hire car requirements)
  • Travel bag or backpack (with lots of compartments)

This baby travel packing list covers all the must-haves to make outings run more smoothly, whether you're navigating airports or exploring local sights.

  1. Bath and Hygiene Items

Maintain your baby’s routine wherever you are.

  • Baby wash and shampoo (in travel bottles)
  • Baby lotion or nappy cream
  • Soft washcloth and baby bath towels
  • Hairbrush and nail clippers
  • Hand sanitiser for you
  1. Health and Safety

Prepare for any little hiccups.

  • Infant paracetamol or ibuprofen
  • Thermometer
  • Teething gel or rings
  • Any prescribed medications
  • First aid basics (band-aids, antiseptic cream)
  1. Entertainment and Comfortbuying a comforter or soft toy

Keep boredom and fussiness at bay on planes, in cars, or at restaurants.

  • Favourite toys and teething rings
  • Board books or soft books
  • Dummy (plus a spare)
  • Tablet or phone loaded with baby-friendly videos or lullabies
  • Activity mat or play blanket

Bonus Tip: Pack a 'Grab-and-Go' Nappy Bag

Keep this on hand during transit for easy access to:

  • 2–3 nappies
  • Travel wipes
  • Change of clothes
  • Dummy
  • Snack or bottle
  • Toy or book
  • Bib and burp cloth

This mini packing list for baby ensures you’re always prepared for quick changes and snack breaks without digging through your main luggage.

Travelling Light vs. Travelling Smartread our baby travel packing list

It’s tempting to bring everything but the kitchen sink, but remember, you can often buy nappies, wipes, and basic supplies at your destination. Prioritise your baby travel essentials and focus on what truly makes travel smoother for your family.

At The Baby Gift Company, we stock a beautiful range of baby travel essentials that make thoughtful, practical additions to your baby travel packing list, including nappy wipes, wraps, comforters, and more. With fast delivery Australia wide, it’s never been easier to get organised for your next adventure or to gift a new parent exactly what they need.

Browse our 5-star customer reviews to see why parents love our quality and service.

Looking for something extra special? Explore our maternity leave gift ideas, perfect for welcoming a newborn with all the essential travel-friendly items included.

Packing for a Baby: You've Got This

Travelling with a baby can be a beautiful bonding experience, full of sweet firsts and memorable moments. With the right prep and a thoughtfully curated baby packing list, you’ll be ready for anything the journey throws your way.

From smart solutions to comforting favourites, The Baby Gift Company is here to make it easy to find the perfect baby gifts in Australia so that parents can travel with confidence, ease, and joy.

The Baby Travel Checklist: Essentials for Stress-Free Trips



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