26 Must-Have Baby Travel Essentials

What to pack when traveling with a baby

A baby travel essentials list is what you need when traveling with a baby because traveling with a baby is like embarking on a mission to Mars: it requires A LOT of planning! I remember the first time traveling with our daughter. The tension was palpable, but so was the fear of forgetting something crucial, or worse yet, enduring a meltdown mid-flight.

Surprisingly, it all turned out okay in the end, thanks to one thing: preparation. I had written down on a list all the important things we definitely shouldn’t forget and also wrote down what could make our trip easier when things got tricky. Such as baby snacks and a new toy that would impress her for a while.

So, in the spirit of solidarity with fellow parents venturing into the wilds of family travel, I’ve made an infant travel checklist. From the unexpected lifesavers to the tried-and-true essentials! I included diaper bag essentials, baby transportation essentials, and baby travel essentials on location! Consider this your survival guide to traveling with a tiny human.

Remember, traveling with a baby can be challenging at times, but with careful planning and preparation, you can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved. But don’t blame yourself if something doesn’t go smoothly during the trip. Even the most seasoned travelers face unexpected challenges when it comes to traveling with little ones!

If you purchase a product with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you. View the disclosure for more information.

So, here are my must-have baby travel essentials

Things to include in your diaper bag

In addition to the standard items you always have in the diaper bag, such as a bottle, diapers, and baby wipes, these baby travel essentials are incredibly useful to have with you when traveling!

Montessori map

With this toy, your little one won’t get bored for a while. The Montessori map is actually recommended for 1+ year old, but my daughter already loved it during our trip when she was 8 months old! There is so much to see and do, and everything is securely attached so no parts can come loose.

Here you will find a ton of car activities for a 1 year old

Remote control teether toy

Does your baby always grab the remote control too? With this one, they can play safely! It’s easy to take with you. Give it to them only when you’re on the go so your baby is still impressed for a while.

Water wipes

These are handy for everything! You can use them for changing diapers, wiping faces, cleaning hands, and of course, the airplane tray table 😉

Pacifier and Bottle Wipes

I’m so grateful for this invention! You can use this to clean your breast pump or baby bottles on the go. If the pacifier falls on a dirty floor, you can clean it with this and use it again right away! Love it!

Vegan Leather Baby Changing Mat

This changing mat is simple yet so handy! You can use it for changing diapers but also for tummy time at the airport, for example. It’s also easy to wipe clean with a water wipe!

Silicone Feeding Set

With this set, you can easily feed your baby solids on the go. It is very compact, so it takes up little space!

Elvie single breast pump

Even though this is the only breast pump I have ever used, I wouldn’t want it any other way! It is small, easy to clean, and you can wear it in your nursing bra without others noticing, as it is also very quiet!

Pacifier clip

I don’t leave the house without my daughter’s pacifier attached to a pacifier clip, otherwise it will be on the ground within seconds. You can also attach some toys to it so they don’t fall on the dirty floor while traveling!

Snack catcher

Convenient for baby snacks without them falling on the ground. Your baby can also keep entertained with this for a while.

Little Bunny book

Babies generally become calm and relaxed from reading a book together. So, always bring one along for the journey. This is one of my favorites. You can also make your baby laugh with the finger puppet.

portable Bottle Warmer

This bottle warmer is small, so it doesn’t take up much space in the diaper bag. You can charge it so you don’t need a power outlet on the go. It comes with 4 adapters so you can use it with most bottle brands.

Snack for babies 6 months and Older

A pack of these snacks easily fits in the diaper bag. My daughter’s favorite!

Milk powder container

You can pre-fill the right amounts of powdered milk in advance!

Muslim Blankets

I really like these blankets! They are very large and also very light and thin, making them easy to carry. They also stay nice and soft after washing.

Breastmilk cooler bag

Keeps your milk cold during the initial hours of travel!

Baby transportation

When traveling by car, you can usually bring along your regular stroller without much hassle. However, when flying or taking the train, it’s often necessary to have a travel stroller, and a baby carrier will come in handy also!

UPPAbaby folding stroller

The UPPAbaby stroller is an investment but a very good quality! If you travel a lot with your baby, it is definitely worth it!

BabyBjörn baby carrier mini

A baby carrier is incredibly convenient for traveling, especially with a newborn. They often love being close to you, and it’s common for them to drift off to sleep in a carrier. Therefore, baby carriers are truly indispensable when traveling with an infant.

I absolutely LOVE this baby carrier. It is very soft and you can also carry a newborn, which is not always the case with every carrier (even though it may be claimed). It is very easy and quick to use, and the soft fabric makes it easy and compact to store while traveling.