Packing for a baby can be extremely complicated due to all the tedious necessities WE need for them. Under the umbrella of packing baby essentials we have, bath essentials, sleep essentials, gear, first aid and so so much more.
There have been a lot of outings this spring with my family and my husband’s family, so we had to be smart about how we organized his diaper bag and all the extras.
If you ever find me anxiety-ridden I probably found a mass amount of chaos in a small space.
So with some practice, I discovered my packing do’s and don’ts. And my first do is: MAKE A LIST. Assuringly this is the number one mistake a lot of people make when packing.
They forget to make a packing list for the baby and themselves. Compare this task to brain dumping. If it’s more than 4 tasks I always suggest for people to write it down.
Write it from the most important/larger tasks to the smaller ones.
We know the baby is the largest, most important task. What would you consider essentials? Essentials are your basic survival items.
For a baby, their essentials are typically diapers, wipes, and milk/formula. Or for others, they could be, SPF, a blanket, a jacket, and teethers. Regardless, they need not-be forgotten and need to be written down.
Whether you are going on vacation to enjoy spring break, summer, or winter for the holidays it is important to pack weather-appropriate.
I find over-packing for your baby is better packing. Simply for ease of tension, just-in-case scenarios, and good ol’ preparation. Enough to pat yourself on the back!
Mama breathe, I will help you navigate a baby packing list for your family vacation.
The links on this webpage may contain affiliate links. This means that I may receive a small commission if you decide to make any purchases using my links. This affiliate relationship does not alter the integrity of my content. Thank you for your support!
How I Organize Baby’s Suitcase
Truly, the way that made sense to me was to use a carry-on size suitcase or duffle bag. Where I can stuff the packing organizers into one space. These organizers changed the whole packing game for me.
I usually used plastic bags or wet dry bags for dirty clothes, wet/sandy clothes, towels, burp cloths, and bibs. These specific wet-dry bags are waterproof, breathable, and have a two-pocket design. Dry items in the smaller front pocket, wet and used items in the back pocket.
I was able to recycle the string bags that came with the diaper bags I’ve purchased throughout the months. From Fawn Design and Azaria. Love them so so much. Expect a review very soon, these are my recommendations.
Each bag had its designated category of items I separated from the baby’s things. One bag was for “Sleep”, another for “Bath” and so on. This made it a lot easier to organize, even if these bags didn’t have pockets. They were bags, I made a home for each of August’s things.
Organize Baby Items by Category:
- Sleep
- Bath
- Toiletries
- Clothes
- Changing
- Gear
- First Aid
- Food
- Entertainment
- Seasonal Wear (Beach/Snow/Rain)
These are all items to help you remember, what and where it goes in your organization bags. Incorporate the necessary products that work for you and your trip.
There are many instances where I contemplate if something is truly important to bring or if it’ll end up being dead weight.
I’d rather skim through a list where everything I could “possibly” need is in front of me, and I’ll just add it to my personal packing list for the baby.
Most of everything is linked, just in case you would need a visual, highly recommended of that product or extra’s to order. Hope this packing list for baby, makes things a little easier. Us moms already have so much on our plate.
Baby List Items
Sleep ♡
- Sound Machine (I take this with me on EVERY vacation)
- Extra Pacifiers
- Muslin Blankets
To sleep with and on top of if you decide to lay baby on an unfamiliar bed
BIG ITEMS TO CONSIDER
Bath ♡
- Towels with Hood
- Baby Bath Soap
- All In One Baby Lotion (This one also applies to cradle cap, eczema etc.)
- Leave In Conditioner (Love the smell of this one!)
- Baby Brush
If you don’t feel safe bathing with baby you can either bathe baby in a sink or bring
Changing ♡
If you are longer than 3 days I suggest buying a new box of diapers and taking it with you
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Diaper Rash Cream
- Changing Mat
First Aid ♡
- Baby First Aid Kit
- Baby’s Medication (If needed)
- Infant Tylenol
- Baby Allergy Medicine
- Teething Relief Medicine
Toiletries ♡
- Extra Pacifier
- Wet Ones
- Sunscreen
- Plant Based Bug Spray
- Baby Safe Hand Sanitizer
Food ♡
- Silicone Bibs
- Suction Bowls
- Serving Spoons
- Baby Silicone Suction Placemat
- Baby Food Storage Containers
- A Bottle Cleaner Set is so much more convenient to me; 10/10 This one also comes with a bottle warmer
- Storage for Formula or Breast Milk
- Milk Bottles
- Burp Cloths
- Sippy Cup
- Snack Cup/Baby Food Feeder
I bought pre-made organic baby food out of convenience when he had a bigger appetite due to being at the beach (a tiresome activity)
BIG ITEMS TO CONSIDER
- Insulated Bag For Milk & Food
Breastfeeding Mama’s ♡
Cordless pumps work flawlessly during vacation. I am a big fan of manual pumps, I feel it takes a lot less time to pump.
But if you decide to take your electric pump please don’t forget
- Electric Pump (Spectra S1 is my absolute favorite)
Please don’t forget to order your correct flange size
- Power Cord/Batteries
- Milk Storage Bags/Bottles
There are some pump brands that have connectors and back-flow protectors, check to see if you have these at home. If so, add them to your packing list for baby.
DON’T FORGET IF YOU HAVE LEAKAGE:
Out N About & The Big Gear To Consider♡
- Travel Booster Seat
- Stroller
- Carseat
- Baby Carrier
- Diaper Bag
- Foldable Wagon (For Beach or Events with a lot of sun or walking)
- Portable Fan
- Baby Noise Cancelling Headphones
- For Games, Events, Concerts etc
Play ♡
- Playmat
- Teethers
- (Comfort)Toys
- Books
Clothes ♡
For every night bring one. Plus one-two extra of the item. Not really necessary if you have a washer/dryer where you are staying, or plan to hand wash. Just don’t forget baby safe detergent in a small container 🙂
- Sleepers (Extra 2 to how many nights you stay)
- Onsies/Tops
- Shorts/Pants
- Plenty of Socks
- Booties/Shoes
- Hats/Headgear
- Jacket (Rain Jacket Usually Works Well All Around)
Seasonal Items To Pack For Baby
Beach Wear For Summer ♡
- SPF
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- UV Protected Long Sleeve Bathing Suit
- A Second Swimsuit
- Baby Beach Towel
- Swim Diapers
- Wet Dry Bag
- Beach Toys
BIG ITEMS TO CONSIDER
Winter Wear For Holiday’s ♡
- Booties
- Winter Hat
- Mittens
- Cozy Socks
- Snowsuit
- Stroller/Car Seat Cover
- Stroller Gloves
- Fleece Sleep Sacks
- Rain/Snow Insulated Jacket
- Appropriate Amount of Clothes to Layer on Baby
Highly suggest bringing a Nasal Aspirator (Nose Frida’s and Oogie Bear) due to the cold weather. Low temperatures can mess with nose linings, which will produce a surplus of mucus.
I was able to share what I put into my diaper bag for my newborn to 6-month-old. And my favorite bags I’ve bought to date! Enjoy your adventures with your baby, it won’t be easy but it will definitely be worth the memories!
