The first trip away with a baby tends to fall into one of two categories: the family who packed everything and wheeled a suitcase into a Travelodge for a one-night stay, or the family who forgot the one thing that made bedtime impossible.
What to pack depends enormously on where you are going, how long you will be there, and how old your baby is. This checklist covers all the variables and there is a calculator below that builds your list based on your specific trip.
The Packing Principles That Make a Difference
Replicate the home sleep setup as closely as possible
Babies sleep best in familiar conditions. Many hotels provide a cot on request and always call ahead to check what is available and confirm its safety standards rather than assuming.
Pack for one more day than you are staying
Travelling means unpredictable laundry access. An extra day's worth of nappies, sleepsuits, and wipes means one less thing to worry about if plans change.
Prepare the nappy bag for the journey first
Whatever you are packing in suitcases, the nappy bag should be stocked and accessible before you leave.
The Core Packing List
Sleep
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Travel cot or portable crib confirm what the accommodation provides before assuming
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A new travel mattress for the travel cot. The Lullaby Trust recommends using a firm, flat mattress even when travelling; do not rely on the padding that comes with a travel cot
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3-4 fitted sheets in the travel cot size
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Sleeping bag in the right tog for the likely room temperature at your destination
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Baby monitor if baby will sleep in a separate room
Feeding: breastfeeding
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Nursing cover if used and lanolin cream
Feeding: formula
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Pre-measured formula powder in individual containers or pre-made cartons (easiest for travel)
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Sterilised bottles and sterilising solution or microwave steriliser bag
Feeding: weaning stage
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Pouches or jars for travel days, feeding spoons, bibs (4-5 for a week)
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Portable high chair or clip-on seat for restaurants
Nappies and changing
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More nappies than you think: 10-12 per day for a newborn, 6-8 for a 4-6 month old, 5-6 for 6-12 months
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Foldable travel changing mat, wipes (full pack plus spare), nappy cream, nappy bags
Healthcare
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Calpol or infant paracetamol and ibuprofen
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Thermometer and teething gel if applicable
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Travel insurance documentation include baby on the policy (easy to forget)
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GHIC card (Global Health Insurance Card free from NHS; covers emergency medical treatment in most European countries)
Documents
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Baby's passport if travelling internationally
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Any specific medical information or allergy documentation
What to Pack by Trip Type
Weekend with family (2 nights)
Focus on the sleep setup and nappy supply. Keep the packing list tight, family are usually well-positioned to handle a forgotten item.
UK holiday (4-7 nights)
Add laundry access planning. A small bottle of baby-safe detergent means you can hand-wash sleepsuits rather than packing a week's supply. Confirm the accommodation's cot in advance or bring your own travel cot.
International flight (7+ nights)
For the flight itself: extra nappies and wipes in the carry-on, a change of clothes for baby AND for you. Feed during takeoff and landing to help baby manage ear pressure changes.
Conclusion
Travelling with a baby is more manageable than it sounds from the other side. The first trip is the steepest learning curve. After that, most families develop a system that works for them.
The sleep setup is the thing worth getting right: a familiar environment, a firm mattress, the right tog sleeping bag for the room temperature. Tutti Bambini's nursery range covers everything from the Cozee bedside crib for the newborn months through to full cot bed sets as the baby grows.
