We figure you're smart enough to remember the big things, like a car seat, food, and your breast pump (if you are breast feeding), so we’ve only included the essentials.
Essentials
One diaper for each hour in transit
Wipes - use the refill packs instead of the travel-size wipes. You get more and they’ll last for both legs of the trip.
Disposable diaper pads
Diaper rash cream
Hand Sanitizer
First Aid Kit
Two lightweight blankets – skip the hooter hider if you are breast feeding and just use a blanket.
Medication - gas relief, teething gels, Tylenol, etc.
Two changes of clothes. Skip the fancy stuff, and go for two onesies.
Three to four toys. They don’t need to be huge and can be as simple as a deck of flash cards
3 Pacifiers – stick two in bag and one in your pocket.
Pacifier Wipes
Hat – Airplanes can get chilly.
Bulb syringe for any sudden congestion
Pack two extra bottles of breast milk or formula for takeoff and landing
Large bottle of water – For formula or you (especially if you are breastfeeding).
Extra shirt for you – just in case of leaking or spit-up
Print out, and then fill out this free Emergency Contact Sheet from LobotoMe: FreeRescueME.pdf
Ideally you should carry your Emergency Contact Sheet with you wherever you go (especially if a member of your family has severe allergies or a complicated medical history) in addition to having it posted in your house.
You'll want to bring it all, but you can't. Trust us. And we know you'll remember the big stuff like a car seat (unless you are renting, which is a great option), so we've included only the essentials, along with a few nice to haves.
Clothes
Two changes of clothes for each day, plus two emergency outfits
Three pairs of PJs
A lightweight hooded jacket
One hat
(Sun, beanie), depending on weather
Three pairs of socks
Appropriate weather attire
(Bathing suite, snow suit, etc.)
Three days worth of bibs and burp clothes
Sleepy Time
Travel crib sheet
Two receiving blankets
Cozy blanket
For playing and stroller rides
Sleep sack or swaddle (if baby is still using)
Bathing & Baby Care
Lightweight hooded towel and washcloth
Inflatable bath
A small blow up is best. Check out Munchkin's Inflatable bath, not too big and perfect for brand new babies.
Travel-size shampoo, lotion, and baby massage oil (if you do this)
If you don’t have the travel-size, get a set of leak proof bottles like these from Nalgeen and fill them up with your favorite products.
Nail clippers and small file
Those puppies grow like weeds, and we know you don’t want scratches.
Travel-size packet of laundry detergent for trips longer than five days
If you don’t have travel-size, pour some into a 3oz leak proof bottle.
The Comforts of Home
Favorite soother
Blanket, stuffed animal, you
4-5 favorite toys
Don’t go crazy and pack the huge stuffed animal that baby can’t live without. Bring small items like wrist rattles or a cosmetic mirror case so that baby can check herself out.
Baby monitor
Diapering
Plan on seven diapers per day, plus an extra 7 for emergencies
Swim diapers, if you need them
Wipes – use the refill packs instead of a box
Disposable diaper pads
These also make great burp cloths and can wipe up a spill in an instant.
Diaper Cream
Don’t plan on using the one in your diaper bag. You want to leave that one there.
Disposable plastic bags
These are great for dirty clothes, soiled diapers, etc.
If not in a carry-on kit, don’t forget
First Aid Kit
Medication
Gas relief, teething gels, Tylenol, etc.
Teething rings
Nice-To-Haves
Travel-size sleep sheep
Portable iPod speaker set and iPod loaded with baby’s favorite songs.
