A family vacation with your baby can be just as stressful as it is exciting, especially if it is the first one.
On one hand, you are probably already longing to expose your baby to new experiences, to dip those tiny feet in the sea or the pool and, let's be honest, to go on a vacation yourself (especially if it is your first vacation since giving birth!). But on the other hand, you already know that life with a baby can be challenging and full of surprises, and your head is probably racing with thoughts like “How will security screening at the airport go?”, “What will we do if the baby cries on the flight?”, and of course the million-dollar question: “Is there any chance this vacation will even feel like a vacation?”.
Very soon I will share here on the blog my impressions from our first family vacation in Greece, with all my tips for a first flight with your baby, but until then here is something to help you start the vacation with your baby on the right foot: a detailed packing list that includes all the things your baby needs when you are far from the familiar surroundings of home.
Ready to pack your baby's suitcase for your family vacation? Let's begin!
To download a printable version of the list, fill out the form below 👇
The Baby Summer-Vacation Packing List
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Flight Bag (Diaper Bag)
- Flight clothes for your baby (think comfort and go for layers! It is usually very cold at the airport and on the plane)
- Passport + birth certificate
- Diapers
- Disposable changing pads
- Diaper cream
- Trash bags
- Large and medium muslin cloths
- A change of clothes (for the baby and for you!)
- Socks
- Pacifiers
- Infant pain reliever (acetaminophen drops)
- Ear drops for the flight
- Hand sanitizer
- Natural air-purifying spray
- Face masks
- For the breastfed baby: a soft cooler bag with ice packs (if you are bringing pumped milk)
- For the formula-fed baby: formula to-go + bottles + thermos
For Getting Around
- Stroller + bassinet/seat unit (depending on your baby's age. If the baby still fits in the bassinet, it is better to bring it because it is more comfortable for putting them to sleep when you go out in the evening)
- Stroller fan
- A warm blanket for the stroller in the evening or in air-conditioned places
- Stroller book
- A comfortable carrier, a must!!!
- A baby car seat for the rental car (in my opinion it is better to rent one, book in advance!)
- A rain stick, a must-have accessory for the hysterical baby in the car!
- A car toy
Clothing and Everyday Items
- 2 short daytime outfits X the number of days of the vacation
- 2 long evening outfits X the number of days of the vacation
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- Large, medium and small muslin cloths
- Pacifiers + pacifier cases
- A soft play mat (only if you have extra room! We managed with a hotel blanket)
- Toys (if your baby is at the right age, do not forget beach toys too!)
🌟 Hedonistip: Pack extra outfits for yourselves too! Especially if spit-up, up-the-back diaper blowouts or pee fountains are part of your routine 😉
Hygiene
- Diapers X the number of days of the vacation (a week before the flight I calculated the average number of diapers we change per day and added 30%)
- Wipes (a week before the flight I calculated the average number of wipe packs we used per day and added 30%)
- Disposable changing pads
- Diaper cream
- Stain remover (I took Vanish and it saved us quite a few clothes)
- Vitamins
- Medications
- Natural mosquito repellent spray
- Thermometer
- Massage oil + cream for dry facial skin
- Baby soap/bath oil
- Comb
- Baby nail scissors
- Inflatable bathtub
- A cloth laundry bag
For the Pool and the Beach
- 3 swim diapers X the number of days of the vacation
- Swimsuits
- A pool float (if your baby is over six months old)
- Special baby sunscreen
Sleep
- Pajamas X the number of days of the vacation
- A swaddle/sleep sack
- Baby monitor (both units) + charger + mounting arm, a must!!!
- A small night light
- A book (if you read a bedtime story)
For the Breastfed Baby
- A large muslin cloth for nursing cover
- Nursing pads
- Manual / electric breast pump
- Nursing bras + nursing tops
- Pumping bra
- Bottles + brush + cleaning soap
For the Formula-Fed Baby
- Formula packs (in the week before the flight it is worth calculating the average number of formula packs you used per day and adding 30%)
- Formula to-go
- Bottles + brush + cleaning soap
- Formula dispensers
For the Baby Starting Solids
- Suitable spoons
- Bibs
- Baby food pouches (for the times you go out exploring beyond the hotel)
- A drinking bottle
I hope my baby summer-vacation packing list saves you time and helps you arrive prepared for the vacation with your little cub!
Think I forgot something important on the list? Tell me in the comments!
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