With summer just around the corner, you might be starting to think about taking your baby on holiday, going on family picnics, or enjoying days out and about. As exciting as this is, it can feel a little daunting too. There’s a lot to think about. What things will your baby need? How will you feed them? And just how will you keep them entertained?
The essential baby holiday packing list: Don't forget these must-haves
Baby holiday checklist
Well, you’re in the right place. Here, we’ll be taking a look at what to pack for a holiday with your baby and help you to create a baby holiday checklist that covers all your packing essentials.
Baby Travel Essentials
Wherever you’re travelling, and whatever your mode of transport, there are a few essentials that you’ll need to take with you. These include:
- Nappies.
- Plenty of clothes - including a change of clothes for during your journey.
- Baby wipes.
- Essentials for mealtimes. For example, if you feed with follow on formula, you’ll need follow on milk and beakers.
- Your baby’s favourite blanket or toy to keep them occupied.
- Dummy or soother - if your baby uses them.
- Medicine in case your baby gets sick. For example paracetamol sachets if you’re travelling by aeroplane.
- First aid kit for any emergencies
Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list. The things your baby needs will differ depending on where you’re going, how long your journey will take, and how old your baby is. If you’re going abroad for example, and travelling by aeroplane, you’ll need to have your baby’s passport and travel documents at the ready. Being prepared is key, as airports can be stressful - especially so if you’re navigating check-ins and security with a baby or toddler.
Mealtime Must-Haves
As a parent, it’s only natural to think about how you’ll feed your baby on the go. Whilst there are a number of essentials that you’ll need, here are some of our must haves for mealtime preparation when travelling with your baby. However, don’t worry if you’ve forgotten something. In most places there are stops and shops along the way where you can get many of the things you need.
For weaning babies and toddlers
If you’re travelling with your baby, and you’re currently feeding with follow on formula or toddler milk or combination feeding, your baby holiday checklist might include:
- Breast pump – in case you need to express your breast milk (make sure that you also bring along your charger)
- Follow on milk or toddler milk
- Feeding beakers.
- Travel steriliser - if you’re travelling for longer periods.
For weaning babies and toddlers, it’s a good idea to bring along some finger foods in your hand luggage. For example, soft fruit and vegetable sticks for younger babies, and rice cakes and crackers if your baby is a little older and more experienced with weaning. These are great options for your baby to snack on and will keep hunger at bay.
Make sure you’ve got a drink to keep you hydrated if you’re breastfeeding, and perhaps some healthy snacks to keep your energy levels up. However you choose to feed your baby, it’s always a good idea to have plenty of bibs or muslin cloths to hand.
If you’re feeding with follow on or toddler milk, you’ll also need to think about how much of this you’ll need to bring along. Because powdered formulations can take up a lot of space in your luggage, you might want to try Aptamil Follow On Milk Tabs. They’re compact and easy to carry and will help to save space when it comes to packing. In addition, Aptamil Ready to Drink Follow On and Toddler Milks are ready to drink anytime anywhere. Simply shake and pour. Great for on the go.
Always remember to follow the instructions on the pack or bottle that you’re using, as you’ll find important information about how to prepare and store it safely.
It’s worth noting that baby and toddler milks will be subject to additional security checks at the airport. Boots Pharmacy offers a convenient click and collect service at a number of airports, allowing you to order what you need in advance ready to collect once you’ve checked in. This can be very useful when it comes to security checks and saving time
Other things to think about including are:
- Bibs
- Baby wipes.
- Baby food pouches or jars
- Baby feeding spoons.
- Baby travel drinking beaker and water bottle - preferably non-leaking.
Entertainment and Comfort
Sometimes, particularly if your journey is a long one, it can be a challenge to keep your baby entertained. Whilst they won’t need a lot of toys, bringing a few of their favourite books and compact puzzles will keep them occupied, and help everyone to have a smoother and more enjoyable journey.
When it comes to being on the go, think about naptime. You may wish to bring along a pram, stroller or baby carrier to let your baby sleep in or rest their legs along the way.
To ensure your baby or toddler’s comfort, it’s always a good idea to be prepared with plenty of drinks, snacks and everything that you’ll need for mealtimes.
For more handy tips for travelling with a baby, take a look here.
What Clothes To Take On Holiday For Baby
What type of clothes, and how many, to take for your baby depends entirely on the length and type of your holiday, and your destination.
For example, if you’re staying in a self-catering apartment, you may have access to a washing machine and won’t need to take as much. However, if you're staying in a hotel that doesn’t offer laundry services, you may need to pack extra clothes to make sure all bases are covered.
It’s a good idea to think about your journey and having at least one spare set of clothes that your baby can change into. Whilst hopefully it won’t be the case, sometimes luggage can be lost at the airport, so be sure to pack some emergency backups in your hand luggage.
Sun and Heat Protection
If you’re going somewhere hot and sunny, making sure that your baby has adequate protection from the sun is important.
According to the NHS, babies under 6 months old must be kept out of direct sunlight. Older babies should be kept out of the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun is at its strongest. Taking a parasol to the beach or pool is a good way to keep your baby in the shade as they play.
Your baby's skin should be covered with a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30, and it should offer both UVA and UVB protection. Many brands produce sunscreen specifically for babies and young children, made with ingredients that are less likely to irritate their skin. You should apply sunscreen to your baby regularly especially if they’re frequently going in and out of the water or paddling pool.
When visiting sunnier climates, lightweight clothing is ideal. Think short-sleeved baby vests, cotton dresses and shorts, and lighter long-sleeved tops that can help to provide additional protection from the sun - a sun hat is essential for your baby or toddler. When swimming, UV swimsuits are ideal as they block the UV radiation from the sun. However, your baby will still need sunscreen to be applied underneath their swimming suit.
In addition, a small portable fan, ice packs and a spray water bottle will also keep them cool and comfortable in hot weather.
It’s also important to ensure that your baby stays hydrated, and babies over 6 months can be offered sips of water with their meals.
Holiday Toiletries Checklist
When going on holiday, it’s easy to overestimate the number of toiletries your baby will need. In reality, there are only a few absolute essentials to add to your baby holiday checklist. Below you’ll find a list of the essential toiletries to pack for your baby when travelling:
- Nappies, swimming nappies and nappy bags
- Any medication your baby might need
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Sun cream and after sun
- Baby wipes
- Baby all-in-one wash - there are many varieties that can double up as a shampoo
- Sponge
- Nappy rash cream
While this may feel like an endless list, don't worry if you forget something. Most of the toiletries listed here can typically be purchased when travelling.
Space Saving Tips
It can be a struggle to fit everything in your suitcase at the best of times, and travelling with your baby is no different. Using packing cubes is a great way to stay organised and maximise space. They allow you to separate your baby’s clothes, toys, formula, and food so that you know where everything is.
Utilise your hand luggage and use it to keep all the essentials to hand. When it comes to nappies, take them out of the pack and layer along the bottom of your suitcase and in the zip compartments to avoid packing them in one large bulk.
As we mentioned above, you can order in and purchase things such as follow on and toddler milk from the airport, saving space in your luggage, and again, our Aptamil Follow On Milk Tabs are light, compact and easy to carry.
At the end of the day, your baby won’t need as much as you think they do, and you’ll be able to purchase anything that you’ve forgotten whilst you’re on holiday. With the right preparation, your focus can be on enjoying time away and creating special memories together with your baby.
Take a look at our range of Ready to Drink Follow On and Toddler Milk - ready for any on the go adventure.
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Important notice
Breastfeeding is best for babies. Infant formula is suitable from birth when babies are not breastfed. Follow-on milk is only for babies over 6 months, as part of a mixed diet and should not be used as a breastmilk substitute before 6 months. We advise that all formula milks including the decision to start weaning should be made on the advice of a doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, dietitian, pharmacist or other professional responsible for maternal and child care, based on baby’s individual needs.
Do not use if your baby has been diagnosed with a cow's milk allergy.
Use Toddler Milk as part of a varied balanced diet from 1 year.