Baby checklists
Baby's first year
First Vacation with Baby Checklist
22 items · 17 must-haves · From baby's week 12
How to plan, pack, and survive your first trip away from home with a baby
Planning
- Choose a baby-friendly destinationSkip the 14-hour flight to Bali. Pick somewhere 2-4 hours away with baby-friendly amenities, a kitchen, and a washer/dryer.
- Book refundable everythingFlights, hotels, rentals - all refundable or flexible cancellation. Babies get sick, plans change, and a no-refund policy makes everything worse.
- Check with pediatrician about travel vaccines or restrictionsSome destinations require specific vaccines. Pediatrician may recommend waiting on certain trips based on baby's age and immunization schedule.
- Research nearest hospital and urgent care at destinationFind the closest pediatric ER and save the address in your phone. Know your insurance coverage for out-of-network emergency visits.
- Get a letter from your pediatrician for medicationsOPTIONALIf traveling with infant Tylenol, prescription meds, or formula, a doctor's note prevents hassles at airport security or border crossings.
Packing
- Pack double the diapers you think you needPACKFor a 3-day trip, that's 30-40 diapers. Travel disrupts routines and that often means more blowouts. You can always bring extras home.
- Bring a portable crib or pack-n-playPACKHotel cribs are unreliable and often unavailable. Your own portable crib means baby sleeps in something familiar with a mattress you trust.
- Bring a travel stroller that fits overhead or gate-checks easilyPACKCompact umbrella strollers fold small and survive gate-checking. Your full-size jogger is not the move for airports.
- Use a car seat travel bagOPTIONALPACKProtects the car seat from damage during flights. Some bags have wheels - worth the extra $20. Check your car seat free on most airlines.
- Pack baby's sound machine and sleep sackPACKRecreate the sleep environment from home. Same sound, same sleep sack, same bedtime routine. Consistency is the only thing fighting jet lag.
Travel Day
- Time travel around baby's nap scheduleDrive during nap time or fly during a sleep window. A well-rested baby handles travel 10x better than an overtired one.
- Bring 2-3 new small toys for distractionOPTIONALPACKDollar store toys they've never seen. The novelty buys you 20-30 minutes of quiet. Ration them throughout the trip.
- Pack an extra outfit for yourselfPACKSpit-up on a plane with 3 hours left is rough. A clean shirt in your carry-on saves you from arriving at your destination smelling like formula.
- Bring more snacks and formula than you think you needPACKDelays happen. Pack enough food and formula for double the travel time. A hungry baby on a delayed flight is everyone's nightmare.
- Feed baby during takeoff and landingSwallowing equalizes ear pressure. Nurse or give a bottle during ascent and descent. Pacifiers work too if baby isn't hungry.
Accommodation
- Request a crib from the hotel in advanceCall ahead, don't rely on the booking note. Confirm it'll be in the room at check-in. Have your pack-n-play as backup.
- Bring outlet covers and do a room safety scanGet on your hands and knees and look for hazards: cords, sharp edges, small objects, unsecured furniture. Takes 5 minutes at check-in.
- Check room for hazards at baby levelMinibars with glass bottles, curtain cords, balcony access, loose lamp cords. Move or block anything within reach before you unpack.
- Download a white noise app as backupOPTIONALIn case you forget the sound machine or it breaks. Test it before the trip so you know which sounds work. Keep your phone charged.
Activities
- Plan activities around baby's scheduleMorning outings when baby is fresh, back for afternoon nap, easy evening. Fighting the schedule means everyone suffers.
- Alternate adventure days with rest daysBeach day Monday, pool hangout Tuesday, explore Wednesday, lazy day Thursday. Baby (and you) need recovery time between activities.
- Have indoor backup plans for every outdoor planOPTIONALRain, heat, unexpected meltdowns - always have a Plan B. Hotel pool, local library, baby-friendly cafe. Flexibility is the whole game.
Check it off together
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