Real tips from the toddler trenches, now applied to full-time family travel prep.
Traveling with a Baby: What We’d Pack Now (And What We Regret Bringing Then)
First Things First: We Didn’t Backpack with a Baby... But We’ve Been There
We never backpacked with a baby not in the “jungle with a diaper bag” kind of way. But we have traveled with a bottle-slinging, snack-hurling toddler… and those chaotic early years shaped exactly how we’d pack for baby travel today.
Whether you’re prepping for your first flight, gearing up for a longer adventure, or just trying to get through the airport without a blowout situation, this is for you.
Here’s what we packed, what we skipped, and what we wish someone had told us sooner.
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How Many Diapers to Pack for Vacation?
The magic number: enough for 2–3 days, plus a mini emergency stash.
Why not more?
You can buy diapers almost anywhere
They take up way too much space
You’ll need different sizes over time anyway
Tip: Pack enough for the journey + first day or two then buy local. We used a wet/dry travel bag to keep clean and used ones separate in transit.
Can a Diaper Bag Be a Carry-On?
Yes, and it absolutely should be.
Most airlines don’t count a diaper bag toward your carry-on allowance when traveling with a baby. That’s the kind of loophole we live for.
Here’s what we packed in ours:
Diapers, wipes, and a travel change pad
2 spare outfits
Snacks and bottles
Muslin cloth
Travel-sized baby wash + lotion
Mini first aid kit (thermometer, teething gel, etc.)
Our go-to: This convertible diaper backpack
Spacious, hands-free, and doesn’t scream “baby bag.”
Do You Need a Baby’s Birth Certificate to Fly?
Domestic flights: Some airlines ask for proof of age. A photocopy usually works.
International flights: Bring your baby’s passport. Some countries require proof of parentage, especially if one parent is flying solo.
What we packed:
Baby passport
Copy of birth certificate
Consent letter template for solo travel or emergencies
Pro tip: Keep these in your “Departure Folder” also mentioned in our family prep checklist – in this article
Flying with a Baby: What We Learned
Let’s keep it real: It’s never “easy” but it’s totally doable with the right prep.
What helped most:
Booking aisle seats near the front
Feeding during takeoff and landing
Babywearing to soothe and free hands
[Tablet-free toys like Wikki Stix – affiliate link]
Accepting that naps might not happen — and that’s okay
We used the SlumberPod for hotel naps and overnight stays — especially when sharing a room. This is great for creating a dark, calm space while travelling.
Baby Travel Gear That Was Actually Worth Packing
Travel Stroller
Lightweight. Foldable. Fits overhead. We loved the YOYO for city wandering and quick collapses. (We got this gifted from a grandparent, its pricey)
Portable Travel Crib
If you’re not co-sleeping: Guava Lotus. Folds into a backpack, doubles as a playpen. As a new parent this was great…BUT its pricey for what it is.
Diaper Bag Backpack
Stylish enough for dad, functional enough for mom.
Silicone Snack Cups + Spill-Proof Bottles
Simple wins are big wins. You’ll ost likely have these already.
Baby Headphones for Flights
If you’re brave enough to attempt cartoons mid-air. Find them here.
What We Didn’t Need (And Wish We’d Left Behind)
Baby bath tub (hotel sinks are magic)
Too many toys, I mean far too many (they’ll play with a spoon anyway)
Fancy outfits (comfort > cute)
More than 2 baby blankets
4 pacifiers (we only ever found one at a time anyway)
Bonus: Grab Our Baby Travel Checklist
We made a baby-focused version of our packing list to avoid the “wait, where’s the wipes?!” moment.
✅ In-flight essentials
✅ Diaper bag must-haves
✅ Gear by age (0–2 yrs)
👉 Get your free copy now.
Final Thought
Traveling with a baby is a bit like carrying a ticking time bomb wrapped in cuteness.
But honestly? We wouldn’t trade it. The meltdowns, messes, and middle-of-the-night feedings are part of the story the good, the hard, and everything in between.
Pack smart. Stay flexible. And remember: babies adapt better than most adults.
