Newborn Checklist for Travel

Parents of newborns find traveling with their little ones a huge inconvenience and that is why they need a newborn checklist. This is not surprising, as a baby’s things can be overwhelming. Can you imagine how difficult it would be for parents like you to pack your baby’s things, given the large amount of clothes, diapers, bottles and wipes that newborns need? But there are times when traveling with a baby just can’t be avoided. You can minimize the chances of forgetting an important item by keeping a newborn travel checklist. Similarly, you can ensure a more comfortable trip for your little one by bringing the right travel gear.

your essentials

But before you pack up your baby things, secure your essentials first. Bring cash or credit, debit and ATM cards; you don’t want to be caught penniless during the trip. Don’t forget your passports or if you drive, your driver’s license. The same goes for your medical and travel insurance documents and plane tickets. Keep your address or phone book, as well as hotel or car reservation numbers.

baby supplies

Pack plenty of clothes, as you don’t want to be caught needing a pair or two on the trail. Assign two to three sets per day, plus one extra. Bring a sweater or jacket to keep your baby warm when she goes to cooler weather.

How many diapers do you need to bring? To have enough for the entire trip, allot one diaper for every hour you’ll be on the road. You can also bring extra in case your flight is delayed.

Bring disposable changing mats that you can put under your newborn during diaper changes. You can buy them in supermarkets and baby stores. Diaper rash can strike at any time during travel, so keep a small tube of diaper rash ointment with you.

Bring some blankets as you will find them useful for covering your baby or protecting your clothes from burping. Baby wipes not only help you clean baby’s bottom but also clean face, hands and even spills. You can opt for disposable bibs instead of wearing totally dirty ones. Also include in your newborn checklist travel cloth diapers that can double as burp clothes to clean up spills.

Feeding

Hungry babies can add to the hassle down the road. Imagine how difficult it would be to appease a hungry newborn during a flight. So bring enough formula to last you through unexpected delays. If you are breastfeeding your baby, make sure you have plenty of snacks and bottled water.

Take enough bottles to last you through the trip. Don’t forget the bottle brush and travel-size dish soap, too, which you’ll need in case you have to clean bottles on the go.

Miscellaneous

Bring several sealable bags that you can use to dispose of dirty diapers or store dirty clothes. After changing the baby’s diapers, you may have a hard time finding a sink where you can wash your hands. Carrying a travel-sized hand sanitizer should keep your hands clean after changing diapers.

Carry fever and cold medicine in case your baby experiences a sudden increase in body temperature. If you are traveling by plane, make sure these medicines are in your carry-on or diaper bag. Make sure the spoon or dropper for each medicine is also in the bag. A thermometer should also be carried so that you know its temperature in case your newborn gets sick.

Keep your little one groomed at all times with toiletries such as a brush, shampoo, soap, and nail clippers.

Carrying your baby is easier if you have an infant carrier or front carrier. You should find this useful if you are in busy areas like airports. If you travel by car, don’t forget the seat and seat pillow to support your baby’s head throughout the trip. A folding stroller is also a must, something that can be stored in the overhead bin.

Tips

To avoid losing important items, start packing a few days before you hit the road. Cross off the things you have packed on the list. Pack your baby’s clothes in separate bags to save yourself the hassle of searching for smaller items like socks.

Don’t forget to bring your camera, battery charger and spare memory card. Your newborn travel checklist should also include age-appropriate toys such as rattles, soft animals, plastic keys, and soft animals.