My Exact Packing List for Traveling with a Baby (No Overpacking!)
You may be interested in traveling with your baby but maybe you don’t know where to start. How do I get all these essentials in these bags? Do I need to check in additional bags? What about pumping?? I’ve learned that the key is intention, not excess. After traveling pregnant and now with my little one, I’ve nailed down a practical, minimalist list that keeps both mama and baby happy, comfy, and meltdown-free. Here’s exactly what I pack to travel smart — without lugging around the entire nursery.
Note: this list does not include the essentials. Of course, you should bring the staple items (diapers, wipes, change of clothes and other diaper bag essentials), however, this list covers items that are not really thought about when doing short or long-term travel.
🍼 Manual Hand Pump (and hand expression!)
This is probably one of my favorite things — which is why it’s right at the top. This is a must-have. So many moms stress over their milk supply or wonder how they’ll pump while traveling. Unlike electric pumps, manual hand pumps are totally portable, lightweight, and stress-free.
I recommend and personally use the Medela Hand Pump. I take her everywhere — even for quick outings around the neighborhood. Most moms are able to express milk in almost half the time compared to a hospital-grade pump. For me, 10 minutes of pumping yields just as much.
Pro tip: Practice using it before you travel. You’ll also need bottles or milk storage bags — check out my post on traveling with breastmilk for those tips!
Also — hand expression. Game changer. Even if you forget your pump or need to clean it, this is always an option. I recently hand expressed for five minutes and got half of what I’d get from the pump. It takes some practice, especially aiming into bottles, but it’s worth learning.
Thermos
For moms who formula-feed (or supplement), a thermos is your best friend. Even if you breastfeed, it still comes in handy.
Fill it with hot water before leaving and use it to warm bottles on the go — no electric bottle warmer needed. You can also use it to hydrate yourself with tea (hello, chamomile for milk supply!).
Baby Quip Rentals
You need Baby Quip. Simple as that. This genius service lets you rent baby gear at your destination, saving space, stress, and sanity. Whether you need a full-size crib, a lightweight stroller, or even a bin of toys to keep your kiddo entertained, BabyQuip has you covered with clean, quality gear delivered straight to your hotel, rental, or family’s home.
I personally love BabyQuip because it makes traveling feel so much more manageable. No more wrestling with bulky gear at the airport or stressing over what to leave behind. With BabyQuip, you can pack light and still have everything you need when you arrive. It’s truly a game-changer for traveling moms. You can check out what’s available at your destination here.
Baby carrier
Next up is a baby carrier. This is so convenient to have. I want to have my baby close to me as I travel. I was always taught to be aware of my surroundings. It helps me stay alert and keep my hands free. Having a carrier helps me to do that! I use my Momcozy carrier all the time when I’m out, and I even wear my baby when I’m in the house. If you need to remove them from the carrier, it’s a quick transition.
Pro Tip: Using the carrier allows you to use your stroller to carry bags while you wear your baby securely.
Portable Sound Machine
Big thanks to Hatch for this. We use the full-size one at home, but the mini version is perfect for travel. No more shushing on loop or playing vacuum sounds from YouTube.
It’s small enough to clip onto your stroller and toss into your diaper bag. Volume control and portability make it a no-brainer.
Baby Monitor
I like to have eyes on my baby at all times — especially in new environments. A portable monitor gives you peace of mind to relax a little.
We love the Vtech VM923. It doesn’t require Wi-Fi (no hacking risk), pans in multiple directions, shows room temperature, and has a sound alert you can see and hear. Just plug it in and go.
The hubby and I personally like the Vtech VM923 Baby Monitor. With this monitor, you don’t need Wi-Fi, which is a huge perk. And no wi-fi means it can’t be hacked (hubby’s favorite thing about this). It’s just a plug-and-play which means you just need an outlet! This allows you to plug whenever, wherever, and you can view your baby on the parent unit, which can run on battery or be used by plugging into the wall. It also allows for you to pan up, down and side-to-side and has volume control so you can hear sounds. If you’re traveling in the tropics or in the winter wonderland, it also has temperature control so you can see how hot or cold the room is with your baby in it. And are you worried you still won’t be able to hear baby? Along with the screen to see, it also has a visual sound alert so you can “see” the noise in the room.
Disposable Pee Pads
These Pee Pads are next up on my list. What a game changer. They are not only able to be used for, well… pee, but you can use them as:
- A changing pad for clean surfaces
- A food catcher under baby’s seat
- A nap mat at the airport
- A poop blowout barrier 😅
They’re versatile and hygienic.
Disposable Waste Bags
To follow up with the pee pads, waste bags are very helpful. They are perfect for diaper changes on the go, especially when there’s no trash can nearby. Sometimes, a diaper is just too much — toss it discreetly in a waste bag. They also work great for dirty clothes and on-the-go mini trash while you’re out.
Portable fan
This fan works for baby and you. Especially post-COVID, airflow is essential. It helps regulate room temp and reduces SIDS risk with proper circulation.
Clip it to your stroller. It doubles as white noise and it’s rechargeable.
Ziplock bags
Ziplock bags are an underrated MVP for traveling moms — they’re more than just sandwich holders. When it comes to keeping things clean, organized, and stress-free, these reusable bags do the heavy lifting. Headed to the beach or pool? Toss wet swimsuits or water shoes into a gallon-size Ziplock to keep the rest of your bag dry. On a plane? Pack a mini clean-up kit — diaper, wipes, and a fresh outfit — in a single bag so you’re not fumbling in the aisle with a bulky diaper bag.
These are my MVPs for:
- Prepping mini clean-up kits
- Separating snacks
- Protecting against leaks (breastmilk, creams, etc.)
- Keeping toys organized
- Storing wet swimsuits
Use snack-sized for little hands, gallon-sized for everything else.
You Got This!
Traveling with a baby doesn’t have to mean chaos, overpacking, or sacrificing your own comfort. With just a bit of intention and the right tools, you can feel confident, prepared, and even excited for your next family adventure. I hope this list gives you a solid starting point — not just for what to pack, but for how to travel smarter, lighter, and with a lot more joy.
Remember, the adventure doesn’t have to stop — Ready Jet Mom is here to help you every step of the way. ✈️💕