Checklist For Infant Travel Gear

Three checklists for traveling with an infant, including diaper bag and carry-on essentials, destination gear, and travel musts such as car seats.

Making sure that you have everything you might need when traveling can become quite a hectic affair. Add an infant to the equation and hectic can quickly turn to frenzy! The thought of trying to shrink down to suitcase size, all the things that are common in a nursery, diaper bag, and scattered throughout a home that a newborn has taken over, is enough to bring on a fast headache. For this reason, travel gear needs to be broken down into three separate checklists: one for actual travel, which will contain items needing quick access, and those that are used throughout an infant's day. A second checklist will cover items that can be packed, but will be used when arriving at a destination. The third checklist is the shortest, and covers those items needed for actual travel. Following these checklists is the best way to avoid forgetting essential items and keeping yourself from over-packing.

Items to Pack in a Carry on or Diaper Bag

Note: Never allow an infant or toddler to play in a bag that may contain medications for themselves or an adult, or other items that may be harmful.

-Any medications prescribed for your infant's current use

-Bulb syringe for unexpected congestion

-Formula and bottles if bottle-feeding

-Pacifier"¦If your child uses one on a regular basis, pack a couple, but even if they normally don't, still pack one for those times you might be at your wits end and willing to try anything to calm an infant. If you are traveling by plane, they may also work to ease an infant's ear pressure when taking off and landing.

-Diapers"¦Enough to get you through the expected travel time, times two. Diapers are the one thing you should over pack. If you end up stranded in an airport, bus depot, traffic, or even an unfamiliar hotel, you might be able to purchase extras, but you might not. Do not get caught short.

-Wipes"¦Full size box or several travel size, as you will use these for diaper changes, and general baby clean-up.

-Diaper cream

-Disposable diaper toss bags"¦These are not only necessary, you will be extremely thankful you packed them if you are somewhere you cannot easily dispose of a diaper.

-Three changes of clothes, including onesies, and appropriate outfits for the types of weather you will be traveling through. If you know your baby spits up a lot, toss in a few extra onesies.

-Burp cloths and/or receiving blankets"¦Even if your child is past the stage of swaddling, they will work as an extra layer for warmth, or a cool covering from sun.

-Blanket"¦If your infant has already discovered a favorite stuffed blanket, animal or other cuddly, do not forget it!

-Teething lotion

-Body lotion

-Sunscreen

-Nail clipper

-Board book, small toy, teething ring

Items to Pack for your Destination

This list can vary greatly depending on the parents and the infant.

-If you depend on a swing or other large item, arrange to pack it, or an alternative, portable version.

-A portable crib, such as a Pack-n-Play

Do not use a crib at your destination if you are unsure of its safety. Do not "˜make-do' with an adult bed by folding blankets around the child, or letting the child sleep with you, "˜just this once'. Make the extra effort and make to bring along suitable sleeping gear.

Getting There

-"˜Snugli' or other similar baby carrier"¦If you cannot bring a stroller, or are uncomfortable having your infant not directly next to you, at times when they cannot be in their car seat, then this may be your most important travel requirement.

-Stroller"¦If you will be in an airport, bus station, etc., the umbrella style strollers are small and easily maneuvered, but you may find a stroller that reclines more useful. Check with your airline, train, or bus company first, to see how they handle items such as these.

-Car seat"¦Not just for automobile travel, but other forms too, such as plane.

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