How To Pack a Diaper Bag for Travel

 
Leaving the comforts of home with a baby may seem daunting, but a well-equipped diaper bag can take you far. So, let’s dive in: here’s the skinny from seasoned parents who’ve braved voyages with their little ones and lived to tell the tale. 

Stock Up on Snacks.

Never underestimate the power of food to keep your little traveler content. Pack an ample supply of your child’s favorites, from Gerber Grabbers to Goldfish Crackers. For nursing moms, don't forget your own snacks to stay energized on the go.

Pack this: 

• 4-5 food items (Gerber Grabbers, cereals, Puffs, teething biscuits, Goldfish) 
• 3 mom snacks (granola bars, biscotti, trail mix) 
• 2 (8oz) milk bottles - It’s good to have an extra in case you can’t clean it right away. 
• 3 servings of formula (Even if you’re breastfeeding, supplementing can be helpful) 
• 2 bibs 
• 1 sealable snack bowl 
• 1 unopened bottle of water 

Design Your Portable Diaper Changing Station. 

Set yourself up for easy-peasy diaper changes with a well-organized diapering station within your bag. A handy organizer like the Sidekick or Skip Hop Express Changing Station will keep wipes, diapers, and creams accessible. Remember to pack extra diapers; you'll be thankful for the surplus during unexpected blowouts. 

Pack This: 

•  1 diaper organizer with changing pad 
• 4-5 diapers (in the diaper bag) 
• 3-4 extra diapers (in your carry-on) 
• Roll of doggie  bags or other plastic bags 
• 1 diaper cream 

 Organize Essentials in a Handy Spot. 

Stay prepared for any situation with your essential personal care items at your fingertips. When the airline allows one carry-on, that’ll be your diaper bag  — but you can put things like your passport, phone, and wallet into a compact shoulder bag that’ll fit inside the diaper bag, so you’ll be ready to roll once you arrive.  

Wondering what to put in those exterior pockets of your diaper bag? Here you can stash hand sanitizer and sunscreen for quick access on your germ-free, sun-safe journey. 

Pack this:  

• Passports 

• Phone 

• Wallet 

• Hand sanitizer  

• Antibacterial wipes 

• Band-Aids 

• Sunscreen 

• Tylenol or Motrin and syringes 

Hope for Naps, But Plan for Fun. 

When you’re on the go, strange surroundings and disturbed schedules are a recipe for a meltdown. But with a well-curated selection of toys, books, and activities, you just might be lucky enough to be treated to coos rather than complaints. Download your kid’s favorite shows, songs, and games on your phone or tablet for entertainment during long travel stretches. 

 Pack this: 

•  Wubbanub Pacifier and/or Sophie the Giraffe (for teething babies) 
• Books like Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Little Blue Truck, or Playtown (lift-the-flaps) 
• 4-5 toys like cars,  blocks, stuffed animals, fidget toys, or busy boards 

Pack Practical Clothes — and Tactical Sleep Tools. 

Pack at least two cozy outfits for your baby, along with a spare shirt for yourself — because accidents happen! Remember to double-check the sizes (see our handy dandy chart,) as babies grow quickly. And always pack an extra pair of socks; one might easily find its way onto the airport floor, never to be seen again.  

Pack this: 

• 2 full outfits  

• 2 sleepsuits 

• 2 burp cloths 

• 3 pairs of socks 

• 1 swaddle blanket or sleep sack 

• 1 extra shirt for parent  

• 1 small lovey  

• 1 portable sound machine 

Prepare for Flexible, Fun, Fuss-Free Travel 

Anything can happen when traveling with babies. As long as you’re organized with your diaper bag’s treasure trove of essentials, you’ll be set up for an exciting adventure.