A baby and toddler carry-on packing list is essential.
Trust us, you want to have these things handy!
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Have Baby Will Travel Carry-On Packing List
This baby and toddler carry-on packing list may seem excessive. But, if you’re flying with a baby or toddler, needing something and not having access to it would be awful. And airports and airplanes do not have great selections of baby products on hand.
If you split the contents between the usual three bags of carry-on luggage by most airlines for two adults and a lap baby, you should be able to avoid needing a mule to carry everything 🙂
And as with our Mother of all Packing Lists, depending on the age of your baby and your travel plans, you won’t necessarily have to bring everything on this list. But having a comprehensive baby and toddler carry-on packing list ensures you won’t forget anything essential.
Baby & Toddler Carry-On Packing List:
Divided Among All Carry-On Bags and Diaper Bag:
- Printed travel itinerary (flights/accommodation/contact information)
- Passports & other ID
- Consent form if both parents are not traveling
- Credit cards and money
- Travel insurance information
- Smartphone & charger
- Tablet or laptop & charger, headphones
- Camera & charger
- Prescription medications
- Pen(s)
- Toys
- Books
- Baby’s ‘Woobie’ or special blanket or toy (guard this with your life!)
- 1 diaper per every hour of your journey
- Wipes, wipes & more wipes (diaper wipes)
- 2 changes of clothes for baby
- At least 1 change of clothes for you
- Plastic bags to hold aforementioned possible laundry
- Snacks for you and for baby
- Food for baby – at least two more meals than you think you’ll need
- Formula or milk for baby – at least 2 more feeds than you think you’ll need
- Clean bottles or sippy cups
- Breast pump & accessories (if you’re pumping)
- Extra pacifiers (if baby takes them)
- Face masks
- Disinfecting wipes
2 one-litre zippered plastic bags for you and adult travel partner containing:
- toothpaste (travel-sized)
- mouthwash (travel-sized)
- hand sanitizer (travel-sized)
- moisturizer (travel-sized)
- liquid dish soap (travel-sized)
- deodorant (travel-sized)
- shampoo (travel-sized)
- conditioner (travel-sized)
- disinfecting liquid, like alcohol or peroxide (travel-sized)
- small tube antibiotic ointment
- toothbrushes
- a few cotton swabs
- fabric bandages
1 one-litre zippered plastic bag for baby containing:
- liquid baby antihistamine
- liquid baby acetaminophen
- baby wash (travel-sized)
- shampoo (travel-sized)
- baby moisturizer (travel-sized)
- diaper cream (travel-sized)
- baby sunscreen (travel-sized)
- baby laundry soap (travel-sized)
- a few oral rehydration freeze pops (unfrozen)
**Buy the Baby Travel Kit with TSA-approved bags and toiletries at Amazon**
I know, I know, this carry-on packing list seems like A LOT OF STUFF.
But, split amongst 2 ½ of you in easy-to-carry (or pull) carry-on baggage, it’s totally doable.
We’ve taken a gazillion flights with our kids and never once have I had to regret not bringing something when we were mid-flight or stuck in a delay. One of our delays was four hours, and I know that’s lucky.
Travel regulations limit the amount of liquid you can bring through airport security. But if you’re traveling with a child under two, you are exempt from those limits (within reason). We’ve had no trouble with our kids’ milk, formula, food, and medicines. We keep it in the original packaging and separate it from the rest of our things.
Lastly, all of the travel-sized toiletries and baby’s mini-pharmacy mentioned above should fit in your one-litre zippered plastic bags. Ours did.
Happy Travels!
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*Image courtesy Michelle Spollen/Unsplash
Yikes! That list is a little overwhelming but I can see where it’s all necessary. My husband and I have flown with the baby before, but in a few weeks I’ll be embarking on my first solo flight with the one-year-old. I have a question for parents who have flown alone with their little ones on a long flight — How do you go to the bathroom?
Can your 1-yr-old stand? I’ve gone to the washroom with a baby who’s able to stand and just kind of hang on to them as you do what you gotta do. Everyone gets thoroughly washed hands afterwards! You could also try a front carrier – but take extra caution when it comes to your balance, as my 1-yr-olds were 25lbs+!
Good luck!
What do I need to bring with my 6month old that breastfeeds and a 2year old on a plane. Other then clothes and shoes
Make sure you have lots of snacks for your toddler!
Will you have a stroller? Strap your little one in and use a handicap stall!
I’ve flown with my infant more times than I can count, and they were solo flights. Go to the restroom very carefully! lol. I flew solo with my 8 month old and had to pee. He couldnt stand and I had no one to hold him. I kind of held him in one hand, used the other to deal with business. Did I mention this happened during turbulence. It was a stressful couple of minutes hoping I wouldnt pee on myself or drop him but you have to do what you have to do! I wouldnt assume this, but on one flight the flight attendants carried him around, almost like showing him the plane. I’ve also had other mothers sitting next to me who have been through it before and they’ve offered to hold the baby so I could either fish something out of the diaper bag, etc etc.
I’ve been there, Nikki! We moms certainly can do a lot when holding a baby 🙂
Thanks for posting this nikki! I will be flying with my 7-month old baby next month and was wondering how was I supposed to pee!! I guess, moms can do it all!
How did you manage bringing your baby, luggage, carry-on, diaper bag and stroller??!! and how did you make your baby sleep? The airline won’t give me a bassinet and it is a 6-hour flight at night.
So I have traveled with my little one when he was 3 months, and then when he was 6 months and now that he he is one we are going again. I think the best advice to give is… be organized! Make sure you have a pocket for everything. Use the stroller as long as you can and pack it full of all the bags and extras to walk through the airport. When you are on the plane make sure you have the blanket or the must have for comfort (pacifier, toy). I used a carrier in the past but he will not have it now. He wants to be free. He did in the past sleep the whole time and the flight attendant gave me water when I asked for it right when I sat down. This is important if you need it for formula b/c it helps with their ears. For my little one I will have a cartoon or movie on the tablet. he is really into the videos. But ORGANIZATION is key. If you know where it is then you can get it faster and you feel like you have more control. Hope this helps.
a carrier (ergo) or something similar will free up your two arms to be able to bring everything and will potentially help put baby to sleep on the plane.
Practice makes it perfect ;). I have done it so many times, holding baby in one arm and using other to do your business. Tiny restroom in the airplane makes it harder but it is still doable.
Love your site!! This list is soo helpful. I’ll be travelling to my 8month old son next week. I was so confused about what to carry on my carry on. You’re a life saver. Thank you Corinne.
Thank you for the kind words, Maisha–have a wonderful trip!
When you have have to pee I’d suggest asking a mom next next to you to watch him if they’re friendly.Also, try to use the bathroom when your 8 month old is sleeping then it’ll be easier for the person to watch him. I know it’s not that much of a good idea but honestly I always travel with my husband and family who are old enough to watch the baby, thank goodness so I don’t have any experience about that
With the little one. Sad but true. Wear something you can pull up and down with one hand or better yet take them into the potty room strapped onto you in their carrier. What else are you gonna do hand them to a stranger?
I flew with 8 month old twins. I asked the cabin if anyone could hold a baby for a moment and it turns out there was an entire tour group of grandmothers a few rows back. My babies were cuddled the whole 8 hours, fed, everything and I got to rest my weary arms. I still had to change diapers though. There are limits to kindness of strange grandmothers. My girls are now seven and I STILL use this packing list as guide.
I love this story, Leigh. Thanks so much for sharing (and for your kind words :))
I peed with my baby still in the carrier. Did it take some skill? Yes. Worth it to not have them touching anything? Also yes.
I’d like to suggest two more things – saline solution and a nasal aspirator – especially on long flights. Oh, and another one – a hoodie or a sweater in case the plane gets too cold for the baby. We’re about to embark on a 24 hour trip here, so I’m thinking of all the things my baby may need! Thanks for this blog, btw. SO HELPFUL!!!
Thank you, Kristine – those are great suggestions! I do actually suggest to dress babies in layers in … I wonder if I should cross-reference the post somehow?
I also would suggest this little gadget called ear-ease.(or something similar). it’s wonderful for earache releif on flights (i’ve never had to use it yet, thank goodness, but i lent it to a very grateful mom with a screaming baby on a 9 hour flight once). And for the mother of all packing lists, I would suggest a travel sized portable nebulizer, sounds wierd but I dont go anywhere without it, and even take it as carry on. On a trip to miami (from brazil where we live) my daughter started weezing in the middle of the night and I used it immediately. When i took her to the pediatrician the next day we found out it was croup and if we hadnt done that we would have ended up in the ER. But even in nonextreme cases, it works great for regular cold congestion and allergy issues…
Love your site, had never been on here before, glad I found you!
Thanks, Thaby – those are great ideas!
I wonder if I should create a separate list for those traveling with babies and children with health issues and/or allergies? I would never have thought of the nebulizer but my nephew has asthma and uses it quite often.
Good list. I have twin boys who are now 3 and having things organized made the biggest difference when I was traveling with them. We used packing cubes from Motodori to help separate all the different items including inside the diaper bag and carryon luggage on a recent flight to Utah from California. These made a huge difference and provided much needed organization to a typically chaotic situation.
Very comprehensive and complete list for travel. If it’s a road trip, then instead of the plane tickets, add one extra pair of car keys to the list.
Question about the Consent Form if both parents are not traveling. Does it need to be notarized? Seems like an overkill unless someone had a bad experience regarding this. Appreciate the effort to put together this list! Thanks!
Thanks, Sachin! I agree about the notarization seeming like overkill. Apparently in the US it’s a lot easier to get that done. I just travel with a neatly typed note that we both sign, and haven’t had any issues. If you’re going to do a lot of solo travel with your baby, you can get a general note notarized that’s valid for a year – might be worth it for lots of travel, especially to the US. Hope that helps!
Hellio I am travelling with our daughter who will be 3 at the time, I am wondering if I should get one carryone for the both of us to keep everyting together or should I get a separte carry on for her? Thanks for any advice.
Hi Kayla! Your daughter is old enough now to pull her own bag that she packs herself (supervised by you, of course!) Just in case she tires of pulling it, though, make sure it has a shoulder strap so you can lug it if need be. Have a great trip!
Excellent list! It looks overwhelming at first but everything is on there for a reason. It’s easy to forget one (or more!) things when you have kids and are traveling a lot. I have bookmarked this list!
This list has some important things one should remember to pack when flying with an infant!
I’m planning a solo trip with my daughter who will be 18 months at that time. I’m concerned over this note from both parents that you’ve mentioned.
My daughters father passed away a few months ago and she has his last name, not mine. Is this going to be a problem in my vacation planning?
Hi! Loving this list, am planning a solo flight soon with 4.5yo & 20mo, 4.5 will have her own seat, 20mo will be in my knee.
I’ll be bringing stroller with me and wondering would you suggest:
2 cabin bags and fit in all our stuff for 5 days or
1 checked bag & 1 cabin bag?
I’m thinking I won’t manage a checked bag as I’ll have it, stroller & another child so not enough hands??
But with 2 cabin bags my 4yo can wheel hers & I can put mine on my back while pushing the stroller?
Also a question about a not from other parent, my partner doesn’t like the sun so is happy for me & the kids to go away for 5 days, do I need a consent letter? We’re not married but both kids have double barrelled surnames on their passports?
Thank you!
Hi Sarah!
Bring a letter just to be on the safe side. I had my hand slapped once for not having one and only now just realized how lucky I am he let me through. I have traveled in a very similar situation with our kids at similar ages, and I did check a suitcase since travelling light is not in my genes. Luckily my stroller was easy enough to manage so I could push with one hand and pull the suitcase with the other. My daughter had just turned five and was pretty good about pulling her carry-on, although I did end up lugging that as well once the suitcase was checked 😉
Good luck and have a great trip!
This is an awesome list! Reading it confirms that if your a mommy you can never be too prepared .. I have a question. We will be flying with our 8 month old and I know that my husband and I will need an id but will we need one for the baby?
Hi Jacqueline! Depending on where you are going, you might need a passport for baby. Even if flying domestic, it’s a good idea to have their birth certificate handy. Have a great flight!
I am a foster parent traveling for the first time with a 5 month old and a 4 yr old. I have my court papers showing I have custody but my husband will not be with me. Should I have a note from him just to be safe?
Hi. I’m gonna travel with my 7 month old on a 24 hour duration. Will there be hot water in flight to mix formula or if we need to take sealed water bottle is there any specific brand
Hi Anitha! You should be fine with any bottled water. Prior to your trip, try to get your baby used to room temperature formula, to save the hassle of heating. The flight attendants might be able to help you with heating the bottle, depending on your airline. Have a great flight!!
I’ll be travelling on a 20hr flight with my 8mo old son 2 wks from now. My husband can’t come with us so my mom will accompany us. My mom will be packing her stuffs separately from my & my son’s stuffs. So handcarry-wise, it’s like i’m flying solo with my kid. Your list would be for a diaper bag PLUS a cabin size luggage, right? Or do i cram all those in the carry on luggage? Stressing out already on how and what to pack!
Hi Janis! This list is for most airlines’ policy of one carry-on bag AND one diaper bag allotted for a lap infant. Double check with your airline to see what they allow. So great that your mom can travel with you!
Hello, we’re going to travel to Cancun with my 1 year old on laps. We didnt pay for the seat for him but we did pay the tax (for international flight). I know that we can check in one stroller and carry on one diaper bag, but do they allow 1 free carry on for my toddler too ? I’ll be travel with United airline. Thanks a lot.
Hi Kristy! Did you purchase your toddler a seat? You will need to double check directly with the airline. Thanks!
The 2 times I traveled out of country I was allowed a 10-15 lb bag that could be checked for free with my lap baby, but again check with airline carrier.
Hi Kristy,
How was your trip to Cancun. I am traveling soon a long with my 1 year old on laps with United. Do you have any recommendation?
Thanks.
Hi I’m wondering what the oral rehydration unfrozen freezer pops are for? Is it just for them to drink for rehydration from flying? Thanks.
Hi Candice!
Just in case your baby vomits or has diarrhea–they may need the electrolytes from the oral hydration pops that water or juice can’t provide. Plus they’re sweet, so fussy babies or toddlers will usually take them 🙂
I will be traveling with my 4 month old and 28 month old by myself in 1 week. I have tried to plan things out as best as I can, and actually did a test run of pushing carry-on with stroller in driveway, but am very concerned about getting 2 checked bags, 1 carry on, 1 diaper bag, 2 car seats, 1 stroller, and 2 children to the check-in desk from the shuttle service with only 2 hands…I plan on strapping my 4 month old on with Boba wrap, hanging his car seat from the side of my BOB stroller with a big clip, strapping the 28 month old in the stroller, pushing my carry-on through the airport, but am at a loss trying to also push the other two checked bags as well as the toddlers car seat to the counter. I read a tutorial about strapping the car seat to the checked luggage, but other than that i still need two more hands! :S Any suggestions?
Hi Rochelle!
I have done what you are doing but with one less checked bag. It was not easy! Possible to get a larger suitcase to replace the two checked ones, or even bungee them together to roll? Backpack diaper bag + shoulder strap carry on, or maybe invest in a double stroller that you can travel with and wear baby while using unoccupied side of double for car seat/suitcase? Does any of these ideas help? I may post your query on my FB page if that’s ok?
Hello, are we allowed to bring calpol (paracetamol) for the baby on board with us ?
Thank you
Yes, absolutely. Keep it with your other baby care items.
I am so excited about this list! We are traveling to Portugal with our little one (she will 11 months right before we return). I am so nervous! We are staying with family which helps a bit! (no car seat/crib to travel with!) my husband is a very nervous flier and I am just nervous in general! I have printed this list and I am obsessively checking it and the “mother of all packing lists” to ensure I have everything I need!!
Thanks, Amanda–have a great trip!
Hi! Planning on flying with my 4 month old. For formula, have you brought in liquid formula or do you always bring powder and mix it after TSA checks?
Thanks! I am so happy I found your blog, it’s great!
You can probably bring along liquid formula, but it would have to be unopened. It’s pretty heavy, so I personally chose to use the powder just to save the weight.
This is brilliant, makes life so much easier! I have also found that i need to make sure I pack outfits for both cool and warm temperature as you just never know! I can see you love your ziplock bags haha!
Flying with an infant is both fun and challenging. It’s great to have a comprehensive packing list that makes traveling easier.
Essential things for all moms. Baby carrying is important things when you are going to travel and touring. It is easy to carry your kids and comfortably visiting. It is useful things when you’re going on an abroad. Much more needed for women traveler.
Great list! Worth printing in preparation for a long trip:)
Travelling to Disney from Australia next year with a 15 month old. I will have one checked bag with all our stuff plus the cabin baggage. Any suggestions for cabin baggage? Will another wheely suitcase be too hard, possibly a backpack instead and then my handbag?
Great post! Will help me to pack properly for my next flight.
I was wondering about the number of diapers I should bring. One per hour sounds just about right. It’s important to remember that you are definitely going to spend around 10 hours total of traveling for a 7-hour flight.
Hello! I have a quick question. Traveling with my little one soon. why would you pack unfrozen oral rehydration freeze pops? I have some so I was just curious!
Just to have on hand in case you need them. Stuff like that is not always available where you’re traveling. I am a classic overpacker!
I love road trips and I always miss to take something important, which I realize half the way into the trip. The list in this article is very handy. It looks like this was written long back but the list is valid till date. Thank you!