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My ultimate baby and toddler holiday packing list

My ultimate baby and toddler holiday packing list

*This baby holiday packing list has been created in collaboration with The Gro Company.

I’m not going to lie, it took me a long time to get the hang of packing for a holiday with a baby and a toddler! On our first holiday we took way too much, on our second holiday we took way too little, on some trips we forgot vitally important things and on other holidays I genuinely have no idea what we were thinking!

Over the years, we’ve managed to refine what we pack for a holiday with babies and toddlers and we’ve gradually perfected our baby holiday essentials.

Luggage allowances can control how much we pack but we’ll usually take two large suitcases between the four of us. We try to not take more than this because it’s so difficult to juggle suitcases, hand luggage, the travel stroller, car seats and two children!

Here’s my ultimate baby and toddler holiday packing list.

Some of these items are for any holiday and there’s a section for summer holidays with items specifically for the beach, swimming pool and hot weather. We’ve always found that our kids cope surprisingly well with the heat and it doesn’t bother them nearly as much as it bothers us, so don’t worry about packing too many fancy gadgets to keep them cool!

Before you begin, I highly recommend writing your own ‘baby holiday checklist’ so you can tick items off as you pack them. This makes packing so much faster, means you won’t forget anything  and you’re not tempted to overpack because you know you have everything you need on your checklist.

Getting around while you’re on holiday

Pushchair

Even if you have an older toddler who rarely uses a pushchair at home, I still recommend taking one. Holidays can often mean long days, late nights and (if you’re lucky) afternoon naps in the shade, so a comfortable, reclining pushchair often comes in handy.

A simple umbrella stroller will do the job, just make sure it has a large hood/canopy to keep your little one in the shade. We also like to have one that fully reclines and has a large shopping basket for all our beach things!

If you’re travelling with two little ones then I highly recommend the Mountain Buggy Duet. It is heavy to lift and bulky when folded but it’s a doddle to push, the seats are spacious and the pushchair isn’t too wide. You can get through a normal doorway and it also folds down in one so it only counts as one piece of baby equipment for the flight! Despite the extra bulk of this pushchair, we still take it on holiday with us because we know both the boys will nap in it and it can deal with sandy beaches, cobbled streets and tight spaces in restaurants.

Another pushchair I like for a single child is the YOYO+ by Babyzen. It’s the only lightweight pushchair I’ve tried that will also comfortably carry a 4 year old (yes, I have a very lazy 4 year old and a 2 year old who insists on walking!) It also folds down small enough to be taken onboard the plane as cabin baggage or easily slipped into the footwell of a car, which is great when you have a tiny hire car filled with suitcases! We also have the Silvercross Jet which is great for travelling but I do find the Babyzen to be better as it’s much sturdier, easier to fold and has a bigger storage basket.

Read more: What’s the best travel stroller?

Car seat

You can hire car seats when you arrive but they’re often expensive, the quality can be dubious and they’re often just a bit grubby! We prefer to take our own seats as we know how to safely install them.

It is a bit awkward to juggle bulky car seats at the airport but we usually just struggle and take our normal ones from home.

If you want to avoid the struggle then take a look at the Trunki BoostApak. It’s only suitable from 15kg (which is usually around 3 years old) small enough for a child to carry it as a backpack, it can go on the plane as hand luggage and can also be used on the plane and as a booster seat in restaurants too.

Sale
Trunki BoostApak | Kid's Travel Backpack and Portable Child Car Booster Seat | Group 2-3 | Ages 4...
  • Quickly Transforms - Kid's backpack to portable car seat in seconds, can also be used as a booster seat dining chair at home or eating out and as a cinema / stadium booster
  • Lift Share - Always have a portable booster seat to hand for the school pickup or sports club no matter who is doing the taxi run! (removable hand wash only rucksack cover)
  • Hand Luggage - 8-litre capacity bag for packing toys/games/stationery keeping children entertained on the airplane or travelling, helps avoid car seat hire charges on fly drive holidays

For babies, I really like the Doona car seat/pushchair as it’s a carseat with wheels. It can’t replace a pushchair as it doesn’t fully recline so you shouldn’t keep a baby in it for more than two hours, but it’s very handy for quick outings and whizzing around the airport. We had one and used it while all three of ours were babies and we loved it and travelled with it lots! (It’s also worth noting that we used it for 3 children, loaned it to 3 friends for their babies and then sold it for £150, so it really does keep it’s value!)

Sale
Doona+ Baby Car Seat & Travel Stroller Blush Pink - Convertible 0+ Car Seat and Pram with 5 Point...
  • CONVERTIBLE BABY PUSHCHAIR – One simple motion operation, from Car Seat to Stroller in seconds. Perfect for the modern family on the move.
  • A TRAVEL MUST-HAVE – Going on holiday? Just take a Doona Baby Stroller with wheels - TUV and FAA Aircraft Approved for travel.
  • ANTI-REBOUND CRASH TECHNOLOGY – The adjustable handlebar on the Doona car seat stroller also acts as an anti-rebound bar inside the car.

Baby carrier

Baby carriers are really handy for airports and planes so you can have both of your hands free when you have lots of things to carry! You can usually keep your baby in a carrier when you go through security so it makes that stressful part of the airport a little easier!

I like the Izmi carrier because it folds away into a little pouch so is easy to pop into your changing bag.

Izmi Essential Baby Carrier | Award Winning Adjustable Soft Structured Sling with 3 Different...
  • ⚙️ Simple Ergonomic Design: Two easy buckles to secure, the supportive, wrap-like design distributes your baby’s weight to reduce pressure on your back
  • 👶 Suitable From Birth: Cleverly designed to adjust, fit, and modify comfortably around your growing baby from 3.2kg-15kg. Tested to Safety Standard EN13209-2:2015 and CEN/TR 16512:2015.
  • ✨ Three Carrying Positions: Carry securely in three comfortable positions including parent-facing front carry, forward-facing front carry and side carry

Sleeping

Black out blind

A black out blind like the Gro Anywhere Black Out Blind is particularly handy if you’re travelling long haul and your kids might be suffering from jetlag.

Pop up a blackout blind and cross your fingers that they’ll sleep for a few extra hours without the sunshine pouring in through their window!

They’re handy even if you’re not dealing with jetlag. The curtains at our apartment in Menorca weren’t great and a dark room definitely makes bedtime routines a little easier and you’ve got more chance of a lie-in!

Sale
Tommee Tippee Sleeptight Portable Blackout Blind with Suction Cups, Adjustable and Lightweight,...
  • The Gro Anywhere Blackout Blind creates a completely dark environment, perfect for light summer nights and daytime naps
  • This portable Blackout Blind includes clever Velcro re-sizing system
  • Adapts to fit any window up to a maximum of 130 x 190 cm

I would definitely recommend getting the large one over the small one. We have both and find the small one is usually too small.

Sunshade for pushchair

It’s also worth getting a ventilated sunshade that goes over a pushchair, not just an umbrella one but an elasticated cover to go over the whole pushchair. Something like a SnoozeShade is brilliant!

It keeps the pushchair cool, dark and shaded and we’ve always found them to be great when we’re going out for dinner with babies as they’re less likely to wake up just as your steak arrives! Just make sure you get one that’s well ventilated.

Sleeping bag

We’ve always used GroBag sleeping bags so having this cosy familiarity on holiday really helps get the boys to sleep. The travel Grobags are great for holidays as they’re nice and cool and come with really cute holiday designs.

They also have space to use a 5-way harness so you can put little ones into their Grobag and then safely strap them into their pushchair or car seat – making it very easy to later transfer them to bed while they’re sleeping and generally avoid the faff of blankets.

For older children you might prefer to use the Grorompers (which are absolutely adorable!) as these have legs in them, making it easier for your little ones to walk around in them.

Cot sheet

It’s worth double checking but accommodation providers rarely give you bedding for cots. Just don’t forget to take them home, I always end up leaving them!

Sasma Home - 2 x Cot Fitted Sheets 120x60cm - 100% Cotton, Soft breathable baby cot sheets (White)
  • Pair of Cot Fitted Sheets 120x60cm - Our Sheets are made of 100% Natural Cotton.No polyester or bamboo fibre used.
  • Suitable for any cot mattress - Length 120 cm - Width 60 cm and Pocket Depth 15cm. Please Check Mattress Manufacturer Size Guide before purchase.
  • Baby cot sheets are made of soft jersey fabric, that is highly absorbant to keep baby's body dry and fresh.

I’ve had a lot of people ask if you should take your own travel cot? We never do and I’ve never stayed anywhere that doesn’t have a cot. It’s personal choice but I find a travel cot is a large and bulky thing to travel with so we avoid taking it whenever possible.

Eating and Drinking

Bibs

Opt for a silicone wipe-clean bib so you can use the same one for your whole holiday – and not come home with a suitcase full of soggy, soiled bibs!

Rightwell Silicone Bib 3 pcs Silicone Bibs for Babies and Toddlers Unisex - Waterproof Silicone Baby...
  • 💚 Premium Quality Bibs – RIGHTWELL slicone baby Bbibs make sure 100% food grade silicone material, safe for babies and toddlers that are teething. Eco-friendly, safe and soft material ,Stain...
  • 💚 Bibs with Leak-proof Pocket – Wide food crumb catcher pocket can easily pocket the food due to the angled tray at the bottom of the bib, avoid getting dirty baby clothes while eating. Roll them...
  • 💚 Lovely Design Bibs – The cute pattern of our bibs can easy to catch babies' eyes, which make babies have a willing to use this bib to do a eatting. It effectively help children wean and fall in...

Sippy cups

We use no-spill sippy cups such as the Munchkin 360 cups for ease while we’re travelling. These save the hassle of spilt drinks on planes, in restaurants and hotel rooms!

Munchkin Miracle 360 Sippy Cup | Trainer Toddler Cup | BPA Free Baby & Toddler Cups w.Handles | Non...
  • MUNCHKIN 360 CUP SET: 2x 7oz/207ml toddler sippy cups with handles, in blue and green colours. Each baby cup with magic no-spill valve is the ideal size for little hands, for drinking on any side
  • 360 EDGE NON SPILL CUP: Each leak-free Munchkin sippy cup, for toddlers and babies over 6 months, has a one-way valve with 360° edge for no spills. An ideal baby sippy cup or baby weaning cup for...
  • FIRST CUP WITH HANDLES: The Munchkin cup set features our popular anti spill Miracle design. With easy to hold handles they're a great toddler training cup with dentist-recommended open cup-style edge

Microwavable steriliser bags

If you’re bottle feeding then I highly recommend taking some microwavable steriliser bags to sterilise your bottles, dummies and maybe plastic spoons too. It’s quick and easy and I’ve always found hotels are happy to do this in the hotel kitchen.

Sale
Munchkin Cool Touch Microwave Steriliser Bags | Baby Bottle Teat & Dummy Steriliser | 6 Reusable...
  • MUNCHKIN BABY MICROWAVE STERILISER BAGS: Pack of six large reusable baby bottle sterilising bags with 30 uses for each bag. Lightweight, portable steriliser bags can be marked after each use.
  • QUICK BABY STERILISING BAGS FOR BOTTLES AND ACCESSORIES: Cleans teats, soothers, teethers, bottles, breast pump parts and small toys in as little as 3 minutes. For 500-1000W microwave ovens
  • SAFE HANDLING: Cool-Touch grip enables burn-free handling, and the sliding closure makes sealing a cinch. Features an easy close pull tab with safety steam vent and pouring spout

Plastic tupperware

Little lunch boxes are especially handy if you’re self catering to make it easier to take sandwiches and snacks out with you for the day.

Even if you’re not self catering, they’re great if you sneak a few things away from the breakfast buffet!

Sistema Knick Knack Pack TO GO Small Food Containers | Stackable Storage Containers with Lids | 62...
  • Containers for organising knick knacks and snacks
  • Multi-purpose stackable containers
  • Featuring distinctive Sistema KLIP IT easy locking clips

Beach Time & Swimming Pool

Silicone buckets and spades

These are a new find and I think they’re amazing. I’ve been trying to reduce the amount of plastic we waste so I’ve got some silicone buckets and spades from Scrunch. We seem to buy new buckets and spades every holiday but these ones are great because they won’t crack and they can also be squashed/rolled/folded into your suitcase so they’re not awkward to travel with.

Buckets and spades are holiday essentials for toddlers but you can always pick some up when you arrive and then pass them along to other kids when you’re leaving!

Swimsuits

We find full swimsuits easiest so you’ve got less skin to worry about burning and less chance of a nappy full of sand!

I usually buy them from the supermarket but Harry Bear have a great selection on Amazon.

Harry Bear Girls Surfsuit Unicorn Pink 5-6 Years
  • Harry Bear loves making a big splash for fun in the sun!
  • Premium quality kids Unicorn Surfsuit
  • Super comfy stretchy unicorn print swimsuit

Our incredible family holiday to Dubai

Kid’s wetsuits

If you’re going somewhere where the water won’t be warm then I highly recommend getting little wetsuits for toddlers. My kids always feel the cold and wetsuits help them to play in the sea for a little longer.

I bought the ones pictured below from Aldi but they’re a similar price online.

TWF KIDS SHORTY WETSUIT SHORTIE CHILDS CHILDRENS BOYS GIRLS UV SWIM SUN WET SUIT PIRATE SEAHORSE...
  • UPF 50+ Maximum UV Protection
  • Zip With Plastic Slider & Velcro Zip Lock
  • New Density Neoprene For Maximum Wear

Sun hats and sunglasses

If you’ve tried to get your baby to wear hats and glasses at home and they pull them straight off, don’t worry! We had the same but both our boys would keep them on when it was actually hot and sunny and the glasses made it easier for them. Make sure you get bendy ones for babies to avoid them being snapped. Our kids have all had Babiators and they’ve been great!

And let’s be honest, these little heart shaped Babiators might just be the cutest little things ever! Babiators comes with a headstrap to keep them on but when Alba was a baby we found it easiest to keep them on with a hat. She wore these little turbans when she was a baby.

Babiators Original Keyhole Sunglasses - Ballerina Pink (Ages 0-2)
  • Safe - UV400 lenses that offer 100% UVA + UVB protection. Our sunglasses are also BPA-free + undergo rigorous testing to ensure they’re safe for your little one to wear, touch, + even chew
  • Stylish - With gentle materials for all-day comfort + an array of frames & styles to choose from
  • Durable - Impact + shatter-resistant lenses + flexible, rubber frames, our sunnies won’t break when you bend, twist, or step on them
CANSHOW 6 Pcs Baby Hat for Girls Toddler Soft Cotton Turban Headwrap Newborn Accessory Cap for 3-12...
  • ★Super Soft Caps - The baby's skin is very tender, we adopt soft material, can effectively prevent trench and scratch.
  • ★Material - Baby hats for girls made with 100% Cotton.
  • ★Aged - Approx 7.1"*5.6" head circumference:14.5"-17.3" perfect for 3 to 12 months old Baby and girls!!! Hat baby package includes 6 pieces Each Set. Please choose it according to the size !!!

Sunscreen

I was always a firm believer that the cheapest sunscreen would do but since having children I’ve changed my mind – I’ll buy anything if it means I can avoid chasing them around trying to apply it!

We opt for greaseproof sprays that absorb immediately. If you’re looking for SPF 50 then I recommend the Ambre Solaire Aerosol.  This stuff needs to be on every toddler holiday essentials list! It’s so easy to apply and the sand-free formula makes it easy to top up on the beach.

I tend to slather my kids in cream in the morning and then touch up with an aerosol through the day.

Ambre Solaire Kids Sensitive Anti-Sand Sun Cream Spray SPF50+ 200ml
  • VERY HIGH PROTECTION: Ambre Solaire Kids Sensitive Advanced Anti-Sand Spray SPF 50+ is perfect for children's sensitive skin and provides immediate protection against UVB and UVA
  • SAND REPELLING: Unique spray has a sand repelling action - say no to an itchy sand feeling on skin!
  • WATER RESISTANT: The formula is non-sticky and water resistant
Sale
Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Sensitive Advanced Kids Sun Cream, High Protection Against UVA & UVB,...
  • Very high protection: ambre solaire kids sensitive advanced sun protection lotion spf50+ is perfect for children's sensitive skin and offers a maximum 5* star uva protection
  • Very water resistant: this non-sticky and very water resistant formula is perfect for children's sensitive skin
  • Resistant to salt, chlorine, sand & sweat: the moisturising formula does not stick to sand and is resistant to salt, chlorine and sweat

Joseph likes to have a sensitive cream for his face after a traumatic incident where he sprayed himself directly in the eye and he’s been a bit nervous about sunscreen on his face ever since!

Travel Hack Tip: Make it a morning routine where the whole family will apply sunscreen from head to toe before getting dressed.

Sandals

Simple sandals that toddlers can get in and out of themselves will be ideal. My kids really like Crocs and Home Bargains usually have fake Crocs with their favourite TV characters on them. They do like the cute little Havaianas too but they’re quite expensive considering they’ll grow out of them so quickly.

Sale
Crocs Unisex Kids Classic Clog K Clogs, Navy, 11 UK Child
  • SIZING: Crocs use US sizing worldwide on all footwear, with the US size displayed on the sole, for UK sizes and further info, take a look at the size chart, UK and EU sizes are also located in the tag
  • WHAT SIZE SHOULD I BUY: If your child is between sizes, round up, kid's Junior size 3 and up can also shop our adult size
  • CROCS FOR EVERYONE: Just like the adult Classic Crocs, the baby version offers the same great shoe for youngstersEasy on and easy off makes these the pair of Crocs kids need

Pop-up beach tent

OK, this can be a bulky item to travel with (although smaller than I thought it would be!) but it can make a day at the beach so much easier. A pop-up beach tent is much better than an umbrella as it provides you with some shade, a place to store your things, an escape from the sand and a little den to keep little ones happy.

Pop Up Beach Tent,Automatic Portable Sun Shelter Fit 2-3 Person,UPF 50+ UV Sun Protection Beach...
  • 【Pop Up Design & Quickly-opening】No assembly required, the automatic pop-up design of our beach tent makes you turn it into a ready-to-use tent in just seconds, no poles, no confusing...
  • 【Portable, Foldable, Lightweight Design】Weighing only 2.5 pounds, our pop-up tent is easy to transport, fold, pack and jet! The open size of the tent is 71" L x 55"W x 43" H. and folded directly...
  • 【Ventilation design & Good breathability】our beach sun shelter adopts an breathable fabric material, the open-door design on the front combines with the mesh window design on the back providing...

Travel Hack Tip: You can make a ‘beach cot’ by digging a hole in the sand, placing a towel over the hole and placing your beach tent over the hole. Then you’ve got a snug, sand-free and cool spot for a baby to sleep.

Swimming aids

This is going to be parental preference about whether you want to use any inflatables or floats in the water. It also comes down to the kids too.

George won’t even look at the swimming pool without his armbands on, a rubber ring, a life vest, goggles and about 15 layers of sunscreen! Joseph on the other hand can strip his clothes off and dive into a pool in seconds.

My preference is a float vest (we like the ones from Splash About) and the kids seem to like wearing them too. We paid about £20 for ours and all of our kids have used it and I’m sure we’ll pass it along to another family when we’re done with it.

Splash About Go Splash Float Jacket, Went to Sea, 1-3 Years
  • LEARN TO SWIM – The Go Splash Float Jacket is a learn to swim aid that holds children in the correct position for learning to swim, naturally tipping the child forward with their shoulders towards...
  • 8 PIECE FLOAT SYSTEM – The Go Splash Float Jacket contains 8 float bars, that are secured in pockets inside the jacket. The full 8 floats give the maximum buoyancy, which helps children starting...
  • COMFORTABLE – The Go Splash Float Jacket is made from high quality neoprene, with soft binding to prevent chafing under the arms when wet. The robust zip is covered with a soft tab to stop any...

Paddling pool

This might sound like a weird one if you’ll have access to a swimming pool and the sea! But a little paddling pool is great if you’re travelling with babies and toddlers – especially if you have more than one and they can’t swim. Our boys can’t swim so it’s quite stressful being in the pool alone with them both!

You can place a paddling pool in the shade, sit nearby and let them play. 

It’s also handy for the beach so babies can have a splash around and sit in the shade. It’s also handy to have some clean water to wash sandy babies!

Travel Hack Tip: Don’t forget to add a rock into your paddling pool when your child isn’t in it. If it doesn’t have much water in it then it can blow away in the wind so easily!

Sale
Intex 59416NP Crystal Blue Three Ring Inflatable Paddling Pool 1.14m x 25cm
  • 45" diameter inflatable paddling pool
  • Three ring pool
  • Intex crystal blue

Clothing

Simple outfits

I always try and keep holiday clothing as simple as possible. I’ll pack a handful of cotton shorts and a huge stack of colourful t-shirts (I like the multipacks from Next) then loads of pants and a hoodie and that’s pretty much it. As you can see, your suitcase will be so full of other things that there isn’t a lot of space for clothes!

Normal PJs

During our first few holidays I took little shorts and t-shirts for bedtimes but I’d forgotten than we’d had the air conditioning on at night time so it’s not actually that warm in a hotel or apartment. Now I just take their normal long sleeve and long legged PJs.

Travel Hack Tip: Don’t forget that many hotels and apartments in hot countries will have tile floors so if you’re little one is walking avoid onsies with slippy feet in them – unless they’re the type with sticky bits on the soles.

Other extras

Hand wash detergent for clothes

If you’re short on suitcase space then leave all the extra ‘just in case clothes’ at home. Some days my youngest will get through 5 T-shirts in a day, but you can’t pack 35 T-shirts for a 1 week holiday! Instead, take some detergent so you can hand wash a few items in the hotel sink. It’s unlikely you’ll need it but it saves you panic-packing every item of clothing they own.

If you’re staying in a villa or apartment then you’ll probably have a washing machine there so pack some of your normal detergent (pods are easiest to travel with) to avoid having to buy a big box of detergent when you arrive. I also feel very smug if I arrive home with a suitcase full of clean clothes!

Dr Beckmann Non Bio Travel Wash Gel (100ml)
  • Dr Beckmann Non Bio Travel Wash Gel
  • Brand : Dr. Beckmann
  • Product Type : Laundry Detergent

iPad or tablet with a bumper case

It’s time to let your screen-time standards slip on holiday!

A tablet makes flights so much easier and they’re also great for evening meals with toddlers. I’m sure we’d all love our kids to sit nicely for every meal but it doesn’t always happen – especially if you’re in an all-inclusive hotel and don’t have any option but to have a later dinner than normal.

Travel Hack Tip: We’ve recently discovered audiobooks for our boys and their tablet is full of Julia Donaldson books on Audible. If we go for a walk in the evening, they’ll both sit in the double pushchair with the hoods down and their seats reclined and they’ll listen to audiobooks until they fall asleep. I’m often very jealous of their setup because it looks so cosy! It means we can then enjoy a quick sunset drink (in peace!) before taking them back to the hotel to bed.

Sale
The Gruffalo and Other Stories
  • Audible Audiobook
  • Julia Donaldson (Author) - Imelda Staunton, Jim Carter, Steven Pacey (Narrators)
  • English (Publication Language)

A fun alternative to audiobooks is a Toniebox, a great kid’s gadget and it’s something my kids love! You can read my Toniebox review here.

Comfortable, unisex changing bag

I usually opt for a backpack changing bag that we’re both happy to carry. OK, what I really mean by this is ‘a bag Sam will carry because it ends up really heavy!’

I always use The Travel Hack Backpack

Cabin Max Travel Hack Travel Bags for Women | Cabin Bags 40x20x25 | Laptop Backpack - Black
  • A fashionable and space-saving womens Travel Backpack cabin size which fits under the seat. It can hold laptops up to 13", serving as a convenient option for weekend trips too.
  • Features an easy access top pocket for purses, sun glasses, phones and travel documents.
  • Fits the Ryanair 40x20x25cm' free' underseat hand luggage rules. Flies for free on all other known airlines. Lightweight design weighs just 0.6kg.

The Travel Hack Backpack

I also really like to have a buggy organiser when we’re travelling. It’s a pocket/bag that Velcro’s onto the pushchair handles for things like our phones and wallets, snacks, water bottles and wet wipes. It’s really handy and I highly recommend getting one!

Baby Uma Pram Bag with Cup Holder for Pram - Universal Pram Accessories, Stroller Bag with Pram Cup...
  • SPACE FOR ALL YOUR ESSENTIALS: Attach this buggy organiser bag with pushchair cup holder and pushchair phone holder to your handlebar and fill it with emergency wipes, nappies, dummies, sippy cups,...
  • COMPACT YET ROOMY: This pram organiser bag with cup holder has a compartment for everything: Front pockets for your mobile phone, keys, and cards. A main compartment with enough room for favourite...
  • UNIVERSAL & EASY TO INSTALL: The pram caddy features an adjustable strap on either side, making it quick and easy to attach it to your pushchair's handle or straight to the frame.

Baby toiletries and prescription creams in miniatures

Babies and toddlers use such tiny amounts of their toiletries that you definitely won’t need to take full size bottles, so decant your favourites into travel-sized bottles. You can buy travel-sized bottles from all high-street beauty stores and they have them in Primark too.

If you’re going to get a lot of use out of them then I recommend buying some good quality silicone ones because the cheap ones do crack after 2-3 years.

Opret 100ml Silicone Travel Bottle, 4 Pack Leak Proof Refillable Squeezable Containers with Lable...
  • ◆ Portable Travel Bottles – These travel bottles are designed with wide opening, convenient for refilling and cleaning. With 4 different colours bottles and label, you can identify different...
  • ◆ TSA Carry-on Approved - The 100ml/3.4oz travel tubes meet TSA 3-1-1 policy, ideal for travelling and trip, easy to carry and save space. You will surly check-in fast and stress-free with them
  • ◆ Leak Proof Design – With upgraded assembly-free and anti-leak design, these travel bottles will only dispense bottle contents when its silicone body is pressed. Never have to worry about the...

Silicone 100ml bottles for travel

If you have any prescription creams then they’ll usually come in enormous bottles so decant these. My boys both have eczema and their cream comes in the biggest, heaviest tubs imaginable! I always take some with me, even though their eczema always clears up within a day or two of being on holiday.

It’s also worth noting that I’ve struggled to find Sudocrem (or anything similar) on holidays to Spain and Portugal so I always take some just in case.

Sudocrem My Little Skin Care Cream Cosmetic 22g
  • My little sudocrem is a versatile skin care cream that helps to soothe dry skin & calm redness
  • Its clinically-proven formulation soothes & protects delicate skin, forming a barrier which protects against irritants, allowing the skin to maintain its natural and healthy condition
  • The portable & compact 22g pot makes it convenient and easy to carry around wherever you go

Inflatable duck

This inflatable duck has come on so many holidays with us and it quickly became one of our holiday essentials for baby!

I originally bought it as a fun inflatable for the swimming pool but it works as a baby bath too. It’s great for hotels that don’t have showers or just enormous baths that can be tricky with little babies. It also has a temperature gauge on it so you’ll know if the water is too hot and it has a non-slip surface.

It’s worth noting that you absolutely can’t leave a baby or toddler alone with the duck because it can tip over.

Munchkin White Hot Inflatable Baby Bath Duck Tub, suitable for alternative to larger paddling pools...
  • COMFORTABLE: Padded, interactive inflatable bath makes big baths comfortable for babies, toddlers and newborns to splash around in. This bath tub also features a contoured headrest, making washing...
  • NON-SLIP: Textured soft base helps prevent slipping.
  • WHITE HOT TECHNOLOGY: White Hot Safety Disc reveals the word 'HOT' when water is too hot.

Baby monitors + plug adaptors

If you’re staying in an apartment or have a balcony/veranda at your hotel then don’t forget your baby monitors.

I know most parents wouldn’t sit too far away anyway but it means you can relax without hearing phantom crying and constantly saying, ‘Shhh, it’s that the baby crying!?’ every time you hear a nearby child (which can happen a lot if you’re in a family-friendly area!)

Don’t forget plug adaptors if they need to be plugged in at the wall! I like these ones with USBs so you can plug your phone and other devices in with the baby monitor.

UK to European Adapter Plug with 3 USB Ports, EU Schuko Travel Euro Europe Grounded Charger for...
  • UK to European Plug Adaptor: UK to EU plug adapter has 3 USB ports, a total output of 5V/3.1A and standard UK plug with maximum capacity of 2500W. Schuko Type E/F plug has grounded round pins and does...
  • 4 in 1 European Plug Adapter: UK to EU Plug Adapter compatible with most of Europe countries such as Spain, France, Iceland, Germany, Greece, Poland, Portugal, Croatia, Norway, Austria, Netherlands,...
  • Portable and Reliable: UK to Europe travel plug with built-in multi-protection features, including over-heating control, short-circuiting control , over-current regulation and over-voltage regulation....

Formula

If your baby has specific formula then I’d recommend taking that formula with you. If you’re going to a holiday resort then you probably will be able to find it when you arrive but there is a risk you’ll only find local brands and it could be more expensive.

Travel Hack Tip: Take a small roll of sellotape with you (or plasters would work if you’re taking them anyway) to tape down the lid if you’ll be coming home with leftover formula. We once had a formula explosion in our suitcase and it was everywhere!

Insect repellant for children

I always pack some kid’s insect repellent but I really just try and avoid being anywhere with lots of mosquitoes at dusk.

Jungle Formula for Kids Lotion Insect Repellent, 125 ml
  • Jungle formula's DEET free lotion for kids helps your young ones enjoy the outdoors whilst being protected from small biting insects and mosquitoes
  • An insect repellent factor of 2 helps provide up to 6 hours of protection from mosquitoes, midges and other biting insects, while still being sensitive for multiple applications if needed
  • The insect repellent lotion is for children 12 months of age or older and is also alcohol-free, with a non-greasy feel

Pull ups

If you’ve got a toilet-trained toddler who has the odd accident then consider taking some pull ups. It can be easier for the plane and especially handy for nighttimes when you won’t have access to clean sheets. If you’ve got an older child who refuses to wear pull ups then consider getting some washable training pants. They’re not particularly absorbent but they’re perfect for little accidents.

Toys

Don’t forget that despite having so much to do on holiday, your kids will probably get bored at some point or will just need a few hours of quiet time in doors. We always pack a bag filled with little cars, lego men, plastic animals, duplo etc. and we take it with us everywhere we go!

What to buy when you arrive

Despite this baby and toddler packing list getting very, very long, there are a few things you can leave at home and pick up when you get there.

If you’re travelling on a package holiday then you’ll probably have a really generous luggage allowance so you might want to pack these things anyway but these are all really easy to pick up when you arrive.

  • Nappies
  • Wipes
  • Baby food
  • Cow’s milk (I wouldn’t fancy travelling with cow’s milk!)
  • Snacks

Things to leave at home

There are a few extra things you might have seen on other baby packing lists for holidays. I’ve tried some of them and these are the ones I don’t rate.

  • Portable high chairs – it’s easier to feed them in their pushchair if there is no where else
  • Headphones for babies and young toddlers – George would wear these from around age 3 but we’ve found babies and young toddlers won’t keep them on
  • A potty – They learn to use the toilet pretty quickly when they realise it’s their only option.
  • Stair gates – A very bulky item and it’s easier to just keep a close eye on your kids
  • Changing mat – Personal preference but we just use a towel when we travel
  • Trunki suitcase – They’re quite small and they just get in the way
  • Plastic cutlery – We use this at home but the kids are happy to use metal teaspoons while we’re away
  • Breast pump – I’ve always packed mine and never used it as I’m with the kids 24/7 anyways so it’s easier just to breastfeed them. Breastfeeding on a plane sounds a bit daunting but it’s actually the best!
  • Universal sink plug – I’ve seen a lot of holiday packing lists include a universal sink plug so you can bath a baby in the sink or use it to wash clothes. But I can honestly say I’ve never stayed anywhere where the washbasin doesn’t already have a plug!

Read more

Since writing this blog post we’ve had another baby! I’ve written about what it’s like to have 3 kids here.

You can read about my recommendations for what to pack in your carry on (the adult version!) and suggestions for a toddler carry on packing list!

My ultimate guide to travelling with a newborn.

If you’re really short on space in your luggage then you might want to check out the VAGO Luggage Compressor to squeeze the air out of your clothes and make more space.

simone

Friday 26th of March 2021

Thank you this is really helpful

layla

Wednesday 3rd of March 2021

Thankyou, this is super helpful. :) x

Josephine

Tuesday 1st of October 2019

Thank you for this helpful article