publication date: August 7, 2023 | reading time: 7 minutes | author: Klara Krysiak

A practical guide for every parent. What to take on vacation with your child?

Regardless of the age of your little one - from a newborn to a three-year-old and older - in our article you will find a complete list of things for a vacation with a baby, which will not only take away the stress of constantly making sure everything is packed, but also.... work. The finished list of things to pack is waiting for you below! So, shall we get started?

From this article you will learn:

  • where to start packing for a vacation with a baby
  • what to pack for your first vacation with a baby
  • what should be in your travel first aid kit
  • what gadgets are worth taking on vacation with a child under 3 years old
  • what to remember when packing for a vacation with a two-year-old
  • what to take with you to the beach 
  • what documents you should remember about
  • what to take with you on the plane

Ready list of things to pack? Going on vacation with your child has never been so easy!

While a vacation with a child is undoubtedly a magical moment for the whole family, the preparations for it alone can, in short, make you dizzy. That's understandable. Fortunately, you have in front of you our practical guide for every parent, which will tell you what to take on vacation with your child, so you don't stress so much.

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Traveling and vacationing with children - where to start?

If you are reading this article, you are probably dreaming of a carefree vacation with your baby. Diapers, clothes, beloved toys.... imagine it all in one place, perfectly packed and ready to use. Sound unrealistic? Not really. Exploring the world together, regardless of the age of your little one, can be a real pleasure - you just need to remember something as trivial as... when packing your child for vacation a list of things to take. Yes, yes, just that and so much more. Fortunately, we've prepared it for you to take the stress away even before you start your trip with your child. So what to take on vacation with a baby and how to prepare?

Smiling happy children tourists boy and girl in sunglasses and hat pack summer things in a suitcase going on vacation sitting on a bed at home. Younger brother and sister are playing in anticipation of summer vacation and weekend, what to take on vacation with your child?

List of things for a vacation with a baby, or what a baby must have on vacation

You're probably wondering what to take on vacation with a baby abroad? This is quite a complex topic, after all, the smaller the baby, the greater the needs. So when packing for a vacation trip with a baby under 12 months, make sure you have everything necessary on hand. What do we mean?

Food

  • Mom's milk, breast pump and extra milk containers (if you are breastfeeding)

  • formula milk

  • Ready-made lunches for the trip (e.g., frozen or bought in jars)

  • Desserts (such as oatmeal, jars or mousses)

First aid kit and hygiene items for the baby

  • vitamins and medicines in the form of drops and a spoon for their convenient administration

  • creams and ointments (for example, for gums, face or bottoms)

  • diapers

  • wet wipes

  • disposable sanitary sleepers

  • Bath lotion (preferably in hand luggage)

  • towel

  • nasal aspirator and seawater

  • electronic thermometer

     

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First aid kit in your luggage

Read more about the carriage of medicines on board our aircraft.


Essential accessories and less essential gadgets

  • A bottle for milk or water
  • A plastic plate, cup and cutlery
  • bib or apron for feeding
  • pacifier with tag
  • baby stroller
  • baby carrier
  • gentle bottle cleaner
  • bottle warmer
  • inflatable filling for a baby chair
  • electronic nanny, breathing sensor or a small pool for washing the baby

You've probably already seen that to the question: how to pack for a vacation with a baby, we have only one answer - not so easy! But don't break, minimalist packing for a baby is also possible. How do you go about it? Think about which of the items on the list above you can buy on the spot, such as diapers or wet wipes.

What to take on vacation with a one-year-old child?

If you've had your first vacation with a baby, you probably know that more is better. You never know what you might need, so it's a good idea to prepare for every eventuality. After all, a vacation with a young child is quite a challenge, especially if your little one is less than a year old. So when packing the essentials for a vacation with a baby between the ages of one and two, you can confidently take everything on the list above. We would only add to it a travel bed with a protector and.... a bidon.

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Packing for a vacation with a child after the age of two - what should you keep in mind?

If you're planning a vacation with a two-year-old, you can confidently dispense with a few things to pack. Although your toddler is still (probably) quite demanding when it comes to luggage, the list of accessories you absolutely must carry with you is getting shorter and shorter. So, what does packing for a vacation with a child who is two years old look like?

Food

  • powdered modified milk
  • handy desserts

First aid kit and hygiene items for the baby

  • vitamins and medicines in the form of drops and a spoon for their convenient administration
  • creams and ointments (for example, for the face or bottom)
  • diapers
  • wet wipes
  • reusable sanitary pads
  • bath lotion
  • bath towel
  • nasal aspirator and seawater
  • electronic thermometer

Essential accessories and less essential gadgets

  • A milk bottle or bidon
  • A plastic plate, cup and cutlery
  • Baby stroller, if you are still using it
  • a travel bed with a protector
  • gentle bottle wash
  • electronic nanny
A shot of a younger brother and sister hugging while packing their suitcases for a winter vacation, what to take on vacation with a child?

Helpful list for vacations with children who are three years and older

Are you impatiently waiting for the moment when your child's suitcase starts to resemble yours? If not in appearance, then at least.... size? You can breathe a sigh of relief - we have reached the shore! The list of things to pack for a vacation with a three-year-old is much shorter than the ones above. Enjoy it to your heart's content!

Food

  • handy desserts

First aid kit and hygiene items for the baby

  • Creams and ointments (e.g., for the face)
  • wet wipes
  • bath lotion
  • bath towel
  • nasal aspirator and seawater
  • electronic thermometer

Essential accessories and less essential gadgets

  • travel bed with protector

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Did you know that children are entitled to special discounts?

Check what discounts you can take advantage of.

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Learn more (opens in a new tab)

Things useful on vacation with a baby - a complete list of accessories that will serve you regardless of the age of the toddler

You probably already have experience in packing a baby for vacation and know that some things are simply indispensable. Although in our article you'll find different lists of items to take on vacation with your baby depending on the age of the toddler, you'll definitely also find it useful to have a general list of essentials for a vacation with your baby, whether he's 3 months old or 3 years old. Are we right?

A list of things for a vacation with a baby is, above all, something that will make your vacation more carefree and.... definitely more comfortable. Diapers, favorite toys or useful hygiene accessories - these are just some of the essentials for a vacation with a baby that you should always have on hand.

Hygiene on vacation with a baby - grooming accessories

  • protective/soothing creams
  • sunscreen - be sure to take care of your baby's sun protection and bring sunscreen with you with sunscreen 50
  • diapers - if you have a lot of space in your suitcase, you can take a whole pack with you, if not - we recommend buying diapers right after landing
  • wet wipes - it's worth having at least one pack of wipes, preferably unscented ones, which you can use to wipe your face or hands
  • towel
  • potty or toilet seat
  • toothbrush/toothpaste
  • washing gel/shampoo - it's best if you take the products you use every day from home (e.g., in case of allergies). You can also pack a 2-in-1 foam to save space in your suitcase, or a liquid designed for the whole family.
A family with a mother and a little blonde girl prepares to go on vacation, luggage on the floor, folding clothes in a large yellow suitcase. what to take on vacation with a child?

Eating and drinking on vacation with your child? Remember the containers for food and liquids!

  • thermos or bottle
  • milk bottle
  • plastic cutlery/cups/dishes
  • heat insulating bag

What to take to the beach? Accessories for a trip to the sea

  • inflatable wheel or pontoon
  • inflatable sleeves
  • screen (very useful for beachcombing with a child)
  • sand toys
  • beach ball
  • umbrella
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How to prepare for a trip with children?

Read our tips and tricks!

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Check the information (opens in a new tab)

Baby first aid kit

  • sunburn soothing agent - remember that sun protection for your child is essential!
  • patches
  • antipyretic
  • anti-inflammatory drugs
  • anti-sensitizers
  • nasal decongestant
  • sterile gauze pads
  • saline
  • thermometer (useful in the holiday first aid kit for adults and children!)
  • hydrogen peroxide

Baby clothes

  • shirts with short or long sleeves
  • underwear
  • pants, skirts or a dress
  • bathing suit
  • swim diaper
  • pajamas
  • shoes for the child (depending on the weather): sandals, flip-flops or sports shoes
  • rain jacket
  • baseball cap or hat
  • a warmer jacket
  • socks
  • tights or underpants

Planning a camping vacation? Remember to protect yourself properly from ticks and mosquitoes! Take mosquito and tick repellent with you, as well as soothing ointment for bites.

Documents needed for a vacation with a child

 
  • passport/identity card
  • EHIC or other health insurance card
  • child's health booklet (for vacations, it's a mandatory subsection!)
  • phone number of the pediatrician

What to take on vacation by plane? The 3 most important things to pack

  • blanket
  • favorite pillow
  • favorite toy
Family packs a suitcase for vacation, what to take on vacation with a child?

Additional equipment for a vacation with a child

  • chews
  • heater
  • stroller with umbrella
  • car seat
  • stroller pump
  • oatmeal/milk powder/fruit purée
  • oil
  • pacifiers with tag
  • baby carrier/sling (can also serve as a car seat)
  • travel crib with protector

Useful gadgets

  • breathing sensor
  • electronic nanny
  • bottle warmer
  • inflatable filling for baby chair

What's a child must have on vacation? Let's summarize!

We hope that after reading our practical guide for parents, packing for a vacation with your baby will become an enjoyable adventure rather than a challenge for you. Keep in mind that while the above list of things to bring covers the basic needs of a toddler, you can feel free to tailor it to your baby or the type of vacation you are going on. Everyone's vacation gear with a baby will be different, and our lists are just suggestions that (we hope!) will help you decide what to pack for your upcoming vacation.

Remember, when planning a vacation with a child, the most important thing is to make sure you have enough clothes, hygiene accessories, medicines, and... favorite toys! These are what will ensure your child's enjoyment during the trip.

Looking for inspiration for a vacation with kids? Take a look at our blog!

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