Over the last 18ish months, I’ve become a pro at packing for Palmer. Whether it’s a short trip to visit my parents in the suburbs or a week long vacation, I’ve got you covered! For simplicity sake, I broke the list into several sections and separated the infant specific items at the bottom. The lists are meant to build upon each other depending on the type of trip you’re packing far. In some instances, where it makes sense to pack extra or multiple depending on the trip duration, I’ve indicated so using an *asterisk.* And remember, this is meant to be a baseline packing list and not all inclusive so please use discretion and tailor it based on your specific destination and individual family/child’s needs.
- Diaper Bag Essentials: for small errands close to home that DO NOT fall during meal or nap time
- Diapers*
- Wipes*
- Extra Outfit + Socks + Bow
- Desitin + Applicator
- Disposable Changing Pads
- Individual Diaper Trash Bags
- Sunscreen
- Hand Sanitizer
- Water/Milk Sippy Cup [we have a few but I like this Munchkin one and this Dr. Browns one since they have lids]
- Snacks on Snacks on Snacks [and snack containers]
- Small Book
- Bandaids
- Day Trip Gear: for slightly longer trips that DO fall during meal or nap time out of the house
- All Diaper Bag Essentials listed above +
- Car Seat [we love our Nuna Exec Car Seat]
- Stroller [we love our UPPAbaby VISTA Stroller]
- Portable Sound Machine + Charger
- Sleep Sack
- Disposable Bibs
- Packed Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner [I like these meal prep containers]
- Baby Food Mat + Utensils + Reusable Straw
- Portable Highchair [we love our Phil & Teds Lobster Clip-On Highchair]
- Light Blanket
- Jacket / Pullover / Gloves / Hat / Portable Fan + Charger / Sunglasses [weather dependent]
- Overnight Trip Equipment: for multi-day or overnight trips
- All Diaper Bag Essentials listed above +
- All Day Trip Gear listed above +
- Compact Stroller [UPPAbaby is great but it takes up a lot of space in the trunk]
- Pack n’ Play + Crib Sheet*
- SlumberPod [we do not have one but I’ve heard amazing things, especially if you plan on sharing a room with your baby]
- Travel Size Bottle Brush and Drying Rack + Dish Soap
- Pajamas [x however many nights you’ll be gone]*
- Complete Outfits including Socks + Shoes + Bows [x however many days you’ll be gone]*
- Extra White Onesies [for layering or emergency outfit changes]
- Toiletries Bag including Shampoo + Body Wash + Wash Cloths + Hair Brush + Tooth Brush + Baby Tylenol + Hair Ties + Nail Clipper + Frida Baby Nasal Aspirator
- Toys / Books / Stuffed Animals
- Travel Size Laundry Detergent + Stain Remover
- Infant Additions [these are things that were on my list but we no longer use/pack now that Palmer is older]
- Pump + Pump Bottles + Pump Charger
- Cooler for Breast Milk + Reusable Ice Packs
- Baby Wrap or Carrier
- Swaddles
- Teething Toys
- Bottles
- Formula [if applicable]
- Burp Cloths*
- Pacifier
- Bibs
- Baby Bouncer [we loved the Baby Bjorn Bouncer]
- Doona [Infant Car Seat + Stroller]
*Consider bringing extra depending on how long you’ll be gone.
I know it looks like a lot but it’s better to be prepared when traveling with an infant/toddler. I’ve experienced first hand and heard one too many stories about meltdowns and blowouts at the least opportune time that I’d rather overpack a few things than be left wanting. Happy packing!!
xo
Kara
KARA VALLARI 
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