How to Pack for an International Trip with a baby
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Packing for an International Trip with a Baby
Updated: September 13, 2022
How to Pack for an International Trip with a Baby
In a previous article, How to Plan for an International Trip with a Baby, we discuss the planning phase of international travel with a baby. In this article, we discuss how to pack for international travel with a baby.
Throughout this series of articles on international travel with a baby, we are referencing a trip we took to Peru while our son was a baby.
Keys to success when packing for an international trip with a baby:
1. Keep things minimum. Less is best!
2. Create a checklist
3. Pack Multipurpose items
Packing Methodology
Your ultimate goal when packing for an international trip with a baby is to pack minimally. More stuff can equal more problems. When traveling with a baby you want to keep your hands free as much as possible and be as nimble as possible. While in Peru we traveled via rickshaw in town and were so glad to only have 1 suite case, 1 backpack and a baby carrier backpack.
Create a checklist! There are lots of list apps you can use on your phone, but we actually prefer pen, paper and highlighter. We have a pack list, to do list and a buy list. During the last week before the trip we start highlighting things that still need to be addressed and mark off as we go. Another great tip is to designate an area of your house to packing. When you think of something that needs be added you can toss it in your bag right away.
One of the keys to packing minimally is to pack multipurpose items. For instance, rain coats are great as wind breakers and an outer shell in cold climates. Scarves can be used as a blanket, sun cover, warm layer and many other ways.
Plan to wash clothes at some point during your trip. We typically pack enough clothing for 3/4 of our trip if we plan to wash. So, if we have a 10 day trip planned, we pack for 7 days and wash around day 5. Make sure to plan for washing in a hotel where you have more than a one night stay and air-conditioning. Clothes can take more than a day to dry especially in humid climates. Packing quick dry clothing really helps expedite laundry day!
For successful clothes washing we pack a clothesline (like this) and detergent sheets (like these).
1. What to Pack for International Travel with a Baby
Tips on What to Pack for an International Trip with a Baby - Clothing
We’ve found that having a travel uniform really lowers the stress of packing. We go in more detail on building your travel uniform in the articles listed below.
Our Travel Uniform Checklist:
- Long pants – yoga/athletic pants for mom, zip off hikers for dad and lightweight pants for baby
- Long Sleeve Lightweight Top – This can be a long sleeve UPF shirt or tanktop/short sleeves with a UPF zip-up shirt
- Light Hiking boots/trail runners – waterproof preferably
- Fleece/Sweater
- Packable Down Jacket – If needed for your destination
- Rain Coat and Pants
- Travel scarf
The combination of these items can be worn from tropical climates to cold mountain climates and can be layered in various ways to maximize comfort while minimizing items to pack.
A few addons we typically include are flip flops, swimsuits, ballet flats and a sun dress or two for mom for dinners out or days at the beach. Each of these items are compact and can be worn throughout your trip.
When packing clothes for your baby for an international trip, we recommend two outfits per day and a cotton sleeper per night. Depending on your destination, you may or may not have air conditioning and it’s best to keep your baby cool. You can always add more layers, but can only remove so many.
Once, you have your basics packed you can add destination/event specific items which we go in more detail below.
Baby Essencials
One of the many wonderful things about traveling internationally with a baby is that there are babies all over the world! Every grocery store you go in will have diapers and basic essentials. If your baby needs a specific brand (diapers, cream, formula etc.) make sure to pack enough for your entire trip plus a couple of days just in case.
When we traveled to Peru, we were able to pack enough diapers for our entire trip by simply stuffing them into every nook and cranny in our luggage and backpack. Instead of bringing a typical diaper bag, we recommend a hiking day pack style backpack (like this). One that is comfortable for both parents and can be used for other activities once your baby is older. We breakdown what to pack in your carry on backpack below.
We are big proponents of renting a car and driving at your destination. Driving is especially helpful with a baby for naps. Parents either like to travel with car seats or they don’t. We are not fans of traveling with car seats (unless it’s a booster for an older child) and have always rented one at our destination. Although we do not recommend flying with a car seat, because of the extra baggage, if you do, you can protect your car seat with a cover (like this) and/or transport it with a cart (like this).
When it comes to where your baby will sleep, this is an easy one! While reserving your hotels, check for crib availability in their amenities listed. If they have them listed include special instructions in your reservation that you would like for a crib to be in the room.
If you follow our website, you know we are huge fans of baby backpack carriers and recommend them for most travel scenarios. International travel with a baby falls into one of those scenarios! Backpack carriers provide a hands free and compact way to transport your baby and can often be used until they are 4 years old (or around 40 pounds).
For more information about baby backpack carriers, take a look at the following:
Destination Specific Items
Every destination requires slightly different items depending on climate, activities planned and environmental factors.
In our example of traveling to Peru, many destinations in Peru are at high elevation where the sun is very strong. Babies six months and older can and should wear sunscreen and a hat during peak sun times. Mineral stick sunscreens can make applying sunscreen to your baby’s face a bit easier.
If insect born diseases are a concern where you are traveling, we recommend using mosquito repellent bands on your baby’s ankles and/or wrists. We have also used bug repellent stickers on our son’s shirts as an extra layer of protection!
If you plan to swim while on vacation we recommend a long sleeve swimsuit (like this) for your baby. Inflatable baby floats (like this) are a great way to engage with your baby in the water while also saving space in your suite case by being inflatable!
If you plan to snorkel on your trip, we always recommend packing your own snorkel gear. This allows you to snorkel wherever you want without finding a rental facility at each snorkeling location. For snorkeling we always pack: mask and snorkel, booties and an inflatable snorkeling vest (especially helpful if your baby is floating along with you).
For cold weather destinations, take a look at our Layering while Traveling with Kids article! Your travel uniform will work perfectly. You will still need sunscreen and hats, but may need additional scarves, beanies and warm socks.
Miscellaneous
While packing, we always include multiple zip lock bags in various sizes. Zip lock bags help keep small items organized, prevent wet items from getting everything else wet and can just be a life saver.
Since you never know what the weather is going to be during your trip, it’s best to be prepared for rain. We always pack a rain cover for our carry on backpack and baby backpack carrier. We also pack compact travel umbrellas (like these) which can be used for rain and provide a bit of shade for you and your baby when you need it.
Additional Tips on What to Pack for an International Trip with a Baby
2. How to Pack for International Travel with a Baby
Now that we’ve discussed what to pack for international travel with a baby, let’s look at how to pack it all! Depending on the length and gear necessary for your trip you will need a minimum of 1 large family suite case, 1 baby carrying device and 1 carry on backpack.
We use the Osprey Shuttle 130 Liter as our family luggage. Our family has 2 of these bags and have had to use both for certain trips. We wrote an entire article reviewing this suite case here!
While packing the Osprey Shuttle, we recommend placing all of the baby’s clothing in the bottom section. This prevents little items from getting lost in the bigger section. Since this is a very large bag, packing cubes can really help keep your items organized. Each family member can have their own or you can organize by types of items. For instance, all socks and underclothes in one packing cube. We also utilize compression sacks to make more space. Down coats and other layers that may not be used often work great in compression sacks.
We like to keep our rain coats in an easy grab location in our luggage because you never know what the weather will be when you arrive. The Osprey Shuttle has a zippered compartment on the underside of the bag that we use for this purpose.
For more information on the Osprey Shuttle and how to pack it, take a look at our article: Best Luggage for Family.
Carry On Baggage - Packing for International Travel with a Baby
While packing for an international trip with a baby, less is more when it comes to carry on baggage. While traveling with a baby and a partner, we recommend carrying a baby backpack carrier (like this) and a gear backpack (like this).
Items to include in your carry on baggage for international travel with a baby include:
- Baby Backpack Carrier:
- Diaper clutch (diapers, wipes, creams etc.)
- 2 Changes of clothes for your baby
- Gear Backpack
- Documentation (discussed below)
- Cash – USD – split and packed in various locations in your bag and with your partner
- Travel scarf
- Snacks/food pouches for your baby
- Formula and bottles for your baby
- Bottled water for parents and bottles
- Books/Ipads for parents
- A pen! (simple but, so often you need one in a hurry)
- Prescription medication
- Germ wipes, tissues, travel sized lotion, infant Motrin and Benadryl, Chapstick
- Your house keys (leave any extra keys at home)
- Wallet – Packed separately (downsized to only the essentials. We use these!)
- Packable backpack (like this) and packable shopping bag (like this)
For more ideas on what to pack when flying with a baby, take a look at our Top 10 Items for Flying with a Baby.
Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier
REI Co-op Trail 40 Pack - Women's Medium
Documentation
In our article ‘How to Plan an International Trip with a Baby‘ we discuss in detail documents to prepare before your trip.
While each trip is different, here is a check list of physical documents needed on most trips:
- Passports (plus a hard copy picture of all passports packed separately)
- Round trip flight tickets
- Trip insurance summary of benefits and confirmation
- Copy of your baby’s birth certificate
- E-visa forms/confirmation
- Driver’s license (and sometimes International Driver’s License)
- Required vaccination cards (ex: yellow fever, Covid-19)
How to Pack for an International Trip with a Baby - Summary
In summary, packing for an international trip with a baby may sound daunting but it doesn’t have to be! Take a deep breath and remind yourself that most items are easily purchased at your destination if needed. Your most important/not easily replaced items should always stay with you in your carry on. Other than that, don’t stress! There are babies and baby necessities in every country around the world!
By utilizing a minimalistic approach to packing for international travel, you save yourself a lot of stress and hassle not only with packing but keeping up with everything while abroad. Not to mention the additional baggage fees and hassle of handling additional baggage.
If you are just beginning the planning process for an international trip with your baby, take a look at the first article in this series:
Take a look here for additional information on travel with kids in general: The Kid Packer – Travel with Kids.
Traveling with your baby is an amazing experience and a wonderful way to bond as a family. The more experience you get traveling as a family with a baby the easier packing becomes! So, get out there and explore the world together!
About The Kid Packer
Here at The Kid Packer, we want to help you live your best life. A great baby backpack child carrier can help you do just that. After having used a child carrier backpack for over 1,500 miles of adventuring and exploring, we have a passion for them and know what makes a great pack that both you and your child will love. We hope our comprehensive research allows you to confidently find the right backpack for your needs!
