Planning a trip with a baby can feel overwhelming. Before our first international trip with our 6-month old, I worried we’d either pack our entire house or forget something important. The truth is, babies don’t need nearly as much as social media makes it seem.
We recently traveled throughout Europe with our baby, and after planes, trains, buses, long walks, and sightseeing, these are the baby travel essentials we genuinely couldn’t have done without.
A Stroller-Car Seat Combo
Hands down, our favorite travel purchase was a stroller-car seat combo.
We decided to try the Doona for our Europe trip after hearing so many recommendations, and it completely exceeded expectations. Being able to switch from stroller to car seat in seconds made airports, taxis, trains, and sightseeing incredibly easy.
We pushed it over cobblestone streets, rocky walking paths, through airports, onto airplanes, and across train stations without any issues.
While traveling, we noticed many families had Doona accessories that added extra storage and convenience. Since we bought ours only a week before leaving, we didn’t have time to pick up any accessories, but they’re definitely something we’ll consider for future trips!
A Baby Carrier
As much as we loved having our stroller, there were plenty of places where a baby carrier was the better option.
Between crowded streets, stairs, churches, and uneven cobblestone roads throughout Europe, there were times when bringing the stroller just wasn’t practical. Having a baby carrier gave us the flexibility to keep exploring without worrying about finding elevators or smooth sidewalks.
We used the Mabe Monarch carrier throughout our trip and absolutely loved it! It was comfortable for both the baby and me plus it packed down easily when we weren’t using it. It was especially helpful for sightseeing in busy areas or when our baby wanted to be close after a long day of exploring.
Even if you plan to bring a stroller, I’d highly recommend packing a baby carrier as a backup. We ended up using both frequently, depending on where we were and what we were doing!
A Backpack Diaper Bag
Babies may be tiny, but they still require a decent amount of things.
A backpack diaper bag was one of the most practical items we packed. It kept everything organized, distributed the weight evenly, and stayed comfortably on both shoulders while we explored a new city everyday.
Try to pack only what you’ll realistically need for the day. A lighter bag makes sightseeing much more enjoyable.
A Water Bottle
If your baby is around six months old or has started solids, don’t forget a baby water bottle, especially if you’re traveling during the summer.
Our pediatrician recommended offering about one ounce of water for each month of age each day, so we aimed for around six ounces. The Italian summer heat was intense, and the extra hydration definitely helped!
We mostly offered water in a regular bottle, but we also let him practice drinking from a sippy cup or a regular glass with assistance.
A Portable Fan
A portable stroller fan quickly became one of our most-used travel items.
Our baby did not enjoy being hot and would become uncomfortable very quickly… Having a fan clipped onto the stroller made a huge difference while walking around during the hottest parts of the day.
On hotter afternoons, we’d also wipe him down with a little water while using the fan to help him cool off faster.
A Few Favorite Toys
There’s no need to pack an entire toy box.
We brought just a couple of our baby’s favorites that were easy to toss into the diaper bag. Our baby loved his crinkle book, and honestly, he was often just as entertained by a pack of baby wipes.
Rotating between one or two simple toys was enough to keep him occupied during flights, train rides, and meals.
Any Medications Your Baby Uses Regularly
If your baby uses any medications regularly, make sure you pack enough for your entire trip.
While pharmacies in Europe are easy to find, they may not carry the exact same products or formulations you’re used to in the United States.
Our baby was teething during our trip, so bringing the teething medication we already knew worked for him ended up being a lifesaver. Although similar products were available, having the familiar medication on hand meant we didn’t have to search for alternatives while traveling.
FAQ for Traveling With a Baby
Here are a few common questions about traveling with a baby based on our experience traveling through Europe.
What are the most important baby travel essentials?
For us, the essentials were a stroller-car seat combo, a backpack diaper bag, a water bottle, a portable fan, a few favorite toys, and any medications our baby regularly used. These were the items we reached for every day while traveling throughout Europe.
Do you need a special stroller for traveling with a baby?
You don’t necessarily need one, but having a stroller that works well for travel makes a huge difference. After some research, we decided on a Doona because it converts from a stroller to a car seat in seconds, making travel much easier.
How many toys should you pack for a baby while traveling?
We found that less was more. Instead of packing lots of toys, we brought one crinkle book and let our baby play with everyday items like a pack of baby wipes. Rotating just a couple of familiar items kept him entertained during our trip.
Should I pack baby medicine when traveling internationally?
Yes. While you can usually find baby medications abroad, they may not be the same brands or formulations you’re familiar with. We packed our baby’s teething medicine so we always had it available when we needed it.
What should I pack for a baby in hot weather?
If you’re traveling somewhere warm, don’t forget a baby water bottle (if your baby is old enough), a portable stroller fan, lightweight clothing, and plenty of ways to keep your baby cool. We also used a little water on our baby’s skin with the fan during especially hot days in Italy.
Other Baby Items We Packed for Europe
While the items above were our true travel essentials, we packed a few other baby items that made our trip more comfortable.
I actually downsized my suitcase partway through the trip because I realized I had packed more than we needed. Looking back, I’d rather do a little laundry along the way than drag a giant suitcase through our trip.
Bibs and Burp Cloths
If your baby spits up frequently, is teething, or has started solids, don’t forget to pack a few bibs or burp cloths. We only brought a handful and washed them regularly throughout the trip, which was more than enough.
Bottles, Formula, and Baby Food
We traveled with our Dr. Brown’s glass bottles, and they worked well overall. Just be careful not to drop one on the tile floor of your Italian Airbnb, we learned that lesson the hard way!
Thankfully, we were able to buy a replacement bottle while traveling, so don’t panic if something gets lost or broken.
If your baby drinks formula or eats solids, you’ll find plenty of options throughout Europe. Just keep in mind that they probably won’t be the same brands you’re used to at home in the US. We found completely different formula brands in Italy, although some stores in Ireland carried Kendamil (though it may not be the exact same formulation).
Blankets
Since our trip included both Italy and Ireland, we packed a couple of lightweight blankets.
They came in handy on cooler evenings, during naps, or when nursing. Our baby also loves chewing on blankets when he’s teething.
Baby Clothes
Babies definitely need clothes, but probably fewer than you think.
One of my biggest packing mistakes was bringing nearly every outfit that fit our baby at the time. Not only did they take up valuable suitcase space, but he actually outgrew some of them during our trip, and several outfits never got worn.
If I packed again, I’d bring about a week’s worth of outfits, a few pairs of pajamas, and plan to do laundry if needed. In fact, our baby slept in just a diaper for most of our time in Italy because it was so hot. We didn’t really start using pajamas until we arrived in Ireland.
Diapers
Whether you use disposable or cloth diapers at home, traveling may change your routine.
I’ve been incorporating cloth diapers at home, but I decided disposable diapers would be much simpler for an international trip. Between flights, trains, and moving from place to place, I didn’t want to worry about washing cloth diapers.
We found disposable diapers at nearly every supermarket and pharmacy we visited, and they were surprisingly affordable. We paid about €5 for a pack of 72 diapers, which was significantly less than we expected compared to prices back home. Because they were so easy to find, I’d recommend packing enough for the travel days and then buying more once you arrive at your destination.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with a baby doesn’t have to mean packing everything you own. We found that a handful of thoughtfully chosen essentials made our trip through Europe much easier while keeping our luggage manageable.
Every family will have different needs, but these six items were the ones we reached for every single day. If you’re planning your first trip with a baby, start with these basics and add of from there.
We found that with a little planning, the right gear, and a willingness to stay flexible, exploring Europe with our baby was an incredible experience. Some of the items we packed became daily essentials, while others simply made life a little easier along the way.
With a little preparation, traveling with a baby is absolutely possible and the memories you’ll make together are well worth it!
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