Most packing essentials for a newborn involve your method of feeding them in the first 12 weeks. Then, there’s sleep supplies, diapers, bath essentials and clothes, but that’s about it at this age! Here’s what to pack (with tips and notes) for traveling with a newborn (of course, pack for the weather, the length of time you’ll be away and any special medical needs).

The following is an exhaustive list of everything we packed to take on a trip with a baby at the 0-3 month age.

Feeding, nursing, pumping

At this age, feeding is your newborn’s milk, however your baby is getting it daily. A basic list includes the following, and then below, I’ll break it down into nursing, pumping and formula-feeding methods.

  • Bottles
  • Bottle sponge or brush
  • Dishwasher basket for bottle parts (if staying somewhere with a dishwasher)
  • Pacifiers
  • Burp cloths
  • Vitamin D drops for milk (optional)
  • Hand pumps, breast pumps or milk catchers (see sections below)

Breastfeeding

  • Milk catchers, nipple cream, Silverette cups, nipple pads and other comfort items like heating pads or ice packs for discomfort in nursing.
  • Nursing cover

Pumping

  • Travel-friendly breast pump with all attachments, duplicates and spares.
  • Bottles, bottle nipples, bottle covers
  • Transport cooler for milk
  • Cleaning kit (bottle brush, dish soap)

Formula & bottles

  • Bottles, nipples, bottle covers
  • Cleaning kit (bottle brush, dish soap)
  • Formula-on-the-go products (dispensers, etc.)
  • Your newborn’s formula, plus backup supply

Diapering

You’ll need to pack a supply of diapers for your trip, or a starter volume, plus the diapers you’ll buy upon arrival, with wipes and disposal bags. For diapers, it depends if you’re going by car (we tended to take all the diapers we’d need), or by flight (pack a day’s worth, and buy upon arrival–this goes for every baby age!).

  • Diapers
  • Wipes
  • Diaper cream
  • Garbage bags for diaper trash
  • Changing pad
  • Diaper bag
  • Hand sanitizer

Clothes

  • Zippy onesies (3-4)
  • Seasonal (winter): Outdoor suit, Outdoor blankets (2)
  • Seasonal: Sun hat

Sleep

  • Sound machine (& charger)
  • Swaddles (bring a spare because of spit-up)
  • Travel Bassinet

Hygiene

  • Nail file
  • Newborn hair comb
  • Newborn lotion
  • Medicine (Tylenol, Snotsucker, any others)
  • Headbands or decorative hair items like hats or caps 1-2 rattle toys
Helpful Tip

Bath items are optional, based on length of trip. We found that bathing our newborn every few days rather than daily was the recommended protocol, especially in winter. If you plan to bathe your newborn while traveling, consider bringing a gentle silicone scrubber, newborn soap or body wash, gentle towels or washcloths. (At this age, some parents also opt for a sponge bath while away from home.)

Transport

  • Travel stroller
  • Stroller rain cover, wind cover, or bug net
  • Baby carrier (as you’ll soon see, it’s one of the baby packing essentials!)
  • Car seat