Here is our ultimate packing list for a trip with a 12-18 month old. Everything on this list is what we took with us and checked the boxes for, when we traveled internationally with a child at this age! Of course, please edit the list for the needs of your trip, the legth of your travel and the weather/activities.

Feeding

  • 2-3 straw cups or bottles for milk and water
  • Bottle brush & travel bottle stand with straw cleaning brushes (optional for straw cups)
  • Burp cloth for milk spills
  • Baby spoon and/or fork, silicone travel placemat, or “sticky plates”
  • Snacks for the plane or car ride
  • Extra snacks in luggage
  • 2-3 reusable nesting food containers
  • Refillable food pouch
  • Any nursing accessories for breastfeeding moms: Milk catcher, Hand pump, any breastfeeding or pumping supplies and products as needed for length of trip
  • Packable bibs for restaurants and outings
  • Travel mini high chair

Diapering

  • Diapers
  • Wipes
  • Diaper cream
  • Little garbage bags for dirty diapers
  • Hand sanitizer (travel-size)
  • Diaper in the diaper bag
  • Wipes in the diaper bag

See more about how to turn your baby’s diaper bag into a toddler diaper bag ready for travel.

Clothes

  • Spare outfit changes due to messy eating and bottle spills
  • Sun hats or winter hats (toddlers may be more happy to keep them on their heads at this age…. or not!)
  • Zippy pajamas (5)
  • 5-6 daytime outfits (shirt/onesie + pants/shorts)
  • 5 pairs of socks
  • Shoes
  • Jacket or hoodie: Layers for various activities and being out all day
  • Seasonal clothing for activities (Summer: bathing suits, pool shoes/water shoes, swim diapers; Winter: snow pants, winter coats, snow boots, mittens)

Hygiene & Medicine

  • Nail file & nail scissors
  • Travel-size body lotion
  • Travel-size shampoo
  • Bathtime scrubber
  • Comb
  • Travel bathtub (for accommodations that don’t offer one)
  • Medicine (Tylenol, Motrin, Snotsucker) + syringe
  • Allergy medication/Benadryl
  • Hair rubber bands & hair accessories for toddlers with long hair
  • Baby thermometer
  • Baby silicone toothbrush
  • Baby sunscreen, travel-sized
Helpful Tip

We recommend the Munchkin travel duck tub. You can also check out the bonus review of it.

Toys and miscellaneous

  • Small basic toys or “flat toys” with moving parts and interaction
  • Interactive books like touch’n’feel, textures, lights and sounds
  • Stuffed animals for pretend play, comfort or fidgeting (small ones that are travel-friendly)

Strollering & transport

  • Travel stroller
  • Car seat
  • Stroller fan (for summer)
  • Stroller rain cover, wind shield or bug net (optional)
  • Baby carrier - For children who still like to sleep or be carried when not in the stroller
  • Stroller fidget toy or clip-on toy

Sleep

  • Travel crib
  • Extra travel crib sheet (if bringing travel crib)
  • Extra crib sheet (for hotel cribs)
  • 1-2 bedtime books
  • 1 Lovey/stuffed animal (optional)
  • Baby monitor (with charger and charging cord)
  • Sleep sack (and an extra, for accidents)
  • Travel sound machine & charger
  • Travel-sized room thermometer
  • Favorite stuffed animals for the crib
  • Baby blanket (if hotel will not provide; only if your child sleeps with one)
  • Pacifier (if your child still sleeps with one)
  • Overnight diapers