Packing for a 6-12 month old can be kind of fun! Their clothes get bigger, they look adorable in accessories like hats and shoes and they start to have things they may “like,” such as a bedtime book. Here’s a packing list to get you started for a trip at this age.

Feeding

  • Bottles (1-2)
  • Bottle brush & travel bottle stand
  • Travel-size dishwashing detergent
  • Burp cloths
  • Travel food bib
  • Vitamin D drops
  • Frozen milk (2 bags) for travel day, or a formula supply
  • Baby food (pouches, puffs, teether crackers)
  • 1 baby spoon
  • 2-3 travel-sized containers for food on the go

Feeding solids and packing tips

  • At this age, we packed baby spoons, baby food and puree pouches on our trips.
  • Keep in mind that “larger-size” pouches are best put in checked baggage. Small pouches are typically allowed to come through TSA security despite largely being “liquids.”
  • Babies at this age still have milk in their diet for most of the day. Pack your breastfeeding comfort accessories, or formula-feeding parts and bottles, according to the milk options mentioned in our packing list from 3-6 months!

Pumping (if applicable)

  • Breast pump (travel-sized or regular)
  • 4 milk bottles and tops (or more, depending on your pumping schedule)
  • Flanges (2), Duckbills (2) + other pump parts required
  • Milk cooler with ice pack (if taking milk from home for travel day)

Diapering

  • Diapers
  • Wipes
  • Diaper cream
  • Little garbage bags for diapers
  • Swim diapers, rubber diapers or diaper covers for pools, lakes and oceans.

Clothes

  • Zippy pajamas (3-4)
  • Daytime outfits (shirt/onesie + pants/shorts)
  • 3-4 pairs of socks
  • Sun hat or winter hat

Our tips:

  • Pack weather-appropriate outfit changes. If you’re traveling in shoulder season or in a time like spring or fall and changes in the forecast are possible, be prepared with layers for your child.
  • Bring: accessories like sun hats and sunglasses if the child keeps them on.
  • Pack: Baby shoes, if this has become part of your child’s daily wear (we started soft shoes at 9 months because daycare required it, and it stuck!)

Winter essential clothes

  • Cold destinations: pack snow or cold weather full-body suits, stroller bunting covers and blankets for the outdoors.
  • Pack appropriately for nighttime sleep as well, with long-sleeve PJs and sleep sacks heavier than 1.0 TOG.

Swimming vacations and beach essential clothes

  • Babies at this age can dip in the water (finally!). Pack bathing suits that fit correctly or cover baby’s skin for sun safety.
  • Bring a travel-size version of your baby’s mineral sunscreen! Infants 6m+ can finally wear sunscreen.

Hygiene, Medicine, Bath

  • Nail file or nail clipper
  • Comb
  • Baby thermometer
  • Baby lotion
  • Medicine (Tylenol, Snotsucker) + syringe
  • Hair clip or a supply of rubber bands for long hair
  • 1-2 rattle toys, teethers

Strollering + transport

  • Travel stroller
  • Car seat
  • Stroller fan
  • Stroller parent console (optional)
  • Stroller rain cover or sun shade
  • Baby carrier (compact style)

Sleep

  • Travel crib (if hotel does not provide one)
  • 1 extra crib sheet
  • 1 bedtime book
  • Travel crib blackout cover (if you choose)
  • Baby monitor (pack in the morning)
  • Sleep sacks (2)
  • Travel sound machine
  • Room thermometer
  • Pacifier (if used)

Sleep packing tips from us for 6-12 months: As we mentioned in the Managing Sleep guide for 6-12m, pack what you’ll need to have your baby getting a good night’s sleep in a brand new environment, or on the go.

  • If your child uses pacifiers, pack plenty of their favorite types in case one goes missing.
  • Extra crib sheet in case of “accidents.”
  • 1 small bedtime book in order to keep routine consistent.