BubScout

1. Nappies & changing essentials

Think about how often your baby usually needs a nappy change, then add a few extras in case of delays. As a guide, many families pack one nappy for every 1–2 hours away from home, plus a couple spare. For newborns, you may need more frequent changes.

For most trips, it helps to keep all changing items together in a small pouch or organiser that you can quickly grab when you need it.

• Nappies: Pack enough for the length of your trip, with a few extra for unexpected delays.
• Baby wipes: Useful for nappy changes, sticky hands and quick clean-ups.
• Nappy bags: For hygienic disposal if a bin is not nearby, and to contain smells.
• Barrier cream (if you use it): A small tube can help if your baby is prone to nappy rash.
• Spare clothes: At least one full change of clothes for your baby, more for longer trips or younger babies.
• Lightweight portable changing mat: Gives you a clean, padded surface whether you are in a parents’ room, on a plane or at a friend’s place.

2. Feeding essentials

What you pack for feeding will depend on whether your baby is breastfed, formula fed, mixed fed or eating solids. In Australia, guidance from organisations such as Raising Children Network highlights the importance of safe preparation and storage of breast milk and infant formula, especially when travelling.

Consider how and where you will feed your baby on the trip, and aim to keep their usual feeding pattern as much as possible.

If your baby is breastfed (directly at the breast or chest): you may only need feeding-friendly clothing, breast pads (if you use them) and water and snacks for yourself.

If your baby has expressed breast milk or infant formula:

• Pre-sterilised bottles and teats, or bottles that have been properly cleaned and sterilised before you leave.
• Formula powder measured into separate containers if needed, following the preparation instructions on the tin when you make it up with safe water.
• A way to keep prepared milk cool and at a safe temperature, such as an insulated cooler bag with ice bricks.
• A clean water source suitable for preparing feeds, depending on your destination.

If your baby is eating solids:

• Simple, easy-to-pack foods that your baby already eats at home.
• Soft baby spoons, a small bowl or reusable container, and a wipe-clean bib.
• A sippy cup or bottle with water for older babies, in line with your health professional’s advice.

3. Clothing & comfort

Babies can go through a few outfits in a day, especially when you add in spills, dribbles and nappy leaks. Having spare clothes on hand can make travel much less stressful.

• Spare outfits: At least one full change for short outings and more for longer trips or overnight stays.
• Weather-appropriate layers: Light layers for warm weather, warmer layers for cooler destinations, and a sun-safe hat when needed.
• Comfort item (if your baby uses one): A familiar soft toy, comforter or small blanket can help your baby feel secure in new places.
• Muslin cloths or small towels: Handy for spills, burping and shade (while still allowing airflow and visibility).

4. Getting around

Your baby travel gear should match the type of trip you are taking. Think about how much walking you will do, whether you will be using public transport, and how much space you have in your car or luggage.

• Pram or stroller: Useful for longer outings, naps on the go and carrying bags. Check whether your destination has smooth paths or uneven terrain.
• Baby carrier or wrap: Helpful when you need hands free, for crowded places or where prams are hard to use (such as steps or narrow paths). Make sure your carrier suits your baby’s age and is used according to the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
• Car restraint: In Australia, babies must travel in a correctly fitted, age-appropriate child car seat that meets Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1754 when travelling in a car. Follow local road rules and safety guidance in your state or territory.
• Lightweight day bag: A comfortable bag that fits your feeding, changing and spare clothing essentials for the day.

5. Sleep away from home

Before you travel, think about where your baby will sleep at your destination. Australian safe sleep guidance from groups such as Red Nose, Raising Children Network and Kidsafe Australia focuses on a firm, flat sleep surface, with your baby placed on their back and their face and head uncovered.

• Safe sleep space: This might be a travel cot or a cot provided where you are staying, set up and used according to safety instructions. Check that your baby cannot become trapped, fall out or get tangled in loose bedding.
• Fitted sheet: Use a firm, well-fitted sheet on the mattress. Avoid soft or padded surfaces.
• Sleepwear: Dress your baby in sleepwear suitable for the room temperature, such as a onesie and, if used, an approved baby sleeping bag with the right warmth rating for the conditions.
• Familiar sleep cues: If helpful, bring a small comfort item your baby normally sleeps with, and try to keep elements of their usual bedtime routine.

Car seats, prams, strollers and other travel equipment are designed for transport and short naps, not as a substitute for a safe, firm, flat sleep surface for unsupervised sleep.

6. Health & practical extras

A small health and “just in case” kit can make travel smoother, especially if you are a long way from home or medical care. Follow advice from your child health nurse, GP or pharmacist about what is suitable for your baby.

• Any regular medicines: Pack enough for the whole trip, and keep them in your hand luggage when flying.
• Basic first-aid supplies: For example, adhesive strips, sterile gauze, saline and cotton buds or pads, as recommended for family first-aid kits.
• Thermometer: A simple digital thermometer can help you check your baby’s temperature if you are concerned.
• Sunscreen (if age-appropriate): For babies over six months, broad-spectrum sunscreen can be used with hats, clothing and shade. For younger babies, Australian guidance generally focuses on shade and protective clothing. Always follow product instructions and local sun safety recommendations.
• Hand sanitiser: Useful when soap and water are not available. Keep it out of your baby’s reach and let it dry fully before handling your baby or their food.
• Important contact information: Your baby’s Medicare details, local emergency numbers, contact details for your GP or child health service, and travel or accommodation contacts.