Baby and Toddler Holiday Packing Checklist

Who this is for

Packing for the smallest traveller. Each item has a line for how many, because counts matter when you are packing nappies.

Parents and carers going away with a baby or toddler for the first time, and those who have done it before and want a list that is not in their head.

What this helps you track

• Feeding kit for the journey and the stay
• Sleeping kit and a travel cot or its booking
• Nappies, wipes and changing things, counted
• Clothes, travel gear and car seat or buggy
• Medicines, documents and something to keep them busy

How to use it

1. Write the child's name and age, where you are going, the dates and how you are travelling.
2. Work out how many of the counted items you need for the days away and write the number on the line.
3. Tick each item as it goes in the bag, and mark anything you are buying there or borrowing at the other end.
4. Keep feeding things, a change of clothes and medicines in the bag you carry, not the case.
5. Keep the sheet for next time, or use the browser version, which saves in your own browser.

Formats

• Printable PDF (A4 and US Letter)
• Fillable PDF with form fields
• Fill in online, saved in your browser

The printable is laid out inside a box that fits both A4 and US Letter, so the two files are identical and neither one is scaled. The fillable PDF has real form fields. The online version keeps what you enter in your own browser and builds the completed PDF on your device.

How to print

Download the A4 or US Letter file to match the paper in your printer, open it in a PDF reader and print at 100% — not "fit to page", which shrinks the writing space. Both files leave a 14 mm margin, which clears the unprintable edge on home printers. To print the online version with your entries in it, use the Print this sheet button, which prints only the sheet and none of the page around it. More on printing.

Questions

How many nappies should I pack?

Only you know how many your child gets through in a day. Count a normal day, multiply by the days away and add what you think is a sensible spare, then write the number on the line beside nappies.

What papers does a baby need to travel?

That depends on where you are going and how. Check the rules for your destination and your carrier, and note what they ask for on the documents list.

Can I take baby milk or food through airport security?

Rules on liquids and baby food differ between airports and countries. Check with your airport before you pack and keep these items easy to reach in the bag you carry.

Do I need a separate list for each child?

For two small children, printing one sheet each is usually easiest. For an older child as well, the family holiday packing list by child may fit better.