‘Having a baby won’t stop us from travelling’ - sound familiar? In the run-up to parenthood, many of us have said these words. But when baby is here and it’s time to pack, the idea of a holiday suddenly becomes much less appealing. Packing for a new person for the first time is a whole new ballgame, partly because said person will likely demand your attention whilst you’re doing your best not to forget anything.
At Kit & Kin, we know a thing or two about babies, so we’ve compiled a packing list of everything you will need for baby’s first summer holiday. We hope this will allow you to think less and pack better so that you can tick off as you go - and pick back up after feeding or changing your little one.
So let’s get packing for baby!
Transport
Planes, trains and automobiles - here’s what you need to get baby from A to B.
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Pushchair
Most airports will allow you to take yours to the gate and some offer courtesy prams.
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Sling
Especially handy for those gorgeous cobbled cliffside old towns
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Pram sunshade
Saves you having to keep repositioning the parasol while keeping baby comfortable
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Car seat
Some parents choose to bring their own when renting a car. Rental car companies tend to overcharge for them and they tend to offer more basic models than what you might be used to. If you decide to bring your own, check with your airline. They might allow you to bring it on board as cabin luggage.
Hand luggage
Half the fun is getting there! Or is it? While the days of catching up on your reading or your favourite TV show while travelling might be on hold for a couple of years, these bits and pieces will help keep everybody happy on the road.
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Travel toys
The quintessential truth of air travel with a baby on your lap is: Once a toy hits the ground, it’s gone. So any sensory toy will do, just make sure you can strap it to yourself or baby.
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Muslin
Aka blanket, privacy screen, toy, mop. Is there anything a muslin cannot do?
- Essential medication
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Expressed milk/baby formula & food/snacks
100ml restrictions won’t apply to baby’s food or drink
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Bibs, beakers, spoons, ziploc bag for used items
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Dummies & dummy steriliser
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Passport
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Travel insurance documents
Changing bag
Your eco essentials for baby’s bottom and beyond. Most airlines will allow you to bring a baby bag on board (on top of your own hand luggage).
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Eco-nappies or reusable cloth nappies
Or even a mix if that’s how you roll.
- Biodegradable baby wipes
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Biodegradable nappy sacks
Never have these been more essential than in a confined plane cabin or hotel room.
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Nappy cream
Our certified natural magic salve is also great for dribble rash, dry skin and dry lips. So remember to pack a second pot for yourself.
- Changing mat
Suitcase
Clothing
No doubt, one of the hardest things to pack for ourselves, clothing is surprisingly straight forward (and light) for baby.
- Light, cooling onesies, dresses, shirts and shorts
- A couple of warmer layers for the evening
- Sun hats
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Shoes
If you’ve got a walker
Sleep
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Sleepsuits
Ours are so soft, extra cute and made from 100% organic cotton
- Night light
- Story book
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Travel cot
Check with your accommodation if you need this - most hotels and rentals will provide a bed for baby. Also worth keeping in mind that most airlines allow you to bring only 2 bulky baby items (pram, travel cot, car seat, back carrier …) free of charge.
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Sleeping bag
In hot temperatures, we recommend a sleeping bag made from 100% natural materials because they are very light and breathable. Summer sleeping bags are 1.5 tog or below - for very hot climates, consider 0.5 tog.
- Baby monitor
Toiletry bag
- Hair brush
- Toothbrush
- Baby lotion/Baby oil
- Hair & body wash
- Prescription medicine & skincare
- Medicine for colds/temperatures
- First Aid Kit
- Thermometre
- Nail scissors
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Sun cream
Factor 50 and above for brand new skin.
Beach & Pool
Now for the fun part …
- Toys
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UVA popup tent
If you’re feeling fancy
- Swimwear
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Swim nappies
Did you know these don’t have to be disposable? Our reusable cloth nappies work just as well and make for gorgeous holiday snaps.
- Sun protection clothing
Other
- Tupperware for snacks
- Breast pump
Congratulations! You’ve made it! Now you can relax, slow down and focus on making memories that will last you a lifetime. Enjoy your holiday!