Packing List: Overnight with a Baby

When you have a baby, an overnight trip becomes much more daunting than before. What used to be quick & fun suddenly becomes long & complicated. (And, dare I say, more trouble than it’s worth?!) But there is no need to fear, because packing for a baby does not have to be as complicated as it seems…

First of all, a baby is a human just like you, with very similar needs (just to a different extent). So you can think about their packing items very similarly as you do for yourself. For example:

your clothes = baby’s clothes
your toiletries = baby’s diapering
your pajamas = baby’s swaddle/sleep sack
your snacks & drinks = baby’s milk
and so on…

Secondly, if you are already accustomed to packing a diaper bag, an overnight is not that much different. Since babies eat and sleep around the clock, the only difference between leaving for 3 hours and leaving for 24 hours is that you need higher quantities of everything you already have in your diaper bag (and perhaps some sturdier gear).

Because of that, my overnight packing list is based off of my Diaper Bag Packing List. I use a similar approach by thinking through what we need for each activity / time of day. Every baby is different, and their needs constantly change, but if you use this fundamental approach of thinking through what YOUR BABY needs for each category, you’ll have it covered.

My Packing List: Overnight with a Baby

Eating

If nursing…

Nursing cover
Nursing pillow
Burp cloths

If bottle-feeding…

Clean bottles & nipples
Formula and/or breastmilk
Breast pump & parts, if necessary
Bottle warmer (this portable one would be great for travel)
Bottle brush, drying rack, & soap, if necessary

If eating solids…

Bumbo/booster seat or portable high chair (unless there is one available where you will be staying)
Any necessary food or milk that won’t be provided
Bibs
Sippy cups
Face wipes

Playing (i.e. Daytime)

Outfits for today & tomorrow
Socks & shoes
Coat/hat/mittens, if necessary
A few small toys & books
Blanket or play mat for small babies
Stroller, if desired
Baby carrier, if desired

Sleeping (i.e. Nighttime)

Sleeper(s)
Swaddle(s) or sleep sack
Pacifiers
Portable sound machine & charger
Portable monitor & charger
Portable crib & sheets (unless there is one available where you will be staying)
- If you’re baby is still little, this portable bassinet is awesome for travel.
BONUS: SlumberPod – This is by no means necessary, but it is very nice if you’re sharing a room with an older baby, OR if your baby is used to a very dark room and there won’t be one available during daytime naps.

Diapering & Other Well-Being (i.e. Toiletries)

Changing pad
Diapers (8-20, depending on the age of your baby)
Wipes (20-30)
Hand sanitizer
Wet/dry bags
Medication, if necessary
Lotion, if necessary

If you already have your diaper bag packed and ready to go (like I recommend in my Diaper Bag post!), you probably just need to add:

More diapers & wipes
More clothes
More eating supplies
Sleeping supplies

I hope this simplifies your packing process and makes your upcoming travel less stressful. You got this! Happy travels!