Vacations are fun, packing for them not so much! As a first time mom, I remember making the rookie mistake packing too many of the cute things and completely forgetting some necessary, but boring, goods so here’s a list that will hopefully help you out in making packing for vacation with baby a much smoother process.

TRAVEL

First things first, a lightweight stroller and a baby carrier are two things I would never think of traveling without. Baby carriers are life savers. From walking around in the airport before you can pick up your checked stroller to whenever baby wants to be held but you want your hands free.

BEACH WEAR / POOL FUN

SWIM WEAR

If you’re going on a beach getaway, swim wear is a must-have for your little one. I usually make sure to also get at least one with UPF (basically same as SPF but sun protective fabric). My favorite one right now is this 50 UPF mint swim set. Here’s a list of the different swim wear I got for the boys this year. Here are Jade’s swimsuits.

BABY FLOATIE

Not making a smart choice when it comes to a baby float may lead you to paying much more at your vacation destination. This canopy style baby float has been our favorite. Not only can they splash the water and move around but the adjustable canopy will keep the sun away.

SUN HAT

It’s fun in the sun until it’s too hot. Avoid a cranky baby trying to get out of the sun by getting a cute sun hat. If they have a velcro strap and reversible like this baby sun hat even better so you’re not having to adjust it every two minutes.

SUNSCREEN

For babies I always go with at least 50 SPF sunscreen and I also pack a sunscreen stick which makes applying sunscreen on their face much easier for both you and baby! I even use it for hubby and I, because it’s so quick and easy.

WATER DIAPERS

Another must are water diapers! Make sure to pack enough for the amount of days you’re planning on having beach/pool days.

HOODED BABY TOWEL

After some fun splashing around, baby will love coming out to a cozy towel. A bottle of milk, cuddled up nicely in a hooded towel and baby might just curl up for a couple zzz’s.

CLOTHING

This post is focused on warm destination vacations so it will be different for you if you’re going on a snowy getaway. This category is obviously all up to your personal choice but but the following three items are must-haves for me when vacationing with baby.

ONESIES

One vacation staple I always pack with babies are more than enough onesie tank tops. It’s hot and the last thing baby will want is to be covered up in lots of clothes regardless of how cute you think they will look. Remember that when it comes to baby, especially, comfort is key!

SHORT JUMPSUITS

Not only are cotton short jumpsuits the cutest on babies, they’re also super light and easy. For vacation I always make sure that at least half of baby’s outfits will be light, comfy jumpsuits.

PAJAMAS

This third time I have been obsessed with nightgown style pajamas for baby. They’re comfy and the no-buttons makes it super easy to put on and also for last minute diaper changes.

BABY CARE KIT

Hopefully you don’t have to use this but better to be ready. Don’t forget the basics like baby wash and lotion but also:

• couple of bandaids

• baby Tylenol

• insect repellant

• baby wipes & diapers

• nail clipper

• nasal aspirator

• thermometer

• Desitin cream which will help with everything from rashes to dry skin.

EVERY DAY THINGS

Sometimes the most obvious things are what we forget to pack so here’s a quick list which you can of course modify.

• bibs (these silicone ones are the only ones I now use)

• pacifiers (at least two in case you lose one)

• swaddler or baby blanket

• favorite safety blanket and/or toy

• baby spoons

• baby bottles

• Vaporub -I'm Latina and you just never know!

  
  

Hope this list of must-haves for vacation with baby makes the process less stressful and a lot more fun! Click on over for packing tips for traveling with baby and kids.