The Family Travel Checklist
The gear that makes a first family getaway easier, in one list you can tick off.
Travelling with a baby goes more smoothly when the big items are light, compact and familiar. This checklist covers the baby travel essentials for getting there, sleeping away from home and keeping little ones busy on the way. Tick items off as you go and your progress is saved on this device.
Best ticked off a few weeks before you go
Getting around
Travel pram
A travel pram folds small and weighs less than an everyday pram. Some fold to cabin-bag size, but cabin rules differ, so check with your airline before you fly.
Shop travel prams →Pram travel bag
A travel bag protects your pram when it is checked in or packed in a full boot. Most are made for a specific pram.
Shop pram travel bags →Baby carrier
A carrier keeps your hands free for bags and boarding passes, and is often the easiest way through an airport or a crowded street.
Shop baby carriers →Sun cover
A breathable sun cover adds shade for naps on the move. Never cover the pram with a blanket.
Shop sun covers →Sleeping away
Travel cot
A travel cot gives your baby a familiar, safe place to sleep wherever you stay. Use only the mattress supplied with the cot, and do a trial sleep at home first.
Shop all travel cots →Portable sleep aids
A portable white noise machine helps keep the bedtime routine the same in a new room and masks unfamiliar noise.
Shop sleep aids →Night light
A small rechargeable night light makes night feeds and changes easier in a room you do not know.
Shop night lights →Bags and extras
Nappy bag or backpack
A backpack-style nappy bag keeps both hands free and works as your carry-on. Pack a change of clothes for your baby and one for you.
Shop nappy bags →Kids' ride-on suitcase
A ride-on suitcase gives toddlers their own luggage and a seat when little legs get tired in the terminal.
Shop ride-on suitcases →Travel toys
A few small, quiet toys go a long way on a flight or a long drive. Bring them out one at a time.
Shop travel toys →Drink bottles
A leak-proof drink bottle for each child cuts down on spills and stops along the way.
Shop drink bottles →Family Travel Checklist FAQs
What do I need when travelling with a baby?
The baby travel essentials are a compact travel pram or a carrier, a safe place to sleep such as a travel cot, a well-packed nappy bag, and feeding supplies. A correctly fitted car seat is needed for any car travel at your destination.
Can I take a pram on a plane?
Most airlines let you check a pram for free, and some allow very compact prams in the cabin. Size and weight rules differ between airlines, so check your airline's policy before you book or pack.
What is the difference between a travel pram and a regular pram?
A travel pram is lighter and folds much smaller than a regular pram, often with one hand. The trade-off is usually smaller wheels, a smaller basket and less padding, so many families keep an everyday pram for home and a travel pram for trips.
Are travel cots safe for sleep?
A travel cot is safe for sleep when it is set up as instructed, with all sides locked, and used only with the mattress supplied by the manufacturer. Do not add an extra mattress or padding.
What age is easiest to travel with a baby?
Many parents find the first months before crawling among the easier times to travel, because young babies sleep often and stay where you put them. Speak to your GP before flying with a newborn or if your baby has any health concerns.
How do I keep my baby's sleep routine while travelling?
Keep the same bedtime steps you use at home and bring familiar items, such as your baby's sleeping bag, a white noise machine and a night light. A trial sleep in the travel cot at home helps it feel familiar.
Looking for more options? Explore our wider range of travel prams, travel cots and out and about essentials.
More BLP checklists:
The Nursery Checklist The Feeding Checklist The Bath and Care Checklist The Out and About Checklist The Car Checklist The Play and Bonding Checklist The Hospital Bag Checklist All checklists