Packing list for a holiday with a baby: everything to tick off (car & flight)

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At a glance

For: Parents with babies in their first year
Most important: Your baby's own travel document
How to use: Tick it off right here or print it – ticks stay in your own browser

Travelling with a baby for the first time can feel like moving house. The good news: you can buy plenty at your destination. What really matters are documents, a safe place to sleep, familiar food and everything that soothes your baby.

Documents & organisation

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Your baby's own ID or passportIn Germany, children's passports (Kinderreisepass) have not been issued since 2024; within the EU an ID card is enough, outside the EU a passport is needed. Other countries have their own rules – check yours.
Your own IDs
Your baby's health insurance card
Vaccination record and health check booklet
Check your travel health insuranceAre children covered by your policy?
Consent letterIf one parent travels abroad alone with the child – check the rules of your destination.

Sleeping

Reserve a cot at your accommodation in advance
Sleeping bag in the right size
Fitted sheet for the travel cot
Cuddly toy, dummy, musical toy – whatever soothes at bedtime
Blackout optionA portable blackout blind helps if the room is very bright.
Baby monitor

Bobby's tip

Pack the sleeping bag and cuddly toy in your hand luggage. If your suitcase arrives late, someone still sleeps well!

Food & drink

Your usual formula or baby food for the first few daysNot every brand is available abroad.
Bottles and teats
Flask for hot water
Bottle brush and small washing-up liquid
Bibs and snack pot
Nursing pillow or nursing cover

Changing & care

Clothes

Bodysuits and sleepsuits – one set too many is better
Sun hat with neck protection and UV clothing for sunny destinations
Warm jacket or snowsuit – even in summer for the evenings
Socks and baby shoes
Swim nappies for pool and beach
Change of clothes in your hand luggage

First-aid kit

Put together your baby's first-aid kit with your paediatrician – with medicines, age and weight matter.

Thermometer
Medicines agreed with your paediatrician
Saline nasal drops
Plasters and child-friendly antiseptic spray
Sun protection – ask your paediatrician what is suitable from which age

On the way: car, train or plane

Infant car seatRear-facing – on the front passenger seat only with the airbag switched off.
Sun shades for the car windows
Pram or lightweight travel buggyMany airlines let you use it up to the gate – check your airline's conditions.
Baby carrier for airports and stations
Dummy or bottle for take-off and landingSucking can help with pressure equalisation.
Quiet toys

FAQ

Does a baby need their own ID to travel?

Yes. Babies need their own travel document to go abroad. In Germany, children's passports have not been issued since 2024 – within the EU an ID card is enough, outside the EU a passport is required. Both can be applied for from birth. Other countries have their own rules.

What goes in the hand luggage when flying with a baby?

Nappies, wipes, a change of clothes for baby and parents, bottle or snack, dummy, cuddly toy and sleeping bag. Check your airline's rules for baby food in hand luggage.

Do I need to bring a travel cot?

Many hotels and holiday homes provide cots. Reserve one in advance and ask whether bedding is included – your own sleeping bag helps your baby feel at home.

Can the infant car seat go on the front seat?

Only if the front passenger airbag is switched off, because infant car seats are always installed rear-facing.