Traveling to Europe with a Baby: My Packing List
I knew from the start that we would need to get comfortable traveling with our baby girl, Wallace, pretty quickly. Being a luxury travel advisor, travel is such a big part of my life, and I wanted to find a rhythm that worked for us as we stepped into this new season.
The days leading up to our trip to Portugal felt equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking. A long flight, a major time change, and navigating logistics have always been second nature to me, but adding a baby into the mix is a completely different experience.
On one hand, I knew it would be incredibly special. On the other, I had no idea what it would actually feel like once we were in it.
A few weeks ago, we spent a week in Portugal with our six-month-old, and now having done it, I can confidently say this: it’s absolutely doable. You just have to stay flexible, come prepared, and be willing to pivot when needed.
One thing that gave me a lot of confidence going into the trip (and one of the few things I could fully control) was how I packed. I wanted to be thoughtful about what we brought while still making sure we had everything we needed away from her normal setup.
So, in hopes this helps another mom heading into a similar trip, I’m sharing exactly what I packed, broken down into carry-on and checked bag, along with a few essentials I’m so glad I had.
First Things First:
You Don’t Need Everything
Before getting into the list, this is the most important mindset shift:
You don’t need to pack your entire house.
Traveling abroad made me realize just how much we overcomplicate babies’ needs in the United States! So many non-essentials become a part of our every day and we forget that they truly are little luxuries that can be left behind for a week or so.
Plus anything you forget that really is a need can be purchased once you arrive. Pharmacies in Europe are great, and most essentials are easy to find.
That said, I personally didn’t want to spend time shopping for small basics during the trip, so I packed more than I technically needed when it came to the ‘what-ifs’, and I don’t regret it. As for the bottle washer and wipe warmer? Those stayed in Charleston!
What I Packed in My Carry-On
Your carry-on is everything when you’re traveling with a baby because it’s all you have on the flight.
Delays happen. Bags get lost. Plans shift.
I packed ours with the mindset that if our checked luggage didn’t make it, we would still be completely fine for at least a full day (if not longer). In addition to Wallace’s diaper bag, I had a smaller rolling suitcase that was stored in the overhead but easily available in case we needed it.
Essentials I Always Kept Close
Diapers
Diaper cream
A full pack of wipes
Wet bags
This was non-negotiable. I packed more than I thought I’d need, and I’m glad I did. I didn’t ever have to operate out of the scarcity mindset or be worried about using too much. I packed plenty to go around and used more than expected!
Feeding Setup
Pre-portioned formula (enough for about 8 feeds)
One full can of formula (just in case)
Four bottles (I chose plastic for weight and ease)
Having everything portioned ahead of time made travel days feel significantly smoother. You certainly don’t want to be measuring anything mid-flight. And as for the bottles - This is a prime example of something we don’t typically use at home (we use mostly glass!) but it was a needed swap for traveling with our baby.
Clothing + Quick Changes
Three pairs of pajamas (magnetic or zipper are key)
A couple of burp cloths or bibs
One extra shirt for me
The extra shirt for mom is one of those things you don’t think about until you need it. Thankfully we didn’t, but it was one less thing I had to feel anxious over!
Comfort + Sleep
Sleep sack
Pacifiers (bring extras) + pacifier clip
A lightweight blanket
Familiar items made a huge difference in helping our baby settle, especially on the plane.
Extras That Made a Difference
A few small toys (nothing complicated)
Hatch portable sound machine (now this is a little luxury I’ll bring with me everywhere!)
Travel-size soap for washing bottles
Hand sanitizer + sanitizing wipes
Portable changing pads
One unexpected favorite: a small pop-up tent for layovers. It gave us a clean, contained space for movement during longer airport waits.
What Went in the Checked Bag
This is where I packed for the full week.
Again, you could absolutely pack less, but I preferred having what I needed without worrying about finding things once we arrived.
Diapers + Daily Essentials
Two full packs of diapers
An additional pack of wipes
Extra burp cloths
Did we need that many diapers? Probably not. But I never once worried about running out.
Clothing
Pajamas + day outfits (with layers)
One sweater and socks for cooler moments
Two to three swimsuits
Depending on your itinerary, you may need more or less here, but I found this to be a good balance.
Feeding + Cleaning
Additional bottles
Bottle drying rack (I can confirm the portable ones are worth it)
Extra travel-size soap for washing
Having a simple system for cleaning bottles made hotel stays much easier.
Health + Baby Care
Basic medicine kit (fever reducer, teething support, etc.)
Thermometer
Mini shampoo/body wash
Lotion
Sunscreen
This is not the category you want to be scrambling to find in a new country. Again, pharmacies are great and will have what you need in case of an emergency, but if your baby wakes up in the middle of the night with a fever, it’s so much better to be prepared!
Travel Comfort Items
Stroller cover (helpful for wind, cooler weather, and napping)
Portable fan
SlumberPod
The SlumberPod, especially, helped recreate a consistent sleep environment no matter where we were staying. I almost thought about leaving it behind, but it was great to have. We didn’t disturb Wallace moving about the hotels and she got a good night’s rest and therefore was a happier baby during the day.
A Few Things
I’m Really Glad I Brought
There were a few items that stood out once we were actually traveling.
The sound machine
This made sleep feel familiar, even in completely new spaces.
Pre-portioned formula
Saved so much time and mental energy.
Extra everything in the carry-on
There’s something about knowing you’re covered that just makes the entire experience feel better and it takes off one layer of anxiousness. Highly recommend!
Traveling Through the
Airport + Flight Tips
Packing is only part of it. The airport and flight experience matter just as much.
A few things that helped us:
Keeping everything easily accessible (no digging through bags) and both you and your partner knowing exactly where everything is for quick assistance
Dressing baby in something comfortable and easy to change
Feeding during takeoff and landing when possible (helps with ears popping too!)
Not overcomplicating entertainment. Simple toys worked just fine for traveling with a six-month old!
Also, give yourself more time than you think you need. Moving through an airport with a baby just takes longer, and that’s okay.
Would I Pack Differently Next Time?
Honestly, not much.
If anything, I might slightly scale back on diapers and clothing in the checked bag, but overall, I felt very prepared without being overwhelmed.
And that’s really the goal! Plus, every time you travel with your little one, you get a little more comfortable with it and a take away a new travel hack. It really comes down to getting something on the calendar and pushing through the unfamiliarity of doing it!
Is Traveling with a Baby Worth It?
100%.
It looks different, yes. The pace changes, and your priorities certainly shift.
But it’s still such a special way to experience a destination, and in many ways, it makes you more present.
If you’re on the fence about taking a trip like this, I’d say do it. Just go in with the right expectations and a solid packing plan and you will be so glad you did!
If you’re thinking about traveling to Europe with a baby (or planning your next trip in general), I’d love to help you map it out in a way that feels easy and actually enjoyable.
Send an inquiry through my contact page and we can get to planning!