Holidays: what do I put in Baby's suitcase?

By Emmanuelle JungShareSend by email

You are about to spend your first family vacation with Baby! The excitement is at its peak and you don't know where to turn. Between the clothes, the medicines, the accessories and the toiletry bag… you have the impression of forgetting half or, conversely, of overloading the suitcase with superfluity. It was less complicated to content ourselves with our personal belongings! How to sort through Baby's belongings, and be sure he won't miss anything? We help you figure it out.

First of all, take a paper and a pen and make a list. As you go, cross out what you put in the suitcase.

What are the essential things to go on vacation with Baby?

For new mums, it is sometimes difficult to discern the essential items from the bulky superfluous, and not always useful once there.

The essentials: stroller, baby bottles (4 at least, it's up to you to adapt according to the length of your stay), the (countless) nappies, pacifiers (if your baby needs them), the bath recliner (not necessarily essential but reassuring), the baby monitor (unless you sleep in the same room as Baby), Baby's sunglasses to protect his eyes and especially his cuddly toy (or even two if you can). Also think about the travel cot and nappies, which will be useful in many situations. On the other hand, if you have chosen to stay at the hotel, the baby cot is, in principle, provided. Find out so you don't burden yourself unnecessarily. Depending on your destination, you will not always find your products in supermarkets, in which case, plan for powdered milk and small jars.

The superfluous: if you travel by plane, you risk becoming overweight quickly. The bottle sterilizer, for example, is far from essential. You can absolutely use a large pot of boiling water in which you will immerse bottles and teats if you want to sterilize them. In summer, the bottle warmer is not very useful either: milk at room temperature will do. Avoid burdening yourself with a plastic tub and a changing mat. There are inflatable bathtubs, real space saver. And to change Baby, a towel will do the trick. Forget too bulky toys!

Prepare baby toiletries

Make way for Baby's toiletry bag! A word of advice: prepare a separate kit. This will prevent you from confusing Baby's products with your own. Think of the towel if it is not provided, cleaning wipes or cotton pads and liniment for the change, a cleansing gel, physiological saline, a moisturizer, sun creams, a water mist, mosquito repellent for Baby's skin.

Choosing the right baby clothes

Provide the appropriate number of clothes for the duration of your stay to avoid having to accumulate laundry. Choose cotton that does not require ironing. Bring t-shirts and sports bras, but also think of warmer clothes. You are not immune to a drop in temperature on certain days or an air-conditioned interior depending on your destination. Remember to take one bodysuit a day or so (depending on Baby's age, it will have to be changed more or less often, long live the regurgitation!). A cap, visor or hat are of course necessary to protect Baby from the sun. And if your little one is old enough to take their first baths, consider a nice swimsuit!

Choose the least bulky baby toys

Since it's the holidays, Baby also has the right to have a little fun! Even if we try not to clutter the suitcase, it is better to provide some toys to occupy your little one. Opt for a play mat, ideal if you have to move around. Also bring a few toys and stuffed animals, favoring the lighter ones of course! Choose their favorite games. You are about to change your child from his usual environment, it is important that he keeps some bearings and is reassured. The buoy or vest will also have their place in the suitcase, if your baby is already old enough to swim. Plan a small ball or games that will amuse your child during his swims.

Bring a small pharmacy for Baby

Bring medication in case your child contracts a virus. And because you are never safe from losing your luggage (when traveling by plane), always carry the equivalent of 3 days worth of medication in your handbag. They'll do the trick until you get the suitcases back. Also think about his health record and a thermometer. And don't forget his identity papers!

By following our list, you are armed for the summer! However, don't worry about it. It is impossible to anticipate everything, whatever the age of your loulou. Children frequently involve their share of unforeseen events! But unless you're taking your baby to the middle of the desert (which obviously isn't the best idea), your vacation town is bound to have shops and pharmacies. So savor your trip and enjoy every moment with your little one…