Welcome, lovely! This is my tried and tested packing list for life with babies and toddlers: the everyday changing bag, days out, UK holidays and going abroad. Tick things off as you pack, save this page to your phone, or print it and stick it on the fridge. Whatever you forget, you are not alone, we have all been there.
The everyday changing bag
The bag that lives by the front door. Restock it the night before and mornings get so much calmer.
- Nappies: one for every two hours out, plus two spare
- Wipes and nappy sacks
- Travel changing mat
- Nappy cream
- Two full changes of clothes
- Muslin cloths
- Dummy and dummy clip, if you use one
- Bibs
- Snacks and a filled water bottle or beaker
- Small comforter or toy
- Teether
- Hand sanitiser
- Spare top for you, trust me
Days out and picnics
Everything in the changing bag, plus:
- Mineral suncream
- Sun hat with a wide brim or neck flap
- Buggy rain cover, because it is still the UK
- Lightweight waterproofs
- Picnic blanket
- Cool bag with extra snacks and milk
- First aid basics: plasters, antiseptic wipes, infant paracetamol sachets
- Travel potty or toddler seat for potty training days
- Spare shoes or wellies
- A carrier or sling for tired legs
UK holidays and overnight stays
- Travel cot and two fitted sheets
- Sleeping bag or blankets your little one knows
- White noise machine or app
- Baby monitor
- Portable blackout blind
- Favourite comforter, pack two if you can
- Bath essentials and a couple of bath toys
- Bottles, steriliser bits and formula if needed
- Highchair or booster: many places have them, always worth checking ahead
- Travel wash for accidents
- Night light
Going abroad
Everything above, plus:
- Passports: children’s ones expire faster than you think, check them early
- GHIC cards and travel insurance documents
- Swim nappies
- UV swimwear and a sun hat that ties on
- Beach tent or UV shade
- Pram fan and a cool mist spray
- Car seat, or check your hire company provides one
- Any medicines in their original packaging
- A small bag of new little toys for the journey
Molly’s golden rules
- Pack the changing bag the night before, always.
- One outfit per day, then add two more.
- Decant, do not lug: little pots beat full bottles.
- Photograph important documents and keep copies on your phone.
- Whatever you forget, you can nearly always buy it there. Breathe.
Planning a trip? My travel cots guide and my mineral suncream round up will save you hours of comparing.