Babies are generally low-maintenance travellers who sleep a lot of the time. Nonetheless, they need a phenomenal amount of gear to help them stay comfortable and happy.
Below is a checklist of items you shouldn't travel without, plus tips for easy, efficient packing.
 Nappies
One for each hour you'll be in transit, plus extras in case of emergencies or delays
Baby blanket(s)
Bring at least one for comfort, shade and warmth
Resealable plastic bags
Pack some medium-sized ones for stashing dirty nappies, clothes and bibs
Nappy rash cream
Baby wipes
Baby bath and lotion
Tissues
Extra dummies
Clothes
One to two outfits per day. Pack cotton layers for travelling
Washable bibs
Bottles
Sun hat and sun screen (at least sun protection factor 20)
Food, formula, water and/or juice
Bring more than you think you'll need for the trip, as you can't predict travel delays. Don't forget bottles and beakers, too
Breast pump
For expressing breast milk
Nightlight
For night-time feeds and nappy changes
Baby sling
Lightweight and easy to pack. One study showed that babies who were carried in a sling or in their parents' arms cried less than other babies
Travel cot
Necessary unless you reserve a cot with your accommodation or your baby sleeps with you
Baby car seat for safe travel by car, plane, train, or bus
It can double as an baby seat, too
Collapsable buggy
From six months. Lightweight, convenient and can be stored in luggage racks or lockers
Packing Tips
start preparing to pack a few weeks before you travel. Keep an ongoing list of items to bring, or put items out on a table or chest of drawers as you think of them
use a baby bag with a waterproof lining and a shoulder strap
pack an extra shirt or top for yourself in your hand luggage in case of accidents
prevent leaks by packing medicines and toiletries in re-sealable plastic bags
bring a 60cm square of plastic or a changing mat to put under your baby during nappy changes
keep an energy-boosting snack handy for yourself
bring your camera and plenty of film or digital memory cards
bring a clip-on reading light so you can read without disturbing your baby
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