Packing essentials when travelling with a baby

Travelling with a baby or toddler is a journey in itself. Reaching your destination in good spirits and clean clothes (for at least one member of the family) is doable by following a thorough essential items such as travel insurance and a travel packing list for babies and toddlers so that you can have a bearable, even pleasant, travel experience.

In the unfortunate event that your baby or toddler should suffer a mishap while being on vacation, making sure that they are eligible for  travel insurance coverage  may help eliminate the stress of a costly mishap so that you may instead focus on taking care of your infant.

Be aware that for most policies, a travelling infant needs to be at least 15 days old as of the effective date of the policy to be eligible for travel insurance coverage through their parent’s plan. Make sure your travel insurance paperwork is up-to-date and accurate, and remember to include infants on the policy. If your child has a medical emergency while travelling, your travel insurance documentation will serve as proof of coverage.

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All Canadian children, from newborns to age 16, must have their own passport to travel outside the country. Other important documents besides a Canadian passport could include consent letters, supporting identification, and legal documents regarding custody or court orders. Also, make sure to bring along a copy of your travel insurance policy and the phone number for your baby's healthcare provider in case questions come up on the road. 

A lot of thought and consideration goes in to choosing the best travel accessories for day-to-day life. The car seat and stroller should be at the top of your packing checklist for flying with an infant or toddler so that the seamless transfer from vehicle to stroller can continue, and safety remains a top priority. A good option is a collapsible umbrella stroller that can be checked at the gate, but make sure that this will be durable enough to handle any outdoor activities on the other end—if you’re planning to hike, for instance, you might be better off renting an ‘all terrain’ stroller at your destination.

It is almost impossible to hold a baby for an entire flight, particularly for overnights, so make sure to book a seat where the airline can provide you with a bassinet, usually at the front of a section. Make sure to request this as early as possible, as there are a limited number per flight.

Oh so much to remember for the packing list when flying with a baby. Think about the all-encompassing diaper bag and build from that (a lot!) Diapers (roughly one per hour of travel) and a changing pad, wipes, diaper-rash cream, blankets, pacifiers (bring lots – if it drops on the ground you won’t want to use it again), at least two changes of baby clothes for the baby and one for you, easy-wipe bibs, plastic bags for soiled diapers or clothing, tissues, sling or front carrier, disinfecting hand gel, baby wash, and baby lotion and a baby first-aid kit are your foundational items.

Here is where the trip is make or break. In addition to preparing well for your own needs with healthy snacks, make sure to pack well (and extra) for the little traveller. You'll need bottles for breast milk or formula, baby food, sippy cup, and soft spoons for feeding. You'll also need water and snacks like rice crackers. Make sure to do some research before travelling to your destination, so that you know what will be available there.

Depending on the age of your child, some options for in-flight entertainment will be required. Combine old favourites with a few new options such as books and small, soft toys. Stickers are also popular for those old enough to see them as a novel curiosity instead of a snack. And of course, the ever-versatile tablet or laptop, loaded with some favourite cartoons can be a lifesaver. If you’d rather read than watch a movie, bring a book light so you don’t disturb the baby.

Travelling with an infant or small child may seem daunting but being well organized will get you a long way. Start preparing to pack a few days before you travel. Keep a running list of things to take, or put items out on a table or dresser as you think of them. If there is genuine concern that fellow passengers will be disturbed on the flight, people do bring “bribe bags” for fellow passengers. These include earplugs and candy or chocolate with a note asking for forgiveness if the baby cries a lot.

Wherever you are going, make sure to pack travel insurance to keep your journey safe  and have a great time on your trip! This is just the beginning of many adventures with your child, and it will be a memory you'll cherish forever.


Travel insurance is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of The Co-operators Group of Companies, administered by Allianz Global Assistance, which is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc.

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