What to pack when traveling with a child — checklist

What to check: What to pack when traveling with a child

Child's passport or original birth certificate.
Basic children's clothing and shoes for the destination climate.
Diapers and wet wipes for the first 24 hours.
Compact umbrella stroller or car seat.
Baby food, snacks, and familiar formula for the trip.

Checklist tips: What to pack when traveling with a child

Surprise packs: small new toys given one per hour so the child stays engaged.
A personal mini backpack with the child's items — gives a sense of control and reduces anxiety at the airport.
Layered clothing without complex fasteners for quick adaptation to cold cabin air conditioning.
Pre-ordered child meal on board — served first, avoiding hunger-related meltdowns.
A roll of regular trash bags in carry-on — for motion sickness or diaper changes.
A spare shirt for the parent in case the child spills juice in a confined space.
Wax crayons and a notebook with a hard backing — unlike markers, they won't stain seats.
Empty sippy bottle for security and free water refill past the checkpoint.
Outfits in separate ziplock bags (one bag = one ready look per day) for fast packing.

Information on these pages is for reference only and does not replace advice from a doctor, lawyer, or insurer. Before you travel, confirm entry rules, medication restrictions, and insurance terms.