Baby Overnight Bag Checklist

Whether you’re taking your baby boy on a trip to visit grandparents or travelling out of town for a change of scenery with your little girl, a road trip with your baby isn’t as stressful as it might first seem. With a little bit of organisation and planning, heading off on an overnight family trip is a breeze.

Download a printable version of our Baby Overnight Bag Checklist here.

4 things to think about when packing for an overnight trip with your baby

So, you’ve planned your weekend away and you’re ready to start packing! As you begin to get organised, keep these three packing principles in mind:

1. Size and Weight

Unsurprisingly, you’ll need to take quite a few things with you when travelling with your little one (even if it is for just one night), so the size and weight of each item you take is important – it all adds up!

When it comes to equipment and accessories, try to only pack items made from lightweight materials that fold down into an easy-to-carry size. Not only will this make packing and unpacking a little easier to manage, it will also save space both in the car and at your destination. There are lots of great baby travel accessories on the market, so if you’re planning on getting away quite a bit, it might be worth investing in travel versions of key pieces of equipment, like prams and cots.

2. Ease and Versatility

Think about how the items you pack can be used in various ways. For instance, muslin wraps or bunny rugs can double as an extra layer of bedding if it’s cold, and some travel cots work well as a playpen for those homes or hotels that might not be as child friendly as you’d like!

When it comes to packing clothes, take a moment to check the weather forecast at your destination. If it’s looking chilly, be sure to pack your little one a couple of lightweight jumpers and even a coat, which can be layered over bodysuits, tops and leggings if the temperature really drops. If the forecast is for warmer weather, pack lightweight bodysuits and onesies which can be worn alone during the day and layered at night, and keep the heavier layers to a minimum.

It is also worth considering the fabrics of the clothes you pack for your little one. Opt for styles that effortlessly layer and coordinate and are easy to wash and dry (because accidents happen, no matter how prepared you might be!).

3. Durability

Speaking of accidents, whether you’re with a little one or not, things are prone to being knocked and dropped when travelling. Pack the items that can withstand a little wear and tear – the last thing you want when you’re away for the weekend is for something to break or stop working, then have to spend your trip trying to replace it!

4. Necessity

We know how tempting it can be to go overboard and pack lots of everything in order to be prepared for any situation. But given all the clothing, equipment and accessories you need to pack when travelling with a baby, it’s important to try and pack fewer things where you can.

In the days leading up to your trip, keep a mental note of how many different things you use. For example, think about roughly how many nappies, wipes and pouches of baby food you go through each day. When you go to pack, multiply each by the number of days you’re away, then add a few extra of each just in case! That way, you’re packing what you actually need (with a bit of a buffer) and not wasting valuable car (and hotel room) space with items you may not even use.

What to pack in an overnight bag for baby

Our handy baby overnight bag essentials checklist will help make getting organised for that night away that little bit easier.

Baby Overnight Bag Checklist

• Baby clothing

  – pack at least two complete outfits for each day you’re away

• Warm layers, including

  jumpers

  and

  jackets

  (at least one of each)

• Hats

  – a beanie or knot hat and a sunhat

• Baby sleepsuits or pyjamas

  (at least 2 sets)

• Baby sleeping bag

• Nappies and nappy supplies, including cream, wipes and a travel mat

What baby clothes should you pack for overnight travel?

As we mentioned above, we recommend two complete outfits for each day you’re away. For example, if you’re staying overnight on a Saturday somewhere, then you will want four outfits in total—two for Saturday and two for Sunday for your little one.

You may be wondering why we suggest so many outfits—is four outfits for just two days a bit excessive? At home, it’s easy to quickly change an item of clothing when accidents happen. However, when away from home, you won’t have the luxury of a having access to your little ones wardrobe of baby clothes. Having multiple outfit options makes it easy to quickly swap baby into something clean, especially after a messy meal time or adventure outdoors. So what baby clothes should you pack in your overnight bag:

• Growsuits, Onesies & Bodysuits:

  A great option for layering, or wearing as-is during the warmer months. We recommend bringing at least one

  growsuit

  or onesie as a backup option for your other outfits.

• Tops:

  Depending on the weather, a t-shirt or long-sleeve top is a comfortable option for year-round travel. We suggest bringing two of these for an overnight stay.

• Singlets:

  Similar to t-shirts, these are a great layering option. Pair with a growsuit when it’s cooler, or shorts or a skirt when it’s warmer. 

• Jumpers & Cardigans:

  A cool weather essential, layer this over a

  t-shirt

  for extra warmth. You’ll likely only need one of these for your overnight stay, which baby can wear on both days if needed.

• Jackets & Coats:

  When it’s really chilly, layer this over a jumper or cardigan to help keep your little one comfortable. Depending on the weather, you may not need to bring a jacket, but it’s going to be cold, you will want to take one along in baby’s overnight bag.

• Leggings:

  Great for pairing with a jumper or cardigan on those cool days and nights. If it’s warm you may choose to bring one pair for the evening, however, if it’s cool, this will be a staple for your little one’s going-out outfit, so take two or three pairs.

• Shorts & Skirts:

  Best for the warmer months or those days out and about. Pack a pair or two depending on the weather, with more for when it’s warm and less for when it’s cool.

• Swimwear:

  If swimming is on the agenda, either at a pool or beach, then

  swimwear

  is a must.

The consideration for choosing your little one’s outfits for the overnight is going to be the weather. If it’s cool, then jumpers, leggings, coats and light layering options will be the main pieces filling your overnight bag. On the other hand, t-shirts, singlets, shorts, skirts and bodysuits will be your go-to baby clothing to pack when it’s warm.

Other baby overnight trip essentials:

• Baby car seat

• Portable travel cot

• Pram or stroller

• Baby carrier or sling

• Bathware

  , including face washers, towel, baby wash and lotion

• Blankets

  ,

  swaddles & wraps

• Food and drink supplies - formula, breastfeeding supplies or solids, depending on your little one

• Feeding equipment, including bibs, sippy cups, spoons, bowls and wipes

• First-aid kit

• Sunscreen

• Baby monitor

• Toys and books

Tips for keeping babies entertained on long car trips

Keeping your little one busy in the car is a great way to help make your trip less stressful. While very tiny babies will likely sleep a lot of the time, as they get older they’ll spend more and more time awake looking for stimulation.

Here are a few tips for making the car ride fun for them (and more peaceful for you!):

• Pack colourful rattles and plush toys that your little one can play with and grab at.

• Babies love watching babies! Place a small, unbreakable mirror in front of them so they can gaze at their reflection

• Let your little one flick through books with lots of pictures and interactive elements

• Pop on a kids audiobook

• Press play on your favourite playlist and sing along – not only is the music soothing, but little ones also love the familiar sound of their parents’ voices

• Pack snacks and make regular pit stops

Shop our range of the softest organic cotton baby clothing, perfect for any destination with your little one.