Traveling with a newborn, especially during an adoption process, can be super overwhelming. You may have just received a due date, or are trying to prepare for that day of phone call and have your bags ready to hop on the plane or drive across town. Along with the traveling, the timeframe of staying is in the are, with medical needs and state requirements. To prepare your family I’ve made a list and travel guide of my newborn/infant packing lists, and how to navigate traveling with a baby. I wish you a smooth journey, and to equip you with all the needs, and might needs, so you can enjoy your growing family.
Here’s what I will cover:
- Packing the hospital bag
- Travel essentials
- What you need for the stay
- Flying with an infant
1. Packing the Hospital Bag for Your Newborn
Since your baby could be ready THE DAY you get the phone call, here are some items to already have packed to ensure the excitement and thrill of the adoption doesn’t leave you forgetting key items. If you are flying, I recommend putting all of this in a backpack and carry on so there is no risk of this bag getting lost or delayed. Here’s what you’ll need in your travel backpack/ hospital bag:
- Diaper Bag Essentials:
Pack the basics for your baby, including outfits, swaddle blankets, socks, thermometer, nose sucker, burp cloths, washcloths, and, of course, all adoption paperwork and ID’s (your agency will provide a detailed list).
You’ll also want to bring hand sanitizer, travel-sized baby soap and lotion, and a footprint keepsake kit to capture that first memory at the hospital.
Don’t forget to pack a thoughtful birth mom gift—it’s a small but meaningful gesture. - Bottles & Accessories:
You’ll need 2oz-3oz bottles with low-flow nipples, a bottle brush, and travel-size dish soap and a bottle brush for cleaning. If breastfeeding, or using donor milk you may want to carry on your pump and extra milk storage bags, as well as a nipple shield and ointments. READ THIS on how to heat up and travel with bottles in the airport and on the go. - Car Seat & Stroller:
Most hospitals often require to check your infant inside their car seat before leaving the hospital to ensure it’s properly installed. If you are flying this is a great item to bring to the gate, you can attach it to the stroller so it’s easy to push through the airport. And check it at the gate. (read here for how traveling works with an infant at TSA and on the plane). This Graco Modes was my favorite! It came on 33 flights with me (flying alone with an infant) fits through the TSA x-ray so it doesn’t need to be taken apart, folds and unfolds very easy with one hand, converts to a bassinet, and holds an infant car seat in a click. My sibling had “the” expensive brand that this outperformed in every area! they were shocked at what features I had that they either had to add on or didn’t have on their stroller and car seat. Get yours here.
If you want to read what you are allowed to do for security, boarding, and carryon’s with a baby, check out my traveling with babies guide. HERE.
2. Postpartum Care for Birth Mom
While the hospital will provide postpartum care essentials for mom, it’s nice to gift something special. Consider the Frida Mama Postpartum Care Kit—it contains everything mom will need, including postpartum undergarments and a vaginal washer. It’s discreet, practical, and a thoughtful gift that shows care during and supports recovery.
3. Must-Have Baby Gear for Traveling with a Newborn
Here are the must-haves for keeping up with your infant while you’re traveling:
- Hatch White Noise Machine: Perfect for helping babies sleep in unfamiliar places like hotel rooms or Airbnb. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, a basic white noise machine works just as well. Get your Hatch White Noise Machine here.
- Owlet Baby Monitor: For peace of mind, the Owlet Baby Monitor tracks the baby’s breathing and heartbeat, keeping you calm while traveling. I have used mine for almost 5 years now, the tech support has been great when I needed it, even mailed me a new camera when my first one wasn’t updating properly. Get yours here.
- Newborn Carrier: Hands-free convenience is a game-changer when traveling. Be sure to get one with a newborn insert if you don’t get a newborn-specific carrier. Most carriers are made for larger infants and won’t fit the 4-9lb newborns. This will help you from buying multiple carriers as your baby grows. Check out the Boba Baby Wrap here.
- Portable Lounger: For easy resting wherever you are, pack a portable lounger that fits neatly in your suitcase. This is great for hotel rooms, and you’ll love using it once you are home. Traveling with my baby, that was one of my most used items. Buy, and pack in your carry-on here.
- Bassinet or Pack-n-Play: Before your trip, check with your hotel to see if they provide a bassinet or pack-n-play with a newborn insert. If not, consider shipping one ahead of time so it’s ready when you arrive. The newborn insert in the pack-n-play will make them at knee/ waist level vs on the ground, you’ll be picking them up and down all night for changes and feeding, so it’s really ideal to have them in a bassinet. I always used the lounger in bed with me when traveling, but I’m not sure if that is recommended for safety reasons. Check out this travel bassinet with carrying case here.
- Inflatable Baby Bath: Your baby needs special care and cleaning as a newborn. Many newborns love swaddle baths (learned this on IG from Lou Lou and Co!) and won’t enjoy being held in a shower with you. But the normal baby tubs are too big to travel with. The best option is either FB marketplace a tub for a few days, or bring this inflatable tub that y you can continue using at home and on trips. Get your newborn travel bath here.
- Baby Towel: An infant towel works best for keeping baby warm and secure after a bath. It’s much easier to hold onto your slippery 4lb bundle in a proper-sized towel than a bulky adult hotel towel. Find your baby towel set here.
4. Care Essentials for Your Baby
- Diapers & Wipes: The hospital will provide some, along with pacifiers and premade formula bottles. You can get the rest once arrive to save room in your suitcase.
- Travel Baby Wash: You won’t want to wash your baby with hotel soap, and with TSA rules this is an easy one to forget. Don’t end up having to throw away $17 baby soap at the airport, instead prepack mini lotions and soaps for baby. If you’re unsure what to buy I’ve used the THINK DIRTY APP for years, it shows you what ingredients are in each product and goes over which ones are safe, and which ones are proven to have health concerns down the line. I’m a super holistic parent and it was so wild to see how all the common brands that are “recommended” have known carcinogens in them! Shop here TSA Approved.
- Baby Grooming Kit & Nail File: It’s easy to just throw this grooming kit in your bag for trimming nails and smoothing little faces.
- Baby Swaddles: Babies sleep best when they feel secure. Swaddles are perfect for newborns. I would pack several 3-5. I remember nights of going through several with spit-up and blowouts. Shop fuss-free swaddled here.
5. Convenient Travel Baby Gear
- Stroller Bag: Protect your stroller and keep it organized while traveling. I also recommend adding an AirTag to track your gear in case it gets misplaced.
- Travel System: Look for a stroller with a one-hand fold feature. This will make it easier to handle with a baby in tow. A bassinet feature is also essential for those walks or hotel stays. Shop my favorite travel system here.
- Sound Machine & Night Lights: These can be lifesavers when you need to help your baby sleep, whether you’re at a hotel or visiting family.
I cover everything how to pack, what to leave out for security, and how to board with baby in my traveling with babies guide. Here.
6. Things You Don’t Need to Pack
- Toys & Books: Your baby won’t need these just yet. Save space for the essentials.
- Medications: You can always buy any medications you might need locally.
- Diapers: Most hospitals provide these, so leave them off your packing list.
7. Extras You’ll Appreciate
- Fuel Rods: Portable chargers for all your devices, so you don’t need to search for a plug. I used these on all my Disneyland trips, and places like airports and FOR SURE Disney, have Fuel Rod exchange vending machines to swap your old rod out for a fully charged one for free. Shop fuel rods here and PRECHARGE before travel.
- Reusable Bags: This is one of my travel hacks about how to easily get through the airport and enjoy the flight with babies/kids. Read my travel blog! But if you’re making a list right now, I would add 2-3 of these to your list.
8. Might Need
- Preemie Sizes: If your baby is small, even newborn clothes may be too big. Be prepared with some preemie-sized clothing.
- Pediatric Chiropractor: Consider researching a local chiropractor who specializes in pediatric care. This can be helpful in regulating a baby’s nervous system, promoting calm, and supporting sleep.
- Pediatrician: During my home study process and training they mentioned if you are going out of state to make sure and have a pediatrician picked. You may want to chat with your agency more about this if this is needed with your family. I have found good support on Next Door and Factbook local groups to ask about local pediatricians, being holistic there’s a strict standard I have about who I want overseeing my child healthcare and finding the right fit to honor our choices as a family.
Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue sharing helpful tips.
Wishing you safe and happy travels as you embark on your parenting journey! 🌟👶
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