Your ultimate holiday guide for traveling with kids

Packing tips before you travel 

Traveling with a baby requires thoughtful packing. The days of throwing a few items into a bag and heading out the door are behind you — but with good planning, you can prevent chaos and ensure your trip is a breeze. 

Start with a checklist 

Break your list into sections for adults and kids, focusing on necessities rather than nice-to-haves. Use your phone’s notes app to quickly look things up on the road. Here are some packing checklist essentials: 

• For everyone: Include clothing, toiletries, medications, a first aid kit, and travel documents (passports, tickets, etc.). Plan your wardrobe based on how many days you're traveling and your destination. Stick to outfits that mix and match — remember your swimsuit if it's a beach vacation. 
• For kids only: Include books, toys, snacks, drinks, and a travel pushchair. Depending on how you travel, you might want to add a travel cot or even a high chair. Pack climate-appropriate gear, like a parasol and a rain cover for your pushchair, in case unexpected weather changes come your way. 



Efficient packing strategies 

• Lay out everything you want to bring and get ruthless. If you’re tempted to pack 17 outfits for a seven-day trip, think again. 
• Maximize your suitcase space. Roll your clothes, use packing cubes, or try the bundle technique to make the most of your luggage. 
• Keep liquids near the top of your bag, especially if you're traveling light with just a carry-on. 
• Consider pre-packing a travel toiletries kit with essentials like travel-sized products. It’ll also give you less of a headache about what you need to buy or pack. 
• Place heavier items at the bottom to keep it stable. This is especially handy when you go by bus or train, as it prevents your suitcase from toppling over during sudden movements. 
• Wear your bulkiest items when you set off, especially if you're tight on space. If it's a winter trip, having your thick coats or big boots on will save you a lot of space and keep you cozy. 

Carry-on essentials for babies and kids 

Key considerations 

At the airport, going through security can be confusing — shoes off or on? Coats off or on? What about the milk? Does my baby need to finish the whole bottle before passing through? 

The answer: It depends on where you are in the world. Traveling by plane with a baby typically offers some flexibility, but guidelines vary by airline and airport regarding extra allowances for parents and kids. Research the rules at your departure and arrival airports to avoid surprises. Double-check with your airline about specific carry-on allowances, including size and weight limits. 

Must-haves in your carry-on 

We've narrowed down the most essential things you can bring through most airports for babies under two years of age: 

• Breast milk and formula. Some airports will test them if they're over 100 ml. You can also bring juice and water in reasonable quantities — have them ready to be screened separately. 
• Prescribed liquid medication over 100 ml is allowed with an appropriate prescription, so remember to bring your prescription. 
• Baby food in pouches, cans, or jars is allowed, but it usually needs to be screened. Bring ready-to-eat items, as boiled water for mixing the baby food might not be available. Extra tip: have all of your fluids and containers with powdered milk in a single bag to make things easy to reach. 
• Frozen packs: Some countries, like the United States, let you bring frozen gel packs, ice packs, and frozen breast milk in your hand luggage. Be aware that they must be solid — if not, they fall into the liquids category and will be subjected to screening. 
• Entertainment for your child. Include both familiar and new toys or games to keep them distracted. And pack their favorite stuffed animal somewhere handy. 
• Wet wipes are a must-have for parents no matter where you're traveling. If you're flying long-haul, remember to stock them up in both your carry-on and hold luggage. 
• A travel pushchair. Most airlines allow you to bring a small pushchair on board. The Bugaboo Butterfly is our one-second fold ultra-compact pushchair designed to fit in the overhead locker and it's IATA-compatible — meaning that its folded dimensions meet the requirements for carry-on luggage. Make sure to check with your airline before you travel, as policies may vary. 
• And of course, remember your phone charger, passports, and any other documentation required for your trip. 

Other things you might want to bring along include: 

• Nappies 
• Changing mat 
• Bib 
• Blanket 
• Bottles (if you use them) 
• Change of clothes, for you and your baby 
• Teething aid (if your baby is at that age) 
• An empty bag to wrap any soiled clothes 
• A couple of dummies (if you use them) 
• Antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer 

Extra products for a smoother trip 

Whether you're traveling by airplane, car, or another mode of transportation, if you have extra space, consider adding these products to your packing list — they can make all the difference in ensuring a relaxed, stress-free holiday.

Car seat 

A car seat is a must-have for infants up to 15 months old. It's designed to provide essential safety and comfort and to ensure your baby is secured properly throughout the trip. The Bugaboo Turtle Air By Nuna, for instance, combines a lightweight design with essential features to keep your baby secure and relaxed. It's compatible with all Bugaboo pushchairs to make a travel system, so it's easy to move your child between the car and pushchair without interrupting their rest. Remember to check if your car seat needs adapters to connect to your pushchair. 

Baby carrier 

Long days of traveling can be made significantly easier with a baby carrier, allowing you to keep your hands free while still having your child close. Many carriers are ergonomically designed to distribute your baby's weight evenly, minimizing strain on your back and shoulders. 

All-terrain pushchair

If you're heading off the beaten track, consider taking along a full-size pushchair that can traverse any terrain to ensure smooth journeys for your baby. Pick something easy to fold, as you'll need to fold it up for TSA checkpoints and gate-check it if you're traveling by plane. 

Pushchair transport bag 

Pushchairs can get damaged in transit, so it's essential to protect them with a dedicated bag. You can choose a travel model that lets you carry your pushchair on your back like a backpack, or pick a bag with wheels to make navigating aisles and terminals effortless. 

Sleeping bags

Keep your baby cozy and secure with a quality footmuff or sleeping bag. The Bugaboo footmuff, for example, is designed to keep your child warm and dry in various weather conditions. It’s easy to attach to your pushchair, features soft, comfortable fabric, and is machine-washable for added convenience. 

Extra blankets 

Extra blankets can serve multiple purposes throughout your journey, such as keeping your baby warm or providing a comfortable surface for naps or playtime. Make sure to choose blankets made of breathable materials, like our soft wool blanket, for year-round comfort. 

Travel cot

A travel cot acts as a safe playing area when your baby or toddler is away from home and less familiar with their surroundings. The Bugaboo Stardust travel cot features an all-in-one design with a built-in mattress that unfolds in one second, so you’re ready for rest and play in an instant. 

Changing bag and mat 

Whether you prefer a backpack or shoulder bag, choose a versatile model with plenty of compartments and space for your baby essentials. Better yet, pick something that comes with a built-in changing mat, so you're ready for any nappy changes on the go. 

Wet bags 

If you use cloth nappies, a wet bag is a must for storing soiled nappies or wet items during your travels. It lets you carry used nappies back to your hotel room without worrying about odors. It's practical, reusable, and more environment-friendly, too. 

Happy travels 

Whether you're taking to the skies or hitting the open road, remember to embrace the unpredictability that comes when traveling with young kids. By carefully considering what to pack and using smart travel strategies, you can focus on enjoying every moment with your family.