150+ Flight-Tested Carry On Packing List Essentials for Families
This genius carry on luggage packing list will shrink your luggage. Do you know what’s better than traveling? Traveling with your DIY best friend who loves seeing new places just as much as you do. Toddler travel is so much fun because they amplify everything that’s fun about travel! After taking my babies on over 150 flights, I’ve got the packing list down to an art, er, science?
This is the secret that took us from The Finest to cruising the Caribbean and all the way to Wyoming.
Hint: Wash everything two days before travel and pack everything the day before. Lay out the clothes you plan to wear on the plane, including shoes.
The Carry On Packing List Basics
These are the untouchables. Everything I ALWAYS pack when traveling with my toddler and baby. This all goes in my Away roller bag aka “The Bigger Carry-On”.
To get more out of less, choose dual-purpose items and use a capsule-style wardrobe where all elements coordinate. I use this method for me and the kids.
I plan to do laundry at least every few days. With the boys, we inevitably run through more shirts than any normal human would.
- Sound machine
- Daily diapers
- Daily wipes
- Bottles/formula/pumping supplies
- Sleep suit
- 4-5 outfits (one always in the diaper bag)
- 2 pairs of shoes (one to wear through the airport)
- Baseball hat
- Pajamas
- Makeup bag
- Toothbrushes
- Medications (teething, creams, adult vitamins, etc)
- Dish soap, laundry soap, bottle brush
- Car seat cover (doubles as a nursing cover, helps baby nap in overstimulating airports or taxis)
- Car seat (Doona & Seneca)
- Car seat bag(s)
Personal Item aka The Diaper Bag
I’m not one for a traditional diaper bag but this Camelback backpack has worked so well over the last four years.
- Wallet
- Water bottle (you can bring water through TSA with kids under 2)
- Amma nursing wrap
- Diaper Go-Bag
- LMNT electrolyte packets, tea bags
- Charger
- Teething meds (earthly & camilia drops)
- Pacifier
- Toys
- Snacks
- Water proof bag for emergency change of clothes
Diaper Change Go Bag
This little zipper bag goes everywhere with us, I can slip in just what I need and the changing mat has saved us in so many travel situations where there isn’t a changing table. Here are the infant travel must haves:
- 4 diapers
- Small pack wipes
- Changing pad
- Lotion
- Baby change of clothes
Get the printable list.
Create your own using my template in Canva.
I am dying to know your must-haves. Is there something you swear by? Tell me in the comments!
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