Here’s what you need when travelling with a baby:

Travelling and going on holiday for the first time with your baby, no matter how old, can be both exciting and daunting.

Have I packed everything I need? What if I haven’t? Is there somewhere to stock up? What if the baby doesn’t like the trip?

These and other questions fill your mind to such an extent that you even consider staying home as a better option.

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“Don’t worry mom and dad, you’ve got this,” commented Mario Correia, brand manager for baby brands Milton and Karvol.

“A way to avoid the packing jitters is to make a list a few days before to see what you use daily and add to the list.”

When travelling with a baby, you will need to pack two bags – one for the trip and one while you are away.
There will be an overlap of some items, but only pack enough for while you are travelling in a smaller bag to aid easy access.

While travelling, you will need:
• If you are flying don’t forget your baby’s passport, unabridged birth certificate and if needed, a consent letter from their other parent. Also, keep these documents within easy reach not to get flustered while looking for everything.

• Whether you are travelling by air or road, pack an easy-to-get-to baby bag. Items in this bag should be everything you need for the trip, such as – nappies, bum cream, plastic bags for the soiled nappies, toys, blankets (more than one in case something messes on one), bottles and formula (enough for the trip) and food (enough for the trip).

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• If travelling by car, have your car seat installed.

• Always pack more items than you need in case there is an unforeseen delay at the airport or a traffic jam.

• The first rule is to make it easy for yourself because a flustered parent makes a flustered baby.
The above items will also be needed while on holiday. Pack enough of them in a separate bag for when you unpack later.

Other items you may need while on holiday include:
• Find out if you need to take a camp cot or if the place you are staying provides one. You need to make the baby feel as comfortable as possible while away.

• Babies can get congested when travelling, so have the appropriate medications for this on hand.

• Check the weather before going to ensure packing the right clothes for the weather. Being too hot or too cold will leave the baby feeling uncomfortable and miserable.

• Don’t forget to sterilise your baby’s bottles and plastic toys while away.

• Sterilising tables need to be packed along with everything else. If you are unsure about the drinking water where you are, these tablets can also be used to sterilise water to make it safe for drinking.

• A baby’s skin is very sensitive. Don’t forget to pack baby sunscreen and applied at all times.

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• When out in the sun, ensure that the baby is covered and placed in the shade or under an umbrella.

• Always wear a hat.

• If you have a lightweight pram, use it instead of the bigger pram to save packing space.

• If the baby will sleep in a separate room, pack your monitor to give you peace of mind while away.
“Every family is different.

There may be many other items to include on this list.

“Use it as a starting point and add what you know will need to make your and baby’s life comfortable while enjoying your holiday,” suggested Correia.