Vacation is approaching, and perhaps your first long trip with baby, and you need to plan a number of things.

Going on vacation with a 2-month-old baby, for example, is no easy feat… Don't panic!

To help you go to the sun (or not) with complete peace of mind, here's a small checklist of essentials for a calm baby on vacation. (non-exhaustive list)

Vacation essentials

• You don't always think about it, but remember to bring their ID card or passport, especially if you plan to go abroad or if you have to take a plane, even within France; indeed, the family record book is not sufficient. There is still time to complete the formalities before your departure; especially since you can now make your request online.
• Don't forget the health record either, useful in case of a mishap.
• Other essentials, perhaps obvious to you, but don't forget their comfort blanket(s), 2/3 pacifiers (if baby uses them) and their favorite toy.

Pack a few more clothes than the number of travel days. For those little accidents ^^. Keep 2/3 outfits in the changing bag. Opt for lightweight natural fiber layette like bloomers, rompers, and plenty of bodysuits for hot weather.

However, don't bring baby's entire wardrobe. A small bottle of hand laundry detergent can easily slip into your suitcase if you don't have access to a washing machine during your stay.

Also pack 2 sleeping bags for cooler nights.

For meals

Feeding baby while traveling is less complicated than you might think.

If you're breastfeeding, your suitcase will be a bit lighter. Consider a maxi swaddle for discreet breastfeeding. (Discover the Carotte & Cie collection)

If you're on the bottle-feeding team, perhaps you already feed baby with room-temperature bottles; otherwise, there are now compact bottle warmers for travel.

Bring 4 bottles and as many teats; also bring a box with a few doses of milk (ideally, have 4 doses within reach) and a large bottle of water suitable for baby, preferably transferred to a stainless steel or glass flask to avoid chemical migration from plastic bottles, especially in hot weather.

Bring a cooler or use the refrigerated glove compartment for car journeys.

Also bring a full box (or more depending on the duration of your trip) and a bottle brush to properly wash bottles in your suitcase.

¾ bibs in the bag during the trip are usually enough (Discover Carotte & Cie models). A maxi swaddle can also come in handy as it's very absorbent. Add 2/3 more to your suitcase.

If baby is already older, 8 months and up, and can sit up well, consider taking a portable booster seat to seat baby at the table with you.

For care

Even more packed than mom's vanity, baby's toiletry bag is simply essential.

For the journey and in your changing bag, plan a travel pouch (Discover Carotte & Cie pouches) with as many diapers as the planned travel hours + 3/4 for unexpected situations.

If, like me, you're a fan of washable wipes, bring about ten wipes with a dedicated pouch to store dirty wipes during the journey + a liniment or micellar water for changing, and ideally 2 towels/changing mats/travel blankets (Discover the Carotte & Cie selection)

For the duration of your stay, don't forget their soap and shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, a nasal aspirator, nail scissors, a hairbrush, and a towel or bathrobe.

A bath reducer can be the least bulky option if you don't have the right equipment on site!

If you're going to a sunny destination, it's essential to bring sunscreen with maximum SPF (+50)!

A thermal water mist is ideal for the whole family in case of strong heat.

Also pack a first-aid kit to avoid having to buy on site:

• Saline solution
• Thermometer
• Paracetamol
• Diaper rash cream
• Various homeopathy: arnica montana, apis mallefica & ledum palustre (for mosquitoes), nux vomica (for minor stomach bugs)
• A few bandages
• An antiseptic spray

For sleeping

It's best to check before you leave to find out what equipment is provided at your vacation spot.

Otherwise, a travel cot or a car seat (for very young babies) may suffice. We invested in a compact Babybjörn travel cot and were more than delighted with it.

As mentioned above, pack 2 sleeping bags for cooler nights.
Also pack a small night light in your bag if needed. And for extra security, also bring the baby monitor with batteries or charger!

For walks

It all depends on the walk; if you're taking baby to tourist spots, don't over-encumber yourself.

A baby carrier is often the easiest solution.

Don't forget a hat and sunscreen, as well as a maxi swaddle for the stroller.

You might not necessarily think about it, but sunglasses are also essential in summer to protect baby's more fragile eyes.

I hope this "little" list will reassure you and allow you to prepare for baby's first vacation with serenity, stress-free.

Discover our selection of products for serene travel with baby, as well as our exclusive collections on the ESHOP

All that's left is to pack your bags and enjoy your vacation!

Download our checklist for free!