Going away? What to pack for baby’s first holiday
by Folk & Thread
First family trip on the horizon? Exciting! But also… mildly terrifying? We get it. Packing for a baby is like preparing for a minor expedition - especially when you’re trying to strike that impossible balance between being prepared and not taking the entire contents of your home. The good news? You don’t need it all. And a few clever choices (plus some familiar comforts from home) can make all the difference to everyone’s enjoyment - and sleep.
Keeping it familiar (but flexible)
It’s totally normal for sleep routines to wobble a bit on holiday. New smells, new spaces, different beds—it takes babies a while to adjust, just like it does for us. But keeping a few familiar cues can help. Their usual bath routine, the same baby sleep bag, a favourite storybook or soft toy—they’re all subtle signals that say: “you’re safe, and it’s time to rest.”That said, it’s also okay to relax the rules a bit. If naps happen in the buggy instead of the cot, or bedtime’s a bit later than usual, don’t sweat it. Holidays are for winding down, not winding yourself up.
Our holiday checklist
Sun cream applicator
Getting SPF onto a wriggly baby is not for the faint-hearted. A sponge or brush-style applicator makes it a whole lot easier—and a lot less messy.
A proper sunshade
Please don’t drape a muslin over the pram—it can trap heat and doesn’t offer proper UV protection. Look for a snooze shade or purpose-made pram sun cover with breathable, UPF-rated fabric.
A baby carrier
Especially handy for sightseeing or sandy beaches where the buggy might struggle. Opt for something light and breathable.
Universal blanket
Our Folk & Thread cellular blanket is a holiday hero—light enough for warm days but perfect for layering up if the temperature dips at night or in air-conditioned spaces.
Foldable bath mat or anti-slip pads
Hotel bathrooms can be slippery. If you're travelling abroad and leaving the baby bath behind, a simple fold-up mat keeps bath time safe and stress-free.
0.5 tog sleep bag
Our lightweight 0.5 tog sleep bags are ideal for warmer climates and unfamiliar rooms. It helps maintain sleep cues while keeping baby comfy and cool. (The new Whitby design is our go-to for holiday vibes.)
Storage bags
Staying organised is a lifesaver. Packing cubes, zipped pouches, or even labelled freezer bags can help keep outfit changes, nappies, and bedtime essentials neatly sorted and easy to grab when you need them most.
Blackout blind
A portable one is worth its weight in gold when you're trying to convince baby it’s bedtime at 6pm in a still-sunny hotel room.
Toy bag for travel
Bring a mix of familiar favourites and a few surprises to keep them entertained en route. (And maybe, just maybe, quiet.)
Antibacterial wipes
Handy for wiping down travel cots, highchairs, or any unfamiliar surfaces when you arrive. It’s always nice to start fresh.
Final thought…
Whatever you forget, remember this: you can usually buy or borrow most things if you need to. What matters most is that you’ve made time to be together, and that’s what your baby will feel more than anything else.
It’s also a good idea to send a checklist ahead to your accommodation to confirm the essentials like a travel cot, mattress, clean sheets and a highchair. Most hotels and rentals are well geared towards babies, but a quick message can save you a last-minute panic when you arrive.
Holidays with a baby might not be the lie-in-filled getaways of the past, but they’re full of firsts, giggles, and sleepy snuggles in new places. With a bit of prep, you can keep things simple, relaxed, and full of memory-making moments-for both of you.
