Traveling with a 3-Month-Old: What to Pack & What to Expect
Originally posted: Holiday Season 2021
We did it—our first trip as a family of three.
Before diving into the holiday madness, my husband and I took a “test trip” with our 3-month-old daughter from D.C. to Pittsburgh. Four hours by car, a house full of family, and a whole lot of baby gear.
Here’s what we brought, what we forgot, and what we’ll never travel without again.
🚼 Diapering Essentials
Plenty of diapers & wipes – We underestimated big time. Always pack more than you think.
Extra changing pad – One for your bag, one for wherever you’re staying (especially helpful for places with light carpet—hi, Dad’s house).
Puppy bags – Aka "poopy bags" for containing the smell of used diapers—essential for shared homes. Keep a roll in your diaper bag.
🌙 Bedtime Setup
Pack & Play – Some hotels offer one, but we always bring ours to be safe.
SlumberPod – Game-changer. This black-out tent gives baby their own dark space—even when you're all sharing one room.
Two swaddles – Trust me. If one gets gross at 2am, you’ll want a backup.
Two sets of sheets – Use sheets from home to make sleep feel familiar.
Noise machine – Ours goes under the Pack & Play and helps with sleep cues.
Video monitor – Especially handy in larger homes or if baby’s sleeping upstairs.
Bedtime book – We brought our usual book from home to keep the routine consistent.
🍼 Feeding Essentials (for Nursing)
Pump – Even if you think you won’t need it. It gives you options.
Freezer pack & milk – For emergency bottles, a night out, or travel delays.
Bottles – We used the Kiinde system to cut down on cleaning.
👕 Baby Clothing & Laundry
At least 2 outfits per day – Blowouts happen.
Tons of bibs & swaddle blankets – For spit-up, dribbles, and staying clean in someone else’s house.
Travel-sized Dreft – For emergency laundry runs.
Pop-up laundry bag – Helpful to keep baby stuff separate.
🧰 Other Must-Haves
Thermometer + Baby Tylenol – Just in case
Multiple pacifiers – Car seat, crib, diaper bag—you’ll lose one. Or three.
Packing cubes – Game-changer. Our daughter had her own suitcase and color-coded cubes.
Nice camera – For those sweet, sleepy baby travel moments.
Passport – If you're going international (start early).
Car seat + stroller – We skipped the big jogger and brought a smaller, collapsible one.
Bungee cords – Helped secure things in the car trunk.
Baby carrier – Great for sightseeing or airport navigation.
Pop-up tent – Not needed at 3 months, but once your baby’s mobile, it’s a must for the beach or backyard.
👩👩👦 Notes for Parents
Yes, we’ve traveled a lot. And yes—traveling with a baby is totally different.
People say, “Travel while they’re little, it’s easy!”
And… it can be. But you also have to adjust your expectations.
You’ll stop more often.
You’ll be “housebound” for bedtime (unless you have help).
There is no such thing as “packing light.” Period.
It might take longer to get there, to settle in, and to enjoy the trip—but it’s still so worth it.
We’re beyond excited to show Emilie the world—and just as excited for future couple-only trips when Grandma’s on duty. 😉
If you’re planning to travel with a baby—or trying to decide if you should—I’d love to help you feel prepared and confident.
📥 Start now with us, and let’s make your first (or next) family adventure feel less like a juggle.
🧳 Ready when you are. Let’s Adventure Smarter.