How to Pack for Traveling with a 5-Month-Old (Without Losing Your Mind)

Traveling with a baby doesn’t have to be a full-on panic spiral. At 5 months old, your little one still needs a lot, but I promise—you don’t have to bring the whole nursery.

After taking a few trips with my baby in tow, I’ve figured out what actually matters when it comes to packing.

This post is your cozy, realistic guide for what to bring (and what to leave behind) when flying or road-tripping with your 5-month-old, and some of my favorite recommendations.

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What to Pack in Your Suitcase

These are items that can go in your main luggage or checked bag (or stay in the trunk if you’re road-tripping).

Clothing

• 4-6 outfits (depending on length of stay + spit-up frequency)

• 1-2 warm layers (zip hoodie or soft knit sweater)

• 4-6 pajamas (depending on length of stay)

• Socks, mittens, and hats

• Swimsuit, swim diapers, & sunhat (if applicable)

• Towels (if they won’t be available)

Sleep Gear

• Travel crib or Pack ‘n Play + extra sheet (lightweight is key)

• Portable sound machine

• Favorite sleep sack(s) or swaddle(s)

• Portable baby monitor

Feeding

• Formula, breast pump, or bottles (plus extras!)

• Bottle brush + travel-sized dish soap

• Bibs + burp cloths

• Baby-safe dish and/or feeding spoon (if starting solids)

• Nursing pillow (can double as a neck pillow!)

Toiletries

• Diapers + wipes (pack enough for vacation days + 1-2 full days extra just in case)

• Baby shampoo/body wash

• Lotion (especially if flying—dry skin alert!)

• Nail clippers/electric nail file

• Baby brush or comb

Health Supplies

• Baby safe pain reliever

• Thermometer

• Nasal aspirator

• Saline mist

• Baby toothbrush

• First aid kit

Safety

• Car seat—while it’s not required, the FAA and AAP recommend having your baby in their car seat while flying, you’ll also probably need it where you’re going (but it can be checked for free, although I wouldn’t trust it to be handled delicately)

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What to Pack in Your Diaper Bag/Carry-On

This is your in-transit survival kit. Keep it light, but well stocked.

Essentials

• Diapers (1 for every hour of actual travel) + Wipes + Changing Pad

• 1-2 extra onesies + sleeper

• Small blanket

• Pacifiers + clips (if used)

• Teether and soft toy

• Small board book

• 1 bottle or feed’s worth of milk/formula (potentially more depending on length of travel, you know your baby best)

• Diaper cream

Mom Life Savers

• Hand sanitizer

• Ziplock bags or wet bag—for blowout clothed

• Small trash bags—for used diapers and wipes

• Extra shirt for you (trust me)

• Snacks + water bottle for you

• Baby carrier—especially helpful in airports or during rest stops

Optional But Nice to Have Extras

• Collapsible stroller or travel stroller (can be checked for free!)

• Clip-on stroller fan

• Portable formula container—so you can make the freshest bottle possible

• Portable bottle warmer (if your baby is picky like mine)

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Travel Day Tips

“Don’t try to be perfect—try to be prepared enough.”

That’s been my mantra every time we travel with baby. Things will go wrong. You’ll forget something. But your baby needs you more than anything you pack. You can always go to Target.

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Final Thoughts

Packing for a 5-month-old can feel like a mission, but once you have your checklist down, it gets easier. This stage is sweet—even if your suitcase is bursting at the seams. Stay calm, stay flexible, and most importantly: don’t forget the snacks (for you).

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Did I miss anything? Or maybe you grabbed something at the last second because you saw this list and you needed it! Either way, let me know either in the comments or on socials! Let’s stay prepared!✨

*Looks like it’s out of stock right now but this one looks pretty similar!

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