A Weekend Getaway with a Baby: The Packing List
Less than you think, as long as you manage your sleep and eating well.
When packing for a weekend, things often go wrong in two ways at once: too many clothes and not enough of the things that make a difference.
Sleep First
This is the one thing you shouldn’t improvise on. A place to sleep, the familiar fitted sheet, and the sleeping bag your child is used to. That’s more important than any toy. See why having their own place to sleep helps when staying overnight.
Clothes: calculate per day, plus two
One set a day plus two extras is enough for two nights. Choose layers instead of bulky pieces, so you can adjust your outfit without having to change everything.
Food and Drink
Pack the foods your child is used to, even if you can buy them along the way. A weekend is too short to get used to a different brand or flavor, and a missed feeding can ruin your whole evening.
Care: Keep it small
Diapers for the duration of the trip, plus a handful of spares, wipes, a changing pad, and whatever cream you use at home. You can buy the rest there if necessary.
What You Can Leave at Home
The playpen, the entire collection of toys, and the second pair of shoes. Two familiar things are worth more than ten new ones.
A separate bag for when you're on the go
Keep the things you'll need in the car or on the train separate from your suitcase. Otherwise, you'll end up unloading the entire trunk in a parking lot. See what to pack in your diaper bag.
Staying longer? Read “Vacation with Two Little Ones.”
