Our little one will be turning one right before our Ireland adventure! we are sharing items we’re packing to make the trip smooth, fun, and comfortable. From cozy outfits for unpredictable weather to must have gear for hikes and rainy days, here’s our ultimate packing list for traveling with a baby.
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Daily Outfits & Layers
Traveling in May means unpredictable weather in Ireland, so we’re packing layers to keep our little one cozy and comfortable for both indoors and out.
- Raincoat for Baby / waterproof jacket : We love these options and plan to bring two, one lined for extra warmth and rain protection, and a lightweight option for milder days.
- Soft knit baby beanie hats: : Affordable, adorable, and versatile, these beanies keep baby warm and go with everything.
- Waterproof Rain Pants for Baby: A special find just for this trip! High quality and perfect for splashing through rainy Irish days.
- Fleece sweaters : Our go-to fleece for layering. It is easy to throw over a T-shirt or long sleeve and remove as the weather changes.
- Shoes/boots: Baby isn’t walking yet, but we’re prepared! Bringing wide-toe walking shoes and rain boots just in case those first steps happen on our adventure or right before!
Baby gear and Essentials
Traveling with a little one takes a bit of planning, but the right things can makes all the difference. From sleep must-haves to on-the-go diaper changes and travel-friendly entertainment, we’re packing the essentials to help keep our days smooth while exploring Ireland with a one-year-old.
- Diaper supplies : Traveling with a little one means being prepared! We’re bringing an all-in-one changing pad. It is perfect for on-the-go diaper changes and even airplane use. These travel poop bags are a lifesaver, making diaper disposal easier and keeping odors contained.
- Travel-friendly toys: Keeping baby entertained is key! We love these toy straps for attaching toys to the stroller or plane seat. Our little one is obsessed with these indestructible books, and we’re adding a this new activity book for longer car rides on travel days.
- Sleep essentials: With a 6-hour time change, we’re pulling out all the stops to keep sleep as normal as possible. Our must-haves include a slumber pod, travel crib, and favorite sound machine, everything to help baby sleep peacefully anywhere.
- Travel stroller : This travel stroller has been a game-changer! Perfect for younger babies too (3 months and up), it reclines safely for little ones not yet sitting independently. It folds compactly and even fits in the airplane overhead bin.
- Bottle washer kit: Baby boy is still on bottles and breastmilk, so we’re bringing this travel-friendly bottle washer kit to keep everything clean, organized, and ready for feeding on the go. We have used this on multiple trips and it is great to have!
Hiking and outdoor gear
Exploring Ireland means embracing the outdoors and we’re packing gear that makes it easy (and safe!) to bring baby along for the adventure.
- Baby hiking backpack carrier: This was a new purchase specifically for our trip, and we’re so excited about it. It folds more compactly than most hiking carriers, making it ideal for travel. It’ll be essential for scenic hikes, cliffside walks, and areas where a stroller just won’t work. Having baby secure and comfortable while we explore Ireland’s breathtaking views gives us so much peace of mind.
- Rain cover for carrier: Bringing this for those rainy days to keep baby and the backpack dry!
- Hat & sun protection: Ireland’s weather can surprise you so we’re packing for sunshine, too. Bringing along lightweight sun protection essentials ensures baby stays comfortable whether it’s cloudy or bright.
- Lightweight blankets: Layers, layers and more layers! Perfect for adding warmth in the carrier, during stroller naps, or while taking in the views.
Meals and snacks on the go
When traveling with a one-year-old, snacks are truly your secret weapon. Having easy options ready to grab can buy you time, prevent meltdowns, and keep everyone happy between stops.
- On the go snacks: We’re packing our go-to favorites like puffs, yogurt melts, and applesauce pouches (with reusable pouch tops to minimize mess). These are perfect for travel days, car rides, and sightseeing breaks.
- Bibs & clean up essentials: Snacks and travel can get messy fast, so we’re bringing a few simple essentials to make cleanup quick and stress-free.
- Travel-friendly snack containers: We love this divided snack box and plan to keep it fully stocked for the plane and everyday adventures around Ireland. The more snacks, the better!
- Milk/formula prep: Since baby will still be on breastmilk, we had it freeze-dried through Milkify for easier travel. We’re bringing a travel organizer for the breastmilk powder so we can simply add water when we’re out and about, very similar to preparing formula, and much more convenient for travel days
Miscellaneous and extras
- Stroller accessories : We’re bringing a stroller rain cover (clearly we’re preparing for Irish rain 😅) and our favorite cup holder. Fewer things in your hands = a much easier day when you’re juggling a 1 year old and sightseeing.
- Tripod and Polaroid Camera: We’re packing a lightweight Tripod to (hopefully!) capture some beautiful family photos. We also never travel without our Polaroid camera which makes documenting trips so much fun, and the instant photos are such sweet keepsakes.
- Packing cubes: I haven’t traveled without packing cubes in years, and having a baby made me appreciate them even more. We like to separate and pack based on legs of the trip, it helps to keep things organized when moving from place to place!
A few things we are skipping
- No Bulky Stroller: We’re leaving our full-size stroller at home and relying on our compact travel stroller and baby carrier instead. Lighter and easier for airports, cobblestone streets, and moving between stops.
- No Excessive Outfits: Since we’ll have access to laundry, we’re planning on outfit repeats! Fewer clothes means more space and less overpacking.
- No Full-Size Bath Supplies or Toiletries: We’re sticking to travel sizes and only the basics to save space.
- Minimal Toys: Just a few favorites and comfort items. New places are exciting enough and we don’t need to pack the entire toy bin.
Final Thoughts: Packing Light but Smart
Traveling internationally with a one-year-old feels intimidating, but we’re focusing on layers, rain protection, and flexibility.
Ireland is known for its beauty, rain and all, and we want to be prepared without bringing our entire house.
After the trip, I’ll share what we actually used vs. what we could have left at home.