Packing for any holiday with a baby or toddler isn’t just about ticking off items on a list (although we’ve certainly provided you with one if that’s your jam). It’s about sidestepping the classic mistakes: hauling half your house across the world, realising you’ve underpacked, or discovering you brought something completely useless for the tropics.
The truth is, everybody packs differently based on the type of traveller you are. A first timer might squeeze in half the nursery ‘just in case’ while a seasoned adventurer knows they’ll be able to survive Thailand’s heat and chaos with a handful of baby grows, wet wipes and nerves of steel. So, to get you on your way we’ve prepared a ‘balanced’ packing list that caters to tropical heat and family adventures and includes tried-and-tested essentials with a few clever extras all approved by parents who have done it before.
💡 Pro Tip: Use our ultimate baby and toddler holiday packing guide as THE place to start to ensure you cover everything you might need for your trip abroad.
Check our Thailand destination guide to find out how easy it is to pick up supplies whilst you’re away. Spoiler alert, Thailand won’t let you down.
Clothes
What Baby Clothes To Pack For Thailand
- Short sleeve baby grows
- Long sleeve baby grows (for sleeping)
- Shorts and bloomers
- Dresses
- T-shirts
- Long sleeve shirt (for evenings)
- Linen trousers (for evening)s
- UPF 50 swimsuit, swim nappy, swim vest and swim hat
- Sun hat (x2) and sunglasses
- Rain mac-in-a-sac
- Jumper (one mainly for airplanes)
- Large muslin and small muslin
- Socks or sandals to cover feet when out and about
- Sleeping Bag (at least one 1.0 tog and one 0.5 tog)
What Toddler Clothes To Pack For Thailand
- Pyjamas
- T-shirts
- Linen shorts
- Dresses
- Long and short sleeve linen shirts
- Linen trousers
- Pants and bloomers
- Socks
- Sandals
- Trainers
- Beach Shoes
- UPF 50 swimsuit, swim nappy and swim hat
- Sun hat (x2) and sunglasses
- Rain mac-in-a-sac
- Jumper (one mainly for airplanes)
💡 Pro Tip: We really recommend packing linen baby and toddler clothes wherever possible. They keep kids cool and dry quickly if you get caught in the rain.
First Aid
- SPF 50 sun cream. Pack spares as you can normally get a deal at Boots vs buying when you’re out there
- Aftersun cream
- Rehydration powder such as Dioralyte
- Child pain relief including Nurofen & Calpol. Calpol can be purchased in sachets which is ideal for including in carry-on luggage or in day bag out and about
- Child-friendly mosquito spray without Deet
- Teething gel or capsules
- Child-friendly probiotic treatment
- Insect bite cream
- Antibacterial wound cream
- Mosquito Spray / Stickers / Wristbands (read our guide to avoiding mosquitoes bites with young children)
- First-aid kit
- Thermometer
Healthcare
- Baby nappies
- Toddler nappies or night pants
- Kids toothbrush and toothpaste
- Mosquito net for crib
- Mosquito net for back carrier
- Child-friendly shampoo body wash and lotion
- Infant nail clippers
- Antibacterial foam (for hands) and wipes
- Travel changing mat
- Wet wipes
- Dummies if using
Eating & Drinking
- Babies favourite formula enough to last you all holiday. Not available for all brands but we love these travel sticks which make transporting formula extremely easy and saves on space
- Pre-sterilised baby bottle and teat with pre-made formula for flight. A great backup option
- Cooler and ice packs for breastmilk
- Baby pouches or jars. You can get these out there so pack a few of their favourites as backup but plan to buy more when there.
- Baby snacks (stick to packing a few of their favourites)
- Toddler snacks (stick to packing a few of their favourites)
- Toddler water bottle
- Baby sippy cup
- Baby bib and spoon
- Toddler travel cutlery which might feel like a luxury but when you’re toddler keeps jabbing their mouth with an adult fork when you’re eating out you’ll thank us.
- Travel steriliser and sterilising tablets
- Baby bottle and teats
- Breast pump, extra pump parts, storage bags and breast pads
- Cleaning brush for bottles, teats and breast pump
- Fabric chair which can be attached to chairs in restaurants when they don’t have a baby chair available.
All The Extra Bits
- Comforter or soft toy
- A few carefully chosen toys and books
- Baby monitor
- Baby travel cot and Toddler travel bed – read our guide here to help you decide what’s needed
- Back carrier, front carrier, toddler carrier – read our guide here to help you decide what’s needed
- Rain cover and sunshade for back carrier
- Packing cubes (game changer)
- Laundry detergent
- Portable washing line with pegs for those inevitable mishaps
- Washing up liquid and sponge
- Foldable toilet seat and whiz cup
- Wet & Dry bag for dirty clothes and spares
- Tupperware and snack pots with lids
- Sandwich bags and sandwich bag clips
- Draw string bags for containing toys on airplanes and on-the-go
- Beach towel for baby and toddler
- Toddler arm bands
- Baby inflatable rubber ring
- Toddler wrist leash for when you’re rushing through the airport carrying all the bags
- Car seat for baby and toddler
Paperwork
- Passports and photocopy of passports
- Tickets
- Driver’s license
- International driver’s license
- Photocopy of child’s birth certificate (you just don’t know, better to have it)
🧠 Improving Your Packing Mindset
- Pack for the climate, not the ‘what ifs’. Thailand is hot and humid so think light cotton baby grows, quick-dry clothes and plenty of hats. Leave behind the bulky “just in case” extras you’ll never use.
- Plan for laundry. Most hotels and local laundries offer same-day service for cheap, so you don’t need 20 baby outfits. Plan for a each outfit to cover 2 days and wash as you go.
- Double up on essentials, not clothes. Items like sun cream, swim nappies, and medicine may be harder to find in your brand of choice so bring enough. Clothes, toys, and snacks? Easy to replace locally.
- Think hands-free. A good baby carrier often beats a stroller in Thailand’s busy markets and uneven pavements. If you bring a buggy, make it lightweight and foldable.
- Leave room for souvenirs. From cute Thai baby clothes to toys, you’ll pick up things along the way so don’t fill the suitcase to the brim on day one.
❓ Your Top 5 FAQs About Packing For Thailand With A Baby & Toddler
Q: Can I buy nappies and baby food in Thailand?
A. Yes, supermarkets like Tops, Big C and 7-Eleven stock nappies, wipes, baby snacks and sometimes formula. You’ll be fine for basics, but if your baby needs a specific brand of formula bring enough from home.
Q: Do I need to pack a travel cot?
A. Most family-friendly hotels in Thailand provide cots on request. Always confirm in advance. For flexibility, consider a lightweight travel crib (like this one) if you’re staying in smaller guesthouses or Airbnbs.
Q: Is a stroller or baby carrier better for Thailand?
A. A lightweight stroller with shade is handy for airports and malls but many streets and markets aren’t stroller-friendly. A breathable baby carrier is a lifesaver for busy or uneven areas. Most parents end up using both. We recommend a back carrier with built in shade and rain cover.
Q: What’s the one thing parents always forget?
A. A wide brimmed baby sunhat or UV long sleeve swimsuit. The tropical sun is strong, and these small items make a big difference in keeping your little one safe and comfortable.