Everything You Need to Pack for a Cruise with a Baby and Toddler
Ready to pack for a cruise with a baby and toddler? I’ve got all the tips you need to keep things simple and your trip stress-free.
Planning a cruise with a baby and toddler can feel like a big adventure — exciting but a little overwhelming.
If this is your first cruise with little ones, you’re probably wondering what you absolutely need to pack. Well, you’re in the right place!
My husband and I recently cruised with our 6-month-old and 2-year-old, so I know exactly what it takes to have a smooth, enjoyable trip. From stroller essentials to beach gear, I’ll share the items that made our cruise stress-free and fun for both us and the kids.
One of the best decisions we made was bringing a Baby Jogger Travel Stroller and a baby carrier.
This combo allowed us to keep both kids comfortable and maintain their nap schedules while still enjoying the cruise activities. At night, after shows, both kids would be exhausted, but the stroller and carrier gave us the flexibility to continue exploring the ship while they rested.
I’ll show you how to pack smart, keep things organized, and share practical tips to make your cruise a breeze.
What to Pack for a Cruise with a Baby and Toddler?
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Stroller Essentials
When cruising with a baby or toddler, your stroller becomes a key player in making everything easier.
The umbrella stroller is a popular choice because it’s lightweight, easy to fold, and perfect for navigating crowded cruise decks. Look for one that reclines so your little one can nap comfortably while you’re out exploring. It’s also a bonus if it’s tall enough for both you and your partner to push without straining your back.
For our cruise on Royal Caribbean, we brought a Baby Jogger Travel Stroller ( Ultra-lightweight, Ultra-compact because we wanted to stick to nap time for our 6-month-old. We also brought a baby carrier for the baby, which allowed us to use the stroller for our 2-year-old.
This setup was especially useful at night, after shows, when both kids were exhausted from their day. My husband and I could still enjoy the ship while the kids rested comfortably — one in the stroller, the other in the carrier.
Don’t forget to pack some handy accessories to go with the stroller.
A stroller fan is a lifesaver, especially if you’re cruising in warm destinations. Opt for a fan that has a flexible, claw-like attachment that can be secured to the stroller, and make sure it’s USB rechargeable for convenience.
Another must-have is a set of stroller hooks. These are perfect for hanging bags, snacks, and other essentials, giving you more room to handle the baby. And if you have a toddler who likes to walk, a walk-along stroller handle is a great solution. It’s an extra handle that attaches to the stroller so your toddler can walk beside you while staying close and safe.
Sleeping Arrangements
Sleep is precious, especially on vacation.
Thankfully, most cruise lines provide a crib or pack-and-play for your little one. Just be sure to request it ahead of time when booking your cruise or at least two weeks before departure.
On our Royal Caribbean cruise, we booked a crib for our 6-month-old, and for our 2-year-old, we used the pull-out sofa bed in the cabin. This setup worked perfectly and gave both kids their own comfortable space to sleep.
If your toddler no longer uses a crib, an inflatable travel bed is another option, or you can use the cruise’s sofa bed like we did. If you’re worried about them rolling off, bring along some travel bumpers that can be tucked under the fitted sheets for extra safety. And speaking of sheets, while most cruises provide them, it’s always a good idea to pack your own fitted sheet for the crib or bed, just in case.
Don’t forget the little things that help with sleep! A sound machine can be a lifesaver in blocking out hallway noise, while a night light ensures your baby or toddler feels secure in the unfamiliar space. Of course, a favorite comfort blanket or stuffed animal is a must to help them settle into their new surroundings.
Health and Safety Must-Haves
When you’re on a cruise, being prepared for any health concerns is key.
We made sure to pack a well-stocked medicine kit that included allergy medicine and electrolytes for kids — a must for long, active days on the ship. You never know when your little ones might need some extra hydration or relief from unexpected allergies. Make sure to include other essentials like a thermometer, fever medicine, and something for colds, just in case. If your toddler is prone to motion sickness, it’s also wise to pack some medication for that.
Traveling also means you’ll need your little one’s passports or birth certificates on hand, so make sure these are stored somewhere safe but accessible. It’s a good idea to keep copies as backups in case anything gets misplaced.
For safety, especially during beach outings or pool time, pack a floatie or life jacket for your toddler. While some cruise lines provide life jackets, it’s always better to bring one that your child is already comfortable with. Safety wristbands with your contact information are a great precaution if your child likes to wander or you’re visiting busy areas on shore excursions.
Lastly, cruise ships can be big and busy, so packing a baby carrier or hip seat carrier for excursions where strollers may not be practical is a smart move. It’ll keep your baby close and safe, leaving you with free hands to navigate the ship or new surroundings.
Feeding Essentials
Feeding little ones on a cruise can be tricky, but with the right gear, it becomes much easier.
We made sure to pack disposable placemats, which were a game-changer during meals. These placemats helped keep surfaces clean and made post-meal clean-up quick and easy, especially in restaurants and buffet areas. They also gave us peace of mind knowing our baby had a clean space to eat.
Make sure to pack enough bottles, sippy cups, or water bottles for your baby and toddler. Look for ones that are spill-proof to avoid any messes while out exploring the ship. If your baby is still on formula, bring extra—running out in the middle of the ocean is not something you want to deal with! For toddlers, it’s also a good idea to pack their favorite snacks. While cruise ships have plenty of food options, familiar snacks can save the day when your little one gets picky.
Don’t forget bibs—disposable ones are great for less mess and easy cleanup, but a silicone bib with a food-catching pocket is just as handy. Bring travel utensils too, since most cruise restaurants won’t have kid-sized forks and spoons.
For on-the-go clean-ups, pack dish soap to wash bottles, sippy cups, and utensils, as well as a portable baby bottle brush kit for deep cleaning those hard-to-reach places. If you’re still breastfeeding, make sure to bring your breast pumpand charger, along with breast milk bags and a small cooler to store milk during the day. Having a compact cooler will also come in handy for storing snacks or formula.
With these essentials packed, you’ll be ready for stress-free meals wherever you are on the cruise!
Diapering and Bathing Supplies
Cruise life with a baby or toddler means diaper changes on the go, so it’s essential to have a well-stocked diaper bag.
Rather than a traditional diaper bag, some parents prefer to use a beach bag with an open design—this makes it easier to grab things quickly, especially when you’re juggling more than one little one. Pack plenty of diapers, wipes, and diaper baggies to contain any messes. Bringing a wet bag is also a great idea for storing soiled clothes or swimwear after a fun day at the pool.
If you’re working on potty training, a foldable travel potty seat can be a game changer. Cruise ship bathrooms can be a little intimidating for toddlers, especially with the loud flushing sounds, so having a familiar seat can help them feel more comfortable. It’s compact enough to tuck into your beach bag and can be easily stored in your cabin.
Bath time on a cruise can be a bit of a challenge since most cabins don’t have bathtubs. If your little one isn’t ready for a shower, consider bringing a collapsible laundry bucket. It’s the perfect size for giving your baby or toddler a quick wash, and you can also fill it with water for a splash session on the balcony while their older siblings play in the splash pad. Don’t forget swim diapers for pool time and plenty of sunscreen to protect their delicate skin during outdoor fun.
These simple diapering and bathing essentials will make it easy to keep your baby or toddler clean and comfortable throughout your cruise.
Beach and Excursion Gear
If your cruise includes stops at tropical destinations, you’ll want to be prepared for beach days and excursions with your little ones.
Start with a sturdy beach bag—one that’s big enough to hold all your gear but lightweight and collapsible for easy packing. It’s essential to bring swim diapers for your baby or toddler, as most cruise ship pools won’t allow regular diapers. A pair of water shoes is also a good idea to protect their feet from hot sand or slippery pool decks.
Sunscreen is a must for everyone, but especially for your little ones. Bring both a spray sunscreen for the body and a stick sunscreen for easy application on their face. Sun protection is key, so don’t forget a sun hat to shield their face from direct sunlight.
For fun at the beach, pack some lightweight sand toys, like a bucket and shovel, to keep your toddler entertained. Many parents also recommend bringing a floatie or inflatable pool toy for extra safety and fun in the water.
If you’re planning any shore excursions, check whether you’ll need a car seat. While some destinations offer transportation that includes car seats, it’s always a good idea to check in advance or bring your own travel-friendly version. For toddlers who love to walk, having a walk-along stroller handle is a great way to keep them close during excursions.
With these essentials, you’ll be ready for sunny beach days and safe, fun excursions with your little ones!
Entertainment and Comfort
Keeping your little ones entertained during downtime on the cruise is crucial, whether you’re relaxing in your cabin or waiting for a meal.
Packing a few small travel toys is always a good idea. Magnetic toys, like magnetic tiles, work especially well on cruise ships since the cabin walls are often metal. Your toddler can enjoy building and playing right on the wall!
Another great option is an ocean themed busy book or coloring book, which helps keep their hands busy during quiet moments. If your child enjoys building things, Play-Doh or monster trucks can also be fun to bring along, as they’re small, easy to pack, and engaging.
For toddlers who love tech, a tablet loaded with movies, educational games, and apps that work offline is a lifesaver, especially for quiet time in the cabin or waiting at restaurants. Don’t forget to bring the tablet charger so you’re not caught with a dead battery mid-trip!
Lastly, if you want to capture memories from your toddler’s perspective, consider bringing a toddler camera. It’s a fun way for them to explore and document the trip in their own way. Plus, they’ll love taking pictures of all the exciting things they see on the ship and during excursions.
These entertainment options will help keep your little ones happy and occupied, giving you more time to relax and enjoy the cruise.
Expert Tips and Additional Advice
While packing for a cruise with little ones can feel like a lot, the key is finding a balance between essentials and avoiding overpacking.
When it comes to clothes, remember that your toddler will likely spend a lot of time in swimwear and comfy casual clothes, so you won’t need to pack too many outfits. Bring enough for each day, but don’t stress about extras. Laundry services are often available on cruises, and having a little detergent on hand for a quick wash in the sink can also help you avoid overpacking.
One of the best tips for cruising with kids is to make use of the cruise ship’s limited storage space wisely. Magnetic hooks are a great addition to your packing list, as they can be attached to the metal cabin walls to create extra hanging space for towels, swimwear, or even hats. You can also pack some Ziploc bags or small Tupperware to store snacks from the buffet for later.
Another lifesaver for parents is packing a travel power strip or outlet extender. Cruise ship cabins often have only one or two outlets, so having extra plugs for charging your devices, sound machines, or night lights is essential. Just be sure to check the cruise line’s policy and avoid bringing any surge protectors, as they are not allowed on most ships.
Lastly, if you want to keep your toddler safe and visible around the ship, consider using lanyards for their Sea Pass cards or safety wristbands with your contact information. These small extras can give you peace of mind while navigating the busy cruise environment.
By packing smart and using these expert tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a stress-free and enjoyable cruise with your little ones.
What’s Next?
That’s it! You’re now fully prepped to pack for a cruise with a baby and toddler, so get ready to enjoy every moment of your family vacation.
Bon voyage, and happy cruising with your little ones!