What to Pack for Bali with a Baby: The Complete Checklist

Packing for Bali with a baby is a balance between being prepared and not hauling your entire nursery through three airports. Some things are worth the suitcase space. Others are cheaper and easier to buy on arrival. Here's a tested packing list from parents who've done the trip.

Carry-on essentials (keep these on you)

Documents: Baby's passport, printed visa-on-arrival receipt if pre-purchased, travel insurance documents, vaccination record, and any prescription letters for medication.

Feeding: Pre-measured formula in dispenser, sealed bottles with caps, enough for the full flight plus 4-hour delay buffer. Breastfeeding: nursing cover, breast pads, water bottle for hydration.

Changing: Portable changing mat, 8–10 nappies per flight leg, travel wipes, nappy bags, one full change of baby clothes, one change for you (spit-up happens).

Comfort: Dummy/pacifier with clip, favourite small toy or comforter, light muslin wrap (shade, nursing, warmth), baby carrier or sling for the terminal.

Health: Infant paracetamol, saline nose drops, teething gel, any prescription medication, digital thermometer.

Checked luggage: what to bring from home

Formula: Bring your full supply. Bali stocks Nutrilon and some Nan varieties, but your specific brand may not be available. Don't risk switching formula mid-trip.

Nappies: Pack enough for the first 2–3 days. After that, buy locally — Pampers and MamyPoko are widely available in Bali supermarkets (Pepito, Bintang, Carrefour) at reasonable prices.

Sterilising: Cold-water sterilising tablets (Milton) or a collapsible microwave steriliser. Most villas have a microwave or kettle.

Sun protection: SPF 50+ baby sunscreen (the selection in Bali is limited and expensive), UV swimwear, rash vest, wide-brimmed hat, and a portable pop-up beach tent or UPF shade.

Sleep: Portable blackout blind (the stick-on type works on any window), lightweight sleeping bag, white noise machine or app, fitted cot sheets (hotel cot sizes vary).

Mosquito protection: Baby-safe repellent, portable mosquito net for the cot, plug-in mosquito deterrent (check voltage — Bali uses 230V Type C/F).

First aid kit: Infant paracetamol, oral rehydration sachets, antiseptic cream, plasters, tweezers, digital thermometer, insect bite cream, nappy rash cream.

What to buy in Bali (save your luggage space)

Nappies and wipes: Widely available. Pepito supermarkets in Seminyak and Canggu have the best range of imported brands.

Bottled water: Everywhere. Aqua brand is the standard. Buy in bulk from a supermarket and keep a supply at your accommodation.

Baby food pouches: Available at larger supermarkets, but the selection of organic/imported brands is smaller than at home. Bring favourites if your baby is particular.

Swim nappies: Available at supermarkets and some pharmacies. Not always in stock, so bring a few from home as backup.

What NOT to bring

Full-size stroller: Bali's pavements are uneven, cracked, and often non-existent. A lightweight umbrella stroller or travel stroller (like Babyzen Yoyo) is fine for airports and malls. For most Bali activities, a baby carrier or sling is more practical.

Car seat from home: If you're using a family transfer service with fitted child seats, there's no need to lug your own seat through the airport. Pre-book your transfers and the correct seat will be waiting in the car.

Excess baby gear: High chairs, bath seats, and monitors can usually be provided by hotels or villa managers on request. Ask before packing them.

Pro tips from parents

Roll baby clothes instead of folding — they take up less space and wrinkle less. Pack a ziplock bag for dirty/wet clothes. Bring a small portable fan for stroller ventilation. Keep one complete outfit (baby and parent) in your carry-on — luggage delays happen. And photograph your packing list on your phone so you can repack efficiently for the return trip.