Travelling with a baby might seem overwhelming, but with the right planning and mindset, it can be an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Just remember, it’s not a holiday with a baby, it’s just parenting in another location. 🤣
I’ve travelled a lot with my babies and learned so much along the way, let me share all my top tips!
Whether you’re taking a road trip, hopping on a plane, or staying at a hotel, a little preparation goes a long way.
Here are 10 smart tips to help you travel with your baby stress-free!
1. Plan Around Baby’s Schedule
One of the best ways to make travelling easier is to plan around your baby’s schedule. Try to schedule flights or long car rides during nap times, so your little one sleeps through part of the journey. If your baby is on a solid routine, keeping feedings and naps as close to normal as possible can help avoid unnecessary fussiness.
Night-time travel can be great! If you have a red-eye flight your baby might sleep more or less the whole journey. Try to get some shut-eye as well as your baby will have lots of energy once you land!
2. Pack Smart, Pack Light
It’s tempting to bring everything, but overpacking can make travelling stressful. Stick to the essentials:
- Diapers and wipes (don’t pack too much as you can buy diapers and wipes anywhere)
- A change of clothes for the baby (and you!) in your carry-on.
- Favourite pacifiers, toys, or loveys for comfort
- Formula, bottles, and snacks (if applicable)
- A lightweight stroller or baby carrier (I love this carrier from ErgoBaby, you can often get them pretty cheap on Facebook Marketplace too!)
- A travel-sized first-aid kit with only the essentials.
3. Choose Baby-Friendly Accommodations
Before booking, check if your hotel or Airbnb is baby-friendly. Look for amenities like cribs, high chairs, or kitchenettes for easy meal prep. Some hotels even offer babysitting services if you need a little break!
4. Master the Art of Carry-On Essentials
If you’re flying, your carry-on bag is your lifeline. Pack:
- Enough diapers and wipes for the duration of the trip + a few extra
- An extra outfit for both you and baby (in case of spills or blowouts)
- Breastfeeding cover or formula supplies if that’s what you usually use.
- A favourite toy or book for distraction
- Baby’s sleep essentials (pacifier, swaddle, white noise app)
- Baby carrier, but just know that you cannot babywear during takeoff and landing.
5. Be Strategic with Seating
When flying, try to book an aisle seat for easy access to the bathroom for diaper changes. If flying with a partner, consider booking a window and aisle, as middle seats are the last to be taken. If the flight isn’t full, you might get an empty middle seat for extra space!
For road trips, make frequent stops so your baby can stretch, be changed, and stay comfortable.
6. Bring a Lightweight Travel Stroller or Carrier
A compact stroller or baby carrier is a game changer when navigating airports, tourist sites, and restaurants.
If you plan on walking a lot, a baby carrier can be easier for crowded places, while a stroller can provide a napping spot on the go.
Your stroller will also be handy to carry things around the airport. Usually, they let you take it right up to the plane and then you can retrieve it once you land.
I usually prefer carriers but I can see the benefit of having both!
7. Prepare for Ears Popping on Flights
Takeoff and landing can be uncomfortable for babies due to air pressure changes.
Help by breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or offering a pacifier to encourage swallowing. If your baby is older, a sippy cup or teething biscuit can help.
Just be ready for some crying at this time, especially when you’re landing. It’s OK if your baby cries! You do the best you can, but in the end, you cannot control what happens.
8. Stick to Your Bedtime Routine
Babies thrive on routine, and keeping their bedtime rituals consistent can make sleeping in a new place easier. Bring a familiar blanket, sleep sack, or portable white noise machine to recreate their home environment. Whatever their routine is try to stick to it!
My babies usually sleep in Pack ‘n Plays at home until they’re old enough to be in a real bed so that makes it super easy for travel since they’re already used to sleeping in that space!
9. Be Flexible and Stay Calm
Travelling with a baby won’t always go as planned—there might be meltdowns, delays, or unexpected messes.
The key is to stay flexible and not stress over the little things. Babies pick up on your energy, so staying calm and adaptable will make the trip smoother for everyone. It’s always helpful to take a break, take a little walk around the plane, do anything to distract and break the cycle of meltdowns etc.
10. Enjoy the Adventure!
Travelling with a baby is a new adventure and an opportunity to make special memories. Take lots of photos, enjoy the little moments, and don’t be afraid to explore. With the right mindset and preparation, you’ll create beautiful travel experiences with your little one.
Travelling with a baby doesn’t have to be stressful. By planning, packing smart, and keeping a flexible mindset, you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free trip. Do you have any baby travel tips that worked for you? Share them in the comments below!
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