travelling with young baby

Flying With a Baby? Here’s What to Know Before You Go

Medical review policy, latest update:, how old should a baby be to fly, read this next, what do children need to fly, tips for flying with an infant.

What to Expect the First Year , 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff.  WhatToExpect.com, Do Babies Need Passports? , May 2019.  WhatToExpect.com, Should You Bring Your Child’s Car Seat on an Airplane? , August 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Your Ultimate Guide to Traveling While Breastfeeding , August 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Family Friendly Flying , November 2015.  American Academy of Pediatrics, Flying With Baby: Parent FAQs , November 2019.   American Airlines, Traveling With Children .  Delta Air Lines, Infant Air Travel , 2021.  Federal Aviation Administration, Flying With Children , March 2021.  Transportation Security Administration, Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQ .  Transportation Security Administration, Identification .  Transportation Security Administration, Will Minors Need to Have a State ID to Fly Domestically? United Airlines, Traveling With Children , 2021.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Children – Child Traveling With One Parent or Someone Who Is Not a Parent or Legal Guardian or a Group , December 2019.

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Flying with a baby: 15 tips for an easier trip

Planning on flying with a baby? Here's everything you need to know, including whether your baby can fly for free and tips for managing the flight.

How old does a baby need to be to fly?

Do babies fly free, what do babies need to fly, 15 tips for flying with a baby.

Flying with a baby adds a layer of complication and planning – but that doesn't mean you can't make it work. To help the trip go as smoothly as possible, book a seat for your baby, plan for the security screening, and pack wisely for you and your little one. For everything even the most seasoned travelers need to know about air travel with a baby , read on.

Planning a flight with a newborn? There isn't an official age requirement for air travel , but airlines have varying policies. Some (such as Alaskan Airlines) have no minimum age to fly; others (American Airlines, JetBlue) say babies can fly as young as two or three days old; and still others (Delta, United, Spirit, Frontier) allow babies on board after the first week of life.

Less commonly, airlines will require infants to be slightly older. Southwest, for example, says children must be at least 14 days old for an international flight. Check with your airline to confirm their policy before booking a ticket for your little one.

However, the American Academy of Pediatrics Opens a new window (AAP) discourages parents from flying with a baby too soon after birth. With their delicate immune systems, newborns have a heightened risk of contracting an infectious disease on a plane. That's especially true if your baby was born prematurely or has a condition such as a chronic heart problem that makes them more vulnerable.

Always discuss your travel plans with your pediatrician and ask what they recommend. Depending on your baby's age and your destination, they might suggest an extra dose of certain vaccines .

Babies and toddlers under 2 years old aren't legally required to occupy an airplane seat and can instead travel as a "lap infant" on their parent's ticket. Lap infants are generally free of charge, although you may pay a percentage of the full fare if you're traveling internationally .

Even though you don't officially need to purchase a ticket for your under-2-year-old, leading experts agree that it's much safer to buy an airplane seat for your baby. That's because a baby held in your arms is nowhere near as secure as they'd be buckled into an approved child restraint system should the plane encounter turbulence.

Unrestrained children are the leading cause of pediatric injuries on an airplane, and lap infants have tragically been killed during even moderate turbulence. Although it can be upsetting to think about, human arms are simply not strong enough to hold a child in these events. That's why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Opens a new window , and the  National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Opens a new window all strongly urge parents to purchase an airplane seat for young children.

If you book a seat for your baby or toddler, bring an FAA-approved child restraint on board to strap them in safely. You can use a car seat on a plane (make sure it's approved for both motor vehicles and aircraft) or AmSafe's Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) device Opens a new window .

Although it can be tough to swallow the additional cost, a baby or toddler in their own seat has other benefits in addition to safety: They're more comfortable during the flight, easier to manage, and more likely to fall asleep, many parents find.

This depends a little on your child's age, the airline you're flying, and whether you're traveling within the United States or internationally.

For domestic travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Opens a new window doesn't require children under 18 to provide identification. However, it's still smart to check your airline's identification requirements. Some (JetBlue, Alaska Airlines) may ask for an infant's proof of age for domestic flights, which could be a birth certificate, passport, or immunization record.

Other airlines, such as Southwest, might not ask for proof of age but may require you to have a boarding verification document printed for your infant from the ticket counter even if they aren't occupying their own seat. When in doubt, it doesn't hurt to have some extra documentation for your baby just in case.

If you're flying internationally, your baby will need a passport regardless of their age. And if your baby is flying internationally with just one parent, you might be asked to show a letter of consent.

1. Check in with your airline

Regardless of whether you're flying with a lap infant or purchasing a seat for your baby, it's worth connecting with the airline ahead of time to discuss your seating options. A few things to consider bringing up with the agent:

If you're going the lap infant route : Ask the airline if there's an option to reserve a seat in a row with a skycot. These onboard bassinets are designed for babies 6 months and younger and provide a place for your baby to lie down flat during the flight (though you will need to pick them up whenever the seatbelt sign is on, as well as during takeoff and landing). Also confirm whether there are any rules about how many lap infants are permitted per row or section. Alaska Airlines, for example, has a policy Opens a new window stipulating where lap infants can sit on certain aircrafts.

If you're booking your baby their own seat and bringing a car seat : Some airlines require that car seats be placed next to a window so they don't block other passengers. A bulkhead row can also be nice to request when traveling with a car seat since it provides extra legroom. Just keep in mind that in the bulkhead row, it's sometimes trickier to access bags that might contain diapers, milk, and anything else you might need. Because there's no seat in front of you to stash your personal item under, you'll likely be asked to place it in the overhead compartment.

2. Ask whether your child is eligible to earn points

When booking a seat for your child, look into the airline's loyalty program. Some, though not all, will allow children to earn points that you can use towards future travel. Take  JetBlue Opens a new window , which lets parents enroll children 13 and younger in their TrueBlue account. You can then combine points earned within the family through the airline's Points Pooling program.

3. Confirm that your car seat is FAA-approved

If you've bought an airplane seat for your baby, bring an FAA-approved car seat for your child. This is the safest way for babies to fly, plus it ensures you'll have a car seat for your baby at your destination. It's likely that your child's existing car seat is approved for airline travel, but check the product manual or look for a label that says "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft" to make sure.

If you didn't buy a ticket for your baby, you might get lucky and be able to use the car seat if there are empty seats on board, but there are no guarantees with this approach.

4. Consider your stroller strategy

If you're traveling with a baby or toddler, chances are good that you'll be bringing your stroller along, too. Families have three options when flying with a stroller:

Check it at the ticket counter: If you want a stroller at your destination but don't need it in the airport, you can check it along with your baggage when you arrive. (Note that some airlines always require you to check a stroller at the ticket counter if it weighs over a certain amount.) A stroller usually doesn't count towards your checked baggage, and many airlines allow families to check one stroller and one car seat per child for no extra cost. If you do check a stroller when you arrive at the airport, you may want to use a baby carrier to get your baby to your gate.

Gate-check your full-size stroller: The benefit of gate-checking a stroller is that you have it with you while navigating the airport, which many families find helpful. Waiting in a long security line or racing to the gate with a small child in tow is often much easier with the support of a stroller. Plus, you can use the stroller's storage basket to stash some of your stuff. The downside is that you'll have to wait for your stroller to be unloaded once you arrive, which can slightly prolong the process of getting out of the airport.

Bring along a stroller that will fit in the overhead bin: If you'd prefer not to gate-check your stroller, consider investing in a lightweight travel stroller. Some are compact enough to fit in most overhead compartments when collapsed (though you can check your airline's carry-on bag size guidelines to be sure). Their smaller size can be convenient for travel, and it's also nice not to have to wait for a gate-checked stroller to be brought back up when you land.

5. Look into your baggage options

Airlines have different baggage policies, but call ahead of time to understand exactly what you can bring on board. For example, while lap infants are generally not entitled to their own carry-on bags, many airlines allow families traveling with a child to bring a diaper bag, a breast pump , a cooler bag for milk or formula, an FAA-approved car seat, and a compact stroller onboard in addition to the regular carry-on and personal item allowance.

6. Pack smart

Packing for a baby is an art form: You need to have access to all the essentials, but you also don't want to overpack and have to rummage through a big bag to find something you need.

Consider what you'll want to have access to during the flight and pack your bags accordingly. For example, it's helpful to have a bag with diapers, wipes, disposable changing mats, disposable diaper bags, and a change of clothes at easy reach. For more ideas, check out our suggested packing list for traveling with a baby .

Definitely pack more spare clothes for your baby than you'll think you'll need – and include a fresh shirt for yourself. Nothing is worse than a blowout on an airplane! (Here's how to handle a blowout or change a diaper on a plane .)

7. Be ready for flight delays and cancellations

When you're traveling with your little one, the last thing you want to deal with is getting stuck at the airport. But it happens, so be prepared. Bring more than enough diapers, formula, and snacks in your carry-on bags, as well as a few changes of clothes for your baby (and perhaps a change of clothes for you, too). Flight delays and cancellations can make it difficult to get your checked luggage, so you want to have the essentials with you. 

In the same vein, consider gate checking your car seat and stroller (rather than checking them at the ticket counter) so you can easily get them back if needed.

8. Plan ahead to bring formula, breast milk, and bottles

Thankfully, not all the TSA rules about traveling with liquids apply to you. Parents are permitted to bring greater volumes of breast milk or formula through security.

Review your airline's policies for bringing formula or  breast milk on board and hand it to security officers when you go through screening. You don't need to put bottles into the standard quart-size zip-top bag.

To speed up the process, TSA recommends storing either breast milk or formula in clear, translucent bottles rather than plastic bags or pouches, which may be subject to additional screening. And if you pack all the bottles in a cooler bag, know that most airlines won't count it towards your personal item allowance.

Breast pumps are often considered medically necessary, and ice packs, freezer packs, and other cooling accessories are allowed in your carry-on bags. You can bring all of these items on board even if your child isn't traveling with you.

9. Pack formula safely …

When traveling with baby formula, keep these safe storage tips in mind:

Ready-to-feed formula: Bring an unopened container and clean, empty bottles on board. When your baby is ready for feeding, pour the formula into the bottle and serve it right away.

Powdered formula: Fill bottle(s) with clean water, and bring a small container of powdered formula and a scoop with you on the plane. You can measure, shake, and serve a bottle to your baby when they're ready for a feeding.

Premade bottles: You can also bring premade bottles through security if you prefer, using a cooler to keep them cold. Just keep in mind that if the cooler doesn't keep bottles at 35 to 40 degrees, you'll need to use or refrigerate them within two hours.

10. … and breast milk, too

A cooler will be essential if you're bringing breast milk on a plane. You can pack breast milk in bottles or pre-sterilized, sealable storage bags in a cooler bag, then offer them to your baby on the plane.

Breast milk will stay fresh for 24 hours in a cooler with frozen ice packs. At room temperature, breast milk is good for four hours; in the refrigerator, for four days; and frozen, for up to 12 months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Opens a new window . 

11. Bring plenty of snacks

If your little one has started solids , pack baby-friendly foods for your flight. Containers with pre-chopped fruit, steamed veggies, tofu, and crackers are all easy choices. Know that you're also allowed to bring puree pouches through security, as the TSA considers them medically necessary liquids. And make sure to include snacks for yourself, too!

12. Consider whether you want to board early

Some family-friendly airlines allow you to pre-board. But there are two schools of thought on how to approach boarding with kids: Some families relish the chance to locate their seats early and settle in, while others find it difficult to entertain young children on an airplane that's not moving as other passengers also try to get settled.

If you're traveling with your partner or a loved one, you might decide to split up, with one adult boarding early with the bags while the other lets the kids run around a bit longer by the gate.

13. Bring entertainment for older babies

Younger infants may be mostly content to sleep, eat, and snuggle their parents, but older babies and toddlers can be trickier to keep occupied on an airplane. At this stage, kids are learning how to pull up to a stand and walk , or else have recently mastered these skills and are eager to explore an exciting new environment.

While you don't need to pack tons of toys, a few new items can help hold their attention. Some ideas: a slinky, painter's tape, small board books, coloring books and crayons, and stickers. You can also try classic car games like "I Spy" and "Rock, Paper, Scissors."

14. Take steps to fight jet lag

If you're crossing time zones, try shifting your baby's sleep schedule over a few days leading up to your departure and exposing them to sunlight once you reach your destination. Or, you may want to keep the same schedule in the new time zone if that works best for you. Here are more tips for handling time changes with a baby .

15. Prepare for pressure changes

If your baby's ears seem to hurt from air pressure changes during takeoff and landing, encourage them to breastfeed or suck on a bottle, pacifier , or sippy cup. If your baby's strapped into a car seat, give them something to suck on while in their seat rather than taking them out to breastfeed. It's safest for both of you to be securely buckled in.

Not all babies experience ear pain when flying, so use your judgment. If your baby's sleeping soundly, leave them be and they might get through the takeoff or landing without any trouble.

Was this article helpful?

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BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies .

Alaska Airlines. Undated. Traveling with infants and children. https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/policies/strollers-car-seats Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

American Academy of Pediatrics. 2023. Flying with Baby: Parent FAQs. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Flying-with-Baby.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

American Airlines. Undated. Traveling with children and infants. https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/traveling-children.jsp Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022. Proper Storage and Preparation of Breast Milk. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/handling_breastmilk.htm Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Delta. 2023. Children and Infant Travel. https://www.delta.com/us/en/children-infant-travel/overview Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Federal Aviation Administration. 2023. Flying with Children. https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Federal Aviation Administration. Undated. Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.faa.gov/faq?combine=children&field_faq_category_target_id=1481 Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

National Transportation Safety Board. 2015. Child Passenger Safety on Aircraft. https://www.ntsb.gov/Advocacy/safety-alerts/Documents/SA-015.pdf Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Southwest Airlines. Undated. Traveling with an infant. https://www.southwest.com/help/flying-with-children/flying-with-infants Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Transportation Security Administration. Undated. Traveling with Children. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures/traveling-children Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Transportation Security Administration. Undated. Identification. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

United. Undated. Traveling With Children. https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/accessibility-and-assistance/traveling-with-children.html Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Kathleen Felton is a freelance writer and editor. She was previously the executive editor of editorial strategy and growth at BabyCenter, the world's number one parenting resource. She is originally from Farmington, Connecticut, and now lives in Sydney, Australia, with her husband and two sons.

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40 Practical & Encouraging Tips for Traveling with a Baby

Home » Blog » Family Travel » 40 Practical & Encouraging Tips for Traveling with a Baby

Adventuring with a little one can be overwhelming, but these practical tips for traveling with a baby will make it feel much more manageable. After reading this article, you’ll feel encouraged and confident to start planning your dream family vacation.

After taking all types of different trips with our daughter in her first year – from National Parks to European Christmas Markets to traveling Scotland by campervan (and so much more!) – we have learned so much about traveling with a baby. 

Why keep all these tips to ourselves when we can share them with you ?!

We know how overwhelming it can be , especially when other people tell you how hard it is traveling with kids. 

But you know what? It can also be amazing, too. 

Traveling with your little one will full your cup, create lifelong memories, and will open your eyes to a totally different way of looking at taking trips. 

While traveling with a baby certainly looks different and requires more flexibility and planning , we’re still able to do some pretty epic things. And you can too (if that’s what you want).

Traveling with our daughter has truly been life changing, and we can’t wait for you to experience this magic, too. 

Guide to traveling with a baby

• Our story: Read about our travel-style and our background so you understand our approach to traveling with a baby.
• Top tips: Wanna get to the good stuff right away? Jump right down to our top tips for traveling with a baby! 

This article is full of practical tips, gear that is actually worth packing, and encouraging advice that will help you feel prepared and confident about traveling with a baby.

We’ll also be discussing some helpful mindsets about traveling with a baby that can transform how you think about it. 

Whether you’re an experienced parent or you’re dreaming of someday traveling with a baby, we’ve got tips and advice that will help you feel confident to plan the family trip of your dreams!

As full-time travel bloggers , traveling is one of our biggest passions, and it’s also both of our jobs. So when we found out we were expecting, we knew that travel wouldn’t just stop for us once the baby arrived (like many people warned). 

We’ve known for a long time that we’d want to start a family, eventually . So over the years, we (almost subconsciously) took note of all the people we saw traveling with their kids.

• On our 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu , there was a family with 4 kids, the youngest of whom was 8 years old.
• In Thailand , we saw countless families living nomadically or traveling with kids of all ages.
• We met a family on the west coast USA, living out of their campervan with two little boys (before it was common!).

We stored up all these acquaintances as “evidence” that traveling with a baby is not only possible, but it can still be adventurous .

We saw it as inspiration and started to dream of all the adventures we could take our little one on. Together, we dreamed about how we could open their eyes to the endless beauty and kindness around the world. And we talked about how traveling with a child would create core memories and forge a bond between us that we just couldn’t replicate at home.

We were excited about this new chapter, and confident we could forge our own path despite what anyone said.

That mindset came in handy because soon after announcing we were expecting a baby, we got a mixed bag of responses:

• “Can’t wait to hear all your advice for traveling with kids!”
• “You’re definitely going to be slowing down and traveling less now.”
• “Travel while your baby is young, because as soon as they can walk, traveling will be over!”

The good, the bad, the well-meaning… we got it all.

We expected people to say how difficult it would be . And if I’m completely honest, those “you won’t be able to travel anymore” comments encouraged us to prove to ourselves that we could in fact travel with a baby. And thrive while doing it.

The truth is, we were prepared for people to tell us we couldn’t travel with a baby. Remember, we had stored up all that “proof” that we weren’t the only ones with these dreams. 

Thinking about taking an adventure with your little one?

Be sure to download our  complete packing list for traveling with a baby !  It’s packed with good suggestions and advice for what has personally worked for us on our travels with a baby.

Whether you’re getting ready for your first ever trip with a baby, or you’re a parenting pro just looking for a few extra tips, we hope this baby travel packing list will serve you well!

Why trust our advice about traveling with a baby?

For years, whenever we saw people traveling with kids, we’d look at each other and say, “Wow, that’s badass. Someday I want that to be us.”

And now we’re doing it which feels both surreal and like we’ve been training for this for years. Because we kind of have.

Prior to having a baby, we traveled to more than 50 countries together and built a business around the travel industry. So travel is something we are not only passionate about, but it’s something we feel very comfortable with.

We made it a point to bring our daughter on some epic trips during her first year of life. And we have so many more family trips planned for the future!

In Juniper’s first year of life, she:

• took 19 flights
• traveled to 9 countries 
• visited 14 US states
• explored 4 US National Parks
• went on 2 overnight backcountry camping trips
• lived in a campervan for 4 months

Juniper went on countless hikes, slept in many different places around the world, and made more friends than any other other 1-year-old we know!

She is growing into a very adaptable little human, and we feel so lucky for all of the memories we have already created together.

If you, too, want to travel with a little one, we’re here to share all of the things that have worked for us along the way. 

We hope you take the advice that resonates with you and feel empowered to plan and execute your dream family trips!

Why are you here?

I imagine you’re here because you want to know more about traveling with a baby. Ding, ding, ding!!!

Okay, that was obvious. But the rest is a little harder to determine…

• Perhaps you are already a parent , and you want to start adventuring more with your little one but you don’t know where to start.
• Maybe you already travel with your baby a lot , but you’re constantly seeking new tips and advice. Everything helps, right?! 
• If you are expecting, be sure to check out our list of the best babymoon destinations !
• Or perhaps you aren’t even sure you want to be a parent , and you’re trying to figure out how much, exactly, having a baby would impact your lifestyle and dreams.

You might be feeling excited about the prospect of traveling with a baby. Or confused about how to even get started. 

Maybe you’re skeptical about the whole idea of traveling with a little one. Or you’re feeling defeated after being told many times that traveling with a baby is hard, and you’re just looking for some encouragement.

Feel all the feels. They are all valid.

Wherever you’re coming from and whatever you’re feeling, my hope is that you’ll be able to find some nuggets in this article that will speak to you .

Everyone’s journey is different 

In this article, we’re sharing tips for traveling with a baby that have worked for us. 

That last part of the sentence is important: These are the things that have worked for us , personally. 

I will say that we have been privileged that we haven’t had to deal with any major health issues. Our daughter is (for the most part) very easygoing and adaptable. Some of this we can attribute to things we have practiced and experiences that we have exposed her to. But I also know that some of this is pure luck.

Everyone’s parenting journey is different. And every child is different. 

You know your child and your comfort level better than anyone. Plus, we all have different priorities and goals and dreams and lifestyles. (Remember, traveling is a big part of our job, so things may look different for you.)

Pick and choose the tips that will work for you. Ignore the ones that won’t.

Psst! After reading through all our tips for traveling with a little one, be sure to read my personal note at the bottom of this article.

Our best tips for traveling with a baby

Let’s dive into the things that have worked for us.

Scroll through them all (there are 40!), or jump to the sections that are most important to you:

• BUILD CONFIDENCE: Feel confident about traveling with a baby
• PLANNING: Planning your trip
• TRAVEL TIPS: Tips for while you’re on your trip

Good to know: Most of these tips are geared toward babies and toddlers (aka under 2 years old). As our daughter grows and our experiences change, we will continue creating resources based on our personal experiences.

1. Start small with “mini adventures”

One of my biggest pieces of advice is to start small. And start early.

In my last weeks of pregnancy, we got out a calendar and made “mini goals” for each week after the baby was born.

They went something like this:

• 1 week old: Go to your favorite coffee shop
• 2 weeks old: Go on a long(ish) walk (we went snowshoeing because it was winter!)
• 3 weeks old: Go to a brewery or event in town 
• 4 weeks old: Spend the night away (we booked a cabin in the woods)

More ideas:

• Mini road trip
• Go to a friend’s house for dinner
• Book a staycation in your own town or a nearby city
• Find a nearby soaking pool (with water temperatures safe for a baby)
• Picnic in a nearby park

Everyone will have different comfort levels, but do what feels good to you.

Having these “mini adventures” on our calendar brought some much-needed structure to our weeks after having a baby. And obviously we knew we could cancel if it didn’t feel right at that time. 

These little adventures gave us the confidence to slowly make the excursions bigger , so that we weren’t completely overwhelmed when it came time to board our first international flight.

Note: Even if your little one isn’t a newborn anymore, it’s never too late to schedule some “mini adventures” on your calendar. Base the excursions on the skills you want to practice and the type of trips you want to take.

2. Practice “baby skills” on the go

This kind of ties in with the “mini adventures” above, but make sure that you’re practicing some skills on the go:

• changing diapers in new environments
• napping on the go
• feeding (whether nursing or bottle feeding)

Trust me when I say you won’t want the first time you change your baby’s diaper outside of your house to be at the start of a trip. 

Make a point to breastfeed or bottle feed on a walk near your house.

Change a diaper in the coffee shop bathroom instead of waiting until you get home.

It will feel uncomfortable at first. But since you’re close to home, you can always go back and start fresh another day if things don’t go as planned.

Doing this time and time again will make you feel more confident and know what to expect. Plus, it will help your little one get used to environments other than your house.

3. Master the art of napping on the go

Black out curtains, a humidifier, and a bassinet that rocks babe to sleep are great, but we personally knew that we’d be in lots of situations where these wouldn’t be available.

So we were proactive about practicing napping in different situations from the time Juniper was very young . 

At home, we had an ideal sleep environment in her room, but we also practiced napping in the living room, in a travel sleeper, and while wearing her in a carrier so she could be adaptable.

Once we felt comfy with it, we practiced napping around town, and eventually on mini trips.

She quickly mastered sleeping just about anywhere:

• her stroller
• in a baby carrier
• in our arms
• in quiet places
• and noisy ones too

Being able to have her sleep in different environments has been a game-changer for us (especially in the earlier months!). It allowed us to get out of the house and not worry about being home at an exact time.

It also made the prospect of traveling with a baby seem so much more attainable when we were newbie parents.

One item that has been helpful for napping on the go:

• Travel sound machine (if you forget this, there are apps and Spotify channels with white noise)

4. Refine your diaper bag

These “mini adventures” I keep talking about will help you realize what you need in many different situations, and what items never get used. 

Take note of these things and keep repacking your diaper bag until you have it down.

AKA you have all the essentials (and remember to restock the items that get used up, like diapers and wipes!) and none of the bulk .

5. Put the essentials in a fanny pack diaper bag

Your full-sized diaper bag will come in handy for bringing all the necessities on your trip, so don’t leave it at home. But there will be many times where you won’t want to lug a big backpack around all day .

Wandering historic cobblestone streets of European cities or walking beach trails on a humid island or a hike in the mountains will all be so much more enjoyable without your full-sized diaper bag.

Pack the essentials – diapers, wipes, diaper cream, a binky, medications, small snacks, etc. – into a fanny pack. You can also include any of your personal necessities for the day (chapstick, credit cards and cash, keys, etc.)

I have this fanny pack that is actually made for this purpose (there’s a wet wipes pocket), but you could use any medium to large size fanny pack ( like this one ). Usually, I just string it over the handle of our stroller so I don’t have to actually wear it. This way, we’re prepared but aren’t bringing the bulk!

Psst! This diaper bag fanny is much cuter than mine, but it’s 3 times the price.

6. Don’t buy all the things

As soon as you get pregnant, it’ll feel like you are constantly being bombarded with ads for all this “essential baby travel gear”. 

Plus, there are all these bloggers and influencers who share all the gear that they use (myself included).

And holy cow, it’s overwhelming.

There is just so much stuff out there and it can feel like you need it all. 

Spoiler alert: You DON’T.

It’s hard to know what will really make your life easier and what isn’t worth the money or space. 

Here’s the best way to really get a feel for what baby gear you need:

• Take those “mini adventures”! I sound like a broken record at this point, but they are truly a low-risk way to find out what items you really need.
• Find a handful of voices you resonate with and trust (a friend, a family member, a blogger/influencer). See what items they recommend and see if it sounds like something you definitely need.

Psst! One way to save money is to search for items on Facebook Marketplace or your local Buy Nothing group. Many first-time parents end up with duplicate items or are keen to sell baby gear after it’s lightly used (since many things won’t be necessary as they grow older). We got so many baby items and nursery furniture this way (and we’ve sold/given a bunch of things away on these platforms too!).

7. Create routines that can be recreated anywhere

While you’re at home, try to create routines that you can recreate anywhere. 

Maybe there’s a certain book you read to signify bed time. Or a song before naps. Or the routine of brushing hair and teeth.

These routines are simple and don’t require much, so you can give your little one the cues they look for even when you’re far from home.

8. Pick and choose the advice you follow

As a new parent, it can be really scary even thinking about traveling with a baby for the first time. And it’s even scarier when people you know (and trust) tell you how hard it will be, or how that part of your life is over.

First things first: Tune those people out.

Take the advice that resonates with you, and ignore the rest. 

Our personal experience:

I remember when I was pregnant I kept hearing how hard parenting was. The advice came from people who meant well – and who were probably right in many ways – but it made me feel nervous and unequipped. 

In the midst of all the warnings, one of Ben’s cousins talked about how much fun being a parent was. She went on and on about how, “ yes, it’s work, but it is also the best thing ever!”

In that moment, I remember finally feeling excited rather than scared.

So I decided I would focus on the advice that lifted me up rather than the words that brought anxiety.

Now as Juniper is getting older, we get similar well-meaning advice from people who say things like, “Traveling when they’re this age is easy. Just wait until she is walking. Then, your work is cut out for you!”

The “just wait until ” advice doesn’t sit well with me. So now I just ignore it.

Take the advice that makes you feel encouraged, and leave the rest. 

Yes, that applies to this list . 

The tips we’re sharing are things that worked for us . If something doesn’t sit well with you, ignore it and listen to the pieces of advice that feel right.

Everyone’s parenting journey is different. You’re in charge of yours. Nobody else.

9. Work on your mindset

Read the sentence below and internalize it: 

People have kids in every country of the world. 

Unless you’re going to a really remote region or an active war zone, bringing your child on a trip isn’t anything unheard of. Other people have brought their children to the destination you’re dreaming about, so why can’t you?

If traveling with your child is important to you, you can make it happen.

10. Adjust your expectations

Traveling with our baby has been one of the most empowering and rewarding things we’ve ever done. 

But it has also included moments of exhaustion and frustration .

Like many people, we probably don’t share enough of those moments publicly on social media . (Although I’m trying to work on that!)

I truly think that for most people, traveling with a baby will be a wonderful experience as long as you have realistic expectations…

Think about what travel looked like before kids and what it will look like now. Consider what will be the biggest changes. 

This will help ensure your expectations are realistic and set you up for having amazing experiences with less frustration.

These are some of the differences for us:

• Don’t worry too much though, the flight is just a small part of the journey and we have some tips for flying with a baby that will help a ton!
• Traveling with a baby means we usually need to move more slowly , and we are able to do less each day than we would without a baby. 
• Sometimes we need to cancel plans or turn around from a hike early because our daughter just isn’t having a great day. We’ve found we need to be a lot more flexible and be prepared for some plans to just not work out.
• Good news: We’ve got practical tips for choosing accommodation with a baby ! 
• We can’t just pop into a bar for a late-night drink if we feel like it. And there are plenty of cool bucket list activities that just don’t allow children . (Aka no more scuba diving together for a while!) Still working through my FOMO with this, but there are still plenty of epic things we can do, so I’m trying to focus on that.

11. Think about your why

Between logistics and packing, traveling with a baby requires a whole different level of planning. And it can get overwhelming. Especially when you have family or friends who aren’t all that encouraging. 

When you start to get frustrated or overwhelmed, think about why you want to travel with your baby.

Is it to feel like yourself again and pursue a hobby you love?

Is it to create memories as a family? 

Is it to show your child the world and see it through their eyes?

All of the above?

Focusing on the why will make the process – frustrations and all! – much more bearable. 

Here are some examples of why you might want to travel with a baby:

• It fills your cup.
• It shows your child to prioritize things that make them happy.
• It shows them the world is so much bigger than your community.
• It gives them the opportunity to meet and interact with people different from themselves.
• It teaches them flexibility.
• It creates lifelong memories.
• It may introduce them to a forever hobby or skill.
• It teaches them to cherish experiences over things.
• You can grow and bond as a family.
• You can push your comfort levels together.

And here’s one more that I’ll add to the list:

• It’s easier than you think. (Hopefully this article helps make it feel more doable!)

Write your “whys” on post-it notes and stick them around your house. Journal about it. Set your phone screen to be a picture that motivates you.

Do whatever it takes to remind yourself of why you want to make traveling with a baby a priority.

12 Talk about what makes you nervous with your travel partner

Still have some nerves?

That’s totally normal. In fact, I’d be a little worried if you didn’t have anything that you were nervous about.

It can really help to talk out these feelings with your partner. 

Maybe you just need them to listen to you and validate your concerns. Or perhaps walking through the scenarios that you’re most uncomfortable with together and discussing what you’d do in each situation will make you feel more prepared.

Whatever the case, getting your worries out in the open will help ensure you’re both on the same page and there for each other.

13. Don’t stress too much about the flight

The flight is just one (tiny) fraction of your trip. And in many cases, it will not be nearly as bad as you’re making it out to be in your head. 

Think of it this way: Most people on flights have headphones in (watching movies or listening to music) and won’t even notice if your baby is being fussy. 

That realization made me feel a lot better before taking our first flight with a baby! (Hopefully it helps you, too.)

We took 19 flights (legs) with our daughter before she turned one, and we gathered all our top advice and created an entire guide full of tips for flying with a baby that should help ease your nerves and make you feel confident about boarding that plane!

In short: Don’t let your nerves about the flight prevent you from going!

14. Start with a trip that’s within your comfort zone

Just like we recommend starting with “mini adventures” near home so you can build your confidence, make your first trip with a baby one that is within your comfort zone.

Maybe this means you return to a place you’ve already been to.

Or maybe this means you travel to a country where English is the native language (or widely spoken), so you don’t have to worry about language barriers.

Make the actual trip one that doesn’t stress you out or push your boundaries too much. This way, you can focus on getting the hang of this whole t raveling with a baby thang so that you can plan bigger, bolder trips for the future.

15. Pack as light as possible

This is honestly a tough one because I truly think it comes down to finding a balance between packing light and making sure you have all the essentials (many of which are really freaking bulky).

We’ve got lots of advice on the best gear for traveling with a baby , but in general, less is more.  Make sure the items you’re bringing are going to be used and won’t just be dead weight.

And truly, bring as few toys as possible. You will thank me when you’re traveling around with ease because you ditched half the toys you thought you needed.

Psst! Want to know what baby gear we personally recommend? We’ve gotcha covered with our favorite baby travel gear.

16. Remember: you can get diapers everywhere in the world

Personally, I don’t stress too much about diapers because you can buy them everywhere in the world. 

Bring plenty of diapers for the plane and to get you through the first several days of your trip. But if you’re going to be gone for a couple weeks (or more!), don’t stress too much about packing the perfect amount. 

Just about every grocery store or convenience store should have diapers and wipes available.

If you’re having trouble finding them in your destination, ask the hotel staff to point you in the right direction.

17. Choose your accommodation wisely

Something I’ve learned is that the type of accommodation we book with a kid is much more specific than when it was just the two of us .

There are a lot of other factors to consider, and what might have been a perfectly good hotel for you will be a disaster with a babe.

Lemme tell ya, we’ve learned the hard way what doesn’t work well anymore now that we travel with a baby.

There have been a few very uncomfortable stays and even an Airbnb that we left (already paid for) because it just didn’t work with a baby.

Psst! Read our tips for choosing a hotel with baby so you don’t make the same mistakes!

18. Book places with pack ‘n plays when possible

If it’s an option, try to book hotels and Airbnbs that have a travel crib for your baby. 

Many hotels and many Airbnbs offer this, so keeping it in mind when you’re making your reservations is key. This means you won’t have to travel with your own, which is a huge space saver.

Their booking details will usually disclose if they have a crib available. If you don’t see anything about a crib, it doesn’t hurt to ask. We once asked an Airbnb host if she had a crib available, and she decided to buy one so that she could offer it to future guests.

If you’re not finding any good accommodations with cribs available don’t stress too much. It’s definitely possible to bring your own.

The Guava Lotus pack ‘n play is undoubtedly the best travel one on the market. Trust me, I spent a lot of time comparing, and it’s the smallest, most durable, and made without toxic materials. So if you’re looking at buying one for travel, the Guava Lotus is what you want. (This is the one we personally have.)

Even though it is compact, it is still bulky and another item to lug around. So if you can get away with not having to pack it, that’s a big win.

Our personal experience

During our 3-week European Christmas Market Trip, we stayed at 8 different hotels/Airbnbs, and all but one had a crib available, so we decided not to bring our own. We are comfortable with co-sleeping, so we did this on the nights that we did not have a crib available. 

However, there are some destinations where finding accommodation with cribs is much more difficult. For example, we’re currently planning a trip where we’re mostly staying at Airbnbs and none offer pack ‘n play, so we will be bringing our own.

19. You can rent things on vacation… (but you might not want to)

Lately I’ve seen a lot of articles and social media posts about renting baby items on vacation through platforms like BabyQuip .

In theory, it’s a great idea, and can be really useful in some situations . There’s a lot to be said for not having to lug around bulky gear, after all. 

Examples of items you can rent: 

• high chair if you plan on eating lots of meals at the accommodation
• bassinet or pack-and-play when your hotel does not offer this option
• car seat when it is significantly cheaper than going with one through the rental car company
• hiking baby carrier (if you have a big hike planned for on your trip)
• beach toys if you are doing an ocean vacation but don’t have or want to pack the gear
• so much more!

But here’s my word of caution…

These rentals can add up quickly , and before you know it, you might be spending hundreds of dollars. (Especially if you’re on a longer trip.)

The prices vary depending on what products you’re looking for and where you’ll be traveling, so calculate the total cost to help you determine whether this would be worthwhile service for you or not.

20. Invest in a compact stroller

One of our most-loved travel items is our compact stroller. It is one of the things we’d strongly suggest buying specifically for travel.

On our first international trip with Juniper, we lugged our normal stroller. This stroller was a hand-me-down from a friend and we love it for at home. But we quickly learned that it was an absolute beast to transport.

It was very heavy and still took up quite a bit of space even when it was collapsed.

After that trip, we bought a stroller that was made for travel . It folds up small to be able to easily fit in the overhead compartment on planes, making it a breeze for travel. 

We personally love our Colugo stroller (and have brought it all over the US and the world!) and would highly recommend it as a durable and affordable travel stroller.

21. …and a solid baby carrier

Having a solid travel stroller is great, but there are places and activities where a carrier is far superior.

Here are just a couple of things to consider:

Stroller is better when:

• it’s hot out and you don’t want to baby wear
• the sidewalks are well-maintained and the streets are flat

Carrier is better when:

• you’re in a crowded place
• the sidewalks are not well-maintained (or the streets are cobblestone)
• you’ll be getting in and out of public transportation

We’ve had a lot of baby carriers, and we both agree that the Ergobaby Omni 360 is the best all-around baby carrier. It’s pricy, but lasts for a long time and is good in a variety of situations. Plus, it works for both of us to carry her, even though we have very different bodies!

22. Consider traveling in a campervan

We’re biased and this certainly won’t be for everyone, but we’ve found campervan travel to be wonderful with a baby , especially when Juniper was really young.

We had everything we needed with us at all times, and we could pull over at any minute to cook a meal, change a diaper in the comfort of our own van, or just hang out in our own private space.

In Juniper’s first year we:

• spent 4 months living and traveling in our own campervan that we built from scratch
• we rented a campervan in Scotland for a 2-week road trip (spoiler alert: it was amazing!)
• plus, we rented a campervan in Ireland for 1 week too!

If you’re renting, you’ll really want to look at the space to figure out if it will work for your family. Most campervan rental companies will be happy to help you choose. We also have a whole list of USA Campervan Rental Companies you can choose from that we personally recommend.

Traveling in a campervan with a little one certainly requires a different mindset, and I wouldn’t recommend it as your first trip with a baby if you’ve never experienced vanlife before . But I think camping can be very special with a little one and a unique way to see a destination.

And don’t leave home without our VanLife Baby Gear Checklist . These are the things we always pack in our van that make our lives so much easier and keep our baby happy.

23. Get a baby passport ASAP

If you plan on traveling internationally with your little one in their first year, we’d recommend getting the process rolling shortly after they are born so you are sure it’ll arrive in time. We applied for Juniper’s passport when she was just 3 weeks old, so it really isn’t ever too early.

This is actually very easy to obtain and we have a whole guide to getting a baby passport . 

Good to know: If you have Global Entry and want to continue using it, you will also need to apply for this for your baby. We learned the hard way when we were turned away at Global Entry. “Interview” time slots fill up very quickly, so schedule this as soon as you get the passport.

24. Get travel insurance 

Hopefully I don’t have to explain why here, but we get travel insurance for every trip we take.

Now that we have a baby, it feels even more important to be properly covered.

Need advice on how to go about getting the best policy for your situation? We’ve gotcha covered in this guide to choosing travel insurance .

25. Get an eSIM on international trips

If you are traveling internationally, it’s super helpful to be able to connect to cell service immediately upon landing.

This can be essential if you need to contact your transport or hotel. 

We love eSIMs because you don’t have to search for a physical SIM card (a hassle) and you don’t have to pay crazy international coverage fees from your home phone service.

Our favorite eSIM is Airalo .

Psst! We have an entire guide to how to get an eSIM here . 

26. Renting a car is usually a great idea

We love using public transportation on our travels, but having a rental car is a lot more convenient when you’re traveling with a baby.

You won’t need to carry around your car seat or luggage, and you can go at your own pace, making stops as frequently as you need. Plus, you won’t have to run so you don’t miss that train! (We’ve all been there.)

When in doubt, make it a road trip. And be sure to check out our tried and true 5-step plan for making your road trip a success !

Want some road trip ideas?

Here are our favorite road trips in the world:

• Iceland Road Trip
• Scotland Road Trip
• New Zealand Road Trip
• Australia Road Trip
• Yucatan Peninsula Road Trip
• Costa Rica Road Trip
• Banff to Jasper Road Trip
• European Christmas Market Road Trip
• Oregon Road Trip
• Oregon Coast Road Trip
• Utah Road Trip
• Idaho Road Trip
• Washington Road Trip
• Colorado Road Trip
• New England (fall foliage!) Road Trip

27. Include family in your trips

Again, this is a tip that may not apply to everyone, but you may want to consider including family in your travel planning.

This could be an opportunity for them to create special memories with your little one, and who knows – maybe they’ll give you the gift of a “date night” while they watch baby !

You could either plan a trip together (hint: book a big Airbnb for the most comfortable stay!), or plan a trip to visit friends or family who live somewhere you’d like to explore.

We’ve been lucky enough to take trips with both Ben’s family and mine, and we’re excited to plan more extended family vacations in the future.

28. Move around less

If you’re used to moving around from place to place rather quickly on your trips, you may want to slow it down a bit (or a lot!) when you add a baby into the mix. 

You’ll be able to cover much less in one day, and you’ll need to consider what you’ll do during nap times and when babe needs to go to sleep at night.

You certainly don’t need to stay in one place the entire time (though that’s not a bad idea); but trust me when I say you don’t want to move to a new place every single night .

Our rule of thumb is we aim to stay in places at least 2 nights on trips, but 3-4 nights per place is ideal , in our opinion. 

(An exception to this is when we’re staying at an airport hotel the night before a flight, we only book one night.)

Psst! Read our tips for how to choose the best accommodation for traveling with a baby !

29. Get to major attractions early

Take advantage of your little one’s early wake up call (sleeping in on vacation is something I dearly miss!) and when possible, get to those popular sights before the crowds get there .

Not only will you have a better experience without all the people around, but there will be less commotion and sensory overload for babe. Plus, without all sorts of people around you may feel less self-conscious if your kiddo starts to get fussy.

30. Plan on early dinners (sometimes)

Not gonna lie, I’m a huge fan of late dinners. I like the buzzy atmosphere and I don’t usually get hungry until later in the evening.

But alas, there are many cases where it makes a lot of sense to do an earlier dinner when you’re traveling with a baby.

Popular restaurants tend to be a lot more family-friendly before the dinner rush really begins. That might mean making a 5:00 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. reservation . If you’re like me, you might be rolling your eyes, but getting there earlier means you won’t have to worry about disturbing the late-night dinner crowd with a baby that is overwhelmed by all the sights and sounds.

We don’t always stick to early dinners, but when we know a place is popular or on the fancier side (or if it’s a weekend night), we do like to go before the real dinner rush (aka sensory overload!) begins .

31. Take advantage of room service (or takeout & delivery!)

Pre-baby, this was never something I’d do, but having dinner in your hotel or Airbnb can be really convenient (especially after a long day of exploring!).

We’ve gotten takeout/delivery a handful of times on trips and either have dinner as a family, or eat once our daughter has gone to sleep. It’s can be such a treat.

Money-saving tip: If you book accommodation with a kitchen, plan on cooking at least a couple of nights during your trip.

32. Cook some of your baby’s favorite meals

When possible, I like booking accommodation with a kitchen or kitchenette so I have more control over what our daughter is eating.

We love having her try new foods on our travels, and overall she is a pretty great eater. But we’re not always able to get to a restaurant when she starts getting hungry. It’s nice to be able to whip up some easy and wholesome meals we know she likes at our Airbnb so we can carry them with us throughout the day.

Below are a few meals and snacks that have worked well for us. I specifically chose dishes that use few ingredients that are easy to find in most places around the world, as well as dishes that don’t require complex cooking equipment.

If your baby is eating solids, use these ideas or create your own list of their favorite foods that you can easily replicate on your travels. Use this list to determine what items you’ll need to pack from home.

Insider Tip: Bring reusable baggies ( like these or these ) to store food to easy eating on the go. You could even bring a small cooler so you can carry it with you during a day on the road.

Banana & egg pancakes 

Mash one ripe banana then add one egg. Mix until combined into a batter. Pour this in a skillet with oil (I prefer coconut oil), and cook on both sides, like a pancake.

I like to add a little nut butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon if I have access.

Insider Tip: Pack nut butter packets like these to be able to easily add it to different meals.

Smashed avocado

Super simple! You can add tomatoes too if you want. Serve as is or with rice crackers.

Oatmeal 

I prefer to bring my own premade mix from home in a large silicone baggie . Then I can cook small amounts at a time on the road. All you need is hot water.

You can make it however you’d like, but this is a combo I like:

Quick-cooking oats + hemp + flax + powdered coconut milk + chia + cinnamon + freeze dried berries.

Once it’s prepared, you can add nut butter as well as fresh berries if you’d like.

Chia pudding

This is a nutritious meal that is good to make if you’ll be staying in one spot for a while.

A simple Google search will show you plenty of recipes, but I like chia + milk (almond, coconut, or oat are my preferred milks) + a little maple syrup. I usually add a bit of cinnamon if I have it.

I sometimes pack chia seeds from home if I think they’ll be hard to find.

Scrambled eggs 

This is another go-to as eggs are easy to find just about everywhere. 

Bulk it up by adding other veggies, a sweet potato or avocado.

Rice + beans + corn

This is another easy one using ingredients you can easily find in most places. I’d recommend this one if you’re staying in a place for a longer period of time, as you’ll definitely have a few days worth of leftovers.

Alternatively, order rice and beans as a side at a Mexican restaurant and keep it in a takeaway container to store.

Pasta, peas, & pesto

Whole grain noodles combined with frozen peas and pesto is a quick and easy meal and it saves well for leftovers. You can add cherry tomatoes too!

Roasted veggies

If your accommodation has an oven, simply bake some veggies. Sweet potato is a favorite of ours!

Insider Tip: When you’re in a pinch, look in the prepared food section of the grocery store. We’ve found premade guacamole, what bulgar and veggie salad, fruit medleys, and lots more that has worked for us no matter where in the world we are. Check the frozen aisle too. We’ve found frozen falafel (or veggie burgers) and frozen veggies with hummus is an easy meal.

33. Find out where you stand on sleep schedules

One of the most common questions people ask us is, “How do you stick to a sleep schedule while traveling with a baby.”

Our completely honest answer is: We don’t.

This may be somewhat controversial, but we realized early on that we didn’t want to be super rigid about bedtime while traveling. And we didn’t want to always need to go back to our accommodation for naptime.

This is something that has been gradually changing and adapting a bit as our daughter gets older and her needs change. But during her first year, we had a somewhat flexible bedtime and we did a lot of napping on the go. 

This doesn’t mean we were hitting the town until the wee hours, but we often gave ourselves a 1-2 hour window for getting back to the hotel and getting ready for bed. We got to know her cues pretty well and used them to inform our decisions. 

We also had worked on napping on the go so much that if she fell asleep while we were at dinner, we didn’t stress out. We’d enjoy our meal, head back to the hotel and transfer her into her sleeping space.

Important Note: Sleep schedules are one of the more personal topics when it comes to parenting. And we’re not saying our way is right for you. We’re simply sharing what has worked for us so you have somewhere to start.

34. Do your own research about co-sleeping

Personally, once we felt our daughter was old enough, we practiced co-sleeping every once in a while so that we could use it as a tool if needed. This has come in handy several times on trips.

Ideally, Juniper has her own sleeping space in a hotel. However, in the case that she is having a rough night, isn’t feeling well, or we’re staying in a tiny room, we can co-sleep comfortably and with peace of mind.

We’ve also used this as a tool in our campervan on occasion. She has her own crib in our van, but if she wakes up in the middle of the night, we feel comfortable bringing her into bed with us so she is comforted.

Important note: Co-sleeping is another controversial topic. Do your own research and see how you feel so you can make an informed decision for your family.

35. Help your babe adjust to different time zones

If you’ll be crossing time zones, here are 5 tips for helping your little one adjust easier:

Start shifting time zones at home

Before you leave for your trip, start to shift bedtime 1-2 hours to get closer to your destination’s time zone.

Start slow. A few weeks before the trip, make their bedtime 15 minutes later. Then 30. And so forth until you’ve shifted as much as you’d like.

This can help cut the adjustment time down once you get to your destination. 

Good to know: If you’re going to be changing time zones more than 2 hours, you likely won’t be able to fully adjust at home. But every little bit will help!

Maybe you don’t need to adjust at all

If it’s just 1-3 hours different from your home time zone, you may not even need to adjust at all. 

Let’s say you are traveling from Seattle to NYC. This means you will be 3 hours later than at home. 

Perhaps instead of a 7 p.m. bedtime, you allow your little one to stay on their normal schedule and go to bed at 10 p.m. (which will allow you to have extra time to explore the city in the evening). This will also mean later wake-ups which is always nice on vacation.

If this is just a short trip, this can work really well and will also cut down on the adjustment when you go back home.

While you’ll want to aim for the same amount of sleep they typically get at home, there’s no rule that says you have to abide by their normal bedtime hour.

Use daylight to your advantage

When trying to adjust to a new time zone, use outdoor activity and daylight to your advantage.

Your baby will realize this is daytime, and their body will start to adjust accordingly.

Expect jet lag to last one day per hour time change

There’s kind of a general rule that you should anticipate it takes 1 day per hour that you change time zones. 

So that means if you are going to be changing time zones by 5 hours, it will take roughly 5 days for you to feel “normal” and get over jet lag.

This rule is for both adults and babies, so use it as a gauge for your own travels.

Don’t plan anything big on the first day

If you will be shifting several time zones, we’d recommend keeping your first day (or two) relatively free. 

This will alleviate any pressure and will allow you and your little one to rest up after a long travel day.

Insider Tip: We like these homeopathic “No Jet Lag” pills when we’re traveling through many time zones. These are for parents (not babies), but being adjusted yourself definitely helps deal with helping your little one shift as well!

36. Book a family photo shoot

This is a fun one I wanted to throw in there just because!

Instead of booking a photoshoot at home (like many people do), connect with a local photographer on a trip for a photo session. 

On our European Christmas Market Trip, we booked this photo walk last minute, and were so happy we did. With a baby, it has become more difficult to get good pictures of ourselves. (If you know, you know!)

The pictures turned out amazing, and it was such a special souvenir from our trip. You will never regret having photos taken , after all!

We’re definitely going to continue this tradition in our future travels.

Want to do it yourself? Look on Airbnb Experiences . This is where we’ve found a lot of local photographers around the world. Some cities have more options than others, but it is becoming more and more common. Alternatively, you can try to find local photographers in the city you’re visiting on Instagram . Reach out to them in a DM or via their website to book a session during your trip.

37. Plan on some personal time

This might not be advice you take on your first trip with a baby or even on your fifth. But eventually, it might be something you and your partner want to consider.

What would it look like for each of you to be able to do one experience on your own while the other spent quality one-on-one time with your child ?

Maybe this would be something you used to do on trips in your pre-baby days, like going scuba diving or another adrenaline-fueled adventure. Or perhaps it would be a massage appointment to unwind.

I once did a hot air balloon flight next to Mount Rainier (babies aren’t allowed) while Ben and Juniper hung out in the campervan.

This might not appeal to everyone, but if you find yourself missing your old travel days, this might be just the thing you need!

38. You don’t need to limit yourself to only baby-centered activities

If you’re not keen on the typical baby-friendly trips or activities, like kiddie pools or zoos or chain restaurants, I’d like to pop in for a minute to remind you that travel with a baby can look however you’d like .

There’s no rule that says all your trips from here on out have to be at Disney or on kiddie-friendly cruises if that’s not your style. I know we didn’t like the idea of being relegated to only taking trips that were focused on babies from here on out.

We’ve found that while there are certainly some activities you just can’t do with a baby on vacation (scuba diving being the biggest thing we miss!), there’s a lot that you can do, even if it’s not marketed toward families.

Sometimes this means you’ll need to do more planning in advance, but in our experience it has been worth it to be able to continue traveling the way that feels best to us.

We usually research activities in our destination to determine which ones we personally really want to do. Then, unless it explicitly says children are not allowed, we think about what we’d need to do to make it work for us.

Here are some examples of what I mean:

• Some cocktail bars only allow minors until a certain time, so we will plan to go earlier .
• We pack lots of snacks and a good napping-on-the-go set up for walking tours or food tours (we’ve been on a bunch with her!).
• Sometimes we might have to take turns at an activity , like snorkeling or snowboarding, while the other watches Juniper.
• We might alter a hiking route to make it more doable with a little one.
• Often, we’ll go somewhere with the mindset that we’ll leave if Juniper isn’t doing well . More often than not, she surprises us with doing great.
• We still take public transport, but we’ll give ourselves plenty of time to get from Point A to Point B.

It kind of becomes a puzzle of: how can we still do this activity?

Don’t get me wrong – there are times we turn things down because it’s not worth it to us to make it work. But for the most part, we’ve still been able to do most of the things we really want to experience.

And we’ve been able to take some pretty epic trips that are focused on our interests (even though we have a baby):

• road trip around Scotland
• backcountry camping at Cracker Lake in Glacier National Park
• lived in our self-built campervan for 4 months
• Christmas Market hopping in Europe

As our daughter gets older and has her own interests, the way we plan trips will likely change, but up until this point, this is what has been working for us.

Overall, I’m honestly surprised by how much our trips now are similar to the things we’d be doing before having a baby.

39. Get ready for some really special interactions

Something I wasn’t prepared for before having a child is the sweet interactions it would bring to our travels.

We’ve had so many different types of encounters – from servers at restaurants falling in love with Juniper (see pictures below) to people offering to help out when she’s crabby (this has happened multiple times!).

The last photo in the set above was taken at a Venezuelan bakery in Mexico where I was eating by myself with Juniper while Ben had dental surgery. She was just the slightest bit fussy, and the two sweet women behind the counter insisted that they would cheer her up while I eat my food.

Juniper is quite the conversation starter (she loves waving at strangers!), and has brought a whole new level of sweetness to our travels.

I’m so excited to watch Juniper grow up and experience kindness from different people all over the world.

*Excuse me while I go wipe my tears.*

40. Go ahead and book those damn flights! 

Here’s my last piece of advice (for now!):

Just book it!

Don’t let the voices in your head (or your well-meaning neighbor!) scare you away. 

If traveling with a baby is something that’s important to you, I know you can do it. And I’ll be your cheerleader rooting you on!

The first big trip with a baby can be daunting, but I have a feeling you’ll realize it’s not as scary as you’re building it up in your head to be. 

And you’ll feel like such a badass for turning your dream into reality. 

You might even find yourself daydreaming about your next big family vacation, which will feel a lot more doable since you’ve already got one trip under your belt.

Personal note from Katie

I truly hope this article has been helpful to you and leaves you feeling encouraged about traveling with a baby and motivates you to start planning that dream trip. I also hope you’re able to take away some helpful nuggets that you can put into practice! 

I do just want to say that if you want more content on traveling with a baby, please let us know. 

I have been avoiding writing this article for a number of reasons (which I’ll go into below), but it was readers like you who encouraged me to ignore these thoughts and just write it anyway.

So why did I avoid writing this article?

Lemme spill the tea… 

1. Giving parenting advice always attracts negative comments. 

Anytime I share things we do as parents, there’s always someone to point out why they would do something differently. Or why traveling with kids in general is just selfish.

I’m only human, and negative messages and comments are not fun to deal with. So avoiding the whole “traveling with kids tips” felt like an easy way to avoid the negativity. 

2. Traveling with a baby is very different for every single person. 

Everyone parents differently and there’s no way I could create an article that would resonate with everyone. 

This was kind of keeping me frozen in place, asking myself, “How do I give all parents advice about traveling with kids?”

And then I realized I didn’t need to. I just needed to share what has worked for us. I hope you’ve read this article with that lens. 

Some of these suggestions may not work for you or your child. You know your situation best, so pick and choose the ideas and advice that feels good for you.

3. This isn’t a family travel blog.

We decided very early on that we didn’t want Two Wandering Soles to become only about traveling with kids as soon as we had a baby.

At its core, TWS will always be about responsible and adventurous travel . And we aim to share the best things to do in locations around the world, regardless of whether or not they’re family-friendly. 

That said, we’ve realized that we can create family travel content without that being the only thing we write about.

4. Honestly, I don’t feel like an expert at parenting.

We traveled to more than 50 countries before getting pregnant. 

We lived out of a backpack for years on end, and called many different countries “home” for an extended period of time.

We have years and years of experience, and very much consider ourselves experts in all things travel-related.

But the whole parenting thing is new to us. We have one daughter. And at the time of writing this article, she is just over a year old.

So there’s a part of me who kept delaying sharing our “baby travel tips” until I felt like more of an “expert” as a parent. 

But I’ve come to realize that parenting is something that we’re likely never going to feel like experts at . It is a continuous learning process, and as soon as we feel like we’re getting the hang of it, things change. 

I finally became okay with the idea of creating content about traveling with kids without feeling like an expert. Because with the exception of people whose profession is related to parenting, we’re all just doing what we feel is best for our children.

And that might be as “expert level” as you can get.

Want more advice for traveling with a baby?

• Our top tips for staying at a hotel or Airbnb with a baby
• Feel confident on your flight with these tips for flying with a baby !

Save these tips so you don’t lose them!

Pin this article so you can easily come back to it…

We want to hear from you!

We hope these tips for traveling with a baby are helpful!

What advice would you add? Any travel hacks that have helped you? What questions or concerns do you still have?

Note: Please be respectful with your comments. Remember, we are sharing tips that have personally worked for us .

Comments (10) on “ 40 Practical & Encouraging Tips for Traveling with a Baby ”

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experiences in such an engaging and relatable way. You’ve truly inspired me to create unforgettable memories with my baby. Keep the amazing content coming! Greetings!

Insightful travel tips with baby! I loved how you addressed the importance of booster car seats and how they ensure safety while on the road. Your practical advice on traveling with little ones is invaluable, especially for parents like us. As we plan our family adventures, we’ll be sure to consider the booster seat recommendations you shared. Thanks for helping us make our trips safer and more enjoyable for our baby!

Traveling with a baby can be a challenge, but having a reliable travel cot is a game-changer. It provides comfort and security for your little one, ensuring they have a familiar place to sleep and play. Investing in a lightweight and safe travel cot is a must for any parent on the go. Thanks for highlighting its importance in your informative article! -Baby Train-

I feel like I could tear up after reading this – what an invaluable resource! Thank you!

I have been following you both for quite a while & have been trying to implement the tips you’ve shared over the last few months. My baby is 4.5 months old & she is so chill. Maybe it’s her personality, but I also think it’s the way we’ve done things..which has a lot to do with the tips you’ve shared! She can sleep wherever. I’ve practiced changing her & feeding her in different places & she’s been to our local museums & coffee shops more times than I can count. Though I still get nervous about things (like her getting fussy in public, etc), she really makes it pretty dang easy. We’re hoping to spend a couple of months in Europe this summer, so I’ll probably be re-reading it & studying it so I can prepare us as best as possible.

Thank you again. <3

My children are older and I am still terrified of travel, I am so inspired by seeing you travel with Juniper! I am going to start being more brave!

So happy to hear this resonates. I totally get being scared – I am too hehe! Starting with small adventures near home has been so good at building our confidence and hopefully it helps you too. Wishing your family lots of memories and adventures in the years ahead!

As always, you nailed it with your advice and tips…and your honesty. I love what my father-in-law says that parenting is flying by the seat of your pants. So true! And I am a big believer that when you become a parent, you go with your gut because no one knows your kid like you do!

Juniper will grow up with a worldly perspective…what a gift you and Ben are giving her. Travel makes me joyful, too. I like what you wrote about being a better mom when you are happy…so true!

Last year my 21-yr-old daughter was so inspired by my travel blogging that she asked to take some trips with me. So we did and it was special! There is nothing better in this world than when your adult kids want to spend time with you…and in the form of travel!

What a wonderful foundation of love, adventure and joy you are building for your sweet girl.

I know this article will help a lot of traveling parents…and any negative comments you get…tune those right out! YOU are doing it right! Happy travels with your cutie pie baby girl!

Thank you so much for your kind words, Rachel. It means a lot! I bet seeing your kids grow into adults is unlike anything you can describe. And how cool that you get to share a passion with her! Thank you again!

This is amazing and such timely advice! My husband and I are due to have our first baby in May and we have been going back-and-forth about what kind of travel we want to do when he comes. This article has given me so much more confidence about the things that we can do with him and has really helped me see what is possible with a baby. Thank you so much for this! Keep the baby content coming! Your style of travel is so similar to ours and I love to see what you have done with Juniper so far!

Thank you so much, Stef, for the kind words. Truly just brought a smile to my face. So happy to know it resonates with you. And CONGRATULATIONS on this new and beautiful chapter. Wishing your family all the best!

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37 Best Travel Tips for Traveling With an Infant, Older Baby, or Toddler

Family travel is exciting for you and your kids and can create special memories that last a lifetime, whether you’re off on an adventure abroad or simply going to visit Grandma. But traveling with an infant, older baby, or toddler requires a little extra preparation to ensure a safe and comfortable trip. We’ve got the answers to common questions surrounding baby travel—short and long—plus a list of all the essentials and 37 tips for traveling with the little ones!

How Soon Can You Travel With a Newborn Baby?

When is it safe to travel with a newborn? It’s always wise to check with your healthcare provider before traveling with an infant. Your provider will likely offer specific guidance on whether you should or shouldn’t travel with your little newborn, depending on your little’s one's age and health status, as well as more general advice on when you can travel with a baby or older child. Whenever you do end up traveling with your little one, keep some safety precautions in mind. Your child is still developing their immune system, so it’s important to take protective measures, especially when flying or in crowded locations, such as

frequently washing hands

using hand sanitizer

avoiding visibly ill travelers.

Besides these basic safety precautions, keep reading for more tips on traveling with infants, plus older babies and toddlers, which include additional measures that will help keep your little one healthy, safe, and comfortable.

37 Tips for Traveling With an Infant, Older Baby, or Toddler

There are many ways you can help keep your infant, older baby, or toddler safe while traveling, and ensure that the trip is comfortable for all involved. It’s best to always consult with your child’s healthcare provider before traveling, especially with newborns or infants. Younger babies are more vulnerable than older babies and toddlers, so consider the provider’s advice and tips for traveling with an infant. Knowing how to travel with an infant isn’t much different from knowing how to travel with an older baby or toddler, but age can impact strategy. For example, traveling with a toddler opens up more opportunities for activities on your trip! You’ll probably notice that traveling with a 2-year-old is a lot more interactive than when your little one was just 3 or 6 months old. To cover all the bases, we’ve included 37 tips for traveling with babies of any age, but some apply more to younger babies, like infants and newborns, whereas others are more geared toward older babies and toddlers. However, all are worth considering when traveling with kids of any age and whether you’re flying to Paris or hopping in the car for a day trip.

1. Update Immunizations

Before you travel, including by car, on an airplane, or anywhere abroad, ensure your baby has had all the necessary immunizations. Following an immunization schedule is key to keeping your little one healthy throughout their life and, of course, when traveling. If you plan to travel abroad, be aware that some countries require additional vaccinations. You’ll want to consult your child’s healthcare provider for specific advice before planning any overseas trips, and you can contact the U.S. State Department for general information. As children will need immunizations and boosters throughout their early years, this tip also applies to travel with infants, older babies, and toddlers.

2. Consult Your Child’s Healthcare Provider

Remember that your baby’s healthcare provider is your ally and a great source of information. Don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have any questions about traveling with an infant or how to best travel with a baby of any age. If you’re thinking of traveling with a newborn, the provider may suggest waiting in some cases, such as if your little one has an underlying health condition or was born prematurely.

3. Collect Medications and Important Documents

Before setting off on your adventure, remember to pack any medication your child will need while away from home. You can also purchase a sturdy folder to keep any important documents, such as your baby’s vaccination record, copies of recent medical reports, passport, etc. When traveling with an infant, older baby, or toddler, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and bring everything you might need!

4. Do Some Research

One of the best tips for traveling with newborns or older babies and toddlers is to hunt for and gather relevant information ahead of time. Besides things like looking up vaccination requirements, you can also research details about accommodations and activities. Some hotels offer amenities that may come in handy when traveling. For example, if you’re breastfeeding your baby , you might want a refrigerator in your hotel room to store extra milk.

5. Allow Extra Time

Always remember that traveling with an infant or baby of any age means everything will take a little more time (or sometimes a lot more time!). Be sure to start early and allow extra time when packing the car or getting to the airport, going through security, checking into your accommodation, eating out, etc. This additional time makes for a smooth trip and also helps keep stress to a minimum.

6. Bring Those Baby Essentials

Although your research may reveal that hotels or accommodations offer some basic baby necessities, it’s best to bring as much as you can with you. For example, if a hotel offers cribs, unless you can guarantee that their baby cribs are up to date on safety requirements, it’s better to bring your own travel crib if you’re able to do so. Other travel essentials for your baby include bottles, bibs, diapers and wipes , pacifiers, etc. Keep these in a separate diaper bag for easy access! Our baby travel checklist below includes all these items and more.

7. Don’t Forget Favorite Toys or Blankets

Your little one is still getting used to the world around them, so bring some reminders of home to soothe any discomfort when in unfamiliar places. A favorite plush toy, a familiar rattle, or a blanket with home scents can do wonders in keeping your babies and toddlers comfortable when traveling, so be sure not to leave Mr. Rabbit (or any other "lovey") at home!

8. Double Check Car Seats

Whether traveling with your infant, older baby, or toddler by car or plane, double-check any car seats you use for safety . Look up the expiration date to make sure the seat hasn’t expired, and ensure that it’s properly installed.

9. Keep Feedings and Sleep Schedules Consistent

When traveling with babies, especially newborns and infants, it’s best to keep feeding and sleep schedules consistent, even when crossing into other time zones. It’s hard for children to adjust to new routines, and a little consistency will do wonders. If you’re moving across several time zones and it’s impossible to stick to the same feeding times, try to adjust your schedule gradually. However, what’s most important is feeding your baby when they’re hungry, regardless of the hour, and giving yourself some extra grace.

10. Bring a First-Aid Kit

In addition to all your essential must-have items, it’s also helpful to have your baby’s first-aid kit with you when traveling. You can keep one in the car, diaper bag, or your little baby’s overnight bag. Do you have all the baby necessities in your diaper bag? Take our quiz below to find out!

11. Wash Hands Frequently

Although briefly mentioned above, this is one of the most important tips for traveling with an infant or child of any age, and it deserves a friendly reminder! Because your little one is still building their body’s natural immune defenses, they’re more susceptible to catching colds, flu, or other infections. And because you’ll be carrying your newborn while traveling or holding your baby’s hand, it’s best for you to wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer.

12. Stay Hydrated

Traveling in general, but especially traveling by plane, is dehydrating to the body. Staying hydrated yourself means staying healthy and alert for your child. To keep your newborn hydrated, you’ll want to feed them more often (if needed), and older babies and toddlers will need sips of water throughout the day. Hydration is also very important if your little one has diarrhea while traveling, which is common.

13. Bring Disposable or Hybrid Diapers

When you’re traveling, nothing beats the convenience of disposable diapers. Another option is a hybrid system, like Pampers Pure Hybrid Starter Kit, which uses reusable covers and disposable inserts to cut down on waste.

14. Provide Entertainment

You may find that your newborn sleeps through much of the trip, but that probably won’t be the case for an active older baby or toddler! When traveling with a baby who’s a bit older and more alert, it helps to provide some form of entertainment, whether in the car, on the train, or on an airplane. A soft toy or a picture book work well.

15. Bring Food and Snacks

You don’t have to travel with a baby to know that meals and snacks are an important part of any outing! You’ll need to breastfeed or bring formula, of course, supplemented by solid foods once your little one has been introduced to solids at around 6 months. Good travel food for babies can be anything they regularly eat—the point is to keep their tummy happy!

16. Sing Songs

Singing is a wonderful way to bond and engage with your baby or toddler. It’s an entertaining way to pass the time on long car drives, for instance, and has the added bonus of helping to boost vocabulary as well as other important language skills and developmental milestones for babies . Before long your not so little one will be singing along and repeating their favorite songs, again and again.

17. Plan Car Games

In addition to singing songs, keep your little one entertained with some fun car games. Your toddler may enjoy the classic game I Spy or even counting things (with your help) they see out the window, like cows or red cars. Another idea is to build or purchase a travel tray, a simple tray that connects to the back of one of the front seats and provides lots of things to touch, look at, and listen to!

18. Pack Bedding From Home

When possible, pack bedding for your baby or toddler, which, of course, is easier when traveling by car or when you have extra space in your suitcase. Familiar feels and scents will help keep them at ease as they experience a disruption to their usual routine. If you’re flying far on a plane, just grab something small, like their favorite blanket or bedsheet, to help them feel “at home.”

19. Provide Extra Attention

Traveling with a baby or an older child often interrupts typical at-home routines, and your little one will probably need more attention from you. Some tips include extra hugs and snuggles during the day and at night, plus bringing interactive games and activities into the mix.

20. Maintain a Typical Meal Routine

Although traveling is a great time to try new foods or allow some “treats,” try to stick to your usual meal routines as much as possible. Let your older baby or toddler know that traveling can include trying new food while at the same time continuing to eat healthy foods and maintain normal mealtimes.

21. Look for Specials

Many accommodations and restaurants offer special prices or deals for families, which can help reduce costs. “Kids stay free” is a common feature; you can also see if a hotel provides complimentary meals or packaged discounts for kids and families. Consider working with a travel club or agency that can help you coordinate a trip with children in mind.

22. Ask for Assistance

With a baby, travel isn’t always an easy task to accomplish on your own. If your little one is feeling extra fussy on the plane or train and you’ve run out of ideas, ask an attendant if they have anything special for babies or young kids, such as a picture book or a pack of crayons. If you need a changing pad in your hotel room, call the front desk. It really does take a village, and many travel clubs, airlines, hotels, and more offer special assistance for kids and families!

23. Pack for the Weather

Take a look at the weather report before you leave and pack accordingly. Consider bringing some extra layers for cooler night temperatures or extra supplies in case of rain or snow. Socks, rain covers, a warm jacket, and a hat will all come in handy if the weather takes an unexpected turn.

24. Take Preventive Measures

It’s not unusual for an illness or another health-related issue to pop up when you’re on the go and away from home. Colds and sore throats, diarrhea, car sickness, mosquito bites or bedbug bites —all these scenarios are possible with any kind of travel, including travels with your baby. Although you might not be able to completely prevent all these issues, it helps to prepare. You can do so by

getting necessary vaccinations before traveling

checking hotel rooms, bus seats, or train cars for bedbugs

bringing your own food or eating only hot food that’s thoroughly cooked

eating only a light snack before traveling to lessen motion sickness

staying hydrated.

25. Remember Special Considerations When Flying

Don’t forget that flying with a child will require some extra steps. If you have any questions, consult your little one’s healthcare provider and contact the airline. For example, all equipment like car seats and strollers will need to be visibly inspected at the airport. Read more about air travel in our article about flying with babies .

26. Plan Age-Appropriate Trips

Of course, traveling with a 1-year-old is going to be a little different than traveling with a 2-month-old! It helps to plan a trip that works for your child’s specific age, so if you’re traveling with a 9-month-old baby, think of something to do that meshes well with their abilities and interests. A simple trip going to visit grandparents or where there are lots of playgrounds is all you really need! But, of course, kids love playing outdoors or at the beach, so see more suggestions on where to travel with a baby at the end of the article.

27. Plan Breaks

For travel of any kind, remember that kids need breaks, naps, and downtime. If you’re taking a road trip, for example, research your routes thoroughly and plan for pit stops and breaks. It’s not easy for wriggly little ones to sit for too long, and getting out of the car to stretch legs or enjoy an attraction along the way helps keep spirits and energy levels high. If you’re on a plane, get up and walk the aisle a few times for a little movement and stimulation. Or if you’re spending the day at a theme park, squeeze in some time in the shade with a blanket for a quick snooze or a calming activity, like reading.

28. Bring Craft Supplies

Your toddler may need something more interactive to keep them entertained while on a road trip, airplane, or in a hotel room. Basic arts and crafts for toddlers can keep your little one occupied. Even just some crayons and a coloring book will help.

29. Adjust Sleep Schedules 2 to 3 Days Before if Needed

As mentioned before, when traveling with infants and older babies, it’s better to try and stick to the same feeding and sleeping schedules. But when traveling with toddlers, you may have more wiggle room to adjust their routines. For short trips, you might not even need to consider this tip, but if you’re moving across multiple time zones, you can gradually adjust sleep and eating schedules to the new time zone a few days before departing on your trip.

30. Pack Books

Are you wondering what to pack when traveling with a baby or toddler? Put books at the top of your list! Any kind of books —picture books, storybooks, interactive books—will keep your little one entertained while traveling. And if you usually read before falling asleep, it’s important to maintain your bedtime routine while away from home.

31. Respect Boundaries

Traveling with babies and toddlers (or, really, kids of any age) is a lot of fun for everyone. But remember that a change in a routine can be difficult for children, so it’s important to respect any boundaries they put up. For example, if your child doesn’t want to give Grandma a hug this trip or go on a ride at a theme park, don’t force it. They might be feeling shy or nervous, and it’s best not to force interactions, even with family members or activities.

32. Allow Your Child to Make Decisions

One of the best tips for traveling with toddlers and older babies is letting them make some decisions as they start to dabble in independence. Ask them what they want to eat for dinner or what they’d like to wear. Keep decisions manageable for their little brains by offering two or three choices rather than asking open-ended questions. It will allow them to take ownership of the travel experience!

33. Try New Things

Make traveling with your baby or toddler even more memorable by encouraging new experiences. You’ll probably remember these trips forever, but to make them stick in your youngster’s mind, have some fun with unique activities that you can’t do at home. Plus, as your little one is growing and developing, they’ll naturally want to try new things and test newly developed skills!

34. Anticipate Big Feelings

Again, changes in routines can be difficult for kids to manage. Traveling means leaving home behind, sleeping in a strange bed, and being without the usual comforts. This may be stressful, confusing, or even a bit scary for your little one. If these emotions come out in the form of temper tantrums , crying, or resisting, give your child extra support and love.

35. Supervise Water Play

Baby travel or traveling with a toddler might include a little water play, like splashing around in the pool or at the beach. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in kids of any age, and it can happen in seconds, whether children are swimming , playing in a shallow pool, or simply taking a bath. Watch children closely when in the water or during bath time.

36. Take Photos and Videos

With cameras built into phones, you probably don’t need a reminder to take photos! Still, be sure to capture the memories when traveling with your kids, especially as they get older. It will be fun for them to look back and remember the trip!

37. Keep a Scrapbook

Take a blank scrapbook with you and let your toddler draw or color in it each day of the trip. For infants and newborns, press their hand or foot into the page with a bit of paint and add photos. When you return home, you can add more pictures or little trinkets like ticket stubs to the book, and your child can keep it to remember the experience. As your babies get older, traveling with them will get more and more fun, so let them be part of making the memories!

Baby Travel Checklist

We know this list of tips for traveling with an infant, older baby, or toddler is quite thorough, so to make it a bit easier for you, you’ll find a handy baby travel checklist below! We’ve included all the baby travel items that will help support a trip of any kind with any age group. Whether you’re wondering what to pack when traveling with a baby or hunting for those baby travel must-haves, we’ve included them all! This baby travel checklist works for kids of all ages, so you can use it when traveling with infants, older babies, toddlers, or even older children. It also works for short or long trips, by car, plane, or train. You can also download a version of the checklist and use it at home when preparing and packing for any upcoming family trips.

INSERT DOWNLOADABLE LINK

Baby Travel: Where to Go

Now that you have all of our travel tips, it’s time to think about where to travel with your baby. Not all destinations and activities are suitable for young children, so we’ve rounded up some of our best ideas for kid-friendly travel destinations!

Where to Vacation With an Infant, Older Baby, or Toddler in the United States

Luckily, the United States is a big country packed with various travel opportunities for babies and young children. Because there are so many choices, we’ve rounded up a few suggestions for each of the following themes: National Parks Among the best places to go when traveling with a newborn, older baby, or toddler are national and state parks. When you explore the great outdoors, you can avoid cramped environments and secure your sweet little one to your chest or carry older babies in backpacks while you enjoy fresh air and nature. Of course, toddlers will probably want a little independence as they toddle around! Some suggestions for kid-friendly national parks include the following:

All these parks offer a range of hiking suitable for carrying sleeping newborns or curious infants, plus interesting experiences for more mobile toddlers. Watch your child’s eyes light up at the scene of geysers erupting in Yellowstone, birds singing in the Everglades, or the sky-high trunks of the towering Redwoods! Vibrant Cities Although nature is ideal for traveling with babies or kids of any age, new cities also offer a lot of entertainment for the entire family (including you!). The United States is so diverse with different cultures, and your little one can enjoy various activities that can enrich their development. The list of kid-friendly cities in the United States is nearly endless, so if you’re simply looking for a bit of inspiration or a few suggestions for exciting cities, perhaps consider the following:

All these cities offer fun for you and your kids, even if your infant is simply watching the buzzy world around them. Take your little one to look for seals at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, explore adobe architecture in Santa Fe, New Mexico, or listen to street music in New Orleans. Theme Parks Although some theme parks aren’t suitable when traveling with newborns, infants, or young babies, many can be a lot of fun for toddlers and older kids! However, some of these classics cater to kids of all ages, rather than just focusing on thrilling roller coasters for the big kids. Again, you’ll find plenty of fun theme parks throughout the country, but for a few suggestions, you could consider the following:

These theme parks offer exciting scenes for even the youngest guests but can also entertain older children if you have a brood of various ages. Watch your baby delight at meeting their favorite Disney, Sesame Street, or fairy-tale characters! Beaches Although infants shouldn’t experience any direct sunlight until they are at least 6 months , beaches can offer a relaxing place to be with your little one, as long as they’re properly shaded. For older babies and toddlers, the beach is an exciting source of pure entertainment! The United States has a lot of coastlines to consider; here are just a few ideas:

A beach vacation with an infant, older baby, or toddler will expose your little one to an entirely new world. Plus, all the above suggestions offer complementary activities that your baby may love, such as visiting wildlife education centers, observing tide pools, or having fun at neighboring playgrounds. Road Trips Like national parks, road trips are also ideal for traveling with infants or children of any age, as you don’t have to interact too much with other travelers who can spread germs to your family. Plus, road trips can combine all the aforementioned ideas into one exciting adventure! A road trip doesn’t have to be long; you can simply pack snacks and head over to Grandma’s house or into the big city. But the United States is also known for its signature stretches of highway, and some of the most popular road-trip routes include the following:

Best Places to Travel With an Infant, Baby, or Toddler Abroad

A vacation abroad is a terrific way to open up the world to your little explorer! Although infants and young babies probably won’t remember much about a trip abroad, you can still use the opportunity to introduce them to new cultures and experiences. And, who knows, perhaps a trip at such a young age will spark an interest in travel as your adventurous baby grows up! A list of the best places to travel with an infant, baby, or toddler is endless, so we’ve included just a few popular family-friendly destinations in different parts of the world. Of course, use your imagination and go where you want!

The Bottom Line

Traveling with young infants, older babies, toddlers, or kids of any age can be a lot of fun, but it also requires a little extra prep! We hope this article helps you prepare for future family trips:

Use our suggestions on where to go to plan memorable experiences for the whole family.

Download our baby travel checklist to ensure you don’t forget any of the must-have items you’ll need.

Consider all our tips for traveling with newborns, babies, and toddlers to help your vacation go smoothly.

Remember that there is no age limit when it comes to travel, but it’s best to take extra precautions when traveling with infants, as they have yet to build up their body’s natural immunity. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider before planning any travel so you know what vaccinations your baby will need.

Family travel is a way to build wonderful memories that last a lifetime! Savor these exciting moments, whether you’re taking a simple trip to Grandma’s house, venturing out on an epic road trip to national parks, or enjoying an international vacation.

How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.

• Book: Caring for your baby and young child, birth to age 5, Sixth Edition Paperback – November 2, 2014 by American Academy of Pediatrics (Author)
• Medline Plus: Traveling With Children
• Zero to Three: Survival Strategies for Traveling With Your Baby or Toddler
• Medline Plus: Toddler Development
• Mayo Clinic: Infant and Toddler Health
• Healthy Children: Sun Safety
• Healthy Children: Travel Safety Tips
• Healthy Children: Car Safety
• CDC: Travel Recommendations for Nursing Families
• CDC: Drowning Facts
• CDC: Traveling With Children
• Healthy Children: Car Sickness
• La Leche League International: Travel

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Where You Already Belong

How I've kept traveling -- even after having a baby

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Before I had a baby, I had traveled to almost 60 countries and was on a plane every other week.

A huge fan of solo travel , yoga retreats with friends and adventurous escapes with my husband, I was always on the move. Thanks to the ability to work remotely, travel was easy. Then COVID-19 hit, and shortly after, I got pregnant .

So life changed, and so did travel.

But now that travel is picking up again , I'm back at it — with my eight-month-old in tow.

Here's how — and why — I've navigated travel with a baby.

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Why I travel with my baby

Because i have to, and so does he.

I live in Europe and my entire family lives in the United States . Like it or not, my child will have to constantly go back and forth between the two continents, and I want this to become second nature for him. I started flying with my child when he was three months old. He's already on his 15th flight and 4th high-speed train ride -- and has a few road trips under his elastic waistband.

Have some flights been really easy? Yes. Have some flights been harder? Also yes. But it doesn't matter all that much either way, because we have to travel if we want to spend time with friends and family back in the United States. And most of the flights, with a few small exceptions, have been great.

Even you don't need to travel with a baby, just know it's possible. It may not always be easy, but you can absolutely do it if you want to.

I want him to experience the wonders of the world instead of material things

My apartment was recently broken into. As violating and frustrating as it was, I realized that I was able to get over the things they took from me (cash and jewelry) relatively quickly, even though some of the jewelry pieces were family heirlooms.

When I'm still traumatized emotionally about having my space invaded, the robbers couldn't take from me what I most valued: my family and our shared experiences, especially the ones we've had traveling.

My hope is that my son will grow up understanding these same lessons and placing value on experiences and connections instead of things. And the best way to show this is by modeling the same behavior for him, which is often what motivates me to plan that next family vacation .

Because it's fun

Playing with my son in the peaceful Caribbean ocean waves, watching him stare at the Chicago skyline with awe or seeing him smile at the iconic Eiffel Tower are memories I'll never forget. Although he definitely won't remember these trips, we will — and we'll have lots of photos to show him one day.

How I make travel with my baby easier

Traveling with a baby isn't always easy. From diaper blowouts during landing and bleary-eyed nights with a jet-lagged infant to nasty stares from passengers if my overtired son shrieks during take-off, traveling with a baby has its downsides and complications. Here are some hacks I use to make it easier.

I bring someone along to help

I know I'll travel alone with my child as he gets older. However, for now, whenever possible, I try to have another adult in tow to help out — whether that be my partner, a family member or friend.

While I'm not expecting a friend to deal with a crying baby or his meltdowns, it's helpful to have someone along to help carry luggage, make sure I don't forget my jacket in the airport, hold the baby while I head to the restroom or help me fold up the stroller at TSA .

These little things can really make a difference when traveling. Once my child can at least walk on his own, I'll start traveling with just the two of us.

I pack as light as possible

It's true that kids — and especially babies — can need a lot of stuff. And there are things I really don't want to be stuck without on a long plane ride like diapers or snacks (more on this in a moment).

When traveling with my baby, I try to bring everything I need but don't go overboard. I swear by lightweight travel strollers and always take along a baby carrier and diaper backpack for a hands-free airport experience.

I like to book rental properties with as many baby and kid amenities already present as possible, such as a crib, high chair and more to avoid taking extra stuff along. I've also used rental companies in destinations for key items such as car seats, too.

Always bring these key items — especially when flying

What you can carry with you when flying is obviously very different than what you can lug along on a road trip, which offers you more space and added flexibility. That being said, these are key items I always take in my carry-on when flying with a baby:

• Extra clothing for both you and your baby (yes, trust me, you need a backup outfit just in case).
• Layers of clothing or blankets (plane temperatures can vary).
• Pacifier and clip (and backup).
• Comfort toy or blanket.
• Extra diapers (enough for an unexpected delay).
• Formula/breast milk/pump.
• Snacks (for you and/or your baby).
• Baby wipes.
• Sanitizing wipes.
• Extra bibs.
• Ziploc bags for soiled clothing (or a reusable, waterproof bag).
• Baby Tylenol or any infant medications.
• A basic first aid kit.
• Small toy(s).
• Anything that can help your baby fall asleep.

For more on what to pack and how to prepare for traveling with a baby, read this article .

Use points and miles for a more comfortable and affordable trip

This may be an unpopular opinion, but I love using my points and miles to fly in business class with my baby .

He's actually better behaved than other passengers in some cases. Also, having the extra space to stretch out makes a real difference for all of us, especially on long-haul flights where sleep is essential for the entire family.

I have also dipped into my stash of points and miles to buy three seats in economy, taking a car seat along so my baby can safely sit in his own seat, even though that isn't required at this age. The bassinet was once an option if I had enough points or miles for just two seats, although now my baby has surpassed the weight limit.

If you want to use the bassinet, always call the airline to see if this option is available and what the weight/size limits are, which can vary by airline or even route .

I verbally prepare my baby for travel

I'm well aware that my baby probably can't understand what I'm saying. But as he gets older, he is starting to recognize words, and I want "airplane" to be one of them as quickly as possible. Whenever we travel, I softly and carefully explain to him what's happening several days in advance each day before the trip.

I tell him we're going to fly high in the sky on a plane, that we need to be calm, quiet and happy. I tell him that we'll be spending time with many other people in a small space, so we need to not scream or kick the seat in front of us and bother other passengers.

I explain that we're visiting a certain destination or specific family members or friends, where we'll be sleeping and for how long we'll be gone.

One day, he'll slowly begin to associate these explanations with the journeys that follow them. Kids ask a lot of questions and want to understand what's going on, so I hope explaining things to him will help him feel safe and in control as he gets older, as well as excited to fly and to travel.

I fly or take a train trip at least every two months with my son

I realize that as someone who's worked remotely for more than 10 years, I'm afforded the flexibility to travel frequently and take my son along with me. I'm teaching my child how to eat properly and sleep well, and will pretty soon potty train, so I'm training him to travel, too.

With the convenience of low-cost air carriers and high-speed trains here in Europe (and a solid stash of points and miles), it's easy to get my baby on a plane or train every few months to get — and keep — him used to travel and make it part of a familiar routine.

I minimize travel stress with early arrivals, elite status and lounge access

Running through the airport with a baby and luggage is stressful and not at all how I want to start a trip.

I find the calmer I am, the calmer our whole family is — especially my baby, who tends to absorb my energy and mental state. Getting to the airport with lots of extra time helps me feel relaxed and in control — and these feelings transfer to everyone in my travel party, especially my son.

Having elite status and lounge access doesn't hurt, either, as I can avoid long lines and hang out in the lounge if I have time to kill before flying.

Both The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offer lounge access, and considering my home airport of Madrid Barajas (MAD) has several really nice Sala VIPs that are part of the Priority Pass network, I find this credit card perk a valuable one.

My Oneworld Sapphire status makes flying on airlines like Iberia much more comfortable, too, allowing me to use the business class check-in area, board first and check a bag at no added cost.

I plan flights around bedtime and nap times whenever possible

While my son sleeps fairly well on planes, I prefer to plan flights strategically at times where he'll already be fed, calm and rested. Although I can't always make this happen, I do so whenever my schedule and flight schedules permit it.

I organize sightseeing and beach days around naps, too

When traveling, I always try to organize my days so that my baby can either nap at the hotel or vacation rental, or while we walk in his stroller.

Cobblestoned European streets are particularly helpful in coaxing my son to sleep in his stroller, as the vibration is relaxing for him. I also bring everything along possible to encourage sleep while on the road — a portable sound machine in the stroller, a portable night light, his lovey, a tent for the beach , our own sheet for the travel crib to remind him of home — really anything that will help him to nap and sleep, keeping him and the whole family calm and happy.

Bottom line

While I'm not hopping on a flight every other week like I was in those pre-pandemic, pre-baby days, having a baby hasn't ruined travel for me.

I know it can be more restrictive and more expensive, but I now look at travel in a whole new way. I see it as an opportunity to bond as a family, give my son new experiences and help him grow into a flexible, excited young traveler .

My hope is that starting with these experiences while he is young will make travel a habit for him, just like going to school or playing with friends — something he is familiar with and learns to love and do with joy.

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Everything You Need to Know About Traveling With a Baby

Traveling with a baby? Here are expert tips to make your trip as safe and comfortable as possible.

Years ago, Kristiana Choquet was nervous about taking her then three-month-old, Olivia, on her first flight. It would be long — 11 hours from Johannesburg to Paris — and like many new parents, she wasn't sure what to bring. "I packed a backpack of her own, with diapers and wipes, a messenger bag with extra clothes, and a rolling suitcase and stroller," she said. "Our friends were like, 'You're never going to need all this stuff.'"

Since that momentous first trip — which Air France made easy with a complimentary bassinet — Choquet has gotten smarter about packing. "Now I only fly with just one backpack for both of us," she says, laughing.

We asked Kristiana Choquet, the associate director of leisure for Embark Beyond , a travel agency in New York, and other experts for their best advice on how to travel with a child under 2. Here's what they told us.

Before the Trip

Check With Your Pediatrician

"If the family is traveling internationally, it's always a good idea to check with the pediatrician at least two weeks before to see if the child would require any extra immunizations," says Dr. David Fagan, vice chairman of the Pediatric Ambulatory Administration at Northwell Health in Massapequa, New York. Depending on where you're going, your child may need to have certain vaccines earlier, like the measles vaccine , or take a particular medicine before or during travel. Your baby may also need a COVID-19 vaccine (if he or she is older than 6 months) or a negative test result before traveling. The Centers for Disease Control's online Traveler's Health information page is a great place to research.

In general, there is no enforced minimum age a newborn has to be before they fly, although rules may vary by airline. For example, Vueling and Delta will allow newborns as young as seven days old to fly. JetBlue will allow infants as young as 3 days old to fly, but between three and 14 days you will need a doctor's letter of approval. However, it is generally recommended that you wait a few months before traveling in order to let your baby's immune system more fully develop. If flying internationally, it takes about six weeks to obtain a passport for your baby .

On the Flight

Consider a Rear-Facing Car Seat

Yes, it's a hassle. But on a plane, a rear-facing car seat is still the safest place for an infant, insists Fagan. And if you're traveling by car, this piece of safety equipment is a must. Check with your airline to determine the specific policies for using a car seat on board, and keep in mind that you may need to spring for a separate ticket. Be sure to take the infant out of the seat every couple of hours. "This allows them to stretch out and move their legs," Fagan notes, and they'll probably need a diaper change anyway.

Bring a Collapsible Baby Stroller

Choquet swears by the popular Babyzen Yoyo2 stroller, which folds neatly and can be slung over the shoulder like a tote bag. It also meets most airlines' carry-on luggage requirements, making it easy to navigate airports and train stations before throwing it in the overhead bin once on board. The only downsides are the price (this stroller is over $400), and the fact that it's not recommended for travelers under 6 months old.

Choquet also likes the Ergobaby, a wearable, space-saving baby carrier. "A lot of times baby falls asleep on your chest," and if your baby's a lap child, or under the age of two, this carrier can alleviate the stress of toting a stroller around.

Ask for a Bassinet

Heading abroad? Choquet recommends calling ahead to see if the airline offers a bassinet on board. These specially-made bassinets are designed to fit in the extra space of bulkhead seating sections. These are typically complimentary on international flights, though they're subject to availability. Delta advises to check ahead, especially for domestic flights, while United Airlines provides a limited number of bassinets on international flights only, which also need to be reserved prior to boarding. No matter what carrier you travel with, bassinets may not be used during taxi, takeoff, or landing, or when the seatbelt sign is illuminated.

Keep Your Baby Entertained

Choquet advises keeping your little one busy with "snacks, puzzles, coloring books," or "anything you can stuff in your bag that's not bulky." Load the iPad with games and kid-friendly movies, and stock up on favorite snacks, so you're not at the mercy of the food cart. Backpack too heavy? Old-school hand-clapping games like Patty Cake are always a hit and don't require toting around extra toys.

Deal With Changes in Air Pressure

"Most children are usually okay with changes in air pressure during takeoffs and landings," explains Fagan, but since infants can't swallow, pop their ears, or yawn, their only alternative for clearing their ears is sucking. Breastfeeding, or sucking on a bottle or a pacifier works well, especially during the initial descent, when the biggest change in pressure occurs. Ask a flight attendant to let you know when the descent is about to begin.

At the Hotel

Check for Safety

Safety standards vary by country, so be sure to do a thorough inspection of the hotel room upon arrival. "Parents should be comfortable with railings and check that the child can't slip through," Fagan warns. Also, scan your accommodations for exposed electrical wires and peeling paint chips. Parents of toddlers who walk should be especially vigilant.

Ask for Baby Amenities

Why pack a bottle warmer or car seat when you can get them at the hotel? Every Rosewood property comes fully equipped with diaper pails, baby baths, and monitors. At St. Regis hotels , parents can borrow strollers and stock up on diapers. "I've never really had to travel with a stroller," says Choquet, who advises calling ahead. Just remember to thoroughly check cribs and strollers for safety — visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website for current rules — especially if you're staying abroad, urges Fagan. If the hotel you book is not up on the family amenity trend, Choquet advises buying diapers, wipes, formula, and bottles online, and then having them shipped to your U.S. destination.

Arm Against Mosquitoes

You shouldn't let your child drink tap water (Fagan advises opting for bottled water while traveling), so don't let them skip the mosquito repellent , either. In tropical climates especially, long-sleeved shirts and pants are best, but also consider lotions with no more than 30 percent DEET , recommended for children over two months. (Never spray an infant due to the risk of inhalation.) Fagan says that placing mosquito netting around a crib can be helpful, too, but check with your pediatrician and the CDC to hear your options.

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How to travel with a baby or toddler according to an expert

By Rosalyn Wikeley

It’s only once you have mastered the various potholes of travelling with children that they cruelly switch up. Your newborn is suddenly an alert baby, a toddler, a little person carrying their own backpack and strong opinions. I hesitantly solicit tot-friendly travel advice as the variables are just too great, the isms and routines too diverse. Though, having carted my daughter around with me on many travel writing escapades, from Milan to the Maldives , my many mistakes and a handful of victories can hopefully help smooth out just a few of those potholes.

From long haul baby sleeping tips to hotel booking strategies with sprog-in-tow, these are my top insider tips for travelling with babies and toddlers. For more, here’s what our editors recommend taking on holiday with a baby or toddler .

Choose your hotel wisely

First things first. While it may be relatively unknown, undesirable territory, a baby or child-friendly hotel will make for a genuine holiday. Treading on egg-shells in grown-up restaurants or ferociously scrubbing spilt milk off expensive velvet sofas is not. As a travel writer, I have taken my daughter into adult-only, cream carpet and silent restaurant territory on more occasions than I’d care to admit. It was work, it was not fun and young children have a talent for sensing when you are on edge and at your most vulnerable. So opt for a serviced villa (if you can) or a family-friendly hotel that specifically ‘gets’ the baby and toddler minefield or sterilisers and blackout blinds. Some terrific examples include Sani Resorts in Greece, Ikos Andalusia (all-inclusives are an appealing notion for weary parents), Calcot Spa in the Cotswolds, Carlisle Bay in Antigua, Four Seasons Maldives , Moonfleet Manor in Dorset and Verdura Golf & Spa in Italy. Previous peripatetic impulses will soon fade with broods in tow – island hopping or road trips with babies or toddlers involves hours of packing up clobber and preparing on-the-road meals, so staying put for at least four days makes for a bona fide holiday.

Invest in a travel pram

Unbeknownst to many new parents, prams that fail to fold to a precise measurement will be summoned to the hold by most airlines. This can make boarding and exiting the plane a warmed up nightmare. Babyzen Yoyo are two magic words passed around parent networks like heirlooms. Designed by Parisians for narrow staircases and old labyrinthine European cities , this pram easily rises to the challenges of travel. It folds down into a flat, hold bag shape that is flung over your shoulder, then bursts out with a flick of a wrist into a fully-formed pram. It’s also the password at check in, in nearly all countries. ‘Yoyo?’ was a question followed by smug nods, then a hand gesturing towards departures – the platform 9 and three quarters of parenthood. Not only is the pram light enough for single parents to do the bus-train-coach-plane dance, the same brand’s car seat can clip onto the pram , ensuring sleeping babies are left undisturbed from the car to the airport, while ensuring that taxis or coaches without baby seats are not a problem.

Book a bassinet in advance for long flights

This is mettle testing territory. Once several hours of film-and-food joy with the odd flight sock concern, long haul flights now require days of preparation and military-grade strategy with babies and young children. The most pressing task at hand is securing a bassinet – often something you can only reserve over the phone once you have booked your tickets, and depending on how busy the flight is, is not always guaranteed. I also recommend checking the bassinet measurements as they tend to differ between airlines and larger babies may be too long (ours was at 11 months) and will need to upgrade to a toddler bassinet.

Pack your hand luggage with military precision

With flight times increasingly unreliable, it is prudent to choose the right flight bag and pack as much food, milk powder, nappies and clothing as possible. I was once caught out after landing at an airport, where we were asked to wait on the plane. The milk formula had run out and two bottles were dirty. I had a changing episode on the Eurostar with spare clothes wedged in a case behind several others and a gruelling three hours of standstill traffic on the A303 with no dummies to hand and a screaming, hungry baby. I always travel with at least six Little Freddie baby food pouches , five piccolo fruit pouches and clean spoons, as well as Organix snacks and enough formula for two days. The French often use Evian instead of sterilising water for their babies, which can be a good back up if there’s no kettle in sight, or time for boiling water to cool, and you’re desperate. If you use dummies with your baby, they are an excellent mute button and even help with air pressure on their sore ears when flying. After learning the hard way, I now fly with 5 packs of two, sterilised and ready to roll.

Time feedings to take off and landing when flying

One of the best pieces of advice I was given came from a Maltese mother who flies regularly between London and Valletta. “Put them on at take off and landing, or give them a bottle.” While breastfeeding is a little fiddly with the infant seatbelt airlines provide, this or bottle feeding works magic on fragile ears, preventing them from popping with the air pressure. While on the topic, it’s worth investing in zip-up bottle insulators, if you like a particular temperature for milk and take-off may be a little delayed. The Tommee Tippee ones’ Velcro onto a pram or a bag and reduce the stress involved in milk temperature.

The Elvie breastpump is ideal for when you’re on the go

Every mother finds herself in different feeding situations, none of which are right or wrong. If they choose to (or need to) pump, different models work for different sizes, levels and lifestyles. I had the conundrum of deciding to travel and work again shortly after my daughter was born, while still wanting to breastfeed. I found the Medela pump powerful but restrictive (you have to bed in and hold them against you unless you buy the bra they spout out of). The Elvie , however, was one of the best investments I’ve ever made (I bought two). These clever pumps charge up and slip into your bra, hooking on without the need to hold them and collecting milk in plastic containers underneath. It freed me up to write, drive, fly and walk while this magic piece of tech pumped away, incognito. I’d pump and freeze, pump and freeze, which bought me time to travel for work and prevented my milk flow from drying up. I’ll never forget a few odd looks on a flight to Antigua, when battery lights flashed in bright red through a thin top, Austin Powers style. For those travelling for pleasure (or work), they can sit on a plane, train or car and pump, handsfree, making good use of dead time.

Portable blackout blinds are the key to getting a good night’s sleep

It’s the ultimate, unsightly classic that instantly ruins luxury hotels’ considered interiors, though its absence threatens to ruin the entire affair: the blackout blind. Babies and young children’s sleep patterns can make or break a holiday. And while there is a raft of elements to consider when preparing for different snooze settings and time zones, the blackout blind is a trusted, tried-and-tested friend whose plastic suction cups leave little-to-no trace on plush hotel windows. Buy several, as you never know how many windows you’re working with. For sleeping on a long flight, another useful tip is the Cozigo. Even the best little sleepers will struggle with the plane’s constant light disco. What’s more, there’s a lot going on – someone queuing for the loo, a trolley rattling past – it’s all overstimulating. Cozigo’s are tent-like structures that clip onto baby bassinets and toddler sleeping chairs, cocooning them in darkness with zips for parents to peer in and take them out to change them. They also double up as pram shades for most models, which are great for snoozes in hot countries.

Consider a portable option if your hotel doesn’t have a bath

Some hotels don’t have baths, especially in Europe where trips to Madrid, Milan and Sicily finally compelled us to buy a portable baby bath (babies are slippery and holding mine in the shower or a small sink felt deeply uncomfortable and dangerous). We tried both the inflatable bath and the portable bath – the latter proved more efficient and the former, while an effort, decidedly more comfortable. Inflatables can be easily squashed into suitcases (don’t forget the pump), whereas the fold-flat sorts are often a bit large and heavy for flying and best suited for staycation-filled car boots. If liquids are an issue for short haul flights, Childs Farm does mini travel sets for babies – a brand we have personally found to work gently with sensitive eyes and skin.

Take a foldable highchair if your little one is eating solids

Without doubt one of the smartest inventions, the fold-up travel high chair has seen me through many airports, restaurants and hotels. More a booster seat than a high chair, it fixes onto most chairs (arty, fat-backed chairs sadly don’t qualify). Polar Gear ’s is affordable, easy to pack and light to carry. From Hotel Byblos’ balcony to smart Spanish restaurants shrugging awkwardly when I’ve asked for a highchair, this has been a lifesaver and is never left behind on our adventures. It’s greatest selling point, from my experience, is allowing you to get the messy affair of feeding a baby over with on a terrace, before heading out to a restaurant with milk, some games or books and a good hour for parents to enjoy each other’s company without a child lobbing spaghetti bolognese at expensive art.

Swap waterproof nappies for smart swimwear

Save space in your suitcase otherwise taken up by a bulk of waterproof nappies (which are notoriously terrible for the environment) and buy a few ‘ Happy Nappie s’. These sit snugly on babies' and toddlers' thighs and tummies, preventing any unwanted accidents. Long-armed, UV swimsuits are brilliant for protecting delicate skin from the sun and with ties, in my experience, are the only sort that stay on for longer than three seconds.

Take a Snoozeshade on summer holidays

Unless you’re taking turns sunbathing while someone looks after the baby, those long afternoons of oil-lathered skin and book pages baked in the sun are well and truly over. Sunbathing is out, shadebathing is in – small tots can’t hack the hot weather and it takes them a lot longer to cool down than adults (we also learned this the hard way, spending more time in air conditioning than the Indian Ocean on a recent trip). Snoozeshade are a stellar invention for keeping babies cool and in the shade in warmer climes. They Velcro onto prams, allowing cool air in and keeping unwanted insects and harmful rays out. In my experience, they help babies drift into an afternoon nap when they’d otherwise struggle with light, and are the ultimate alfresco restaurant accessory if you think they’re about to nod off.

Baby travel: why and where you should head afield with your infant

Feb 10, 2020 • 6 min read

Your baby’s first trip away is not something you'll ever forget © Chris Tobin / Getty Images

As a parent, life suddenly becomes full of significant milestones, from your child's first smile to those wobbly initial steps and onto toilet-training, starting school and learning to ride a bike. What we don’t always realise is how important these markers are for us too, not just as points in the passage of time but often as periods of intense learning in the complex art of parenting. Baby travel provides plenty of opportunities for growth, both for you as a parent and for your infant in their development.

Your baby’s first trip away, whether it’s a short drive out to the country for a long weekend, taking the train to a different state or neighbouring country or flying further afield, is not something any of us forget in a hurry. I still remember in detail the highs and the lows, and exactly what we vowed never to repeat again. We live in London and the birth of our first child coincided with the opening of St Pancras International as the Eurostar station. Given it was just down the road from our flat, we merrily booked ourselves onto the first public train and set off to explore Paris with our babe in arms. But while our son might have been easily to carry in his sling, everything else I insisted on bringing with us was not so portable. With hindsight a two-day trip with a newborn does not require a special cot, a baby monitor (we were never more than a metre away from him) or two of the baby manuals I would not at that stage leave the house without. On the plus side we still reminisce about the lovely attention our son received on the train and how carefree we felt exploring Paris together with our beautiful (and admittedly mostly sleeping) baby.

If you’ve travelled extensively before starting a family, that first trip with your baby can be a huge deal. Life might have changed beyond all recognition but you need to prove you can still do what makes you tick. If having a baby has made you want to start travelling, we salute you. What better way is there to teach your children about our wonderful world than to show them it?

Dealing with the anxiety

Responsibility for a very small person can induce anxiety in the calmest of people so the idea of leaving your normal routine, home comforts and a health system you know how to navigate can be daunting. However, travelling with an infant is also an amazing opportunity and one you will look back on fondly as they get older. We will never regret taking our second child to Istanbul as a nine-month-old (even if his toddler brother gave us a run for our money on several occasions) or our cross-Europe train adventure from London to Slovenia with six-month-old baby number three.

An infant usually doesn’t walk that much (if at all), sleeps a lot and hasn’t yet learnt to answer you back. This leaves you free to make all the decisions without interventions from junior, and allows you to maximise the napping periods for long lunches or museum visits. And crucially, you’re not constantly running around on hyper-alert for a toddler with a death wish.

So we’ve convinced you that travelling with an infant is worth it. What next? Here are our top tips for life on the road with an infant.

Adjust your expectations

This is not going to be the holiday where you try mountain-biking for the first time or party the night away for days on end. Look for destinations where you can enjoy a quieter pace of life, with lots of parks, baby-friendly cafes and perhaps shops and museums to potter in. Cultures with reputations for actively welcoming small people such as those from the Mediterranean, South America and Southeast Asia can be a good place to start. It’s much more relaxing to deal with a crying baby when that baby has already been fussed over.

Know your comfort levels

If, like us, routine is a key part of your parenting style then make sure you take a trip which allows you stick to it (unless of course you’ve suddenly decided this is the time to mix things up). Find a location which will give you a nice place to base yourself, with plenty of options for getting out and about as well as some lovely little treats to make yourself feel like you are really on holiday. For us, a trip to the Scottish island of Mull ticked all these boxes. Our home for the week was a farm cottage with two rooms (plenty of space – tick; plenty of cows to moo at – tick); we were close to Tobermory to potter around, Glengorm Castle for a history fix and the Isle of Iona for amazing seafood. Arriving by ferry was also a big hit with a nine-month-old already developing an interest in transport.

Those of you with a more spontaneous parenting style might want to embrace the opportunity to take a city break or multi-city trip while the baby is still young enough to be bundled up and transported easily around.

Be prepared

However relaxed you might be as a parent, when you’re travelling away from home with an infant you still need to be sure you have a decent medical kit (thermometer, age-appropriate painkillers and so on). It’s also wise to consult your pediatrician and (if appropriate) the local travel clinic before departing and to know what emergency numbers you need to call if there’s a problem. Once children start crawling or toddling, hand sanitisers can be a great way to ward off bugs, but equally, embracing a bit of dirt and mess can be part of what makes the whole experience memorable.

Accept you will take way more than you actually need

It’s an unwritten parenting law that travelling with a very small person will always involve you bringing more than you really need. Our advice? Embrace this, and learn from it. Doing anything with infants involves a huge amount of kit (spare clothes, nappies, age-appropriate snacks, spare clothes for you, more age-appropriate snacks) and that’s without a stroller or sling, layers for changeable weather and toys to attempt to keep them occupied. Look on your first trip as a chance to learn about what you really need and what you can survive without.

Keep calm and carry on

We’ll never forget arriving in Funchal , Madeira, with our sixth-month-old and the battle we had to get the car seat securely fastened in the hire car (something the staff were unable to help us with due to regulations). It. Was. Stressful. We were under pressure to get going but the roads were steep and winding, and we knew we had to make our baby safe. But we couldn’t for the life of us work out how to get the seat safely in. Then we took a step back, the solution became clear and suddenly we were on our way, ready to explore somewhere new as a family.

Lasting memories

Don’t listen to anyone who tells you it’s not worth travelling with a little one as they won’t remember it. Firstly, you will and that matters. Secondly, the details of the trip may escape them in later life but the experience of the journey, of being somewhere new and of your undivided and relaxed attention will remain with them – it will help form the person they become. Now go out there with your baby and conquer the world! Or, at least, a small corner of it that’s accessible to you and your parenting style.

This article was first published June 2019 and updated February 2020

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Travelling Abroad With A Baby: The Ultimate Guide

Travelling abroad with a baby can feel like an overwhelming experience for any parent. You want to make sure that your little one is comfortable and happy while also navigating through the logistics of international travel. But don’t worry, I’m here to help!

As a mom who has been in your shoes, I understand the unique challenges of travelling with a baby. I know that you want to create amazing memories with your family but that you also want to make sure that your baby’s needs are fully met. That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to make your journey stress-free and enjoyable.

In this guide you will find plenty of travel tips and tricks – from researching your destination and booking family-friendly accommodations to packing essential items for your little one and and advice on how to keep your baby entertained during the flight.

From my own experience, I have also learnt that travelling can be unpredictable, so I’ve tried to include advice on handling unexpected situations like delays, lost luggage, or illness.

My goal is to help you feel confident and prepared so that you can focus on enjoying your family trip rather than worry something might go wrong for the entire trip.

I know that travelling abroad with a baby may seem daunting right now, but always try to remember that it is such a great opportunity to create unforgettable memories. So, whether you’re planning a family beach vacation or a trip to see loved ones abroad, let me help you make your next family adventure stress-free and enjoyable.

PREPARATIONS BEFORE YOU TRAVEL WITH A BABY

As a mum who travels a lot with my little one, I totally get how daunting it can feel to plan you first trip with your baby. In fact, as a keen traveller, I already started to worry about this during my pregnancy.

But trust me, it’s worth it! With a little extra planning and preparation, you and your little one can have an amazing time exploring new places together.

First things first, it’s crucial to prepare thoroughly to ensure a safe and comfortable trip for both you and your baby.

In this section, I will therefore share some helpful tips based on my own experiences travelling with my little one.

CHECK THE TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS AND DOCUMENTS

Let’s start by getting all your paperwork in order. Before you start packing your bags for your family trip, it’s crucial to check that you have all the necessary travel requirements and documents for your baby and the rest of the family.

Every country has its own rules and regulations, so it’s essential to research and plan accordingly. The information can usually be found easily on the web.

The most important document you will need to bring for your little one is a passport, so make sure to apply for it as early as possible. Keep in mind that obtaining a passport for your baby can take several weeks, so it’s best to get started right away.

You might be worried about taking a photo for your baby’s passport. But it isn’t as complicated as you might think. The guidelines for passport photos for babies are far less rigid than for adults. T

Some countries may also require additional documents such as a visa or a birth certificate for your baby, so be sure to check for these requirements before you go.

Apart from travel documents, it’s also important to check if the country you’re travelling to has any specific health requirements for your baby.

Some destinations may require a certificate of vaccination or a letter from your doctor stating that your baby is in good health. Taking care of these details beforehand will ensure a smooth and stress-free trip for both you and your little one.

VACCINATIONS AND HEALTH CHECKS

When travelling abroad with your baby, their health and well-being is probably (and should be) your top priority.

Before embarking on your trip, make sure to talk to your paediatrician to ensure that your little one is up to date on all necessary vaccinations for the country you’ll be visiting. This will help protect your baby from potentially harmful diseases that may be present in the region.

Additionally, it’s crucial to be prepared for any potential health issues that may arise during your trip. Research the medical facilities in the area you’ll be visiting and consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical expenses. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Packing a small first aid kit with basic supplies like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and fever reducers is a good idea and can also be helpful in case of minor injuries or illnesses.

With these precautions in place, you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for any situation that may come your way.

PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR BABY

When you start packing for your family trip, make sure to include all the essential items your baby might need to have a comfortable and stress-free journey. Items that immediately come to my mind include diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, and baby food if your baby is already on solids.

Travelling with a baby, is one of those rare occasions, where I believe that it is better to pack more than you think you’ll need. This is even more important if you’re traveling to a country where these items may be difficult to find.

Another important factor to consider is the weather and climate of your destination. Make sure to pack appropriate clothing for your baby, such as plenty of layers for colder weather or lightweight clothing for warmer weather.

You might also need your baby carrier, stroller and car seat, depending on the type of trip you are taking. So take some time to think about all the baby gear you might need to take with you. Or read our thorough guide on all the travel baby necessities for some inspiration and to get you started.

When travelling abroad with a baby, space can be a real challenge. Luckily, fold-away pushchairs are a game-changer! They’re compact, easy to store, and fit into even the smallest car boot. Plus, they’re a lifesaver when it comes to flying. Some models even come with car seats that attach to the pushchair, giving you the best of both worlds (and one less item to carry).

When choosing a fold-away pushchair, be sure to opt for a model that is suitable for your baby from birth with a seat that lies flat. Keep in mind that some models are only suitable for babies from six months when they can sit up. With the right pushchair, you can make travelling with your little one a breeze!

Another option for carrying little ones whilst traveling is to use a sling or backpack carrier. Slings can be a comfortable way to keep your little one close to you while leaving your hands free, while backpack carriers are a great option for older babies who want to look around and explore. Just be sure to choose a carrier that is appropriate for your baby’s size and age, and practice using it before your trip to ensure a comfortable fit.

By packing everything your baby needs, you can ensure that your trip will be enjoyable for both you and your little one.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATION

Choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference when you travel with your baby. Make the wrong choice and your trip could become very challenging. Make the right one and your trip has a much better chance at being trouble free.

Look for hotels or apartments that offer amenities like cribs, highchairs, and kitchenettes to make your stay more comfortable.

Choosing a central location can also be helpful, especially if you’ll be exploring the area with your little one.

Before booking your accommodation, be sure to ask about any additional services they offer, like babysitting or laundry services. You should also read reviews from other families to see if they had a good experience.

Note that some places require you to book a family hotel room for fire reasons. We nearly got caught out by this when we first travelled to France.

TIPS FOR FLYING WITH A BABY

If you’re planning to fly with a baby, it can be nerve-wracking to imagine all the possible challenges that you might face.

I remember the first time we flew with our son. I remember the first time we flew with our son. He wasn’t even one year old. In fact, he was only a 3 month old, so really still a newborn baby. I was so worried that our baby son would cry throughout the entire flight and was desperate not to upset the other passengers.

But fear not! I soon learned, that with a little bit of preparation and the right mindset, you can breeze through the journey without any hiccups (or very few).

As a fellow mom who has now flown with her little one on several occasions, I’m here to share some valuable tips that can help make your trip stress-free.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLIGHT

To ensure that your little one is well-rested during the journey, try to find a flight that suits their sleep schedule. While in the past, my priority was to maximise our time at the destination, now I try to find flights that align with my baby’s sleep schedule.

This means we usually opt for mid-day flights that give us enough time to get ready in the morning without being too early, and allow my little one to nap during the flight. Priorities change when you travel as a family.

It’s also important to avoid flying when your baby is unwell, particularly if they have an ear infection or are experiencing ear pain. This is because the pressure changes during take off and landing can cause discomfort and pain in young children. In my experience, this always leads to crying with little ones, which can be stressful for both you and your baby.

It’s better to wait until your baby has recovered before flying, unless you have no other choice.

PACKING FOR THE FLIGHT

When it comes to packing for the flight, specifically your hand luggage – remember that less is more. Even for a long haul flight. From my own experience, I’ve found that packing light is key when travelling with a baby. It can be tempting to bring everything you think you might need, but in reality, you won’t use half of it.

Pack only the essentials in your diaper bag, such as diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, and a few toys to keep your baby entertained. You don’t want to be lugging around a heavy bag that you can barely carry, especially when you have to tend to your little one.

A lightweight blanket or swaddle is also a must-have item in your hand luggage. Airplane cabins can get chilly, and you want to make sure your baby is cozy and warm throughout the flight. This can also double up as a nursing cover if you’re breastfeeding your baby.

Also, don’t forget to bring a few plastic bags to dispose of dirty diapers and clothes. You don’t want to be caught in a situation where you have nowhere to throw away a dirty diaper, especially during a long flight. Bring a couple of bags to ensure you have enough for the entire journey.

KEEPING YOUR BABY ENTERTAINED

Finding ways to keep your baby entertained during a flight can be tricky, but there are plenty of tricks to keep them happy and engaged.

Bringing along some favourite toys, like a teething toy or a soft book, can be a great way to keep them occupied.

Additionally, downloading some of their favorite TV shows or movies on your phone or tablet for older babies can be a lifesaver during a long flight. I am not ashamed to say that we discovered the wonders of the amazon fire tablet for kids early on into our family travels .

However, to avoid disturbing other passengers, be sure to pack a pair of headphones to keep the noise level down or set the device to mute. Babies are mainly interested in the colourful pictures anyway.

FEEDING YOUR BABY DURING THE FLIGHT

Ensuring your baby is well-fed during a flight is vital to keep them comfortable and hydrated.

If you are breastfeeding, try to nurse your baby during take off and landing, as it can help stop your baby’s ears from popping due to the change in air pressure. We found that this family travel tip also work with a bottle. In fact these days we give our toddler juice or gummies to eat. It’s all about that swallowing movement.

If you’re formula feeding, remember to pack enough formula in your carry-on bag for the entire flight. Be sure to bring a bottle warmer and a few extra bottles to make feeding easy.

If your baby is already eating solid foods, pack some snacks like rice cakes, Cheerios, or pouches of baby food to nibble on.

In summary, flying with a baby requires some extra planning and preparation, but it can be a smooth and enjoyable experience.

By choosing the right flight, packing smart, keeping your baby entertained, and feeding them during the flight, you can ensure a stress-free journey for both you and your little one.

ENJOYING THE TRIP WITH YOUR BABY

Taking a trip abroad with your baby can be very different from travelling alone. Gone are the days when you would cram your itinerary full to the brim out of fear of missing out.

Travelling internationally with a baby requires some forethought. So, in this section we will provide tips on how to make the most of your trip whilst keeping your baby happy and comfortable.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ACTIVITIES

When planning the itinerary for your trip , it’s essential to select options that cater to your baby’s needs and are compatible with your schedule.

Look for activities that are adaptable and won’t disrupt your baby’s daily routine.

Opt for attractions and activities that are age appropriate. Some of our go-tos when our son was still a baby were visiting a wildlife park or aquarium, going for a hike, or spending a day relaxing on the shore.

You might also want to consider booking tours or activities that are tailored to families with young children.

The best tip that I can give you, is to plan ahead but still be ready for any unexpected situations that may arise during your travels with your baby.

With some patience, flexibility, and creativity, you can create an unforgettable and hassle-free trip for your entire family.

GETTING AROUND WITH A BABY

Travelling abroad with a baby requires some extra thought when it comes to transportation. No matter what mode of transportation you choose to use, we would highly recommend you plan ahead (before you have left your house).

If you are planning to use the local public transportation, make sure to bring a stroller that’s easy to fold up and transport. You don’t want to be caught out by an underground tube that is packed to the brim.

If you are planning to rent a car, remember to request a car seat for your little one or bring your own. Personally, we like to take our son’s car seat with us, as we know for sure it’s safe and fits him.

If you choose to hire a taxi, make sure the car has enough room to fir both you and your baby in comfort.

In summary, take some the time before your holiday to consider your transportation options to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for both you and your baby.

NAVIGATING MEAL TIMES

When you’re traveling with a baby, mealtime can be tricky.

To make things easier, try to locate baby-friendly restaurants that have highchairs or booster seats, so that you can eat hands free. It’s a good idea to do some research beforehand to avoid any surprises.

Additionally, if your little one has been weaned, it’s always a good idea to pack some snacks for your them, such as fruits, crackers, and baby food. This way you always have something to hand for your baby to munch on.

Be sure to pack some spill-proof cups and utensils as well to avoid any messes.

DEALING WITH EMERGENCIES

It’s always good to be prepared for emergencies when traveling with a baby.

Pack a first aid kit with essentials such as bandages and antiseptic cream, as well as any medications your baby may need.

Keep a copy of your baby’s medical records and have the contact information of a paediatrician on hand in case of any medical issues.

It’s also important to keep important items like passports and tickets in a safe and easily accessible place in case they get lost.

Remember to stay flexible during your trip and be willing to change plans if necessary to accommodate your baby’s needs. Prioritize your baby’s well-being above all else. Make the most of your trip, capture plenty of memories, and take lots of photos!

RETURNING HOME AFTER A TRIP WITH YOUR BABY

Congratulations, you’ve reached the final section of our ultimate guide on traveling abroad with a baby!

By now, you’ve probably had an incredible time exploring new destinations and making unforgettable memories with your little one. However, as your adventure draws to a close, it’s essential to get ready for your journey back home.

PREPARING FOR THE FLIGHT HOME

Preparing for the return flight is just as pivotal as preparing for the outbound one, particularly when traveling with a baby. To make the journey back as seamless as possible, here are a few tips to consider:

Pack wisely: Remember to pack all the essentials in your carry-on bag, such as extra diapers, wipes, formula or baby food, and a change of clothes for both you and your little one. Keep in mind that you may have acquired some souvenirs during your trip, so leave some room in your luggage or consider shipping items home.

Check in online: Save time at the airport by checking in online. Choose seats that will provide you and your baby with the most comfort and convenience. If possible, upgrade to a seat with extra legroom or request a bassinet for your baby.

Time your flight: Try to book a flight that works well with your baby’s feeding and sleeping schedule. This can help ensure that your baby is well-rested and content during the flight. Avoid connecting flights if possible, as they can add stress and extra time to your travel.

DEALING WITH JET LAG

Travelling to a different time zone with a baby can be tough, but there are some tricks to help your baby adjust to the new schedule and reduce the effects of jet lag:

Spend time outdoors: Exposing your baby to natural light during the day can help regulate their sleep cycle and reset their internal clock. We like to plan in plenty of outdoor activities like walks in the stroller or trips to nearby parks to get some fresh air. This tip also forks for adjusting to the new time zone when you first arrive at your destination.

Stick to a routine: Keeping to your usual routine, especially with feeding and sleeping times, can help your baby adapt to the new time zone faster.

Be patient: It may take a few days for your baby to fully adjust to the new time zone, so try to stay calm and patient. Your baby can sense your stress, so staying relaxed will help them relax too.

Travelling abroad with a baby can be a wonderful experience, but it’s important to be prepared and informed. We hope the tips and advice in this guide will help you feel confident and excited to embark on your next adventure with your little one. Wishing you safe travels!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TRAVELLING ABROAD WITH A BABY

Can You Fly Internationally With A Newborn?

Yes, it’s possible to travel internationally with a newborn, but it’s important to plan ahead and keep a few things in mind. As someone who has flown several times with a baby, I’ve learned that it’s crucial to research the airline and destination country’s policies on traveling with newborns. Some airlines require babies to be at least 2 weeks old, while others may need a doctor’s note confirming that the baby is fit for air travel. You’ll also want to make sure that you have all the necessary documents for your baby, including their passport, visas (if required), and any other essential paperwork. The process of obtaining a passport can take some time and you can usually only apply for a passport after your baby is born. Your baby’s health and comfort during the flight should also be taken into consideration. Bear in mind, that doctors usually advise parents to wait until their baby’s immune system has had a chance to mature before flying. So be sure to speak with your paediatrician before the trip to ensure that your baby is healthy and ready for air travel. Finally you will want to consider your own recovery after giving birth before planning an international trip with a newborn before even reaching your due date.

What is the best age to travel internationally with a baby?

There really is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best age to travel with a baby overseas really depends on a number of factors such as your baby’s temperament, health, and developmental stage, as well as your own comfort level with traveling and the destination you have in mind. That being said, many parents find that the best age to travel with a baby overseas is between six and nine months. At this age, babies are generally more adaptable and can handle longer periods of time away from home. They are also usually still breastfeeding or taking formula, which makes feeding easier while traveling. Additionally, babies in this age range may not be mobile yet, so you won’t have to worry about chasing after a crawling or walking baby in an unfamiliar place. However, I would like to stress that every baby is different and there are many factors to consider when deciding the best age to travel with your little one. For example, if your baby has health issues, you may need to wait until they are older and stronger before traveling. Similarly, if your baby is a fussy or difficult traveller, you may want to wait until they are more settled and can handle the stress of travel better. Ultimately, the decision of when to travel with a baby overseas is a personal one that should be based on your individual circumstances and preferences. I would recommend consulting with your paediatrician before making any travel plans, as they can provide advice based on your baby’s specific needs and health. And always remember to take it easy and enjoy the journey, no matter what age your baby is when you travel!

How do I keep my baby safe while travelling?

Travelling with a baby can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. As a parent, your number one priority is (and should be) to keep your little one safe and sound throughout the journey. That’s why it’s crucial to take all those extra precautions to ensure their safety. First and foremost, it’s essential to properly secure your baby in their car seat during any car rides. Never leave your baby unattended, even for a moment. When checking into a hotel or any other accommodation, take the time to baby-proof the room and remove any potential hazards. To create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your baby, consider bringing a portable crib or playpen. This will give your little one a familiar and secure place to sleep, no matter where you are in the world. By prioritizing safety, you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind and create unforgettable memories with your family.

Is it safe to use car seats and cribs provided by hotels or rental car companies?

It can be tempting to use the car seats and cribs provided by hotels or rental car companies when travelling with a baby, but safety should always be your top priority. So before blindly using these items, take the time to do some research and make sure they meet the highest safety standards. Always check that the car seat or crib has been properly installed and is in a good condition. If you’re uncertain about the safety of the provided equipment, it’s always better to bring your own to ensure your baby stays safe and secure. We certainly always opt to bring our own with us.

What do I do if my baby gets sick while we are traveling?

When your little one falls ill during a trip, it can be concerning. The best thing to do is to seek medical attention right away. This could involve finding a local doctor or hospital or reaching out to your paediatrician for guidance. It’s always wise to pack a small first-aid kit with essentials like fever reducers, cough syrup, and bandages, just in case of any unexpected health issues. It is also why we always make sure to get travel insurance before any trip.

What vaccinations does my baby need before travelling abroad?

It’s crucial to check with your doctor or a travel health clinic well in advance of your trip to determine what vaccinations your baby may need. The recommended vaccinations vary depending on your destination country and your baby’s age and health status. Some vaccinations may require multiple doses over several weeks or months, so it’s important to start the process early to ensure your baby is fully protected before your trip.

What documents do I need to travel with my baby?

When travelling abroad with a baby, you will need to bring several important documents. These usually include your baby’s passport, visa (if required), and any medical certificates required by your destination country. It’s essential to check the requirements well in advance of your trip to allow enough time to obtain any necessary documents. Remember to also check the expiration dates of your baby’s documents, as some countries require that passports be valid for at least three or six months after your travel dates.

Can I bring my baby’s stroller on the plane?

When travelling with a baby, bringing a stroller can be a lifesaver and save your back from a lot of pain. However, whether you can bring your stroller on to a plane depends entirely on the airline. In our experience most airlines will at least let you check it in as luggage. Some airlines may require you to check in your stroller at the gate, while others may allow you to bring it on board and store it in an overhead bin or designated closet – as long as it folds up small enough. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to bring a lightweight and compact stroller that’s easy to fold and transport. This will make your trip a lot easier. PS: We bought a stroller specifically for our holiday, that folds up nice and compactly, because our main stroller was way to clunky. We also like to use it when we are eating out at a restaurant.

How do I handle airport security with a baby?

Going through airport security can be a daunting experience for anyone, but it can feel especially challenging with a little one in tow. To help ease the stress, here are a few tips that can make the whole process a bit smoother. First and foremost, pack all liquids you need for your baby (like formula, breastmilk or food pouches) in a clear plastic bag and keep them separate for easy screening. Note that the usual restrictions for liquids do not apply for your baby’s items. It’s also a good idea to have a copy of your baby’s birth certificate or passport handy to confirm their age and identity. When you get to security, don’t hesitate to communicate any concerns or questions you may have to the staff. You will normally be asked to carry your child in your arm as you walk through the metal detectors. Remember, patience and flexibility are key, and taking a deep breath can go a long way in keeping everyone calm and relaxed.

Can I bring baby food and formula through airport security?

Travelling with baby food and formula through airport security is allowed, so no need to worry! If you feel particularly anxious about this, give the airport a ring before your trip. They will be happy to answer any of your questions. Just be sure to pack the food, formula or breastmilk in a clear plastic bag and inform the security officers during screening. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to pack a little more baby food / formula to cover any potential delays during travel.

Can I breastfeed on the plane?

Yes, most airlines allow breastfeeding on the plane. However, it’s a good idea to bring a nursing cover or a lightweight blanket to ensure your privacy and your baby’s comfort during feeding times. Covering your little darling in a lightweight breathable fabric will shelter them from distractions (of which there are many on the plane) and keep them focussed on nursing. If you are formula feeding, consider bringing pre-measured formula and a portable bottle warmer to make feeding on the go easier.

How do I deal with a crying baby on the plane?

Crying babies can be stressful for both parents and other passengers on the plane. However, it’s important to remember that crying is a natural way for babies to communicate their needs, especially during a flight when they may be uncomfortable or experiencing ear pressure changes. Try to stay calm and comfort your baby with gentle rocking, feeding, or a change of position. Bring along some favourite toys or books to distract your baby and consider taking short walks up and down the aisle to soothe your baby and give them a change of scenery.

What should I pack in my carry-on bag for my baby during a long flight?

As a parent, you never know what to expect when it comes to travelling with a baby. That’s why it’s crucial to pack your carry-on bag / nappy bag wisely and prepare for any situation. In addition to the usual necessities like diapers and wipes, I always make sure to bring extra food, formula, and snacks to keep my little one happy and fed. I also pack a few of their favorite toys and books to keep them entertained during the flight. It’s important to remember that accidents happen, especially when travelling with a baby. That’s why I always pack a change (or two) of spare clothes for both me and my baby, as well as a small blanket to keep us warm on the plane. I also bring a few plastic bags to store any dirty clothes or diapers, making clean-up a breeze.

How do I find baby-friendly accommodations when travelling?

Travelling with a baby requires careful planning, especially when it comes to finding the right accommodations. To ensure a comfortable stay, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, look for options that offer baby-friendly amenities, like cribs or playpens, and consider whether the location is suitable for travelling with a stroller. It’s also important to check if there’s a kitchenette or microwave available for preparing baby food. Reading reviews from other parents who have stayed at the accommodation can also be helpful in gauging its family-friendliness. If you have any specific needs or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the hotel or rental property directly. With a bit of research and communication, you can find a place that meets your family’s needs and ensures a comfortable stay.

How do I manage sleep schedules when travelling with a baby?

Travelling with a baby can wreak havoc on their sleep schedule, but there are ways to ease the transition. One helpful tactic is to gradually adjust their sleep schedule a few days before your trip, so they’re closer to the new time zone when you arrive. Another option is to maintain their routine as much as possible while on the trip, like keeping their usual bedtime routine or nap schedule.  Above all, it’s vital to be understanding and patient since your baby might need some time to adjust to the new environment and routine.

How can I make sure my baby gets enough sleep while we are traveling?

One key to ensuring that your baby gets enough sleep while traveling is to maintain a sense of consistency. Stick to your typical nap and bedtime routines as closely as possible, and don’t forget to bring along comforting items like a familiar stuffed animal or cozy blanket. If you can, consider booking accommodations that provide a separate sleeping area for your little one so that everyone can rest peacefully throughout the night.

How do I navigate cultural differences when travelling with a baby?

Travelling to a foreign country with your little one can be an exciting adventure, but it’s important to be mindful of the cultural differences you may encounter. To ensure a smooth trip, take some time to research the cultural norms and practices around parenting in your destination country. This can help you avoid any unintentional cultural faux pas and allow you to better appreciate and respect the local customs. For instance you might want to bring a lightweight blanket to cover yourself and your nursing baby in a country where modesty is a concern. Additionally, be sure to pack any necessary supplies, such as formula or baby food, as these may not be available in the country you’re visiting. Especially if your baby has very specific requirements. Remember, embracing new cultures and customs can be a wonderful learning experience for both you and your baby.

As I wrap up this ultimate guide on travelling abroad with a baby, I want to remind you that it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed or nervous about travelling with young babies. But, as I mentioned a couple of times above, with some planning and preparation, your trip can be a wonderful experience for both you and your little one.

Travelling with a baby can be challenging, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience. Seeing the world through your baby’s eyes is a joy and creates memories that will last a lifetime.

Always remember to prioritise your baby’s needs and plan ahead. But also think of your own wellbeing and don’t overwhelm yourself. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

By following the travel tips and tricks in this guide, you can make travelling abroad with your baby an enjoyable experience.

So go ahead and plan that trip you’ve been dreaming of with your little one. With the right mindset and preparation, you can both have an amazing time exploring new places, meeting new people, and making unforgettable memories together.

ABOUT KATHARINA

Katharina is the founder, editor, photographer and the main travel writer at A Life Beautifully Travelled. She created this British family travel blog in 2017 to document her adventures around the globe with her husband. Born in Munich, Germany she has since lived in Dusseldorf, Paris, Glasgow, and London. She currently resides in Yorkshire with her family.

Katharina started travelling in her early teens and has explored over 4 continents, 16 countries, and 87 cities. Growing up trilingual and having graduated from an international school, she has a strong interest in other cultures. When she isn’t gallivanting around the globe or busy in her 9-to-5 job as an architect, she can be found exploring the UK (the country she currently calls home). There isn’t much Katharina, her husband and their son Finn love more than a fun family weekend getaway.

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We asked, you answered: Parent-approved tips on traveling with kids under 2

Becky Harlan

Last month, Life Kit asked parents to share their go-to advice for traveling with babies and toddlers under age 2 as part of an episode we did on the subject. Over 200 folks responded with tips they wish they'd known before taking a big trip with a little one.

Reading through these responses, it became clear there's no magic hack that works for every kid. Some parents swore by sticking to their kid's sleep schedule on a trip, others said their vacation was smoother when they let the usual routine go. Some sang the praises of the overnight flight (so their child would sleep on the plane), others said their child has never slept more than 10 minutes on a plane no matter the timing.

I flew to Japan with my baby. Here's the travel advice that helped me survive the trip

A few pieces of advice held true throughout. A hungry kid is an unpleasant kid, and children are messy. So packing lots of snacks, extra diapers and a change of clothes ranked high on the list of must-dos. Almost 40 of over 200 responses suggested packing extra outfits in your carry-on for your kid and for you. (If your charge spits up, throws up, blows out or spills it will also get on you!)

So here's a non-exhaustive, impossible-to-be-comprehensive, but-hopefully-still-helpful round-up of your top advice for traveling with little kids. These responses have been edited for length and clarity.

What to pack

A stroller that can be stored in the overhead bin. It's a game changer to not have to check clunky strollers at the gate or check-in counters. —Amy P.

A change of clothes for yourself. If the baby spits up or has a blowout, there's a high likelihood that the mess will end up on you too, especially if you're holding them. Also, be sure to bring a bag to put messy clothes in. Reusable waterproof bags are great and they keep the smell in! —Jenna Yount

Extra diapers. You think you will be fine but if something comes up it's not a good situation to be in. —Jeanna Limtiaco

Overnight diapers. Fewer diaper changes in transit makes everyone happier. —Samantha Warren

Snacks. Remember, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration allows for any size baby food [and baby or toddler beverage], so pack those pouches! —Clara W.

Meds you and your kids might need in flight. That includes chewable Tylenol, Imodium, Dramamine, Zofran, ginger chews, Band-Aids and alcohol wipes. —Paige Ellis

A dark-colored bath towel. It's a blanket, it's for tidying up, it's a tablecloth, it's a sun cover, it shields bottoms from hot slides, it dries off swings. It's a multi-tasking powerhouse. —Judith Heise

Consider what may make sense to buy, rent or borrow upon arrival. You don't need to stuff everything into your suitcase. Buy some of your diapers and snacks at your destination. See if you can borrow or rent large, bulky items like car seats or travel cribs from Facebook Marketplace or your hotel or Airbnb. —Jocelyn Newman

How to get through the flight

Get to your gate an hour before boarding. It gives you time to feed your child, change their diapers, have a cup of coffee and fill your water bottle. It can also help your kid let out their energy before they have to sit on the plane. —Shelly C.

Check the airport for family friendly spaces. Use nursing spaces or pods and family restrooms to reset as needed. Check lounges for nursing and play rooms. —Sara Conger

Take an early morning flight. Those are least likely to get delayed, which is important when traveling with kids. —Carina Ochoa

Parenthood Is A Shock To The System. These Tips Can Help You With The Transition

Board with your partner separately. If you're traveling with two caregivers, have one go on the plane first with all the stuff and do the gate-checking of the stroller while the other hangs back with the kids until the last minute. It gives kids more time to run around! —Andrea De Francesca

Get a plane seat for your kid. Even though many airlines allow kids under 2 to fly for free as a lap baby, if you can afford to get them their own seat, it is worth it. It is recommended for safety to have them in a car seat, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, and the extra space for them to move around is nice. —Nicole Shelledy

Be ready for motion sickness. We were not prepared for how easily some little ones get motion sickness on an airplane. Have throw-up bags handy at all times. —Tiff Bankhurst

Prevent ear discomfort. Sucking during take off and landing may help relieve ear discomfort. My babies have flown with me from 4 weeks onward and never had a problem as long as they had a bottle or sippy cup or straw to suck on. —Shelly Ransom

Don't plan on them sleeping on the plane. It's great if they do, but if it doesn't happen, you'll be frustrated. —Colleen Mayerhoff

Don't worry too much about your kid "bothering" other people. The vast majority of people don't care, and many have been in the same situation you've been in and feel nothing but empathy for you. As for those who do care, they are not guaranteed a child-free existence in public. Kids are part of society too, and they are also allowed to take up space. —Jenna Yount

Make friends with the flight crew. They're going to help, they've got more experience than you, and they also want the flight to be pleasant. —April Graham

Save the screens for the flight. If you're using a screen, wait until you're on the plane. While you're waiting in the terminal, let them move as much as possible. Find an empty gate and play Simon Says, see who can jump in one place the longest, do animal charades. Let them go wild. —Paige Ellis

Download age-appropriate shows for your child on an iPad. (But know that if your kid is under age 2 they'll mostly just want to push the buttons.) —Chantel Dockstader

Travel hacks

Find a lodging close to a grocery store and a park. It makes it easy to buy last-minute things and burn off their energy easily at a park. —Gillian Molina

Dress your young kids in bright, matching shirts. I once traveled alone when my kids were 2, 4 and 6. We all wore matching yellow shirts so people could see we were together. —Emily Hernandez

If you want to let your little one crawl around , bring a pair of socks that you can put over their hands. Then you don't have to worry about dirty hands afterward. —Shannon Geraghty

Hire a photographer. You'll have photos with everyone in them, maybe get to see some scenic parts of the city you hadn't seen before. Dress up, wear matching outfits, be extra! They're only little once. —Tina Doyle

Helpful mindsets

It's not a vacation. It's a trip. You're just parenting in a new place. Set your expectations accordingly. —Laura Henriquez

The airport/train/bus/car is not the time to enforce the normal at-home rules. Do you want Doritos at 7 a.m. at the airport? OK. Do you want to watch 20 episodes of Blippi on the plane? No problem. There are no rules when traveling. This also makes traveling fun for kids because they get to do something different. —Meg Houston

Build in extra time to do things. It will decrease the chances of you and your child getting into stressful situations. —Cori DeLano

You're not going to get as much done as you think with a kiddo in tow. Think about things like nap schedule, traveling with a stroller, meltdowns, diaper changes. On my most "successful" trip with my kiddo, we planned one big activity a day and left the rest of the day open with some general ideas and left room for flexibility. —Whitney Winters

They might not remember, but you will. —Nina Hartman

The digital story was edited by Malaka Gharib. The visual editor is Beck Harlan. We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or email us at [email protected].

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• Life Kit: Parenting

The Ultimate Travel with Baby and/or Toddler Guide

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. FIND MORE INFO IN MY DISCLAIMER.

Just because you had a baby, does not mean that the adventure has to stop!

Sure traveling with a baby looks a little different from what traveling prior did.

Of course, traveling with a baby is more challenging than it was before.

But travel with baby love can still be incredibly fun and majorly rewarding!

If you are wondering how to travel with a baby and you are after some tips and information on where to travel with a baby; then you have come to the right place! 

In our enormous, truly comprehensive guide we share all of our first-hand knowledge of how to make your baby vacations easy. 

We will also give you some helpful insight into what the best holiday destinations for babies are.

But first! 

Might I suggest that you quickly sign up for our ‘Wanderlust Storytellers Family Tribe’ newsletter?  

In this MASSIVE Travel with Baby Guide, you will Find:

The top 10 reasons to travel with baby.

If you are wondering why you should take on the challenge of going traveling with an infant or maybe you want to go traveling with a toddler; don’t worry as we are here to show you why it can be so incredibly and completely rewarding!

1. You have the time off

Parental leave is the perfect time to travel. In most countries, mums will get paid maternal leave and in some ‘lucky’ countries even dads can get some paid paternal leave.  

You have the time off, so why not use it wisely?

2. Because up until the age of 2, they fly for free (well nearly) 

Travel as often as you can before your child turns 2!  

Most airlines allow babies/kids up to 2 years old to fly for free  (you only have to pay a small amount to cover the tax)!  

We are trying to squeeze in as many destinations as we can to make the most of this incredible money-saving factor!

3. Babies under the age of two get free entrance to attractions and events

Speaking of free; let’s add on the benefit of savings costs at attractions and events as babies are never charged entrance fees.

4. No errands to run, no lists, no dishes to do…

People say it is challenging to travel with a baby … I say it is challenging to be at home.  I prefer to be somewhere, where there are no ‘jobs’.  

I prefer to be somewhere where my husband is there to help me with bubs.  

In a lot of ways traveling with a baby is easier than being at home!

5. Babies can go anywhere

You can take a baby anywhere! We typically have our little Avie in a baby carrier on holidays.  

Why? Because she sleeps so much better in it!  And secondly, because it means that she can go wherever we can go.

6. Babies sleep a lot!

I know it might feel challenging to get your baby to sleep, but babies really do sleep a lot!

 Most of them sleep an average of 15 hours a day, which means that you will have plenty of time to explore in peace.

7. Babies help you meet people

Babies are great ice breakers! You will meet so many new people.  

We especially enjoy meeting the locals through our baby, which allows us to learn more about what parenting a baby looks like in their culture (you can truly learn so much about how they mother and father their children).

8. Babies are easier to entertain than a toddler

Let’s face it, you can entertain a baby with such simple everyday objects.  

Try dangling your keys in front of his/her face, and give them some of the water cups on the plane to smash together.  

You don’t need to pack a lot of toys and almost anything in the vicinity will work as entertainment.  

This will change! It is so much harder to keep our little toddler out of mischief!

9. Babies won’t be able to run away and get lost in the crowd

It is so easy to keep your baby safe.

 In comparison, a toddler will most likely be more stubborn and want to go their own way.  

If you don’t watch them like a hawk, it can be so easy for them to wander off and get lost in the crowds.  

Let’s face it, babies are easy!

10. Because it will give you some lovely quality family time to bond

Holiday time is a great time to slow down and find time for each other.

It is a great time to deepen and strengthen relations and the perfect time to build truly strong bonds.  

A holiday is a perfect way to start the journey of a new family!

____________

10 Tips to Make Flying with a Baby or Toddler Easier

This page is for you if you are wondering how to fly with a baby.  Here we will outline some answers to commonly asked questions as well as provide tips for flying with a baby. 

We discuss all things from how to survive your flight with your baby, to what to take with you.

Whilst we are busy compiling this section, please head over to our blog post about what to expect when flying with an infant.

Decide whether you need to take a car seat on the plane.  You can read more about the benefits (and negatives) of flying with a car seat here . 

If you have already decided that you wish to fly with a car seat, you can find our list of recommended FAA-approved car seats in our best travel car seat guide here.

>>  Read more tips for travel and flying with a baby

How to Cope with Jet Lag in Babies & Toddlers

Jet lag! I’m still waiting for a magic cure for jet lag to be invented, as I swear that it gets worse as we get older! 

Never mind the fact that you will be dealing with your own jet lag and then somehow you also have to deal with jet lag and a baby that isn’t sleeping properly – talk about a challenge!

Jet lag is not fun! 

And unfortunately, there isn’t much more you can do than simply survive it. 

We have written up a great in-depth article on Jet Lag in Babies & Toddlers , but for those of you after a super quick summary, please stay on this page.

Below you will find our top jet lag tips for babies as well as some great toddler jet lag solutions (if there even is such a thing as a solution!)

1. Jet Lag Recovery Time

They say jet lag is worse when you fly east! 

Our baby is so much more unsettled when we fly from Europe to Australia than vice versa. 

So make sure to build in one slow and low-key day to deal with jet lag when you are flying west and have at least 3 days set aside as low-key days if you are flying east. 

Don’t plan much on those days, and have easy outings that don’t take you too far from your holiday accommodation.

2.  Be Mentally Prepared

Prepare yourself for a challenge. 

It will be hard for a while, and you will be tired, but you will need to get up when the baby gets up and sometimes that means that your day will start at 3 am. 

I think if you know it is coming and you know it will be hard, you will deal with it so much better when it happens.

3.  Just go with the Flow

Allow your child to adjust naturally, or at least as naturally as possible.  Just like we manage to adjust on our own, so will they; it just takes time. 

If you try to force them into what you think is best for them, you will most likely have a pretty cranky baby or toddler on your hands. 

I say, let them sleep when they are tired and let them play when they are awake. 

Soon enough things will be back to normal, I promise.

4. Keep the Lights Low

When your baby wakes up at some ridiculous time at night, keep the lights and stimulation low. 

Allow them to play for an hour or two and then see if you can pop them back to sleep.

5. Keep up the Normal Night Time Routine

Even though you are traveling, it is important to stick to any routine you might have, whether it is a bath, dinner, reading a book before bed, or something else. 

These little ques will help your baby understand that it is now time for a nighttime sleep rather than just a nap.

6. Attempting Jet Lag Prevention

If you are a control freak, you can try to prepare your baby for the new time zone with some baby jet lag sleep training. 

Essentially what you do a few weeks before your trip is to slowly start adjusting your baby’s sleep time to be closer to the sleep time in the country you will be visiting.

I really think it is a waste of time because my baby’s sleep always gets jumbled up on the flight over anyways, but some parents swear by this method.

Best Gear to Take on Your Vacation with Baby

Wondering what items are the essentials for your baby’s vacation?  Here is a list of our top baby travel essentials that we never leave home without!

Taking the right gear and equipment on your baby’s holiday will go a long way in making life easier instead of harder.  

It is important to invest in ‘travel-friendly’ baby items if you wish to make life simple.

Find Below Links to our Comprehensive Best Baby Gear Buyers Guides:

Not only do these guides contain the top 10 items currently on the market, but they also discuss what features and specifications to look out for to ensure that the item will be perfect for traveling with. 

If your holiday involves plane travel, we highly recommend that you check out our best travel car seat guide to see some highly recommended FAA-approved car seats.

If you grab a car seat for plane travel, you will also need the best travel car seat cart as well.

We always travel with a backpack travel diaper bag as we find that they are the most comfortable both at the airport as well as for day excursions.

You might want to think about taking along your own baby travel crib. Many of the hotel cribs are either grubby, too small, or simply unsafe. 

We also find that we often pre-request a crib only to arrive and find out that they already borrowed out all of their baby cots (which happens with boutique hotels a lot).

Click here to read through our guide to help you find the right baby travel crib that is age-appropriate for your baby.

Even though you can easily find a baby high chair in most restaurants in Australia, we found that it can be rare to find them in restaurants in a lot of Asian and European countries.

If your baby is eating solids, you might like to check out our guide to help you find the best travel high chair for your baby’s age.

If you are heading on a beach vacation with your baby, we also have two fabulous guides for you.

We never travel without our own baby sun tent . That way we know that our baby always has shade, plus you get the added benefit of having a private space for your baby to sleep in. 

Now that you’ve decided to take your baby on a beach vacation, don’t forget to bring along the most important item – baby beach shoes!

Having a pair of water shoes or swim shoes for your little one is essential.

Not only will they protect their feet from hot sand and other hazards like sharp shells and slippery rocks, but they’ll also help your baby have more fun playing in the sand and surf.

When shopping for baby beach shoes, look for pairs with flexible uppers, non-skid soles, and adjustable straps that will keep them securely on your baby’s feet.

Browse our list of the top baby and toddler beach shoes here.

And don’t forget to take along some beach essentials for baby as well.

Top 5 Baby-Friendly Holidays

While adults may find any new travel destination quite thrilling, sightseers with their young ones should visit places that are specifically kids-convenient and unquestionably safe as well.

Due to the many sensitive considerations involved in choosing baby-friendly holidays, many family travelers might find it challenging to make a decision.

As a result, this short article briefly explores a few excellent baby-friendly vacations and insights for excursions that are perfect for babies and toddlers.

Continue reading to discover the top 5 best places to go with a baby and/or toddler and get some insightful tips for great family getaways. 

If you are after a bigger list, check out our post on 27 of the best places to visit with a baby .

1. San Diego – United States

I don’t think San Diego’s presence on the list of best places to travel with a baby will surprise anyone!

If your greatest worry has something to do with your kids’ overall safety, then San Diego would be the most obvious choice for a baby/toddler travel destination.

The meticulously planned and outstandingly clean city offers a perfectly healthy environment for adventurous youngsters.

On top of this unmatched kids-friendly attribute, the whole place has level streets that render stroller and prams movements extremely simple and fun.

For great children-centered attractions, Balboa Park makes for a compelling must-see for all curious toddlers and babies.

San Diego Zoo showcases unbeatably spectacular species such as pandas and koalas, countless natural and man-made marvels as well as various other sights and features that your little one will enjoy.

 Be aware that temporary baby-care services might prove rather rare or uncharacteristically expensive within this top-tier American city.

2. Bali – Indonesia

An Indonesian metropolis of no mean repute in terms of extraordinary sights and sounds for both adult trippers and fun-loving kids, Bali is an inspiring getaway choice for parents/guardians traveling with their little ones.

This very popular tourist destination provides surprisingly affordable babysitting services as well as plenty of baby-friendly resorts.

As such, it’s an ideal choice for families that have kids in tow.

For example, the ready availability of cheap baby-care temporary packages means that parents/guardians can leave toddlers behind while visiting far-flung sites that might be somehow unsafe or inconvenient for their babies.  

Again, the area contains numerous parks and zoos that promise fun-hungry toddlers all the animal-related adventures and natural thrills they typically crave.

Bali truly will give you the best vacation with a baby and is one of the cheapest destinations for those who are on a tight budget.

• Helpful Post: The Best Resorts in Bali for Families!

3. London – United Kingdom

Just like Bali, London is another destination that offers some of the best vacations with a baby. 

It is a city that offers remarkably safe and has plenty of adventure-filled activities for babies and toddlers.

You will find a large variety of attractions such as renowned museums, zoos, and many more.

Moreover, London’s olden thoroughfares, roads, and key streets are aptly designed so that prams and strollers will easily navigate the even grounds.

Due to the city’s mixed-income classes, remarkably cheap babysitting services are readily available for visiting parents who want to hire part-time baby-care packages.

4. Rome – Italy

For trippers touring the world’s most beautiful cities, all roads should literally lead to Rome – one of the oldest metropolises.

A wonderful symbol of civilization’s origins, Rome promises immense beauty and incalculable fun that will stir the bubbling curiosity of even the grumpiest of infants.

With fairly flat roads and streets, navigation around this ancient European town is easy.

Like all the other tourist spots highlighted in this write-up, this inspiring city doesn’t lack exciting attractions.

For example, any adventurous little souls may take a short break for a gelato and a Roman pizza, have a detour to Naples, or embark on a highly educational Vatican exploration. 

Rome isn’t just the best place to travel with baby, but I reckon it is also one of the best cities to travel to for anyone!

See more tips on how to travel to Italy with a baby .

5. Chicago – United States

Another top choice of the many baby-friendly holiday destinations is found in Illinois – home to countless global marvels – Chicago is an indubitably exciting sightseeing spot for babies and toddlers.

Since most infants like admiring various animal species, the local Lincoln Park Zoo will be a top must-see for your little lovely darling.

In addition to this worldwide attraction, your little one may also enjoy a variety of children-centric performances offered at the globally acclaimed Emerald City Theater.

Looking for more toddler-friendly countries to visit , make sure to read our complete list of worldwide destinations and best places in Europe with toddlers .

Traveling with Baby Checklist

Wondering what to pack for your baby. Here are some videos to get you started.

And a video on how to pack your diaper bag for the flight:

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Posted on Last updated: April 1, 2024 Categories Family Travel Advice

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The Best Age to Travel with a Baby

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“What is the best age to travel with a baby?”

I’ve been asked this question countless times by friends and family who know I’ve been brave (read: crazy) enough to travel with my young babies multiple times. 3 months? 6 months? 12 months? When is the best time to travel with a baby? Or REALLY, Is there any best time to travel with baby ? Is it CRAZY to even bother traveling with a baby? Am I going to feel like I am ‘just parenting’ in a tropical destination?! Will it be any fun??

We’ve traveled with our young ones at a variety of ages and I’m here to report back on the best age for baby to travel.  I’ve summarized the pros and cons of each age group based on our experience of traveling with young kids.  Of course, each baby is different, some babies ‘just sleep’ for the first three months and some (like mine) ‘just screams’ for the first three months. You never know when teething, developmental leaps or other (disastrous) baby phases are going to strike. So what age is best to travel with a baby? I do have a favorite age, so make sure to read through to the end to find out!

What is the best age for a baby to travel?

I have to say that we haven’t traveled much at the infant stage. The first three months with both my kids were a foggy blur that I mostly want to forget! The earliest we have traveled with our youngest son was 2.5 months and I was basically counting that as 3 months by then.  For those with limited maternity leaves, this may be the best age to travel with baby simply because it may be the only time you have off! If you’re wondering when is the best time to travel with a newborn, I would recommend pushing it to as close to 10-12 weeks as possible!

Pros: 0-3 months

• The baby will sleep a lot. Usually not when you want the baby to sleep, but nevertheless, he will be sleeping for most of the hours of the day.
• Baby is completely immobile. Wherever you put the baby down is likely where they are going to stay. Put the baby in a beach tent with a mobile or play gym and enjoy the LUXURY of reading a book, or drinking a coffee while it’s hot!
• This is the best age to fly with a baby.  Forget about needing complicated busy bags, coloring books, stickers or other tricks to keep kids entertained on a plane . All a baby needs at this age is formula or breastmilk and a comfy spot to snooze. Flying at this age is almost as easy as when your kids learn to watch movies for 4 hours straight!

Cons: 0-3 months

• You are still recovering from a baby exiting your body. Your life is one padsicle after another. I could barely manage a 5-minute walk let alone a beach vacation for a good 6 weeks after the birth of my first (c-section) and second (VBAC) babies.
• Sleep deprivation. Although this got better with my second, the initial shock of sleep deprivation with my first was the worst. I remember people telling me ‘this too shall pass’ and I clearly remember wanting to punch those people in the face! Sleep deprivation sucks and being on vacation doesn’t help.
• Potential illness. For us, this is the biggest reason we don’t travel much before three months. it’s not good when babies under 3 months get sick, their little immune system is not yet mature. I like to have at least the first set of immunizations done before we leave the country, especially if it’s a country with fewer healthcare resources. Since I live in Canada, where temperatures are pretty frigid for much of the year, I tend to want to leave the country when I travel!

 The best age to vacation with baby?

We have traveled the most at this age with our littles. We have been to Costa Rica , Bahamas, and Mexico . Our friends over at Sailing Chance have even been to Italy with a baby this age – and the people of Italy were SO accomodating ! There are lots of different trips you can take at this age, all with their own set of pros and cons.

Pros: 3-6 months

• Bring your breasts only. If your baby is exclusively breastfed, it’s super easy to travel at this age. No need to worry about food contamination or washing and sterilizing bottles. All you need are your breastst and you are good to go! My youngest also got formula supplementation and although washing bottles was a pain, it was still easier than when eating solids became an issue. I would bring the prepared formula bottles or the travel packs and use bottled water. I would use these microwave sterilizer bags or a sterilizer rented from the hotel or resort to keep the bottles sterilized.
• Mostly immobile. Although some babies are rolling pretty well or even starting to crawl towards 6 months most are still pretty immobile. I definitely think the best time to travel with an infant is before they become mobile! My little ones were pretty happy to be parked in their stroller at a restaurant or at the beach. The sights and sounds and people were enough entertainment! If I try keeping my now 14-month-old in a stroller for more than 35 seconds and I’m doomed.
• (Still) sleeps a lot . 3-6 months tends to be the time when (most) babies start consolidating their night sleep (thank YOU) and being more awake during the day. Check out my post on how to get your baby to sleep on vacation to hear the crazy stuff we’ve done to keep our precious ‘sleep routine’ intact on vacation. Well-rested parents = much higher chance of actually enjoying your vacation.

Cons: 3-6 months.

• They won’t enjoy anything. At this age, babies don’t really care if they are in a tropical paradise or not. They aren’t going to particularly enjoy the pool or the ocean more than they would enjoy the bath. Putting their toes in the sand is probably just going to make them cry. The picture is NOT going to turn out as cute as you wanted it to. Or if it does, it will take 105,678 attempts to do it. This vacation is for you. Not them. If you’re wondering what is the best age for a baby to travel AND actually enjoy it meaningfully, skip ahead a few months!

 When is a good time to travel with a baby?

6-9 months:.

Ok so, in my opinion, this is the worst age to travel with a baby so I have to admit I struggled to come up with ANY pros for this age. Despite this, I have actually traveled with a baby at this age quite a bit. Maybe I’m still scarred from those trips! We stayed at the Empress Hotel in Victoria BC and we went on a Disney Cruise when my youngest was between 6-9 months. We still had fun, but it was a hard age for both of our kids.

Pros: 6-9 months

• Everything is exciting.   Clearly, I wasn’t up to my usual Pinterest standards on my recent trip to Victoria BC with my then 6-month-old.  For the plane trip, I literally brought NOTHING. I did not bring a single thing to entertain my child for a four-hour plane ride. At this age, EVERYTHING is exciting. Cups are exciting. Napkins are exciting. The seat tray is SUPER exciting. We made it through the flight using only the items already on the plane without causing any sort of ‘scene’. Take that, Pinterest! In general, I find the bes age to fly with baby is any time before they learn to walk!
• High Chairs are still fun.  Once my babies started really walking or crawling there was no chance they were going to be staying in their high chairs longer than 5-10 minutes. No matter how many delicious treats I was bribing them with. At 6-9 months, most babies are pretty content to sit in a high chair and enjoy the excitement of a meal with their family. Since solids are still a pretty new and exciting thing, it’s easy for that to take up some serious entertainment. I even brought my 6-month-old to the high tea at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria (and he was reasonably well behaved!)

Cons: 6-9 months

• Eating sand.  If you are planning a beach trip with kids , FORGET IT at this age. Especially if your baby is already crawling, this is a sure disaster. Babies love eating sand, and I’ve tried those Pinterest hacks with the mattress cover on the beach and let me tell you there is NO HACK that will keep sand away from an 8-month-old baby who is determined to eat sand. So what age can I take my baby to the beach? If you want it to be enjoyable, I would say before they are mobile and then after they stop putting everything in their mouth! Certainly a sightseeing or city trip is a better bet at this age.
• Eating everything.   6-9 months is the peak of the ‘put everything in your mouth stage’. If you are a germaphobe it’s probably not a good idea to travel with your baby at this age. Even myself, with a dog that basically french kissed my babies every day since birth, draw the line at some point. I tend to use a lot of the stroller or the baby carrier at this age to keep those little exploring hands out of every disgusting thing they can find.
• Eating real food.  When babies start to eat real food, they start to demand real food on schedule. Which means you have to be prepared with REAL FOOD on demand. No joke. We opted to do a mix of purees and baby-led weaning with both of our littles simply because it afforded us the flexibility to be a bit lazy in this regard. Depending on the type of trip, having separate meals made for baby may be a hassle, or hard to find!

 The best age to take baby on holiday?

9-12 months.

9-12 months has been very hit or miss for us.  Babies can be so different at this age! Some are walking and some are just starting to crawl. Those developmental leaps (complete with cranky periods) are so unpredictable.

Pros: 9-12 months

• They might start to actually like some stuff . Splashing in the pool and dipping their toes in the ocean might genuinely be the greatest moment of their little lives. Warning, also possible they will REALLY hate it. My sons have loved splashing in the pool, dancing to music and exploring new activities at this age. They have so much curiosity (and no fear) which makes everything awesome. all. the. time.
• Feeding and naps will be well established . Although both of my kids seemed to strongly resist any sort of schedule I imposed on them, by 9-12 months they had a somewhat predictable routine. They reliably had two naps and both MOSTLY slept through the night. At this point, they were both eating mostly ‘table food’ which made them much better travel buddies.

Cons: 9-12 months

• Might be too mobile. One of our worst trips with a baby was Jamaica when our son was exactly 12 months. He had JUST learned to walk and when we arrived at our destination with slippery floors and lots of bumps and stairs, he latched on to daddy and basically didn’t let go of him for 7 days straight. Although he could ‘walk’ it sure didn’t seem like it for the 7 days he was there.
• Sleep regression. For both of our kids, the 9-12 month sleep regression was KILLER. On the same trip as above, our son woke up at 4 am every single night. I didn’t think our hotel room neighbors would appreciate any renewed attempts at sleep training so the only thing that kept him quiet was to bounce him UP AND DOWN UP AND DOWN in a baby carrier for an hour straight until he fell back asleep. Not fun.
• Separation anxiety. Thankfully, my hubby is a PROSTAR DAD who is quite popular with both my kiddos. In fact, until recently, he was definitely both boys ‘favorite’. As such, when we go on vacation, the kids typically need to ensure they have some sort of body part touching him at all times. Or ELSE. Sorry, Daddy! I’ll just be over here sipping my strawberry daiquiri…

 The worst age to travel with toddler?

12-18 months.

Pros: 12-18 months

• They won’t eat sand! Ok, they might put a little in their mouth at first. Usually, one taste will be enough to make them realize their mistake fast! Not eating sand = not having to be constantly hovering over them on the beach. Win!
• They may only take one nap . This is likely closer to the 18-month mark, but having only one nap a day allowed for a lot of flexibility when traveling. When our kids are napping two naps a day having a separate bedroom is a MUST for us. I am NOT going on vacation to sit in a dark room for hours on end.

Cons: 12-18 months

• They know what they want, but don’t know how to tell you! Ok, this is pretty much the trend for the next 2.5 years, but I’ve found it all starts after 12 months. In fact, as I’m currently writing this post, my 14-month old’s favorite method of getting my attention is screaming at the top of his lungs. I have to admit, it’s quite effective. Until they are speaking in sentences, expressing what they want, and understanding why they sometimes can’t have it, is a constant battle. This is where choosing the right trip with kids is so important! Don’t pick a trip where you are going to be constantly saying ‘NO’ or no one will have any fun!
• This is the WORST age to fly with a baby. Plane trips are especially hard at this age. 12-18-month-olds don’t like to be restrained and have NO IDEA why being on a plane would require them to stay in the same place for HOURS. AND unlike 18month+ babies who can be entertained with iPad apps on the plane , they aren’t too enthralled with the iPad either. I keep my plane trips <4 hours at this age and try to plan at least a short nap on the plane to pass the time.

SOOOOOO…What is the best age for a baby to travel?

I think the best age to take a baby on holiday is definitely 3-6 months. We have now done 3 trips at this age with our two kids and each one has been a success. Ah, the blissful long stroller walks! Casually enjoying lunch while baby naps in the stroller or carrier.  Not needing to think about food and not needing to worry about illness it’s a perfect age to travel with a baby. After 3-6 months it’s all downhill until age 3.5 when you can start to actually reason with your kids.

What do you think? What is a good age to travel with baby? Drop me a line in the comments below to let me know your favorite age to travel with baby! 

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Is air travel safe for an infant?

Air travel is typically safe for most healthy, full-term infants after the first few weeks. Air travel may not be a good idea for babies born before their due date, called premature or pre-term.

Babies born early may still need time for their lungs to mature. So check with a healthcare professional before flying in a pressurized cabin or visiting high-altitude places.

And any infant with heart or lung problems should be cleared for air travel by a healthcare professional.

As you plan your trip, here are some things to keep in mind, such as the baby's age, your health and some basics of flying.

The baby's age, overall health

Experts caution against flying in the first seven days after a baby is born. Some healthcare professionals suggest not traveling for the first few months.

In general, babies and adults face the same risk of exposure to illness from travel. But a baby's immune system is still learning how to protect against germs. And in most cases, a baby's illness needs to be more closely watched by a healthcare professional.

Caregiver health and planning

It is important for caregivers to think about their own health too. Flying with a child can cause added sleep loss and stress. And adults are at risk for new germs and illness, as well.

Finding out what illnesses are spreading in your area and where you're going can help you prepare and take thoughtful action. And basic things like handwashing are even more important to prevent the spread of germs while traveling.

The baby's ears

Offering a baby something to suck on may help relieve the baby's ear discomfort. You can offer the baby a breast, bottle or pacifier to suck on during takeoff and the start of the landing process. It might help to try to time feedings so that your baby is hungry during these times.

Ask a healthcare professional when it's safe to fly with babies who have had ear surgery or an ear infection.

Also, airplane cabin noise levels are loud, mainly during takeoff. Cotton balls, noise-canceling headphones or small earplugs may limit your baby's exposure to this noise. This may help make it easier for your baby to sleep.

The baby's safety seat

Most infant car seats are certified for air travel. Airlines often allow infants to ride on a caregiver's lap during flight. But the Federal Aviation Administration recommends that infants ride in properly secured safety seats.

If you choose not to purchase a ticket for your infant, ask about open seats when you board the plane. It's possible an open seat could be assigned to your infant.

Don't be tempted to give your baby medicine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others), to help the baby sleep during the flight. The practice isn't recommended, and sometimes the medicine can have the opposite effect.

Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.

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• Jana LA, et al. Flying the family-friendly skies. In: Heading Home With Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality. 4th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2020. https://www.aap.org/en/shopaap. Accessed Oct. 30, 2023.
• Newborn-flying and mountain travel. Pediatric Patient Education. https://publications.aap.org/patiented. Accessed Oct. 30, 2023.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Traveling safely with infants & children. In: CDC Yellow Book 2024. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/family/infants-and-children. Accessed Oct. 30, 2023.
• AskMayoExpert. Infant Fever. Accessed Nov. 18, 2023.
• Schmitt BD. Pediatric Telephone Protocols: Office Version. 17th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2021.
• Child safety on airplanes. Federal Aviation Administration. https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children/. Accessed Nov. 18, 2023.

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16 Tips for Flying With Toddlers and Young Kids

Traveling with toddlers can be hard, at least if you're not properly prepared. Here, experienced flight attendants share their secrets for flying with young kids.

FLY VIEW PRODUCTIONS/GETTY IMAGES

With long security lines, cramped airplane seating, and busy waiting areas, flying isn't the most pleasant experience—and all of the frustration increases exponentially when you add a toddler into the mix. Some young children simply don't have the patience for airport security. They might despise sitting quietly for hours on end, and they might be uneasy during turbulence or get upset with the ear-popping changes in air pressure.

Thankfully, though, you can have a worry-free travel day with proper preparation and planning. Whether you're jetting off to your relative's house or Disney World, check out these stress-reducing strategies for flying (and traveling) with toddlers—some of which came straight from flight attendants.

Book an Early Morning Departure

If you're traveling with toddlers or young children, you should book an early morning departure. These give you the best chance of avoiding delays at takeoff and landing, a flight attendant named Patrick explains. "They are usually less crowded, too," he says. "Plus, everyone is tired and just wants to nap—kids especially."

Save Your Upgrades for Toddler-Free Travel

Traveling in first class with kids can be more stressful than it's worth. Mom Joanna recounts the story of traveling with her loud, lively toddler and incurring the vocal wrath of her first-class seatmates for the entirety of the flight. "It's not fair, but you're just going to get more empathy and support with kids in economy," says a flight attendant.

Talk to Your Kids About What to Expect

"My experience is kids do so much better when they know what to expect," says Shireen, a mom of three from Australia who's traveled to the U.S. several times with her kids. She recommends watching a Let's Go Play video on YouTube , which goes over the entire flight experience, from baggage check-in and ticketing to onboard etiquette and safety.

Dress in Layers and Skip Shoes With Laces

Whether you are changing climates or simply dealing with in-flight heat and/or air conditioning, you can and should be ready for drastically changing temperatures when traveling with a toddler. Wendy, a flight attendant and mom, suggests you dress your kids in comfortable layers—preferably without buttons, zippers, or anything that could prevent them from getting to the bathroom in time.

The same principle applies to shoes: Avoid laces and opt for slip-ons. "There's the added benefit of getting through airport screening that much faster," she says.

Bring Surprises

When flying with a toddler, a wrapped new plaything has two advantages: Kids love to unwrap stuff, and a new toy has more attention-grabbing pull.

Consider Using a Smaller Stroller

Getting through an airport without a stroller is unthinkable for some parents, so consider switching out your regular-size stroller for a small, compact umbrella stroller or travel stroller. Also, check your stroller at the gate before boarding; the crew will have it waiting for you when you get off the plane.

If you've got more than one little traveler with you, consider a kid harness (aka leash), Wendy suggests. "I was so against them until I saw a woman with three young boys using them in baggage claim. It made so much sense," she says, "with the exit doors to outside right there. Look, flying is stressful enough. Do what you need to do to protect your kids and your sanity."

Pack Just Enough

Flight attendants urge parents to pack enough essentials for the flight. "Unfortunately, you can expect there to be zero food on a plane that would interest a kid," says Lynn. "And we are so limited in what we can offer in terms of comfort items as well."

On the flip side, parents will struggle if they zealously overpack. "Usually, when it's one parent traveling with one or more kids, they'll bring way too much stuff in an attempt to keep their kids happy," Wendy says. "They forget they have to carry all that stuff off the plane with them, along with their kids."

Plan Your Packing List

To guard against over-packing while ensuring you don't forget anything critical, consider writing out a full packing list. Star or highlight those items that will need to be packed last minute (like the lovey your kiddo sleeps with or the tablet that's currently charging) so you have a checklist to consult one last time before heading out the door.

Sample Airplane Packing List for Toddlers

When packing your carry-on for the plane ride, use this list as a starting point:

• Comfort item: Consider packing one of your toddler's favorite comfort items in your carry-on for mid-flight snuggles. If the comfort item is a pacifier, be sure to pack more than one, lest it gets flung down the aisle or on the floor.
• Sanitizer, wipes, pull-ups, and diapers: You'll want these critical items within reach at all times during your travels. Not sure how many diapers to throw in the carry-on? One diaper per hour of travel is recommended.
• Electronic devices: If there is any time to let up on strict screen time rules, it's when you're traveling. Make sure that whatever device you're bringing is fully charged and ready to go—and don't forget the chargers for the flight back. Consider pre-loading the tablet or phone with your kids' favorite movies or shows for offline viewing.
• Kid-size headphones: Be sure to follow the basic rules of travel etiquette and pack comfy headphones your little one can wear while enjoying their favorite games or shows. Have more than one kid in tow? Consider investing in a splitter so both can enjoy the show with their own set of headphones.
• Art supplies: A small box of crayons and blank paper can go a long way when it comes to entertaining your toddler on a plane. Mix things up and pack some fun stickers or even plain sticky notes to add to the excitement.
• Plastic bags: You never know when you'll need an extra bag for wet clothes, a dirty diaper, or even just for trash, so pack a few extras.
• Water bottle: Toss an empty clean water bottle into your bag to fill after you get through security. Just make sure that it's leakproof!
• Healthy and fun mess-free snacks: While you don't necessarily want to load your kid up with sugar just before take-off, consider packing a mix of healthy and fun snacks that are relatively mess-free to keep their bellies full and happy. Cheerios, pretzels, crackers, string cheese, and granola bars are good options.

Be Prepared for Security

When you pack, make sure items that need to be removed during security are easily reached. Keep in mind that traveling with snacks may mean extra scrutiny during the screening process.

Prepare for Air Pressure Changes

If your child has recently had an ear infection or a cold, get your doctor's approval before flying. The change in cabin air pressure may cause pain for your toddler. After passing through security, stock up on enough water for everyone to get through a possible delay and have enough left for the descent, which is often the most bothersome time for ear pressure discomfort. Have your kids drink some right after takeoff and during the last 30 to 45 minutes of the descent. The swallowing helps with the pressure changes and gives an added hydrating benefit.

By All Means, Use Pull-Ups

Your little one may have moved beyond Pull-Ups into big kid underwear, but pull-up diapers are a great resource when flying with a recently potty-trained toddler or young child. "I even use them on my 6-year-old," says Wendy, who adds that it's much less stressful than having to race to the bathroom or deal with an in-seat accident.

Show Some Appreciation

Flight attendants love to receive a certain gratuity for dealing with toddlers. "Any kind of chocolate found in an airport, handed over at boarding, does wonders," says Patrick. Of course, it will have zero effect on the random bad-tempered, unprofessional cabin crew member. But it's a nice gesture nonetheless, particularly when flying during the holidays when most flight attendants will be working and away from their families.

"It will be so appreciated," he says. "And we will remember you and look out for you. And not only that, you'll probably score a free drink out of it."

Seat Kids Away From the Aisle

Aisle seats can be dangerous for toddlers and potentially give them a little too much freedom of movement. For example, little hands and feet can be bumped as people walk by and hot coffee and water may be just within reach as the food and beverage cart passes by. If you can, consider the window seat, which offers the benefit of a view and puts you between your toddler and any other passengers in your row.

Beware of Germs

Toddlers tend to get sit a lot, but you can try to avoid any travel-related illness by keeping your little one's hands clean. When flying with a toddler, wipe everything from hands to tray tables down with sanitizing wipes when you're getting settled in your seats—and above all else, do not send your kids to the bathroom without shoes. "The floor is a Petri dish," a flight attendant confides. "You're in the air, things jostle. That's not just water on the bathroom floor."

Keep Your Composure

There's not much you can do to assuage that passenger who complains the moment your child sneezes or giggles. Here's what you need to remember: As long as you're trying (and what parent isn't?), you've got almost everyone on your side. "An adult having an issue with a screaming child is acting like a child as well," offers a flight attendant and mother named Patience. "Don't engage. Just worry about your own child."

Choose an Airline With Kid-Friendly Perks

There's nothing a family-friendly airline wants more than happy, occupied kiddos. As such, many leading carriers have all kinds of kid perks to offer their littlest travelers from a wide array of their favorite TV shows and movies to kid-approved headphones and snacks.

Before boarding, be sure to check in with the gate agent about whether the airline offers priority boarding for families with young children. Often airlines call special boarding for families so they can board a little early so you'll have time to settle in. Other great perks to look for are family lounges or airports with areas for kids to burn off some steam during layovers or before boarding.

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Traveling with Children

All passengers are required to undergo screening. However, TSA has developed modified screening procedures for children who appear to be 12 years old and younger. TSA officers will consult parents or the traveling guardian about the child’s screening.

TSA standard screening procedures apply for children 13 years and older. Carry-on property of all passengers, regardless of age, must be screened. All passengers who alarm will undergo additional screening.

Children with Medical Conditions, Disabilities, or Mobility Aids

Inform the TSA officer if the child has a disability, medical condition or medical device.

Let the TSA officer know if your child is able to walk through the metal detector or needs to be carried through the metal detector by a parent/guardian. You may carry your child through the WTMD. The TSA officer will not remove your child from their mobility aid, wheelchair or scooter.

Request Assistance

TSA Cares provides information to passengers with disabilities, medical conditions and those that need additional assistance to better prepare for the security screening process. Call  TSA Cares 72 hours prior  to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. You may also call to request assistance at the checkpoint.

Liquid Formula, Breast Milk, Toddler Drinks, and Baby/Toddler food (to include puree pouches)

Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk). Your child or infant does not need to be present or traveling with you to bring breast milk, formula and/or related supplies.

Inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in excess of 3.4 ounces. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from your other belongings. TSA officers may need to test the liquids for explosives or concealed prohibited items.

It’s helpful to the officers when formula and breast milk are in clear, translucent bottles and not plastic bags or pouches. Liquids in plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners, and you may be asked to open them (if feasible) for alternate screening such as Explosive Trace Detection and Vapor Analysis for the presence of liquid explosives. Screening will never include placing anything into the medically necessary liquid.

TSA X-ray machines are not harmful to food or medicines. However, if you do not want the formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) to be X-rayed or opened, please inform the TSA officer. Additional steps will be taken to resolve alarms. You or the traveling guardian will undergo additional screening procedures, to include Advanced Imaging Technology screening and additional/enhanced screening of other carry-on property.

Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) – regardless of the presence of breast milk – are also allowed in carry-ons, along with liquid-filled teethers. If these items are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above.

Passengers requiring special accommodations or concerned about the security screening process at the airport may request assistance by contacting  TSA Cares  or by phone at (855) 787-2227.

Screening of Children’s Items

• Place all carry-on baggage such as children's toys, bags and blankets on the X-ray belt for screening.
• Strollers, umbrella-strollers, baby carriers, car and booster seats and backpacks must be screened by X-ray.
• Place items in the stroller pockets or baskets, in a carry-on bag or on the X-ray belt for screening.
• Equipment that does not fit through the X-ray machine will undergo a visual/physical inspection by TSA officers.

Screening Technology

Walk-Through Metal Detector

Children able to walk through the metal detector without assistance may do so separately from their parent or guardian. If they alarm, children are allowed multiple passes through screening technologies and may undergo other procedures to resolve the alarm to reduce the need for a pat-down. Infants and small children may be carried through the metal detector. Should the alarm sound, additional screening is required.

Advanced Imaging Technology

If your child is able to remain standing in the required position for 5 seconds, he or she may be screened through the advanced imaging technology. If a child 12 and under goes through the machine and alarms, they have an opportunity to go through again or the TSA officer may use other procedures to resolve the alarm to reduce the need for a pat-down.

You may not be screened by this technology when carrying an infant or child.

Screening your Child

• Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening. For AIT screening, light jackets must be removed and placed on the X-ray belt.
• Children will not be separated from their parent/guardian.
• Remove infants and children from strollers and car seats and carry them in arms through the walk-through metal detector.
• Infants may be carried in a sling/carrier (to include lap baby) through the walk-through metal detector or when being screened in a wheelchair, but may be subject to additional screening
• Modified screening procedures are in place to reduce the likelihood of a pat-down.

• Book your antenatal a course
• Volunteer with us

Baby and toddler travel: what you need to know before going ahead

Read time 6 minutes

While pre-baby journey prep involved chucking some things in a bag and a drink at the airport, travelling with a child can feel daunting. Here are some tips…

Travelling with a baby or toddler: the basics

If you want to stay put for a while when you have a newborn, that’s understandable and totally normal. But when you are ready to head off, you will have all kinds of fun and adventures. Here are some tips to help things go as smoothly as possible.

Baby and toddler travel essentials

Think about what you’ll need, particularly if the journey takes longer than planned. Stuff to tick off includes:

• drinks and snacks
• nappies, wipes and changing mat
• change of clothes.

(Which? 2018a, b)

Keep it all easily accessible and prep a few bags with one or two nappies, a small packet of wipes and some cream for easy dashes to the loo (Which? 2018a, b) .

Baby and toddler holiday essentials

Things you’ll probably need include:

• a lightweight buggy
• a baby carrier/ sling
• a travel cot
• a first-aid kit, medicines and sun protection
• travel blackout blinds.

If you're formula feeding, you'll also need to think about:

• a travel steriliser
• bottles and teats
• formula milk

(Which? 2018b)

See our guide  to sun safety for more tips. 

Travelling with a baby or toddler: top tips

• Try to organise your baby's passport in plenty of time (GOV.UK, 2018a) . NB: this will involve the most hilarious photoshoot of your life.
• If you are travelling to countries where you need a visa, you’ll need to sort that out too (GOV.UK, 2012) .
• Make sure you sort travel and health insurance before you go (annual family policies are often the best value) (GOV.UK, 2012) .
• Find out about required travel vaccinations (GOV.UK, 2012; Fit for travel, 2018)
• Try not to rush – this will make journeys way more stressful.
• It might be easier to go when your baby is young. Small babies are portable and often a lot more flexible than their toddler buddies. Usually infants must be at least two weeks old before they can travel although some airlines allow seven-day old infants on board. The booking policy differs from one airline to another, so it is important to check directly with the airlines (Which? c) . But three to seven months is a great window (The Guardian, 2005) .
• Book outside the school holidays if you can – way cheaper and less crowded. 
• You can make full use of the facilities: lots of airports have dedicated areas for entertaining children and have buggies you can use. Some airlines also let you keep your own pushchair with you right up to the boarding gate.
• Try to keep stuff you need for your baby or toddler in your hand luggage.
• It’s always good to check the weight limit for your airline before you travel.
• Children under two years old usually sit on your lap, so taking a cushion or blanket can help.
• On long-haul flights, you can request a bassinet for them to sleep in. Travelling at night can help them stick to their usual routines too.
• A baby carrier or sling  for very young children and a back/hip carrier for toddlers is great for walking babies up and down the aisles. It also keeps your hands free.
• It’s good to find out from the airport and your airline about the rules for fluids allowed through security and in cabin baggage.
• If you need transfers from the airport, check with your airline about taking your baby car seat, or arrange to hire one when you get there.
• If possible, sit in an easily accessible seat on the plane.
• Changing cabin pressure during take-off and landing can be uncomfortable for your children, you can ease the discomfort by feeding babies, giving toddlers a dummy and older children a sweet to suck on.
• You could attach a luggage label to your child’s clothing with their name and flight number on it.

(Baby Can Travel, 2018b; Which? 2018a, b)

By train or bus

• Try to avoid rush hour. This means the carriages and buses are less crowded and there will be extra seats.
• You’ll thank yourself for checking which train stations have lifts for pushchairs.
• Perhaps try to avoid quiet zones on trains – other passengers may not be sympathetic to a chatty toddler or crying baby.
• Try to use a sling or baby carrier rather than a buggy. It can be overwhelming arriving at a train station with a buggy, whereas using a sling will keep your hands free to find things like tickets.
• Sit near the toilets on trains as there’s often more space and flip-up seats for pushchair space. When you get off the train, watch gaps and get off backwards as it’s often safer.
• Plan the most direct route to avoid awkward train changes.
• Reserve a seat, choosing a window seat for older babies and toddlers to look out of.
• Pack a light bag with nappies, snacks and toys so you can stow other luggage in the rack. 
• Plan how you get from the train station to your final destination, e.g. whether you need to book a taxi with a baby seat. 

(My Train Ticket, 2018; TFL, 2018).

• Try to time your journey around nap times and stop for breaks if you need.
• If you need to, dispatch one parent to the back seat to keep your child company.
• Take window blinds for bright sunshine and music for bored children. Warning: be prepared for long stints of Twinkle Twinkle.
• Make sure you keep toys handy.
• Stock up on essentials like snacks, water, formula, extra bottles, extra soothers.
• Make sure your car seat meets all the safety criteria for your baby or toddler. Read our guidelines here  and how to fit it here.

(Baby Can Travel, 2018c)

This page was last reviewed in March 2019

Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

We also offer  antenatal courses   which are a great way to find out more about labour and life with a new baby. 

Baby Can Travel. (2018a) Airline perks for families with babies. Available at: https://www.babycantravel.com/2015/11/11/airline-perks-for-families-with-babies/ [Accessed 15th October 2018]

Baby Can Travel. (2018b) Inflight entertainment for babies and toddlers. Available at: https://www.babycantravel.com/2017/04/27/inflight-entertainment-for-babies-and-toddlers/ [Accessed 15th October 2018]

Baby Can Travel. (2018c) Road trip with a baby: 7 essential tips. Available at: https://www.babycantravel.com/2015/09/14/road-trip-with-a-baby-7-essential-tips/ [Accessed 15th October 2018]

Fit for travel. (2018) Travel health advice. Available at: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home Accessed 15th October 2018]

GOV.UK. (2012) Checklist for travelling abroad. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/checklist-for-travellers--2 [Accessed 15th October 2018]

GOV.UK. (2018a) HM Passport Office. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-passport-office [Accessed 15th October 2018]

GOV.UK. (2018b) Apply for a European Health Insurance Card. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/european-health-insurance-card [Accessed 15th October 2018]

My Train Ticket. (2018) Travelling by train with children. Available at: http://www.mytrainticket.co.uk/travelling-with-children [Accessed 15th October 2018]

TFL. (2018) Getting around with your buggy. Available at: https://tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/getting-around-with-your-buggy [Accessed 15th October 2018]

The Guardian. (2005) Have baby, won’t travel? Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2005/oct/22/familyholidays.family.guardiansaturdaytravelsection [Accessed 15th October 2018]

Which? (2018a) Top 10 baby and child travel tips. Available at: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/travelling-with-children/article/travelling-with-children/top-10-baby-and-child-travel-tips [Accessed 15th October 2018]

Which? (2018b) Baby products to take on holiday. Available at: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/travelling-with-children/article/travelling-with-children/baby-products-to-take-on-holiday [Accessed 15th October 2018]

Which? (2018c) What are my rights when flying with a baby? Available at: https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/what-are-my-rights-when-flying-with-a-baby [Accessed 15th October 2018]

Information you can trust from NCT

When it comes to content, our aim is simple: every parent should have access to information they can trust.

All of our articles have been thoroughly researched and are based on the latest evidence from reputable and robust sources. We create our articles with NCT antenatal teachers, postnatal leaders and breastfeeding counsellors, as well as academics and representatives from relevant organisations and charities.

Read more about our editorial review process .

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Air travel with children

This page provides information on flying with children, including what to pack in carry on baggage, going through security screening and using child restraint systems (car seats) on board the aircraft.

On this page

Travelling with children under 2 years old, child restraint systems.

• Children travelling alone

Carry-on baggage

Security screening.

For the safety of both adults and children, the Canadian Aviation Regulations require that no passenger can be responsible for more than 1 infant (child under the age of 2).

If you are travelling with children under the age of 2, a passenger must accompany each of your children, even if you buy seats for them.

Although children under 2 years old may be held in your arms during a flight, Transport Canada highly recommends that you use an approved child restraint system (car seat) for all legs of the flight. Car seats are designed to different standards than aircraft seats, so they may work differently and fit differently in planes. Any car seat intended for use on board an aircraft must have a statement of compliance label that shows it meets the applicable design standard and the date it was made.

The use of a car seat provides the best protection for the infant or child and minimizes the effects of unanticipated turbulence. Using a familiar car seat will make your child more comfortable, and you can also use it when you reach your destination. 

If you decide to use a car seat, always:

• check with your airline for its specific policies
• follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions
• tighten the aircraft seat belt through the correct path on the car seat
• secure straps out of the way since tether straps cannot be used on board the aircraft

The following devices are not approved for use as child restraint systems on an aircraft:

• Not approved for use as child restraint systems on an aircraft, as they are designed to be used with a car lap and shoulder belt
• Not approved for use as child restraint systems on an aircraft, as they may not be used when the aircraft is moving on the ground, during takeoff and landing or when the safety belt sign is on
• Not approved for use as child restraint systems on an aircraft, as they could injure the infant in case of an accident

Child car seat safety

Child restraint systems and other seating devices

Children who are travelling alone

If your child is travelling alone, contact the airline in advance to ask if someone from the airline will escort and supervise your child from check-in through arrival, and if there are any restrictions such as age limits.

Ensure that the person who brings your child to the airport stays at the airport until the flight has departed and that the person who is picking up your child at the point of arrival has appropriate identification and authorization.

A child who travels alone or without 1 of their parents or guardians should have a consent letter signed by the parents or guardians who are not accompanying the child.

You are permitted to pack the following items in your carry-on baggage:

• Breast milk in quantities greater than 100 ml, even if you are flying without your child
• Gel and ice packs to refrigerate breast milk or medically necessary items and medication that need to be refrigerated (as indicated on the label or a medical note)
• baby food, formula, medications, milk, water and juice
• gel or ice packs to keep your baby products cool

Check with the airline before you travel. Some items cannot be used during taxi, takeoff, landing or when directed by a crew member.

Carry-on baggage  (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority)

Planning is important when you fly with young children. A little strategic planning can make the flight a more pleasant experience for you, your children and other travellers.

Check if the family and special needs lane is available. Place infant carriers and other child-related items, including diaper bags, on the conveyor belt for security screening. Strollers need to be inspected separately.

Present all liquids to a screening officer for separate inspection.

Let your child walk through the metal detector. If your child is not able to do so alone, you can hold them in your arms as you walk through the metal detector.

Airport security screening – Families  (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority)

Related links

• Children and travel
• Travel documents for children
• Travelling with children  (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority)

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• Special assistance

Traveling with children

Traveling with children and infants.

We are committed to caring for people on life’s journey and want you and your children to have a safe and positive travel experience. To allow enough time for check-in, arrive early and be sure to have any required travel documents. You may have to present proof of age like a birth certificate for any children under the age of 18.

• Families with children under 2 years old can ask to board early at the gate.
• Only 1 carry-on diaper bag per child is allowed.

You can travel with a breast pump and small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk in addition to your carry-on or personal item. These items don’t have to be checked and are allowed even when you’re not traveling with a child. Also, most airports have nursing rooms and stations available for your convenience.

If you’re a family traveling with children under 15, we want to help make sure you’re seated together on your flight. Here are some tips for when you book:

• Be sure to book everyone in the same reservation.
• The farther in advance you book, the better. (Seats become limited closer to the day of travel.)
• On the seat map, choose seats for your entire family or skip seats for that flight.
• It’s better to skip seats than to choose just a few seats or seats scattered throughout the cabin. Our gate agents can try to reseat you but getting seats together the day of travel is difficult.

If you skip seats

If you’re unable to choose seats, don’t want to pay for seats, or chose a Basic Economy fare, our system will detect that you’re a family traveling. The system will search for seats together automatically before the day of departure. We’ll try our best to keep you together, but if seats are limited, we’ll assign seats so children under 15 are next to at least 1 adult.

Children and adults traveling in separate reservations

If you and your children are traveling together but have separate reservations, call Reservations so we can note it in each reservation.

Contact Reservations

Children 2 or older are required to have their own seat, a ticketed adult fare. Children under 5 can’t travel alone under any circumstances.

If you don't choose seats in Main Cabin or Basic Economy, we’ll assign seats a few days after you buy your tickets so children under 15 are next to at least 1 adult they’re traveling with.

We welcome infants as young as 2 days old, but infants under 7 days old must have a doctor's letter stating that they are medically cleared to travel.

Keep in mind:

• Only 1 infant may be seated in the lap of each ticketed accompanying adult and the infant must be included in the reservation.
• Additional infants under 2 years old must be ticketed and occupy an infant safety seat or in a separate aircraft seat.
• The infant must be under 2 years of age for the duration of the trip. If they turn 2 during a trip, they will need their own seat for the remainder of the trip.

Adding an infant to your trip

If you’re traveling within the U.S., including Puerto Rico, you can add an infant to your trip when you book on aa.com, or later once it is ticketed. You only need to contact Reservations if you’re traveling with an infant who is under 7 days old; or if you’re traveling outside of the U.S. (taxes and a percentage of the adult fare may apply on international trips).

Book a new trip

• Book your trip on aa.com
• Enter your information on the ‘Passenger details’ page
• Select ‘add infant in lap’

Book a trip

Update an existing trip

• Find your trip on aa.com
• Scroll to the ‘Passengers’ section

Find your trip

Call Reservations if:

• You’re traveling with an infant who is less than 7 days old
• You’re not traveling within the U.S., and Puerto Rico

Reserved seat

If your infant will travel in their own seat, you must buy a ticket. The infant must either travel in a safety seat approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or be able to sit upright in their seat without assistance and have their seatbelt securely fastened during taxi, takeoff, landing and whenever the 'fasten seatbelt' sign is on.

Bassinets and changing tables

• Changing tables are available in the lavatories of all wide-body aircraft.
• Bassinets are available on a first come, first serve basis at the gate for travel only on 777-200, 777-300 and 787 aircraft.*
• Bassinets are not available in First / Business cabins.

*Infants using bassinets must be younger than 2 years old and weigh no more than 20lbs (9kg)

Acceptable safety seats

Most safety seats that are approved for use in motor vehicles are acceptable for use in aircraft. The seat must have a solid back and seat, restraint straps installed to securely hold the child and a label indicating approval for use on an aircraft.

The label may include:

• These notes: 'This child restraint system conforms to all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards' and 'this restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircrafts' or 'this restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.'
• Approval of a foreign government or a label showing that the seat was manufactured under the standards of the United Nations.
• The safety seat can't be used in an exit row or in the rows on either side of an exit row; window seats are preferred.
• Install the seat in the direction appropriate for the size of the child and according to the instructions on the label.
• The child must remain in the safety seat with the harness fastened during taxi, takeoff, landing and whenever the 'fasten seatbelt' sign is on.
• To carry on a safety seat, you must have bought a seat for the child, or a seat must be available next to you. If an unoccupied, adjoining seat is not available, the gate agent will check the safety seat to your final destination.

Review seat dimensions before your trip.

Safety seats are not allowed in First or Business on select planes due to the seat angles.

Airbus 321T

• Boeing 777-200
• Boeing 777-300
• Boeing 787-800
• Boeing 787-900
• Any device without an approval label
• Booster seats with no approval label or shoulder harness
• Vest and/or harness-type devices, except Aviation Child Safety Devices (ACSD) showing the FAA aircraft approval label
• Belt extensions that attach to the parent or the parent's restraint
• Any device that positions a child on the lap or chest of an adult

Carry-on and checked bags

If you’re flying internationally with an infant on your lap, we’ll issue the infant a ticket. You may check 1 bag for the infant at the same rate as the adult’s first checked bag.

• Each ticketed customer is allowed 1 stroller and 1 car seat to be checked free of charge
• Strollers over 20 lbs / 9 kgs must be checked at the ticket counter
• All other strollers should be checked at the gate before boarding
• If you have a stroller and a car seat only 1 can be checked at the gate
• Breast pumps and a small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk don’t count as your carry-on or personal item
• Play pens, wagons, cribs and 'pack and play' count as regular bags
• If any of these exceed carry-on limits they’ll be checked and incur regular fees

International documents

Children or infants traveling outside the U.S. are required to have the same documentation as an adult. If anyone under 18 is traveling internationally without both parents, they may be required to present a Letter of Consent.

International travel

Traveling during pregnancy

If your due date is within 4 weeks of your flight, you must provide a doctor’s certificate stating that you’ve been recently examined and you’re fit to fly.

Special assistance throughout your trip

For domestic flights under 5 hours, you won’t be permitted to travel within 7 days (before and after) your delivery date. If you need to travel within this time frame:

• Approval from your physician and a special assistance coordinator is required.
• Your physician will be required to fill out a passenger medical form before your flight. A special assistance coordinator will send the form directly to your physician.

Clearance from a special assistance coordinator is required for international travel or travel over water:

• Within 4 weeks of your due date (travel also requires a physician's note stating that you’ve been examined within the past 48 hours and you’re fit to fly)
• 7 days before or after your delivery (travel also requires a passenger medical form to be completed by your physician)

Flying on a partner airline?

Find helpful information if your trip includes 1 or more flights with our partner airlines.

• British Airways
• Japan Airlines
• Qatar Airways

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News / Glasgow & West

Airport introduces 'baby room' to help parents travelling with kids

The space is fitted with bottle warmers, changing stations, comfortable seating and a TV.

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• Renfrewshire

Glasgow Airport has unveiled a new “baby room” which aims to help parents travelling with their infants and young children.

Based in the airport’s Central Pier next to Gate 16, the new space aims to be a “haven” for parents with bottle warmers, changing stations, comfortable seating and a large TV showing children’s channels included.

A separate space within the new facility has been designed to allow for breastfeeding.

The new room launches after Glasgow Airport became part of the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme.

Tracey McCartney, a mum-of-three, who works as the airport’s terminal operations manager, said: “I know from personal experience that going anywhere with an infant or small child can be challenging and that’s particularly true if you are travelling for a flight.

“The team here works incredibly hard to ensure all our passengers enjoy a safe and pleasant experience when travelling through the terminal and we wanted to create a Baby Room that would give parents a quiet space to help support them on their journey.

“We worked with the team from the Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership to ensure the Baby Room met all current guidance and are incredibly proud of the end result.

“I hope the new facility will make things that little bit easier for parents travelling with their little ones.”

Artwork contributed by three local schools – Dargavel Primary in Bishopton, St Charles Primary in Paisley and Newark Primary in Port Glasgow – will be showcased on the walls of the room.

Renfrewshire North and West MSP Natalie Don, opening the room, said: “I was delighted to open Glasgow airport’s new Baby Room, and to hear about the progress to create safe and inclusive environments for families.

“It is clear that a lot of consideration has went into the design of the Baby Room, ensuring that all of the necessities that parents may need access to when travelling, such as bottle warmers and televisions to keep children entertained, are available free of charge.

“Following the airport joining the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme, I am also very pleased to see the introduction of a separate room for any mothers who may want to breastfeed their children in a private, quiet space.

“As a mum of two young children myself, I know how daunting long journeys with kids can be.

“I am sure that the Baby Room will be a great support to families and I commend Glasgow Airport for taking these steps to create a truly inclusive environment for all their passengers.”

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