How to Travel with a Baby: 17 Tips for Success

What to expect when traveling with babies

Traveling with babies can seem daunting, but the reality is that it isn't as challenging as you may expect! With careful planning and packing, you can have an enjoyable family vacation without too much stress.

It's important to keep your children engaged throughout the trip, so bring along books, games and activities to occupy their time on long journeys. You should also ensure you allow for regular stops to use the restroom or stretch your legs. This is especially important if you are traveling by car. To make the experience even less stressful, be sure to pack plenty of snacks and drinks to reduce any hunger-induced tantrums!

Most importantly though - plan ahead, take things slowly and enjoy the journey - it'll be worth it in the end!

How old should my baby be before we start traveling?

Before hitting the road, it's a good idea to consider your little one's age. Many suggest waiting until they are at least six months old, but that may depend on the type of travel you have in mind, such as air versus road trips.

Babies under 6 months old may be too young to benefit fully from all that the destination has to offer; they may still require more frequent feeds or naps and may have difficulty adjusting to unfamiliar environments due to their developing immune systems. On the other hand, if your baby is a bit older and already sleeping through the night or eating regular meals outside of the home, then traveling could be a great way for them to experience something new and exciting!

All in all, it's up to you as a parent to decide when the appropriate time will be for your family – just make sure you listen carefully and pay attention to your babe's needs!

1. Pack an extra carry on bag just for the child

This diaper bag should include all of the essentials like diapers, wipes, formula, and food. It's also a good idea to include a change of clothes in case of spills or accidents. Make sure this bag is separate from your other things so that in case of an emergency you don't have to rummage through unnecessary stuff to find what you need. This also limits what you need to re-pack after.

2. Make a packing list

This will help you make sure you don't forget anything important. Include items like diapers, wipes, formula, food, clothes and toys. Check each item off the list as they go into your final travel bag and try not to open them back up afterwards.

3. Pack enough food for your trip

If you're planning a trip with your infant and want to make sure that everyone has the most pleasant experience, it's essential to ensure that you pack enough baby food for the duration of your travels.

While most airlines allow parents to bring a reasonable amount of food for their children on board, you definitely don't want to find yourself in a dilemma where your baby doesn't have enough snacks when they're ready for them! Not only will bringing enough food help keep everyone's morale up, but it can also help save time and money if your destination does not offer suitable items for babies at nearby restaurants or stores. With some careful planning ahead of time, packing enough food for your babies will certainly help make your trip an enjoyable one!

4. Don't overpack

Overpacking can make it hard to move around and could even delay your arrival at the destination. Not only that, but luggage fees for extra bags or overweight items can add up quickly and hurt your wallet.

It's best to plan ahead and pack light, so you are only bringing what's absolutely necessary for your little one. Take clothes that are easy to mix and match, diapers, wipes, formula/food if needed and any medical necessities. That way you know everything fits in one or two suitcases and doesn't weigh too much.

Doing a bit of extra planning now means smoother sailing when you hit the road with your little traveler!

5. Plan your route in advance

lanning your route in advance gives you the chance to double-check that all necessities like car seats and strollers are covered, they're packed and ready to go, and that your chosen route avoids painful delays and long delays in transit. It's also valuable to know what resources you have available along the way - is there a restaurant where you can take a break? Are there extra changing facilities closeby?

Structure like this will allow for smoother rides, less stress, and more enjoyable experiences for parent and child alike. So plan in advance for successful travel with a baby!

6. Make sure your car seat is installed properly

This is essential for keeping your baby safe while on the road. For some parents who do not travel often by car and may be renting a vehicle specifically for a trip, you may not have a perfect understanding of how car seats should be installed. A great tip to deal with this is for either a rental car company to provide you with this pre-installed, or to go to your local fire department for assistance.

7. Bring along some entertainment

Toys, books, and music can help keep them occupied during long car rides or flights. Long trips can be a stressful and boring time for your child and you will want to make sure they are entertained as much as possible along the way.

Try to choose items that your baby has been shown to entertain themselves with for longer periods of time at home so you can eliminate the need for as many extra things as possible when packing. If you know for sure that a certain book will keep them occupied for 30 minutes, then bring that instead of something that is less proven.

8. Take advantage of airport or train terminal amenities

Many airports now have play areas and nursing rooms specifically for families traveling with young children. If you happen to find yourself on a connecting flight in Europe, our personal favorite airport for traveling with our child is Amsterdam Schiphol. They have the best amenities we have seen anywhere for enduring a layover with a baby in their family rooms.

Regardless of where you are traveling, do yourself a favor and check out the website of where you will be stopping over, whether it is a train terminal or airport, and see what amenities they afford regarding family rooms.

9. Expect the unexpected

Diapers leaks and spit-ups happen! With your pre-packed baby bag you should have a solution for both. It is a good idea to take in your surroundings before something happens and decide on a plan of action. For example, where is the closest changing table or something you can use as one?

While the space may be a bit confined, most trains and airplanes will have a folding changing table in the bathrooms. Make sure to bring disinfectant wipes since these may not be the most sanitary places and you want to stay clean while touching everything.

Traveling by car will offer some more flexibility on where you can take care of these issues. The easiest way would be to set up your trunk in a way that you have room to change a diaper by the side of the road or in a parking lot. Make sure wherever you decide to pull over it is safe and you are not in danger from other vehicles driving by.

10. Don't over-schedule yourself

Taking a vacation with your baby can be exciting, but it can also be stressful if you overbook or over-schedule yourself. It's important to remember that babies do not follow the same timeline - and often times, things take a bit longer when traveling with little ones in tow.

Trying to cram too much into one day can lead to exhaustion for both you and baby, resulting in cranky attitudes and unhappy memories of your trip. To make sure that everyone has a pleasant voyage, it is best to take things at an easy pace and build in plenty of time for rests and feedings, as well as activities that suit baby's age level. This way, you will enjoy creating positive memories of your precious time spent together.

11. Go somewhere you speak the language

Traveling with a baby can be a tough task, so going somewhere you can speak the language is a huge benefit! Not only will it help you to get around and make sure your needs are met, but it will also simplify communicating with your baby.

You'll be able to talk and read to them in their native language, so they won't be overwhelmed by constantly being exposed to a new one. Plus, many cultures value babies and children more than others, making it the ideal place for your little ones! With challenges at different stages of traveling with a baby, having the support of familiar surroundings and a common language can make the journey smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

That said, there are also some huge benefits to a baby being exposed to a new language, especially when one or both of the parents speak it. Check out our article below about raising a bilingual child and see if this could fit into your travel plans.

12. Grab the right seat if you are flying

Strategic seat selection is especially important when traveling with infants and young children. The bulkhead seat presents a great option that offer extra space for your baby gear, as well as allowing you to stretch your legs throughout the flight.

Additionally, seats near bulkhead often have bassinets where you can put your baby during the flight if they are not yet old enough to use a child restraint system. The bulkhead also offers greater privacy for nursing mothers. While bulkhead seating may incur an additional fee, it provides a more comfortable and safe environment for both parents and their new bundle of joy!

If your child is more curious or it is a short flight that doesn't require a bassinet then consider a window seat. Our daughter loves to look outside during flights and take in the surroundings. It can really help the time fly and take away the take off and landing jitters for both you and your baby!

13. Get friendly with the flight attendant

When flying with a baby, getting friendly with the flight attendant can be hugely beneficial. Not only will they be able to offer you valuable advice and tips, but it also opens up opportunities for a more relaxed and enjoyable journey. They may even go the extra mile in helping out, such as finding space for your baby gear or delivering snacks for your little one throughout the flight. Of course, knowing that your friendly face on board is watching out for you can also bring greater peace of mind in those moments of turbulence!

14. Give your baby a bottle for take off and landing

Flying with a baby can be intimidating for any parent, but one of the best tips for ensuring your child's comfort is to give them a bottle during takeoff and landing. Swallowing will help equalize the pressure in their little ears and make them more comfortable.

Additionally, the distraction of drinking from a bottle - especially if you have expressed breastmilk or formula prepared - will provide them the opportunity to concentrate on something else other than the sensations associated with takeoff or landing. This small measure can make a big difference if you're taking to the skies with your tot!

15. Ship bulky items to your destination beforehand

One way to make the experience easier is to ship your suitcase ahead of time. Not only will it take away the stress of having too much luggage on board an airplane or train, but it will also save you time when you arrive.

With one less thing to worry about, you can focus more energy on taking care of your baby and making sure they stay comfortable throughout the journey.

16. Bring a baby carrier

Baby carriers can provide both comfort and convenience while traveling, allowing you to keep your hands free while carrying your baby at the same time. Not only will it make maneuvering through airports easier and less hectic but it will also give you more freedom of movement to explore new places as well as move around quickly when needed.

Not to mention, wearing your baby close to you can inevitably help calm them down if they become fussy during trips, offering something comforting for them that makes them feel safe.

All in all, when making preparations for any trip with your baby – no matter where the final destination - take the time to consider investing in a good quality baby carrier so that your journey is easier and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

17. Have your diaper bag easily accessible

When traveling with a baby, one of the most essential items is their diaper bag. Stocking it with diapers, wipes, and other essentials will help keep your little one happy and comfortable during your travels. Knowing where it is at all times is also important for your peace of mind - that's why it's good to make sure your diaper bag is easily accessible.

Hanging or attaching it to a stroller handle or using a messenger-style across-the-body bag will allow you to access it quickly without having to rummage through larger bags or luggage - something you'll be thankful for when you realize mid-flight that you forgot some extra diapers!

Our final thoughts on traveling with your baby

Traveling with a baby can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Sure, there are some added challenges compared to traveling before your little one arrived, but with a bit of preparation and creativity you will soon find that the additional hassle is worth it for all the joy your baby brings to each journey.

Not only does it mean more people to share in the amazing moments you encounter along your way, but discovering new places as a family creates unforgettable memories that will last long into their childhood. Keep in mind that traveling with a baby takes time and planning, but this makes it an even more special adventure - so embrace any obstacles or surprises that come up and make the most of your time together!