Whether I’m flying or taking a road trip with my kids, I always go over the checklist twice. Here’s my advice to make sure you don’t forget essential gear.
If you’ve always been globe-trotter and feel like your new baby will end your travel adventures, you’ve got another think coming! Many new parents think its almost impossible to leave the comfort of their home for a vacation. But it’s entirely possible – and even fun!
I’ve always had an inherent passion for exploring the world and just going out for a good break from my routine. When my first baby came along, I was perpetually terrified of the idea of never completing my travel bucket list, at least until my kids were adults.
But oh, how wrong I was!
I discovered how the world of parenting had drastically changed and improved. Now there were aids to make traveling both comfortable and fun with your toddler. Excited at the idea of continuing my wanderlust, I investigated more in-depth into the subject of traveling with an infant.
My research led me to some pretty useful and handy tips for traveling with a newborn. I tried these methods myself and was pleasantly surprised at the results. I did not expect traveling to be comfortable with a baby, let alone exciting. But it happened, and I’m here to disclose all the secrets, tips, and hacks for traveling with an infant so you can have your peace of mind as well.
Packing
So much can go wrong in traveling when you’re not packing right, be it traveling solo or with a toddler. Packing the right way is the first and foremost step in ensuring you’ll get a pleasant traveling experience with a baby. Whether you plan to go on a road trip or opt for flying, packing is an art you will need to master.
1. Don’t skip the toys
Babies are fussy creatures, and it’s challenging to keep them in one place for too long. Flying with a toddler is especially challenging because long air travel can bore your kid, which will cause you a whole ton of headaches and embarrassment.
To keep them company and distracted, it’s good to bring their favorite toys so their travel time can be spent with some entertainment at all times.
2. There’s no need to take so many diapers
If you were thinking of packing your entire collection of diapers for your weekend holiday plan, think again!
You really only need enough to get by the traveling time; you can buy the rest of the diapers from the travel destination itself. Diapers are essential, and there’s no way you won’t find them wherever you’re planning to go.
Diapers can take an enormous amount of space in your bag or suitcase, so it’s a good idea to keep them in a minimum quantity as possible.
Diaper bags are great too because they can store not only your baby’s diapers but a bunch of other essentials as well. These bags are the perfect traveling companion, and you’ll find them super convenient because I sure did.
3. Make a checklist
Before you close the zips and put the locks on your suitcase, it’s always important to double-check if you have everything you need. A handy packing checklist will help you soar through this process so that you never forget anything at home when you’re traveling with an infant.
4. Always pack light!
This advice is pretty much a no-brainer. It doesn’t matter who you’re traveling with. Packing light is always the way to go.
However, for some parents, this is a considerable challenge. Because now, not only do you have to pack all your favorite things but also all the baby essentials.
The golden rule is to take as little clothes and items as possible. This can be done if you try to pair each clothing item with another one and not more than that. Taking one or a maximum of two pairs of shoes is more than enough, as well.
We tend always to pack extra because we’re paranoid; we’ll need more than we’re bringing at some point. When I feel like I need something for a particular trip, I opt for purchasing at the travel destination instead of packing it and taking it with me.
5. Don’t take TOO much baby gear
Your baby might just be a year old, but the amount of gear they need to survive can seem awfully a lot.
The truth is your baby really doesn’t need that teddy bear your mother gifted him or that extra pair of fancy bottles that he never really enjoys drinking from. It’s essential to pack as little baby gear as you can because chances are that your baby won’t really need a whole bunch anyway!
On the Move
The real test of patience and skillful parenting comes at the actual time of travel. This is when you’re at your most vulnerable because there’s a good chance you’re restricted to a specific seat where you have nothing but the baby gear you packed with you. If you did your packing right, your travel experience would be made a lot easier.
Apart from packing, however, there are other things that you need to consider when you’re on the move.
6. Bring the stroller
Everyone knows you’ll need to bring a baby stroller for your travels, but not every parent will know which one to bring. There are different kinds of strollers, and some are just utterly incompatible with traveling.
The choice of a stroller should depend on the duration of your trip. If you’re going for a short trip, it’s a good idea to bring a lightweight stroller with you, say an umbrella stroller. These types of strollers are affordable, portable, and easy to carry around.
For longer trips, however, you need more durable varieties. Consider a stroller that is large and strong so the baby can easily take a nap in it. These strollers aren’t the most travel-friendly because of their heavyweight, but you’ll need to give your baby’s comfort a priority than travel comfort in this case.
7. Car seats are so important
For safe and comfortable car rides, you absolutely need to bring with you a car seat for your baby. Car seats will help keep you and your baby at peace.
8. Don’t wander off too far!
Okay, so there are SOME restrictions when you’re traveling with an infant. If you’re an adventurous soul like me that likes to explore the suburbs and places far from the central city, you’ll need to put that passion aside at least until your kid is old enough to skip the nap. Or at least capable of sleeping in the stroller.
However, it’s a good idea to stay close by your hotel so you can pop in for naps and relaxation or simply to access your baby gear essentials. Straying too far from the population might not be convenient when you have a baby.
9. Consider a baby carrier
Baby carriers are lifesavers when you’re walking on foot with a baby. They can also be excellent tools to take in your travels. Carrying a baby is made so much more fun and convenient with the right baby carrier.
Lightweight baby carriers such as wraps or slings are the way to go when you’re traveling because these carriers are not only easy to transport, but they can be fit into any bag or suitcase easily.
Buckle carriers, on the other hand, might be problematic. For one, they can’t pass airplane security, so you’ll need to remove them during the security check process. They are also bulkier and much less foldable.
Baby carriers make great alternatives to the bulky strollers as well, so you can pack extra light if you take a carrier instead of a full-sized stroller.
For more information on the best baby carrier to bring on vacation, check it this list I have created of the top-rated baby carrier you could buy.
10. Backpacks or diaper bags
These bags serve a dual purpose – they can help carry all your baby’s essentials, and they can keep your essentials as well. The space in these bags is usually ample, and you can bring a lot more than you might have originally thought you would. Backpacks and diaper bags are convenient, and definitely one of those helpful traveling items.
11. Schedule your trips appropriately (not more than 6 hours!)
When you’re with a baby, you don’t want to stay out of their comfort zone for a long time. That means that you should ideally return to your hotel room within 6 hours, more or less. Longer trips might be too discomforting for your baby and for yourself also.
Newborns and infants have varying sleep schedules, and they might need to sleep at the oddest of times. To make sure they get their frequent naps, plan your trips wisely – that would mean making them shorter.
12. Go to restaurants and public places a tad bit early
You’d want to have your dinner at the restaurant a little earlier than usual so that there are fewer people around if your baby happens to make a scene. Babies can be rather loud and disrupt the environment of a public place. To save yourself from the embarrassment, it’s a good idea to be a little more punctual in everything that you do.
Speaking from personal experience, when I brought my child with me to a summer retreat, I went to eat a little later than usual on the first night. That was a big mistake on my part because the cries of my baby eventually forced us to leave the restaurant altogether. The next night we were a little more punctual, and despite the uproar of cries, I could at least finish my dinner!
13. It’s okay to give up!
Even when you’ve done your homework on the best way to travel with an infant, sometimes it just doesn’t work out. In situations like those, there’s really no point in trying to make things better and putting your own mental health at stake.
The right decision would be to call it quits and head back home where your baby can be at peace – and so can you. Maybe plan another holiday a few years later when your child is older?
At The Hotel
So you’ve got the packing and traveling part in the bag – great! But you’re not done yet, I’m afraid. Booking your hotel and other things associated with the place you intend to stay is crucial for a good trip when traveling with your infant.
Here are some key things to bear in mind:
14. Book the right place to stay
When you’re staying in a foreign hotel room with a baby, you simply can’t rely on assumptions. Make sure that the hotel you’re booking has baby cribs to accommodate your little one. It’s a good idea to give them a quick call and confirm just in case. I wouldn’t just rely on what Google search told me.
You should also try to book a room at the end of the hallway so that your baby’s cries won’t disturb the other guests in the hotel.
Quality of the hotel is another thing you simply can’t compromise on. Read reviews, ask around, and make sure the place is baby-friendly!
15. Double-check safety
When you’re traveling alone or with adults, it’s acceptable to stay in a shady neighborhood or hotel. But when you’re traveling with a baby, you can’t do that.
Safety first is the golden rule in practically everything related to a child. You should ensure that the hotel has a safe electrical wiring system, no peeling paint, no railings, or other things that are generally considered unsafe for a kid.
For more advice on how to secure a hotel room, check out this guide I created on how to babyproof a place on vacation.
16. Are there baby amenities?
Baby amenities in most hotels are a rare finding, but if you happen to find a hotel that provides such services, I say go for it. These amenities can include bottle warmers, baby monitors, strollers, diaper pails, and baby baths.
If you’re unsure your hotel offers these services, just ask!
17. Don’t fret about bathing!
Babies really don’t need to take a bath every single day if all they do is curl up in your arms or sleep in their crib. There really is no need to worry about having the right area and items at the hotel to make your baby’s bathing experience feel like home. A sink will do as long as you’re careful in handling your precious baby.
If you’re taking your baby out a lot from the hotel, then you might want to bath them more regularly, but I personally never made night-time baby baths a routine in a hotel far from home.
18. You might want to bring along a baby monitor
Unless your hotel services include a baby monitor, you might want to consider bringing one with you just in case.
Although your baby will most likely be sleeping in your room and near you, it’s still a good idea to keep a watchful eye on your baby at all times. Even if you are enjoying a glass of wine on the balcony. Or you need to go out of the room for something.
For more information on the best baby monitor to bring on vacation, check it this list I have created of the top-rated baby monitor you could buy.
19. Pack a portable baby gate
No harm in being extra cautious sometimes, especially when it comes to your baby. If you’re unsure of the landscape of the hotel or Airbnb room you will be given, it’s a good idea to keep a portable pressure safety gate with you.
This will ensure that your baby stays away from certain rooms or areas. Do remember not to place one in front of a staircase! That could be hazardous.
For more details on which baby gate is perfect for bringing on vacation, check it this list I have created of the safest baby gate.
Flying With An Infant
There are only a handful of parents that will opt to take the road for a holiday with their little one when they can catch a plane instead. Flying with an infant has several advantages: it’s safer, and it cuts down your traveling time by a lot.
However, it’s not all rainbows and roses with flying with an infant. There are things you will need to bear in mind when you’re planning to do that for a smooth flight to your travel destination.
20. Book your seats strategically
Ideally, you’d want to book seats that are on the right-hand side and situated close to the toilet. This is because middle seats will only disturb your baby and the passengers next to you. Places in the back will also make it easier for you to go to the bathrooms with your baby for a quick diaper change.
It’s also a good idea if you book a separate seat for your baby instead of keeping them in your lap at all times. This will make the travel much more comfortable for them and for you as well.
When you’re booking a separate seat for your newborn, don’t forget to bring your baby’s car seat!
21. The back isn’t always good for your baby, though!
Although you will be closer to the bathroom and disrupt fewer people on your way, in more flights, the back end of the plane is often the noisier end. The rear end also happens to vibrate more with increased air turbulence, and that is something that will never let your baby travel peacefully.
Not only will the noise and vibration affect your baby’s sleep and peace, but it’s also not considered safe, especially when your baby doesn’t have a seat to themselves.
If you do happen to get seats that are unfavorable for your child, you can always ask the flight attendants to accommodate you. Many will, but there are chances they won’t, so it’s still better to do your homework and stay safe.
22. Pay attention to what you carry in your hand-carry
The bag that you’ll take to your seat should have all the necessary travel essentials for your baby. This means you should have everything your baby needs for a peaceful flying experience.
Sometimes the car seat that you bring with you will add to the baggage weight, and you might need to pay some extra fee to bring it along. It’s always good to be mentally prepared!
23. Keep a close eye on your baby at all times!
In a flight, there is always a risk of injury from dropping a hand-carryon bag or colliding somewhere during the boarding process. Make sure you have a watchful eye on your baby at all times to protect them from any such circumstances.
24. Pack extras!
When you run out of certain baby essentials during a long flight, panic sets in. Something similar happened to me when I was flying with my infant. I ran out of baby food sooner than I thought, and there were still 4 hours left till the landing time. Fortunately, my baby remained at peace, and I distracted him with toys until the flight landed, and I could grab some more food.
Long story short, you should always keep some extra baby supplies in hand just in case for your flight. This includes extra diapers for the traveling time, snacks, and even some extra toys should your baby get bored with the same one.
25. Earplugs during takeoff and descent
Takeoff and descent of an airplane can be a discomforting experience to the adult ear, let alone a baby’s ear. That’s why you should stay on top of it and protect your child’s ear using baby-friendly earplugs, especially when the plane is about to take off or make a descent.
Traveling by Car
If you’re one of those adventurous parents that prefer a road trip instead of taking a flight, then be prepared for some additional measures apart from the one I mentioned above.
26. Do NOT forget the car seat
You can’t travel with your baby in a car anywhere if you don’t bring along their car seat. Car seats are essential for keeping you and your baby comfortable throughout the travel, AND they keep your child super safe on the road.
27. Take breaks!
Babies and even adults can become irritable and restless if they stay too long in the car. It’s a good idea to take short stops on the way, get some fresh air, and begin your trip again when your baby is comfortable to get in that car seat yet.
28. Motion sickness and other health concerns
You should always keep a first-aid kit with you when you’re traveling, be it with or without a baby.
Some children will get nauseated because of motion sickness, and they should be encouraged not to read or use their phone in the car. Babies, however, are seldom affected by motion sickness, and you might only be able to tell after they have vomited.
International Travel
Planning to take your baby far from your home country?
29. Make sure you have this checklist done and ready:
- Fully vaccinated according to the requirements of the country you’re traveling to
- Be prepared to use foreign baby food products
- Insect repellants
- Your baby’s passport/visa
Additional Safety Tips
30. Going to high altitudes
Be wary of mountain sickness when you’re traveling to the mountains. It’s a good idea to ascend slowly and note any signs or symptoms of distress in your baby before you proceed any further. Taking it slow is the way to go!
31. Traveling to the beach
Make sure your baby is always supervised when you go to the beach. Don’t let your child wander off too close to the water!
32. Specific airline requirements
Some airlines will set a minimum age limit for air travel. This is usually around 2 days to 2 weeks, so you should double-check with your airline to avoid any inconvenience.
Takeaway
Traveling with an infant can be a daunting idea, but let me tell you this: it’s entirely possible, and if you follow these tips, you’re sure to have a good time!
The safety and comfort of your baby should always be your utmost priorities, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get them while you travel.
When you are adequately prepared for your adventure, you will make traveling with your kid an experience to remember!