Tips & Tricks

Can you travel with your baby ?

April 18 2023
Can you travel with your baby ?

Top tips for traveling with your baby

Traveling with a baby can be a daunting task for parents. Concerns about travel times and baby’s health during the trip as well as questions about what baby travel essential to pack often arise. However, with some preparation and planning, traveling with your little one can be a  fun and rewarding experience. We tapped into the expertise and experience of our team of parents to put together our top tips for all your travels with baby. Enjoy the read!

Know when your baby is ready to travel

Are you asking yourself when it is safe to travel with your baby? Wondering when you can travel by plane, car or train with your newborn? Many pediatricians recommend waiting for baby to be between three and six months old before traveling, to ensure your little one’s immune system is more developed. Talk to your doctor about what they recommend and be sure to respect the immunization schedule.

Align your travel with age-appropriate trips

Traveling with a newborn is not the same as traveling with a toddler. If you have a very young baby, they will naturally follow you everywhere! However, with older infants, you may have to factor in their age and interests to find a travel destination and activities that they will enjoy! An extra caveat for older kids: plan breaks to stoke their energy levels and enjoyment.

Plan and book ahead

Planning ahead is the key to a successful trip with a baby. Research your destination to find out what facilities are available for families with babies. You should also book your accommodations and transportation in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles. For example, book early or pay extras to be as comfortable as possible with your airline or train seats. Coincide your car drive with your baby’s routines, such as nap times, feeding and bedtimes.  Don’t hesitate to use a travel agency to find baby- and infant- friendly travel destinations.

Choose your accommodations wisely

When traveling with a baby, the right accommodations can make a vast difference between a stress-free and stressful vacation. Look for hotels, motels, rentals, resorts or campgrounds that offer baby-friendly amenities, such as cribs, high chairs, and baby baths. Some chains offer apartment-style hotels to make it easy on parents thanks to baby essentials like fully equipped kitchens, washers and dryers, etc.

Pack wisely

Packing for a trip with a baby can be overwhelming. While you may want to pack everything and anything remotely required for baby, remember to pack lightly. You should pack enough clothes, diapers, wipes, and other essential items for your baby—but you don’t have to pack the kitchen sink either! Put together a baby travel checklist to help determine the must-haves and nice-to-haves.

Stick to the basics that will replicate baby’s routine at home. Bring a baby travel bed if you are worried your baby won’t sleep well. Bring as many baby sleep sacks as possible, especially those they are already used to wearing. Headed to the tropics? Check out the best sunwear collection for babies and bring extra sun hats for babies to protect them from the wind, heat and sun’s rays. If your child is a toddler, bamboo baby blankets can be a fantastic solution to use as sunshades.

Think of entertainment, safety and laundry

Packing some of your baby's favorite toys, books, and snacks (for infants) is also a good idea to keep them entertained during the trip. Remember to pack a first aid kit and any necessary medications that your baby may need. And be prepared to do a lot of laundry: pack concentrated detergent, laundry sheets and a clothesline to DIY your laundry.

Stick to baby’s routine

Babies love routine. Disrupting their routine can make them cranky. When traveling with a baby, try to keep their routine as regular as possible. This means keeping somewhat the same times for when they eat and sleep. If you are traveling to a different time zone, try to gradually adjust your baby's routine before you leave.

Stay flexible and stay sane

Despite your best efforts, things may not always go according to plan when traveling with a baby. Stay calm when faced with traveling challenges and unforeseen circumstances. If you are stressed, your baby will dial into your stress. Take a deep breath and relax. Flight delays, unexpected cancellations, poor weather, traffic and foreign lifestyles can all contribute to the anxiety of taking a trip with a baby. But take it all in stride. As long as you and your family are healthy and safe, that is what matters most!

Take advantage of nap times

When traveling with a baby, it is important to take advantage of their nap time. Use this grace period to rest, recharge, or explore your destination. If your baby is napping in their stroller, make sure to cover them with a sleep blanket to protect them and keep them cozy. We have a wide array of sleep bags for babies that add extra comfort to baby when traveling.

Keep baby hydrated and well-nourished

It is essential for baby (and you!) to stay hydrated on your trip. Make sure to pack plenty of water for yourself and your baby, especially if you are traveling to a sunny destination. You should also bring along some extra formula or breast milk for your baby in case hunger strikes. Also, if you are a mother and are breastfeeding, do some research before your trip for any contraindications regarding your destination’s water and food.

Look for special deals and promotions

Many tourist attractions and restaurants offer deals for families, particularly families with infants and young toddlers.

Don't forget to enjoy your trip

Take pictures. Have fun. Experience new things! Babies can travel almost everywhere when visiting safe destinations and a well-planned itinerary. Don't forget to enjoy your trip and create some special memories with your baby. Rely on your parent’s intuition and healthcare provider’s guidance to decide when to travel with baby. We hope that these baby travel trips have helped ease the pressure. Bon voyage!

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