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Top tips for travelling on the train with children

Travelling on a train can be a stressful experience at the best of times, but when you add children into the mix? It can be disastrous… The first thing to know is that children have much shorter attention spans than adults, which means you need a whole host of ideas and solutions in your back pocket before embarking on the journey.

Not only is it important you’re prepared to keep them entertained – especially if the journey is a long one – but you must also be prepared for things to go wrong along the way. Sure, hope for the best, but it’s always a good idea to prepare for the worst…

Here are some top tips for travelling on the train with children.

Reserve your seats

Reserving seats on the train ahead of time can never, ever be a bad idea. By not leaving it up to chance, you can start your journey comfortable in the knowledge that you have a seat confirmed – and so do your children – for the duration of the journey. If you don’t reserve the seat, you run the risk of being separated from your children across different carriages or worse, spend the entire time stood awkwardly by the luggage rack.

Pack snacks and treats

It doesn’t matter if your journey is 60 minutes long or 180, children get hungry! The last thing you want is to be trapped in a confined space with restless children who keep insisting that they need something to eat. To avoid having to pay the extortionate costs associated with the train’s catering facility, pack your own snacks and treats – just in case.

Plan your whole trip way in advance

When travelling with children, it’s not enough just to know that your train departs at 12:01 and gets to your destination at 15:31… What time do you need to be at the station? How are you getting to the station? How close is your end destination from the train station you arrive at? These are questions that you must ask yourself ahead of time to ensure that there’s a solution to every possible problem. Book train tickets online and then fill in the gaps on either side of your journey.

Have various forms of entertainment available

This tip is as much for you as it is for the children! Regardless of how long you plan to be on the train for, it’s crucial you have various forms of entertainment available to keep your children busy and out of mischief. Magazines, books, and pre-downloaded games on your smartphone are just a few ideas that should keep your little ones occupied – and give you some peace and quiet and time to get on with your own stuff!

Dress appropriately for the journey

A fundamental tip is to ensure that everyone in your party is dressed appropriately – in the case of a long train journey, comfortable clothes are a must! Don’t put your little boy in that t-shirt he complains is itchy, and your youngest girl might appreciate a pair of leggings over a dress. To ensure this is as impactful as possible, why not let them choose their own outfits? Within reason, of course…

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Travelling with a baby on public transport: 10 tips

Read time 5 minutes

Trains, tubes and buses can feel like an obstacle course when you have a baby. But don’t be intimidated – it’s all doable, with a few handy tips.

There are loads of reasons you might need to use public transport with your baby or toddler. Whether you’re visiting relatives, going on holiday or catching up with a friend over a coffee. And – let’s be honest – using public transport with a baby can feel a bit daunting. Especially the first few times.

Here are some ways to make it more comfortable (and less stressful).

1. Avoid rush hour whenever you can

Avoiding the chaos and busy commuters rushing alongside you and your child will make your journey less hectic (VisitBritain, 2017) . This applies to mornings and evenings.

2. Time your journey around your child’s routine

If you have a younger baby, it can work well to travel during one of their naptimes. If you’re travelling by car, bear in mind that the advice for babies younger than four weeks is not to keep them in their car seat for longer than 30 minutes. And not more than two hours in one go for babies of all ages (The Lullaby Trust, 2016) . Read more about this in our Driving with your baby article .

If your baby isn’t a good daytime napper or they’ve grown out of daytime naps, choose a time when they’re happiest. And no-one will know this better than you (Baby Can Travel, 2018) .

3. Reserve a seat

If it’s a longer journey, it can be helpful to book tickets in advance. This way you can choose where to sit that works for you and your baby. Booking in advance will also save you money (My Train Ticket, 2013) . You’ll need to check prices for children’s seats and at what age you have to pay for them with the train company you’re travelling with.  

Window versus aisle seats is a personal preference. A window seat can be great for older babies or toddlers, as they can look at the sheep/cars/other trains going by. An aisle seat can be good if you need to get up and down a lot with an active toddler.

4. Pack carefully

Think about everything you might need in advance and pack accordingly. This might include nappies, wipes, snacks, more snacks, drinks, spare clothes, books and toys. A top tip from other parents is to put essentials in easy to reach places like your pockets or at the top of your bag. That way you’re not scrambling around when you need things (Baby Can Travel, 2018) .

5. Leave giant prams at home

Try a small umbrella-fold type pram, or even better a baby carrier . Take a look at NCT Nearly New Sales  to see if you can pick up a bargain (A Baby 0n Board, 2012) .

Remember buses only have space for two pushchairs, and wheelchair users have priority by law. This means a driver might ask you to fold your pushchair before you get on. Or even not let you on if there are already two pushchairs onboard. This is when it pays to have a pushchair that you can fold down quickly and easily.

6. Buggy safety

It’s safest to get off buses or trains backwards, so you’re not tipping your baby or toddler forwards in their buggy. And always use your brake when waiting on station platforms or near the side of the road (A Baby on Board, 2012) . Don’t forget to keep your baby or toddler safely strapped in as well.

7. Check out the stair situation in advance

Tube and train stations tend to have lots of steps. But you can check for step-free access before you travel to help plan your journey. Alternatively, ask someone to help you carry your buggy up or down stairs (TFL, 2018) .

8. Where to sit…quiet, please

It might be best to avoid the quiet coach or zone on trains. Other passengers who have chosen to travel quietly might not be that welcoming if you bring a noisy baby or chatty toddler in… Many parents sit near the toilets where there’s often more space and flip-up seats to accommodate pushchairs (RailUK forums, 2015) .

9. Plan ahead for changing and feeding

Some trains do have baby change facilities, though their cleanliness varies a lot.

If you’re planning to breastfeed, wear whatever feels comfortable for you to feed in. And don’t forget, it’s absolutely your right to breastfeed in public places including public transport, such as buses and trains (Maternity Action, 2018) .  

If you’re using formula milk, it might be a good idea to bring extra with you in case you get delayed or your train or the bus is cancelled. Some brands sell ready-made cartons that can be useful when you’re on the move (Baby Can Travel, 2018) . Read more about preparing a formula feed safely .

10. Most importantly, enjoy it

Your toddler is likely to think a ride on a train is brilliant fun and your baby will get all kinds of stimulation from the passing scenery. And for you, it means that you’re hopefully en route to somewhere fun. So, enjoy – in fact embrace - the journey.

This page was last reviewed in June 2018.

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.

You might find attending one of our NCT New Baby courses helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.

Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.  

A Baby on Board. (2012) How to travel by public transport in London, with a baby. Available at:  https://www.ababyonboard.com/how-to-travel-by-public-transport-in-london-with-a-baby/ [Accessed 18th June 2018]

Baby Can Travel. (2018) 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 18th June 2018]

Maternity Action. (2018) Breastfeeding in public places. Available at https://maternityaction.org.uk/advice/breastfeeding-in-public-places/ [Accessed 18th June 2018]

My Train Tickets. (2013) Travelling by train with children. Available at: http://www.mytrainticket.co.uk/travelling-with-children [Accessed 18th June 2018]

RailUK Forums. (2015) Quiet coach etiquette. Available at: https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/quiet-coach-etiquette.121945/ [Accessed 18th June 2018]

The Lullaby Trust. (2016) The Lullaby Trust's statement regarding new research on car seats. Available at: https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/the-lullaby-trusts-statement-regarding-new-research-on-car-seats/ [Accessed 18th June 2018]

Transport for London. (2018) Planning a journey with your buggy. Available at: https://tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/planning-a-journey-with-your-buggy [Accessed 18th June 2018]

VisitBritain. (2017) Family-friendly holiday guide. Available at: https://www.visitbritainshop.com/world/articles/family-travel-guide/ [Accessed 18th June 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.

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10 Must-Know Tips Before Taking a Train Journey With Your Baby

Is It Safe to Travel With a Baby By Train?

Things to keep in mind while traveling with your baby by train.

Travelling by train can be a wonderful experience for the soul – yes, even for those of us who like to save time by travelling on flights. True, train journeys can be time-consuming and difficult, but they also expose us to fresh experiences, new people, and new places, and inspire creativity and romance. When it comes to train travel with a baby, however, it is an entirely different ball game.

There comes a time when we cannot avoid travelling with the baby on public transport. You may have to be somewhere out of town or go to meet family members. Train journeys with your little darling can seem extremely daunting and worrisome, even to the experienced mother.

Traveling with a baby by train can be safe with proper preparation. It’s important to plan ahead, pack essential items, choose the right accommodations, follow safety guidelines, take breaks, be prepared for emergencies, and be considerate of other passengers. Before embarking on your journey, consult with your pediatrician to ensure your baby is healthy enough for travel. With these considerations, you can ensure a comfortable and safe journey for both you and your baby.

We have compiled for you some important tips to simplify the process of travelling with your baby in a train. From preparation to the actual trip, these tricks will help make your journey hassle-free.

1. Try To Book Trains According To Your Baby’s Schedule

Little babies can get very cranky if their schedule changes, i.e. if they don’t get to feed or sleep as per the time they have become habituated to. While some amount of shuffling of schedules is unavoidable when you are travelling, it is a good idea to try and find a booking time that matches your baby’s schedule as much as possible. Also, avoid making any major changes in your schedule a few days before travelling. For example, if you have been planning to switch to solid foods , hold on till you’re back from the trip.

If this is not possible, try to make your baby feel as comfortable as possible around the time you’re scheduled to depart for the journey. So, if the time of the train clashes with your baby’s feeding time, feed him beforehand so he doesn’t get hungry and start crying.

2. Pack All These Essential Items For Your Baby

It doesn’t matter if the trip is going to last 2 days or 2 weeks – your baby is still going to need half the household packed in his bag! Travelling by train with baby means you need to pack essential items for the journey, aside from things you will need after reaching the destination. These include:

• Rugs, bed sheets, etc. for your baby to lie down on
• Favourite toys to keep the child entertained
• Bibs to avoid spills while feeding in a moving train
• Nursing shawl/cover to breastfeed on the train
• Flask for baby’s water
• Extra diapers (or potty seat, if required)
• Extra pair of clothes and warm clothes if the train is air-conditioned
• Plastic bags
• Medicines for motion sickness and travel-induced digestion problems

3. Prepare and Carry a First-Aid Box For Your Baby

This is a must – keep your baby’s first-aid box ready well in advance and never forget to take it along. As a rule, the box should have medicines for fever, cold , congestion, ear infection , nasal saline drops, wipes, thermometer, antiseptics, bandages and cotton. Keep the doctor’s phone number handy (and added as a paper slip in the box) in case you need to get in touch during the journey/trip.

4. Discuss The Journey With Your Baby’s Paediatrician

A couple of days before you leave, it is a good idea to check with your paediatrician. This is helpful for any last-minute tips or advice that the doctor may have, and to see if there is any vaccination that the baby needs to take. You should also discuss the medicines to be carried on the journey. If your child has a history of allergy, motion sickness or digestion problems, ask the doctor to recommend medication for the trip.

5. Consider Using a Baby Carrier

For a train journey, you can consider wearing your baby in a sling or carrier instead of carrying your baby in a pram. Wearing your baby will help you navigate crowded platforms and stations, without worrying about rolling the pram or searching for elevators. You will get a hands-free experience and also feel more prepared to catch the train, considering the immense crowds that train stations see every single day!

6. Prepare Well For Your Baby’s Feeding

Making sure the baby eats well on a train journey can be another massive challenge. If you are breastfeeding (or formula feeding), make sure you carry all your feeding equipment with you – bottles, steriliser, pumps, feeding pillows, bibs, and covers.

If your baby has started on solid foods, some of these make ideal travelling foods:

• Fruits like bananas, chiku, apples and oranges
• Cereal (homemade options like semolina or rice-based cereals are good for travel. They can be just mixed with hot water and served)
• Homemade cooked food that doesn’t spoil quickly, such as thepla , atta ladoo and khakra
• Homemade purees (you can freeze them in individual air-tight containers and thaw them before feeding)

7. Keep Your Baby Entertained and Comfortable During The Journey

Little ones are easily bored – but they are also easily distracted! If you are travelling with a small baby, you need to prepare in advance various methods to keep him entertained during travel. Some of the options and tips that work well include:

• Carrying some of their favourite toys and household objects
• Carrying picture books
• Playing songs and lullabies on your phone or iPod
• Making funny facial expressions
• Booking a first-class/second-class ticket if possible to get more space and hence more comfort for you and your baby
• Trying to stick to their original schedule for feeding and napping, especially if it’s a long journey

8. Finally, Don’t Worry Too Much About People’s Reactions

If you’ve kept all the above pointers in mind, you are well prepared for the train journey with your baby. Chances are your journey will be smooth and your baby will have a good time enjoying the new sights and sounds. However, if something goes wrong, your baby starts crying, or there is any kind of a mess, don’t take it to heart. You have tried your very best to keep fellow passengers comfortable. But babies are in a growing-up phase and these things will happen. It doesn’t reflect on you badly as a mother.

9. Plan for Rest Stops

During long train journeys, plan for periodic breaks to stretch your legs, change diapers, and allow your baby to move around. Look for stations with suitable facilities for families, such as baby-changing areas and quiet spaces for feeding.

10. Be Mindful of Safety

Ensure that your baby is securely fastened in their seat or held safely in your arms during the train journey, especially when the train is in motion. Keep sharp or hazardous objects out of reach, and be cautious of hot surfaces such as beverage cups or food trays. Additionally, familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and the location of emergency exits on the train in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

1. What should I consider when booking train tickets with a baby?

When booking train tickets, consider the duration of the journey and try to schedule it around your baby’s feeding and sleeping times as much as possible. Look for trains with family-friendly amenities such as changing facilities and priority seating.

2. How do I prepare my baby for the train journey?

Prepare your baby for the journey by ensuring they are well-fed, well-rested, and comfortable. There are many things to carry while travelling with baby in train. Pack all essential items such as diapers , wipes, extra clothing, and baby food. Familiarize your baby with the sounds and movements of the train beforehand if possible.

3. How can I keep my baby entertained during the train journey?

Bring along toys, books, and entertainment options to keep your baby engaged during the journey. Consider playing soothing music or lullabies on your phone or electronic device. Additionally, interact with your baby through funny facial expressions or engaging activities.

4. What should I do if my baby becomes fussy or uncomfortable during the journey?

If your baby becomes fussy or uncomfortable during the journey, try to address their needs promptly. Offer comfort by holding, rocking, or singing to your baby. Consider taking breaks at stations to allow your baby to stretch and move around. If necessary, seek assistance from train staff or fellow passengers.

While traveling with a baby by train requires careful planning and consideration, it can be a rewarding and memorable experience with the right preparation. By following the tips provided, parents can ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable journey for both themselves and their little ones. With proper planning, attention to safety, and flexibility, train travel with a baby can become an enriching adventure for the entire family.

Baby Travel Essentials Checklist Travelling With a Baby on a Flight Tips For Travelling With Baby In a Bus Baby & Toddler Foods to Carry While Travelling Things You Need if You’re Travelling With a Baby

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Travelling by train with children

No matter how old your children are, rail travel is a great way to get out and about with them and explore.  Whether they are toddlers needing the space to move about on a long trip or teens after the free Wi-Fi in first class, there is a good reason to travel by rail for every age group.  If you’ve never considered rail travel with your children before, we hope this section will give you all the information and advice you need.

Have Baby, Will Travel

Chances are, if you are mum to a new-born, the thought of travelling on a train is daunting to say the least.  Travelling with a baby can be a military operation– you’ll want to time the travel between feeds, ideally when baby has a nap and hopefully between dirty nappies.

You will also know that even with the best will in the world, babies can be unpredictable.  Planning is key but so is being prepared for anything.  If you’re travelling by train for the first time with your baby it’s good to think ahead and be equipped for the journey, especially if it’s a long one!

Travelling by train is actually an ideal way to travel with a baby; there is room to feed, pace the carriage and change nappies.  More importantly, if you book an extra seat or travel off peak at a quieter time, then there is room to settle the little one down (safely) for a nap.  (Travelling with under 5’s is free, however fare paying customers will get priority seating).

If booking your train ticket online well in advance, you might consider upgrading to first class.  It’s surprisingly affordable (often cheaper in advance) and will give you the peace and space you might feel you need in order to cope with a longer train journey with a baby.

There is something to be said about leaving the pram at home and embracing the idea of a sling or baby carrier.  It can be overwhelming arriving at a train station and facing stairs, platforms and gaps; do you keep the baby in, take the baby out, collapse the pram? Can you ask for help down the stairs or will health and safety rules mean they can’t?  A sling will eliminate all these worries and give you two free hands to find your ticket, hold a drink or steady yourself on a moving train.

Travel light, try to deconstruct your usual changing bag and take only what you need.  Be prepared for nappy changes and illness, have wipes and a change of clothes handy.  Don’t worry about upsetting other passengers if your baby has an unscheduled cry, chances are they’ve all been there or know someone who has.

Train travel with a new-born may well seem nerve-wracking but you’ll soon realise with a little bit of pre-planning and self-confidence, it’s a great way to travel for both you and your little one.

Young kids on trains, are you mad?

No you’re not actually, it’s an entirely plausible way to travel, as long as you go armed and prepared.  Even the most energetic and challenging under five is capable of coping with a train journey (and you are equally capable of surviving it).

Where possible, travel off peak, this will mean the carriages are less crowded and there will be extra seats so you can spread out.  Great for long journeys and tired children.

Up to two children under five can travel free with an adult, however be aware there is no seat allocation so if a fare paying passenger needs your child’s seat, you must give it to them.  If you are travelling with a child on a long journey it may be wise to buy them a seat, especially if you know they will want to sleep at some point.   Travelling first class is an option well worth looking into when travelling with a child, not only will you have the comfort and extra space, but book in advance and it could well save you money (try our  Best Fare Finder  widget).

If travelling with a buggy, it is advisable to collapse it and carry it on separately but this is not always possible.  Depending on what train company you use, there is usually an area to park your buggy.

We would recommend getting to the station early so that when the train arrives you can find the seats that face each other.  This means your children will be kicking you, as opposed to the customer in the seat in front.

Travelling with a young child on a train requires pre-planning, forward thinking and plenty of distractions.  In most cases, the initial excitement of travelling on a train is short lived, you will be lucky if your little one is still enjoying the view five minutes after departure, therefore it’s important to have activities to fall back on.  Old fashioned games like ‘I spy’ are great but in this modern age, it’s likely your little one will require more modern stimulation in the form of Lego, loom bands etc or even an app on your IPad.

Don’t rely on the snack cart to relieve the boredom and feed your children; not all trains will have them so go prepared with food and drink.  However, if you opted for first class travel, most train companies will offer complimentary food and drink.  It’s often a good idea to take a few treats, things your child might not have on a daily basis so that you have an ace up your sleeve if the going gets tough.

Most parents find the thought of getting their small children on and off the train incredibly daunting.  The gaps seem suddenly larger and your children seem so much smaller.  For very young children it can be a good idea to buy reins, even if you use them at no other time; but always carry your children on and off the train just to be on the safe side.  Little people have a natural propensity to run for an edge, so stay safe and don’t be paranoid about being over protective.

Travelling with young children isn’t as daunting as it sounds given the right preparation and mind-set.  Some train operators even offer benefits for children, just check with your train operator before you travel.

Mind the (age) Gap

We’ve all seen the car journeys on TV where dad’s driving, mum’s reading the map and the two children in the back are fighting over the fruit pastilles.  So now think train.  It’s family friendly; no one is distracted and parents can concentrate on being parents instead of drivers, navigators and negotiators.

As your children get older, travelling is less about finding ways to entertain your children and more about simply being in their company and enjoying the experience together.  After all, as your children get older, trips away will become fewer.

Train travel with your children can open up so many more possibilities for family trips out and away.  You might struggle to convince your growing children that being confined to a car, listening to radio 4 and entertaining an annoying sibling is a good way to travel.  However, tell them they can walk about, visit the buffet car and go to the loo as and when, you may well find them jumping at the chance for a day out with mum and dad.

The advantage of train travel with your children as they get older is that the destinations become mutually agreeable. You will start to leave Peppa Pig World behind and head towards the science museum, the theatre and art exhibitions.

If you travel on the train with a 5-16 year old you will receive a 50% discount on most tickets.  If you can, book in advance – try to be flexible with times and dates and you will make great savings; money you’d far rather spend on your kids!

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

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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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Travelling by train can be difficult for expectant customers. The baby on board badge makes it easier to get a seat.

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Making journeys easier for expectant mums.

Baby on board badges and help pack for mums to be.

We appreciate that travel can be difficult for pregnant people when travelling on our trains, especially when they are busy and there are no seats available. To make your journey easier, we provide “Baby on Board” badges for our mums to be. By wearing this badge, it should be easier for other customers to see that you may need a seat. As well as providing you with this “Baby on Board” badge, we’ll also provide you with a handy travel tips leaflet for travelling whilst pregnant.

To apply for our free mums to be pack, simply fill out the form linked at the bottom of the page, or contact our Customer Services team on 0345 600 0650

If you have any questions about this scheme, please contact our Customer Service team.

Mums to be Application Form

Apply for your mums to be help pack

Our former policy proved to be outdated. Customers had to prove that they were pregnant by sending in their MAT1B form, which can only be obtained after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

It was also only available to season ticket holders, ignoring anybody who travelled with contactless, Oyster or single tickets. Most of our services are standard class only, and many of our customers travel on trains that only have standard class seats.

Our new policy allows any pregnant person who travels, no matter the reason, to join the scheme.

There’s a guard on every train who may, if needed, upgrade your standard class ticket to first class for no extra charge if they can’t find you a seat in standard.

You don’t need to provide any proof of your pregnancy. Just fill out our simple online application form and we’ll send you your Mums-to-be pack.

In your free pack you’ll get:

• an SWR branded Baby on Board badge
• a handy travel tips leaflet for travelling whilst pregnant, and with small children.

This has been designed with safety and health professionals to be as inclusive as possible. It’s also been Crystal Mark-approved by the Plain English Campaign.

In short; yes. We expect all our customers to be kind, courteous and respectful to each other. Our colleagues can help you find you a seat, but we greatly appreciate the compassion shown by others.

All our trains have priority seats which are located closest to the doors. These offer more space and legroom than standard seats and are indicated with a sticker showing pictograms of a pregnant or older person.

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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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Take a seat

We understand travelling by train when pregnant can be tiring and uncomfortable. The Baby on Board badge makes it easier by letting other passengers know that you have a very good reason to need a seat. Most people are happy to give up their seat to someone more in need of it.

Apply for a badge

If you wish to apply for a Baby on Board badge please use the Contact us form. Please select I would like to make an enquiry and then Baby on board to submit your application.

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