travelling with 4 week old 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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Safety When Traveling With a Newborn

Jaunty Junto / Digital Vision / Getty Images

While you can travel with a newborn baby, including airplane travel , it doesn't mean that you should . A lot depends on your baby's age and health. Generally, travel before one week old is not recommended and many doctors will also advise you to limit travel for several months. Using caution is not about the oxygen levels, the pressurized cabin on the plane, or the effects of high altitude. There is no proven connection between airplane travel and SIDS .

Instead, most experts advise limiting newborns' and younger infants' exposure to large groups of people so that they don't get sick. Traveling through an airport , onto an airplane (or two), through another airport (or two), and then visiting a lot of people—even if they are family members—exposes your baby to viral illnesses and other infections. This exposure is the main issue to consider when you travel with a baby, especially by air.

Vaccine-preventable diseases are also a concern at this age, as babies haven't had time to get vaccines and be fully protected against these illnesses. From measles and pertussis to the flu, it isn't a good idea to expose a newborn baby or young infant to these diseases unnecessarily, whether in an airport or at your destination. Traveling by bus or train would also expose your baby to many unfamiliar people and diseases.

Air Travel With a Baby

If you do plan to fly, check with your pediatrician to get clearance as well as the carrier that you are using. Each airline has its own policy. American Airlines, for example, allows babies as young as two days old to fly, but babies one week old and younger must have a medical form completed by a physician.

Keep in mind that travel could be stressful for both a new mom and a brand-new baby, especially if a flight is delayed or canceled. Add to that all the supplies that you need for your newborn, including clothes, diapers, bottles, and of course, a car seat for the plane.

Sometimes travel is essential, such as if you have adopted a baby and need to get back home. Otherwise, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it might be best to wait to fly until your baby is two to three months old and has a more mature immune system and a more predictable schedule.

If you fly with a baby, ideally:

• Be prepared for everything (delays, diaper disasters, minor illnesses)
• Bring some help with you (as in another adult or teen)
• Bring your baby's birth certificate as proof of age
• Fly during an off-peak time
• Get a nonstop flight
• Get your pediatrician's opinion before you go

Driving With a Baby

Driving is better than flying with a newborn since the baby is exposed to far fewer people. However, driving can still be stressful. Especially on a longer trip, you will have to stop every few hours for feedings , diaper changes , and simply to comfort your baby. As well, parents of a newborn are likely going to be a little sleep-deprived, which is not the best condition to drive a long distance.

If you do go on a road trip, it's essential that your baby is in a safe, rear-facing car seat while the car is in motion. If your baby falls asleep in the car seat, but sure that they have proper airflow around their face and that you are routinely checking on them.

The bottom line is that, unless you have a well-rested driver, you should aim to put off traveling until your newborn is a little older unless travel is essential.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Flying with babies: parent FAQs .

Sohail MR, Fischer PR. Health risks to air travelers . Infect Dis Clin North Am . 2005;19(1):67-84. doi:10.1016/j.idc.2004.10.001

American Airlines. Traveling with children .

Insana SP, Montgomery-Downs HE. Sleep and sleepiness among first-time postpartum parents: a field- and laboratory-based multimethod assessment .  Dev Psychobiol . 2013;55(4):361-372. doi:10.1002/dev.21040

American Academy of Pediatrics. Car seats: information for families .

Weinberg MS. Vaccine Recommendations for Infants & Children . CDC Health Information for International Travel (Yellow Book). 2016 edition.

By Vincent Iannelli, MD Vincent Iannelli, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Iannelli has cared for children for more than 20 years.

When is it Safe to Travel with a Newborn Baby by Car or Plane? 13 BEST Tips from a Well-Traveled Mom of 4

• Last Updated: March 2, 2023

By Sarah Peerless

Inside: traveling with a newborn by car or by plane may feel a little daunting. find out when it’s safe to do so here, plus the best newborn travel tips for air and car travel..

You may not be itching to travel with your newborn in the first few weeks after delivery, but needs must, right?  Going to visit friends and family may leave you asking when is it safe to travel with a newborn by car or can newborns go on long car rides.

I wasn’t exactly keen to leave the comfort of the sofa in the early days but we had long-haul flights to take with both my first two babies before the age of 6 weeks.  So the question of when is it safe to travel with a newborn by plane came up pretty early for us.

Whether you’re traveling with a newborn by car locally, further afield or by plane, first off you need to know when is it safe to travel and how to do so.  What about during a pandemic?  Is it safe to travel with kids?

Find out when you can travel with a baby and how soon after birth can they travel by car and plane right here. 

This post contains affiliate links.  If you click on one and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

How soon can you travel with a newborn after birth?

You may be wondering when you can travel with a baby because you need to get home from the hospital with your newborn soon after birth.  The likelihood is you need to travel some distance.  

You may specifically need to know how soon after birth can a baby travel by car.  Even if you don’t have your own car or you live very close to the hospital, you’ll probably make this journey by taxi or bus. Or maybe a friend or family member will drop you home.

This is absolutely fine. In this respect, you can travel as soon as you need to after birth, as long as you have the go ahead from your doctor to leave the hospital .

However, for longer distances and non-essential travel, ideally you want to wait until it’s deemed ‘safe’ to travel with a newborn.

When is it safe to travel with a newborn baby?

Most doctors advise to wait until your baby’s immune system has fully developed.  Or is, at least, better developed before traveling.  That means different ages for different babies. 

When is a baby’s immune system fully developed?

In this article , Dr. Sabella explains, “An infant’s immune system doesn’t mature until around 2 to 3 months old.”   That is for babies who are born full-term and have no other health conditions. 

To be safe, if you want to travel with your baby any significant distance it’s best to hold off until at least 3 months, but at the minimum wait until baby is 2 months old.

Like I said first up, we took long-haul plane journeys with our first two babies earlier than this, because it was unavoidable.  However, the advice is to wait until the 3-month mark.

Remember that if your baby is premature, they’re developmentally behind so it’ll take longer for their immune system to reach the maturity of a 3-month-old. 

If your baby was a month early, expect development around a month behind.  In which case you should wait until baby reaches 4 months before traveling.

When is it safe to travel with a newborn by car?

When it comes to traveling with a newborn by car, short distances such as to local doctor’s appointments and errands around town will be safe from birth as long as your newborn has no complicated medical issues.  

For longer car journeys of an hour or more, stick to the guideline of waiting until maturity of the immune system.  So, to be safe, 3 months or older.

Here are some common queries for traveling with a newborn safely.  Take note of these.

Is holding a baby in a car illegal?

In the United States, it is illegal for your child to be held in any car, including cabs. They need to be in an approved car seat that is manufactured for their age and size.

If you are traveling in and around the UK, the only time a child is allowed to ride without a car seat is in a taxi or minicab, a minibus, coach or van, in emergency situations and when there is no room for another car seat.  You can read more about the laws in the UK here . 

In Mexico, it depends on the state. In the State of Mexico and in Yucatan children must be in the back seat in a car seat. But in other states including Baja California, Chihuahua, and up to 18 other states there is no rule stating children must ride in a car seat. 

So definitely check the law in your home country and any you’re visiting ahead of time. 

Is holding a baby in a car safe?

Never mind what’s legal and in what country, at the end of the day it’s all about safety. Depending on the circumstance you find yourself in, you’re going to have to make the call.  

The best and safest practice is for your baby to always ride in an approved car seat and to never take your baby out while your vehicle is in motion.  

You may be tempted to breastfeed while in the car for convenience or to keep your baby calm, but this would put your newborn at risk, should you have an accident. 

Don’t be swayed by comments from parents or grandparents, determined to remain stuck in the past.  Ignore comments like this: “In my day, baby car seats weren’t even a thing”.  (Thanks Dad.)  

Roads are busier, cars faster, accidents and fatalities more common.  Car seats weren’t just invented to make more money from parents.  Although with the hefty price tag you might think so!   Use them.

If you need to breastfeed or your baby is crying, it is best to take a rest stop, let everyone get out and stretch their legs and tend to your newborn. 

What kind of car seat do I need for a traveling with a newborn?

When traveling with a newborn by car, you’ll need a car seat that has a five-point restraint system or harness and that faces to the rear.  Rear-facing has long been recommended by the AAP and in some states in the US and in many countries, this is a legal requirement. 

This is because the majority of car accidents involve frontal collisions, meaning everyone in the car is thrown forwards.  This is dangerous for a newborn with little muscular strength.  Traveling rear-facing will spread the force of the impact across the whole back.

You can choose between an infant seat or an infant to toddler convertible car seat.

Infant car seats

These go down to the smallest weight, usually around 4 or 5 lbs, so if your baby is early or measures small, an infant car seat will probably be your best bet.  For tiny babies and prematures, the seat may still seem enormous and you may need a newborn insert to help pad it out.

They typically have an upper weight limit of 30-35 lbs which usually means baby will be around 8 to 18 months old by the time they’re ready for the next seat up. 

Most infant car seats come out of the car easily, clipping on and off a car seat base that stays in the car.  This is convenient for getting baby ready and all strapped in while still in the house. 

Some can be used as part of a “baby travel system”, clipping onto the top of a push chair or buggy.

A convertible car seat

A convertible car seat is another option when traveling with a newborn by car. These start off as rear-facing car seats then, when your baby is ready to move to forward-facing, you simply switch the car seat around.  It effectively grows with them.

While some convertible car seats go down to 4 or 5 lbs, others will not be suitable until baby reaches at least 10lbs.  Even with convertible car seats that are rated for small babies, the car seat may seem enormous around a newborn.   

Either option will work, but most parents opt for an infant car seat for at least for the first 6 or 9 months as they’re a better fit and more convenient. 

How soon can a newborn travel long distances by car?

If you are taking a long-distance trip, again, it’s advised to wait until baby’s immune system has fully developed at around two to three months old. 

From a practical side, babies who are 3+ months old and have longer periods of happy wakefulness are easier to travel with as things are a bit more predictable.

Younger babies eat more frequently and are slower to feed, and may not yet be on any kind of feeding schedule . So traveling with a newborn is a little trickier.

How long can a newborn stay in a car seat on a long drive?

If you’re wondering how soon can a newborn travel long distance by car, you may be a little disappointed by the answer.

Car seat manufacturers recommend that babies don’t stay in a car seat for more than two hours in a 24 hour period.   Doesn’t get you very far does it?!  Again these are just guidelines; use your common sense and do what you need to do. 

Guidelines on length of trip when traveling with a newborn by car

30 minutes for newborns 0-4 weeks old.

As a general rule, babies that are under four weeks old do not have the neck strength to hold their heads upright. Some babies may be a little stronger a little earlier, but this is the guideline to follow. 

So in the first few weeks, when in the car seat, your newborn’s head can fall forward and risk restricting their airway. Clearly this is dangerous.

Restrict car journeys to 30 minutes and only using a car seat when traveling with a newborn by car, rather than using it around the house, for example. This is the best way to keep your baby safe. 

Even if your baby is asleep when they arrive at your destination, take baby out of the car seat. The safest place for a baby to sleep is on a firm, flat surface. 

2 Hour Rule

The two-hour rule is based on manufacturers’ recommendations that babies should not be in a car seat for longer than 2 hours in a 24-hour span.  This is a day-to-day recommendation. Occasional long-term travel can be done but with lots of breaks, at least every 2 hours.

15-30 Minute Breaks

How do you drive long-distance with a baby?  In this case 15-30 minute breaks are an absolute must.

If you’re in the car for an extended period of time, take a rest stop at least every two hours . Get baby out of the car seat for 15-30 minutes, longer if possible.

During this break, feed baby and allow her a little kick about on her back or put her on her front for some tummy time.  Anything to give those limbs some freedom of movement, having been restrained in the car seat.

What about a 4 hour car journey with a newborn?

For a 4 hour car journey with a newborn, the best plan would be to split the journey into two.  Do the first 2 hours in the morning. Then take a few hours break, then do the remaining 2 hours.  Or if you can split it into multiple shorter sessions even better.

Likewise, try to split longer journeys into smaller portions and spread them across the day as much as possible.

This is the best way for a 4 hour journey or longer distances with a newborn baby.  The rest stops will make it easier on all of you and will be healthier for your baby.   

Traveling with a 2 week old baby by car

It’s common to wonder about traveling with a 2 week old baby.  Your partner may have been off those first 2 weeks , the visits from family and friends may have dwindled and you’re at home alone.

You need to get out!

As long as you’ve recovered from birth sufficiently and had the go ahead from your doctor, it’s a good idea to get out the house with your newborn a little. It’s one of my top newborn hacks to get through those early weeks.

However, a 2 week olds immune system will not be sufficiently developed to go very far.  In addition, they won’t have much neck strength to adequately support their head while in a semi-upright position in the car seat. So you’ll need to stick with the 30 minutes for 4 week olds rule outlined above.

Ideally stick close to home.  You don’t even need to go in the car to get out.

To give yourself some fresh air and a change of scene, wrap your baby up well and pop them in the buggy or carry them in a baby wrap or sling.  As long as you keep them warm and safe and limit exposure to excessive germs they’ll be just fine. 

That means, avoiding strangers and curious kids leaning in and breathing all over them! Which is why a wrap or sling is preferable.  (Also best for keeping those tiny hands warm .)

Limit traveling with a 2 week old baby by car to short, essential journeys less than 30 minutes where possible.  And of course, if you’re in any doubt, check with your pediatrician first.  

Traveling with 2 month old baby by car

At 2 months old your newborn will be a lot bigger and stronger. They’ll be physically stronger and should be able to hold their head up unsupported, which means they should be able to go the full 2 hours in a car seat safely.

A 2 month olds immune system will be almost, if not entirely, fully developed. This means going to new places will pose far less of a risk of infection.

So you’ll be much less restricted when traveling with a 2 month old by car.  Simply stick to the 2 hour rule with 15-30 minute breaks, as outlined above.

When is it safe to travel with a newborn by plane?

The guideline to wait to travel long distances until your newborn’s immune system has fully developed is possibly even more important when it comes to air travel.  Several hours confined in the small space of an aircraft with the AC pumping will expose your little one to a very unfamiliar variety of germs.

However, life goes on and this is not legally enforced…  

How old does a baby need to be to fly?

Regulations differ by airline, but all of them will allow a baby to travel long before the 2-3 month mark, some as early as 1 week old.  Some airlines will allow a younger baby to fly with a note from their doctor. 

However, if you can wait longer, so much the better.

Do I need to get documentation to travel with a newborn by plane?

At a minimum airlines require a birth certificate or passport to fly.  You may also need a doctor’s note. If you don’t have your baby’s birth certificate yet, you need to take other medical documentation stating when the baby was born like a crib sheet, hospital discharge papers, and other medical paperwork.  

Of course, this differs by airline, so check these details out before booking a flight.

Does my newborn need a passport?

If you are traveling with a newborn by plane and crossing an international border, you’ll need to get baby a passport.  This involves a heap of paperwork as well as the challenge of getting a good passport photo where baby’s eyes are open (which is often tricky with a sleepy newborn).

You can find the full rules for getting a US passport here at U.S Dept of State .  In brief, you’ll need: 

• Form DS-11 filled out by both parents or guardians
• Birth Certificate or if your baby was born abroad, you need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad 
• If you are divorced or have an adopted baby you will also need to produce legal documents like an adoption decree or a divorce decree
• Parents need to have an approved ID as well (bring the actual ID and photocopies of front and back of each ID) 
• Both parents need to be present or if not present you can find a list of workarounds at the   Dept of State Website   
• Provide a photo of the child (but some places will take the photo for you)  The best way to do this for a baby is to lay them on a white sheet or blanket on the floor. No one else (even a helping hand of someone) can be in the photo. 

Even if you don’t plan on traveling with your baby out of the country anywhere soon, getting a passport for your baby is a good idea.

What do I need to know about air travel with a newborn?  

Having lived in Africa the last 8 years with family back in the UK, we’ve more than our fair share of air travel.  This started when they were just 6 weeks old, before the recommended age of 3 months. 

So I reckon we’ve learnt a thing or two about traveling with a newborn by plane!  Here are some need-to-knows and after you’ll find tips and must-haves for traveling with a newborn baby by plane.

It’s going to be tough and a little stressful, but hopefully the reason for your journey will make it worthwhile 

I’m not going to sugar coat it, traveling anywhere with a newborn, baby or toddler for that matter, will come with a certain level of stress and discomfort. Traveling with a newborn by plane is probably the most difficult of the lot. 

Other than being prepared, both mentally and physically, there’s not much way around it!  

You’ll probably need to have your newborn on your lap with an infant seatbelt

This is not a legal requirement but enforced on an airline by airline basis. 

The first few flights we went on, I always used the infant seat belt, but after that, if it was optional, I never used it.  Apart from the fact that they are such a faff to put on, I saw little point. 

Your firm hold will give your baby the maximum safety, far more than the seatbelt.  There’s no harm in putting it on but I cannot see how it would really add anything in the event of turbulence or an accident.

For long-haul flights, bassinets are normally available but need booking

When traveling with a newborn by plane, bassinets are normally available on long-haul flights but there aren’t many of them and you probably need to book ahead.  Don’t forget as these will make your life a lot simpler.

Even if baby doesn’t sleep in it, the bassinets are in the extra leg-room seats so you’ll have much more space and the bassinet itself can be very useful to hold all baby’s bits and pieces.

If baby will sleep in the bassinet , this will mean you can get some proper rest, but beware – as soon as the seat belt signs come on, you will be required to take your newborn out, hold her and/or put the infant seat belt on.

Many airlines will let you take your stroller to the aircraft door – ask at check-in

When traveling with a newborn by plane, you may be asked to check your stroller into the hold of the aircraft with your luggage at check-in.  However,  often airlines will allow you to take it all the way to the aircraft door.

Having the stroller with you while you’re in the airport after check-in and going through security etc will make life so much simpler, not only to put your newborn in but also to help carry all your hand luggage/burp clothes, bottles and all the other baby gear you’ll need close at hand.

Picking up your stroller after disembarking varies by airline as well as airport

Only a handful of times has our stroller been waiting at the aircraft door after disembarking.  More often than not it’ll be taken to the luggage hall to the oversized/awkward bag section, which is often tricky to find.

If you’re going to be traveling with your newborn by plane regularly and this’ll continue into the baby and toddler years, this travel stroller Babyzen Yoyo would be a worthwhile investment. It packs so small it’ll fit into the overhead lockers of the aircraft.  Otherwise, I’d advise a small umbrella stroller.

It’s pricey but you can you really put a price on baby gadgets that’ll make travel so much easier? I think not!

Different countries may have varying rules on the liquids that can be taken aboard 

I’d always advise checking with the airport you’re flying out of, but bottled breastmilk and formula should be fine to take in your carry on luggage.  This is certainly true in the US and UK.  (Check the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule here, which doesn’t apply to pumped breastmilk, formula or juice in a toddler cup.)

A wrap or sling is essential to carry baby easily and safely without the stroller

A baby carrier or sling will make navigating the airport a lot easier for the times when you don’t have your stroller.  Or if your stroller never appears at the luggage hall. 

(This only happened to us once and it did land us with quite a useful tiny travel stroller, but it was a big hassle reporting and claiming for ours and made for a delayed journey and very grouchy, tired baby .  And mommy for that matter…)

Recommended baby carriers/slings:

For tiny newborns, a wrap or sling is the way to go. This Sleepy Wrap Carrier is the one I’m wearing in the photo above.

When baby is a bit bigger, this All Seasons baby carrier from LILLEbaby is a great all-rounder, allowing you to hold baby in 6 different positions.  Great for at home and when traveling with your newborn.

You probably won’t be able to move your newborn to a different seat

The crew will ensure there’s an infant life vest and oxygen mask at the seat you’re booked into, so won’t allow you to move seats or for your newborn to be passed to your partner in another seat mid-flight.

This can be really frustrating!

If you need to take a break, you’re going to have to switch seats with your partner so your newborn remains in the same seat.

Take off and landing can give a newborn earache – nursing or a paci can help

Just like adults, baby’s ears may be susceptible to the change in air pressure at take-off and landing.  Sucking can help. So feeding your baby or offering a pacifier on landing and take-off can help.

Flight attendants should happily provide you with boiling water for a bottle – ask if you need

Don’t be afraid to ask for this and anything else you may need.

Tips for traveling with a newborn by air

#1 the baby change facilities in the aircraft toilets are often very difficult to use – avoid using  .

Avoid using them if you can by checking and changing diapers before boarding.  In addition, if baby has a wet rather than a dirty diaper and you can be discreet (if you have a window seat and your partner is next to you) do a quick stealth diaper change at your seat.  

#2 Aircraft air conditioning can dehydrate – offer baby more milk 

Because of the recycled air, planes are notorious for leaving people feeling dehydrated. But this is even more true for small babies so offer your baby an extra feed/more milk than normal. 

If you’re nursing, you’ll also need to ensure you keep up with fluid intake which may mean asking for or buying extra water when on board.

#3 Some passengers will tut and look disapproving, others will be super helpful and sympathetic – just do your best!

Whatever state you or your baby are in, just concentrate on the task in hand.

My super fussy reflux baby actually spat up into someone’s shoes the one time – highly embarrassing – but we’ve laughed about this many times since.

#4 Pack as little hand luggage as possible when traveling with a newborn by plane

This is really hard and I rarely managed without a huge bag of baby gear accompanying us into the cabin.  But the less you carry, the easier it’ll be.  

#5 Swap your normal diaper change bag for an airplane carry on, either with wheels or backpack style

You either want to be hands-free (ie go for a backpack) or at not have to carry the weight of a bag (go for a wheeled bag).  First prize – a bag that has wheels and can be carried like a backpack, like this one – pictured in the photo above.

#6 If you’re flying in the evening or overnight, try to carry out as much of baby’s bedtime routine as normal before boarding

I’ve followed this newborn schedule with all of my 4, which includes a bath and bedtime routine in the evening and wind-down routine in the day before naps. 

For overnight flights, try to do as many of these elements as possible. Take baby to a baby changing cubicle, give her a sponge bath or wipe down, a little massage or apply some lotion etc, change the diaper and dress in her normal sleepwear . Just do all the things you’d normally do for bedtime at home. 

All these tasks will be quite a challenge on the plane, but while at the airport you’ll have the time and space to do this at your own pace.

If this routine is familiar to her, it’ll help settle her and get her body and mind in the zone for sleep. Then once you’ve boarded, all you need to do is give her that last feed before settling her to sleep.

#7 If you have some kind of sleep nest, take it! (Or consider buying one)

Not only can baby sleep in it when away, rather than a strange cot, these are soooo handy at the airport and on the plane, any journey in fact. 

It means you can put your newborn down on the floor safely, whenever you need to.  So if there are no spare seats or you want some hands free time.  I even used it on the plane, instead of the bassinet, which was handy to put other things in.  It easily squished into my hand luggage.

Try this sleep lounger/nest from Cosy Nation .

#8 Accept help and ask for it if you need

Most flight attendants will offer to help – take it!  You’ll probably find other passengers will also be jumping in to offer to help carry things, pass you things or even hold your newborn .

Likewise, if there’s something you need help with, ask.  

General tips for traveling with a newborn by plane or by car

These tips are relevant for any travel away from home.

#9 Try to recreate baby’s home sleep environment as much as possible when traveling 

Ensuring your newborn is in as familiar a sleep environment as possible will really help you all get a good night’s sleep when away from home. 

As well as all your newborn’s sleepwear, if you can take their bassinet or co-sleeper with you so much the better.  A travel bassinet may be a worthy investment if you go away a lot. 

If the bassinet they’re going to sleep in when away will be unfamiliar, take the bassinet sheet with you.  Ideally, clean but with a day or two’s use. 

Newborns are very comforted by familiar smells , including their own smell.  A sheet and their swaddle or sleep sack with some use will make them feel more at home.

#10 Take portable black out blinds

Darkness really helps newborns sleep well – it was pitch black in the womb.  They help prevent early morning wakings and short naps .  Hopefully your baby’s home sleep environement is pitch black. I.e. so dark you cannot see your hand in front of you when hold it out in front of you. 

This is one of my top recommended sleep strategies to help newborns sleep long stretches.

So I’d absolutely recommend these portable black out blinds which stick on to any window. I don’t go anywhere without 2 of these! You never know quite how many windows you’re going to need to cover when you’re away from home.

For solutions to black out the nursery, check out: 18 Best Blackout Shades/Curtains For Baby’s Nursery in 2023

#11 Try to stick to any routine you’re normally in at home 

Likewise, take your normal white noise machine or lullabies that you use at home.  Carry out the same bedtime routine while away and use the same baby products. Again, anything to replicate the steps you take at home to settle baby .

When it comes to traveling with a newborn by car, if you’re following a newborn schedule , try to plan the journey around naps and normal feed times.

#12 If you do buy anything specifically for your trip, use it at home first

For your newborn, this further helps with the familiarity of anything you want to use while away.  For example, if you have travel cot, get baby sleeping in it at home for a few weeks before going away

For you, it means you’ll also become accustomed with how to use any new contraptions and devices.  Some travel cots/Pack n Plays can be particularly challenging to put up and the last thing you want to do is have a battle late at night after a long journey…

#13 Understand, that despite your best efforts, your newborn will likely be a little unsettled while away

Expect your newborn to take longer to settle to sleep, perhaps more night wakings and/or a little clinginess.

Is it risky to travel with children during a pandemic, like Covid-19?

With more and more people getting vaccinated and more countries opening up to visitors, travel is on the rise again.  But is it safe to travel with children during a pandemic like COVID-19? 

The Washington Post released this article , where they spoke to Sahera Dirajlal-Fargo who specializes in pediatric infectious diseases and travel medicine in Cleveland. 

Dirajlal-Fargo said that we know more this summer than last summer and we can make safe choices when it comes to flying.  Shorter plane rides are better than long ones.

Parents should try and ensure their children are socially distancing, keeping masks on if old enough, washing hands or using hand sanitizer frequently and always before eating, drinking or touching their face.  

However, families with children who have complicated medical issues and deemed high risk are advised to stay home during a pandemic.

Conclusion: Minimize traveling with a newborn while baby is small

If you do find yourself needing to travel and wondering when is it safe to travel with a newborn by plane, the recommendation is to hold off until baby’s immune system is more mature. This reduces the risk of illness and infection.  

If you’re wondering when can you travel with a baby and how soon you can travel with your baby locally by car, then as long as your baby has a well-fitted and approved infant car seat it’s safe from birth. 

However, stick to the 30 minutes for 4 weeks guidance and minimize travel to essential journeys.

When it comes to h ow soon a newborn can travel long distance by car the recommendation is the same as air travel: when the immune system is better developed, at 2-3  months old.

At this age, 2 hours is recommended as the maximum for travel in the car in a 24 hour period.  If a longer car ride with your newborn is unavoidable, make sure you take plenty of breaks.  And remember, no holding your baby in the car – that’s illegal.

Hopefully, you’re a lot more clued up about traveling with a newborn by car and I hope the tips on traveling with a newborn by plane will be useful.

Happy travels! 

____________________________________________

For more tips for the early weeks with a newborn, these posts may be helpful:

• How to keep baby warm at night without a swaddle
• First night home with your newborn baby; what to expect & tips to survive it
• 6 newborn baby cues you need to know: understanding baby cues (printable chart!)
• How to help a newborn poop instantly! 11 tried & tested ways to relieve poopy struggles
• Is it OK to put baby to sleep without burping? (Yes, if you learn how to burp a sleeping baby)

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What to Pack When Traveling With Baby

Fact-checking standards, latest update:, when can you travel with your baby, read this next, what to pack for your baby in a carry-on bag, what to pack in your baby's suitcase.

Happy travels!

What to Expect the First Year , 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, Flying With a Baby? Here's What to Know Before You Go , September 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Do Babies Need Passports? , October 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Best Travel Toys for Babies , February 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Baby Products You Can Take on a Plane , September 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Flying with Baby: Parent FAQs , November 2019. American Academy of Pediatrics, Is It Safe for Families to Travel Now? , August 2021. American Academy of Pediatrics, Travel Safety Tips , August 2018.  American Academy of Pediatrics, Is It Safe for My Baby to Travel in a Car Seat a Few Hours at a Time? , August 2021. Transportation Security Administration, Traveling with Children . Federal Aviation Administration, Flying with Children , March 2021. Mayo Clinic, Is Air Travel Safe for an Infant? , October 2019.

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• Section 7 - Travel & Breastfeeding
• Section 7 - Vaccine Recommendations for Infants & Children

Traveling Safely with Infants & Children

Cdc yellow book 2024.

Author(s): Michelle Weinberg, Nicholas Weinberg, Susan Maloney

Children increasingly are traveling and living outside their home countries. Although data about the incidence of pediatric illnesses associated with international travel are limited, the risks that children face when traveling are likely similar to those faced by their adult travel companions.

Compared with adults, however, children are less likely to receive pretravel advice. In a review of children with posttravel illnesses seen at clinics in the GeoSentinel Global Surveillance Network, 51% of all children and 32% of children visiting friends and relatives (VFRs) had received pretravel medical advice, compared with 59% of adults. The most commonly reported health problems among child travelers are dermatologic conditions, including animal and arthropod bites, cutaneous larva migrans, and sunburn; diarrheal illnesses; respiratory disorders; and systemic febrile illnesses, especially malaria.

Motor vehicle and water-related injuries, including drowning, are other major health and safety concerns for child travelers. See Box 7-03 for recommendations on assessing and preparing children for planned international travel.

Box 7-03 Assessing & preparing children for international travel: a checklist for health care providers

☐ Review travel-related and routine childhood vaccinations. The pretravel visit is an opportunity to ensure that children are up to date on their routine vaccinations.

☐ Assess all anticipated travel-related activities.

☐ Provide preventive counseling and interventions tailored to specific risks, including special travel preparations and any treatment required for infants and children with underlying health conditions, chronic diseases, or immunocompromising conditions.

☐ For children who require medications to manage chronic health conditions, caregivers should carry a supply sufficient for the trip duration.

☐ For adolescents traveling in a student group or program (see also Sec. 9, Ch. 8, Study Abroad & Other International Student Travel ), consider providing counseling on the following:

• Disease prevention
• Drug and alcohol use
• Empiric treatment and management of common travel-related illnesses
• Risks of sexually transmitted infections and sexual assault

☐ Give special consideration to travelers visiting friends and relatives in low- and middle-income countries and assess risks for malaria, intestinal parasites, and tuberculosis.

☐ Consider advising adults traveling with children and older children to take a course in basic first aid before travel.

☐ For coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) safety measures for children—including mask use, testing, and vaccination—see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 3, COVID-19 .

Travel-Associated Infections & Diseases

Arboviral infections.

Pediatric VFR travelers with frequent or prolonged travel to areas where arboviruses (e.g., chikungunya, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, yellow fever, and Zika viruses) are endemic or epidemic could be at increased risk for infection. Children traveling to areas with arboviruses should use the same mosquito protection measures described elsewhere in this chapter (also see Sec. 4, Ch. 6, Mosquitoes, Ticks & Other Arthropods ). Unlike mosquitoes that transmit malaria, the Aedes mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, and Zika are aggressive daytime biters; they also bite at night, especially in areas with artificial light. Consider dengue or other arboviral infections in children with fever if they recently returned from travel in endemic areas. Vaccination against dengue, tick-borne encephalitis, and yellow fever could be indicated for some children (see Sec. 7, Ch. 4, Vaccine Recommendations for Infants & Children , for details).

Diarrhea & Vomiting

Diarrhea and associated gastrointestinal illnesses are among the most common travel-related problems affecting children. Infants and children with diarrhea can become dehydrated more quickly than adults. The etiology of travelers’ diarrhea (TD) in children is similar to that in adults (see Sec. 2, Ch. 6, Travelers’ Diarrhea ).

Adults traveling with children should ensure the children follow safe food and water precautions and frequently wash their hands to prevent foodborne and waterborne illness. For infants, breastfeeding is the best way to reduce the risk for foodborne and waterborne illness (see Sec. 7, Ch. 2, Travel & Breastfeeding ). Infant formulas available abroad might not have the same nutritional composition or be held to the same manufacturing safety standards as in the traveler’s home country; parents feeding their child formula should consider whether they need to bring formula from home. If the infant is fed with formula, travelers should consider using liquid formula, which is sterile. Use of powdered infant formula has been associated with Cronobacter infection; infants <3 months old, infants born prematurely, and infants with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk. Parents should take extra precautions for preparing powdered infant formula .

Travelers should disinfect water served to young children, including water used to prepare infant formula (see Sec. 2, Ch. 8, Food & Water Precautions , and Sec. 2, Ch. 9, Water Disinfection , for details on safety practices). In some parts of the world, bottled water could be contaminated and should be disinfected to kill bacteria, viruses, and protozoa before consumption.

Similarly, travelers with children should diligently follow food precautions and ensure foods served to children are cooked thoroughly and eaten while still hot; caregivers should peel fruits typically eaten raw immediately before consumption. Additionally, adults should use caution with fresh dairy products, which might not be pasteurized or might be diluted with untreated water. For short trips, parents might want to bring a supply of safe snacks from home for times when children are hungry and available food might not be appealing or safe (see Sec. 2, Ch. 8, Food & Water Precautions , for more information).

Adult travelers with children should pay scrupulous attention that potable water is used for handwashing and cleaning bottles, pacifiers, teething rings, and toys that fall to the floor or are handled by others. After diaper changes, especially for infants with diarrhea, parents should be particularly careful to wash hands well to avoid spreading infection to themselves and other family members. When proper handwashing facilities are not available, hand sanitizer containing ≥60% alcohol can be used as a disinfecting agent. Because alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against certain pathogens, however, adults and children should wash hands with soap and water as soon as possible. In addition, alcohol does not remove organic material, and people should wash visibly soiled hands with soap and water.

Chemoprophylaxis with antibiotics is not generally used in children; typhoid vaccine might be indicated, however (see Sec. 5, Part 1, Ch. 24, Typhoid & Paratyphoid Fever ).

Antibiotics

Azithromycin.

Few data are available regarding empiric treatment of TD in children. Antimicrobial options for empiric treatment of TD in children are limited. In practice, when an antibiotic is indicated for moderate to severe diarrhea, some clinicians prescribe azithromycin as a single daily dose (10 mg/kg) for 3 days. Clinicians can prescribe unreconstituted azithromycin powder before travel, with instructions from the pharmacist for mixing it into an oral suspension prior to administration. Although resistance breakpoints have not yet been determined, elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations for azithromycin have been reported for some gastrointestinal pathogens. Therefore, counsel parents to seek medical attention for their children if they do not improve after empiric treatment. Before prescribing azithromycin for empiric TD treatment, review possible contraindications and the risks for adverse reactions (e.g., QT prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias).

Fluoroquinolones

Although fluoroquinolones frequently are used for empiric TD treatment in adults, these medications are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this purpose in children aged <18 years because of cartilage damage seen in animal studies. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that fluoroquinolones be considered for treatment of children with severe infections caused by multidrug-resistant strains of Campylobacter jejuni , Salmonella species, Shigella species, or Vibrio cholerae .

Fluoroquinolone resistance in gastrointestinal organisms has been reported from some countries, particularly in Asia. In addition, use of fluoroquinolones has been associated with tendinopathies, development of Clostridioides difficile infection, and central nervous system side effects including confusion and hallucinations. Routine use of fluoroquinolones for prophylaxis or empiric treatment for TD among children is not recommended.

Rifaximin is approved for use in children aged ≥12 years but has limited use for empiric treatment since it is only approved to treat noninvasive strains of Escherichia coli . Children with bloody diarrhea should receive medical attention, because antibiotic treatment of enterohemorrhagic E. coli , a cause of bloody diarrhea, has been associated with increased risk for hemolytic uremic syndrome (see Sec. 5, Part 1, Ch. 7, Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli ).

Antiemetics & Antimotility Drugs

Antiemetics generally are not recommended for self- or family-administered treatment of children with vomiting and TD. Because of the association between salicylates and Reye syndrome, bismuth subsalicylate (BSS), the active ingredient in both Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate, is not generally recommended to treat diarrhea in children <12 years old. In certain circumstances, however, some clinicians use it off-label, with caution. Care should be taken if administering BSS to children with viral infections (e.g., influenza, varicella), because of the risk for Reye syndrome. BSS is not recommended for children aged <3 years.

Use of antiemetics for children with acute gastroenteritis is controversial; some clinical practice guidelines include the use of antiemetics, others do not. A Cochrane Collaboration Review of the use of antiemetics for reducing vomiting related to acute gastroenteritis in children and adolescents showed some benefits with dimenhydrinate, metoclopramide, or ondansetron. Guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America suggest that an antinausea and antiemetic medication (e.g., ondansetron) can facilitate tolerance of oral rehydration in children >4 years of age, and in adolescents with acute gastroenteritis.

A recent systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing several antiemetics in acute gastroenteritis in children showed that ondansetron was the best intervention to reduce vomiting and prevent hospitalization and the need for intravenous rehydration. Routine use of these medications as part of self-treatment for emesis associated with TD in children has not yet been studied, however, and is not generally recommended.

Antimotility drugs (e.g., the opioid receptor agonists loperamide and diphenoxylate), generally should not be given to children <18 years of age with acute diarrhea. Loperamide is particularly contraindicated for children aged <2 years because of the risks for respiratory depression and serious cardiac events. Diphenoxylate and atropine combination tablets should not be used for children aged <2 years, and should be used judiciously in older children because of potential side effects (see Sec. 2, Ch. 6, Travelers’ Diarrhea ).

Fluid & Nutrition Management

The biggest threat to an infant with diarrhea and vomiting is dehydration. Fever or increased ambient temperature increases fluid loss and accelerates dehydration. Advise adults traveling with children about the signs and symptoms of dehydration and the proper use of oral rehydration solution (ORS). Advise adults traveling with children to seek medical attention for an infant or young child with diarrhea who has signs of moderate to severe dehydration, bloody diarrhea, body temperature >101.3°F (38.5°C), or persistent vomiting (unable to maintain oral hydration). Adequate hydration is the mainstay of TD management.

Oral Rehydration Solution: Use & Availability

Counsel parents that dehydration is best prevented and treated by ORS in addition to the infant’s usual food. While seeking medical attention, caregivers should provide ORS to infants by bottle, cup, oral syringe (often available in pharmacies), or spoon. Low-osmolarity ORS is the most effective agent in preventing dehydration, although other formulations are available and can be used if they are more palatable to young children. Homemade sugar-salt solutions are not recommended.

Sports drinks are designed to replace water and electrolytes lost through sweat, and do not contain the same proportions of electrolytes as the solution recommended by the World Health Organization for rehydration during diarrheal illness. Drinks with a high sugar content (e.g., juice, soft drinks) can worsen diarrhea. If ORS is not readily available, however, offer children whatever safe liquid they will take until ORS is obtained. Breastfed infants should continue to breastfeed (for more details, see Sec. 7, Ch. 2, Travel & Breastfeeding ).

ORS can be made from prepackaged glucose and electrolytes packets available at stores or pharmacies in almost all countries. Some pharmacies and stores that specialize in outdoor recreation and camping supplies also sell ORS packets.

ORS is prepared by adding 1 packet to boiled or treated water (see Sec. 2, Ch. 9, Water Disinfection ). Advise travelers to check packet instructions carefully to ensure that the contents are added to the correct volume of water. Once prepared, ORS should be consumed or discarded within 12 hours if held at room temperature, or within 24 hours if kept refrigerated. A dehydrated child will usually drink ORS avidly and should continue to receive ORS if dehydration persists.

As dehydration lessens, the child might refuse the salty-tasting ORS, and adults can offer other safe liquids. An infant or child who has been vomiting will usually keep ORS down if it is offered by spoon or oral syringe in small sips; adults should offer these small sips frequently, however, so the child can receive an adequate volume of ORS. Older children will often drink well by sipping through a straw. Severely dehydrated children often will be unable to drink adequately. Severe dehydration is a medical emergency that usually requires administration of fluids by intravenous or intraosseous routes.

In general, children weighing <22 lb (10 kg) who have mild to moderate dehydration should be administered 2–4 oz (60–120 mL) of ORS for each diarrheal stool or vomiting episode. Children who weigh ≥22 lb (10 kg) should receive 4–8 oz (120–240 mL) of ORS for each diarrheal stool or vomiting episode. AAP provides detailed guidance on rehydration for vomiting and diarrhea.

Diet Modification

Breastfed infants should continue nursing on demand. Formula-fed infants should continue their usual formula during rehydration and should receive a volume sufficient to satisfy energy and nutrient requirements. Lactose-free or lactose-reduced formulas usually are unnecessary. Diluting formula can slow resolution of diarrhea and is not recommended.

Older infants and children receiving semisolid or solid foods should continue to receive their usual diet during the illness. Recommended foods include cereals, fruits and vegetables, starches, and pasteurized yogurt. Travelers should avoid giving children food high in simple sugars (e.g., undiluted apple juice, presweetened cereals, gelatins, soft drinks) because these can exacerbate diarrhea by osmotic effects. In addition, foods high in fat tend to delay gastric emptying, and thus might not be well tolerated by ill children.

Travelers should not withhold food for ≥24 hours. Early feeding can decrease changes in intestinal permeability caused by infection, reduce illness duration, and improve nutritional outcome. Although highly specific diets (e.g., the BRAT [bananas, rice, applesauce, toast] diet) or juice-based and clear fluid diets commonly are recommended, such severely restrictive diets have no scientific basis and should be avoided.

Malaria is among the most serious and life-threatening infections acquired by pediatric international travelers. Pediatric VFR travelers are at particularly high risk for malaria infection if they do not receive prophylaxis. Among people reported with malaria in the United States in 2017, 17% were children <18 years old; 89% had traveled to Africa. Seventy percent of the children who were US residents also were VFR travelers, and 61% did not take malaria chemoprophylaxis.

Children with malaria can rapidly develop high levels of parasitemia and are at increased risk for severe complications of malaria, including seizures, coma, and death. Initial symptoms can mimic many other common causes of pediatric febrile illness, which could delay diagnosis and treatment. Among 33 children with imported malaria diagnosed at 11 medical centers in New York City, 11 (32%) had severe malaria and 14 (43%) were initially misdiagnosed. Counsel adults traveling with children to malaria-endemic areas to use preventive measures, be aware of the signs and symptoms of malaria, and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms develop.

Antimalarial Drugs

Pediatric doses for malaria prophylaxis are provided in Table 5-27 . Calculate dosing based on body weight. Medications used for infants and young children are the same as those recommended for adults, except atovaquone-proguanil, which should not be used for prophylaxis in children weighing <5 kg because of lack of data on safety and efficacy. Doxycycline should not be recommended for malaria prophylaxis for children aged <8 years. Although doxycycline has not been associated with dental staining when given as a routine treatment for some infections, other tetracyclines might cause teeth staining.

Atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, and mefloquine have a bitter taste. Mixing pulverized tablets in a small amount of food or drink can facilitate the administration of antimalarial drugs to infants and children. Clinicians also can ask compounding pharmacists to pulverize tablets and prepare gelatin capsules with calculated pediatric doses. A compounding pharmacy can alter the flavoring of malaria medication tablets so that children are more willing to take them. The Find a Compounder section on the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding website (281-933-8400) can help with finding a compounding pharmacy. Because overdose of antimalarial drugs, particularly chloroquine, can be fatal, store medication in childproof containers and keep out of the reach of infants and children.

Personal Protective Measures & Repellent Use

Children should sleep in rooms with air conditioning or screened windows, or sleep under mosquito nets when air conditioning or screens are not available. Mosquito netting should be used over infant carriers. Children can reduce skin exposed to mosquitoes by wearing long pants and long sleeves while outdoors. Clothing and mosquito nets can be treated with an insect repellent/insecticide (e.g., permethrin) that repels and kills ticks, mosquitoes, and other arthropods. Permethrin remains effective through multiple washings. Clothing and mosquito nets should be retreated according to the product label. Permethrin should not be applied to the skin.

Although permethrin provides a longer duration of protection, recommended repellents that can be applied to skin also can be used on clothing and mosquito nets (see Sec. 4, Ch. 6, Mosquitoes, Ticks & Other Arthropods , for more details about these protective measures). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)–registered repellents containing one of the following active ingredients: DEET ( N,N -diethyl- m -toluamide); picaridin; oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE); PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol); IR3535; or 2-undecanone (methyl nonyl ketone). Repellent products must state any age restriction; if no age restriction is provided, EPA has not required a restriction on the use of the product. Most EPA-registered repellents can be used on children aged >2 months, except products containing OLE or PMD that specify they should not be used on children aged <3 years. Insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or 2-undecanone can be used on children without age restriction.

Many repellents contain DEET as the active ingredient. DEET concentration varies considerably between products. The duration of protection varies with DEET concentration; higher concentrations protect longer; products with DEET concentration >50% do not, however, offer a marked increase in protection time.

The EPA has approved DEET for use on children without an age restriction. If used appropriately, DEET does not represent a health problem. The AAP states that the use of products with the lowest effective DEET concentrations (i.e., 20%–30%) seems most prudent for infants and young children, on whom it should be applied sparingly. For more tips on protecting babies and children from mosquito bites , see  Box 7-04 .

Combination products containing repellents and sunscreen are generally not recommended because instructions for use are different, and sunscreen might need to be reapplied more often and in larger amounts than repellent. In general, apply sunscreen first, and then apply repellent. Mosquito coils should be used with caution in the presence of children to avoid burns and inadvertent ingestion. For detailed information about repellent use and other protective measures, see Sec. 4, Ch. 6, Mosquitoes, Ticks & Other Arthropods .

Box 7-04 Protecting infants & children from mosquito bites: recommendations for travelers

Dress children in clothing that covers arms and legs.

Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.

Properly use insect repellent

• Always follow all label instructions.
• In general, do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children <3 years old.
• Do not apply insect repellent to a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, cuts, or irritated skin.
• Adults should spray insect repellent onto their hands and then apply to a child’s face.

Depending on travel destination and activities, animal exposures and bites might be a health risk for pediatric travelers. Worldwide, rabies is more common in children than adults. In addition to the potential for increased contact with animals, children also are more likely to be bitten on the head or neck, leading to more severe injuries. Counsel children and their families to avoid all stray or unfamiliar animals and to inform adults of any animal contact or bites. Bats throughout the world have the potential to transmit rabies virus.

Travelers should clean all bite and scratch wounds as soon as possible after the event occurs by using soap and water, or povidine iodine if available, for ≥20 minutes to prevent infections, (e.g., rabies). Wounds contaminated with necrotic tissue, dirt, or other foreign materials should be cleaned and debrided promptly by health care professionals, where possible. A course of antibiotics might be appropriate after animal bites or scratches, because these can lead to local or systemic infections. For mammal bites and scratches, children should be evaluated promptly to assess their need for rabies postexposure prophylaxis (see Sec. 4, Ch. 7, Zoonotic Exposures: Bites, Stings, Scratches & Other Hazards ; and Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 18, Rabies ).

Because rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin might not be available in certain destinations, encourage families traveling to areas with high risk for rabies exposure to seriously consider preexposure rabies vaccination and to purchase medical evacuation insurance, depending on their destination and planned travel activities (see Sec. 7, Ch. 4, Vaccine Recommendations for Infants & Children , and Sec. 6, Ch. 1, Travel Insurance, Travel Health Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance ).

Soil & Water Contact: Infections & Infestations

Children are more likely than adults to have contact with soil or sand, and therefore could be exposed to diseases caused by infectious stages of parasites in soil, including ascariasis, hookworm, cutaneous or visceral larva migrans, strongyloidiasis, and trichuriasis. Children and infants should wear protective footwear and play on a sheet or towel rather than directly on the ground. Clothing should not be dried on the ground. In countries with a tropical climate, clothing or diapers dried in the open air should be ironed before use to prevent infestation with fly larvae.

Schistosomiasis is a risk to children and adults in endemic areas. While in schistosomiasis- endemic areas (see Sec. 5, Part 3, Ch. 20, Schistosomiasis ), children should not bathe, swim, or wade in fresh, unchlorinated water (e.g., lakes, ponds).

Noninfectious Hazards & Risks

Although air travel is safe for most newborns, infants, and children, people traveling with children should consider a few issues before departure. Children with chronic heart or lung problems might be at risk for hypoxia during flight, and caregivers should consult a clinician before travel.

Ear pain can be troublesome for infants and children during descent. Pressure in the middle ear can be equalized by swallowing or chewing; thus, infants should nurse or suck on a bottle, and older children can try chewing gum. Antihistamines and decongestants have not been shown to be of benefit. No evidence suggests that air travel exacerbates the symptoms or complications associated with otitis media.

Travel to different time zones, jet lag, and schedule disruptions can disturb sleep patterns in infants and children, just as in adults (Sec. 8, Ch. 4, Jet Lag ).

Safety Restraints

Travelers also should ensure that children can be restrained safely during a flight. Severe turbulence or a crash can create enough momentum that an adult cannot hold onto a child. The safest place for a child on an airplane is in a government-approved child safety restraint system (CRS) or device. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly urges travelers to secure children in a CRS for the duration of the flight. Car seats cannot be used in all seats or on all planes, and some airlines might have limited safety equipment available. Travelers should check with the airline about specific restrictions and approved child restraint options. FAA provides additional information .

Altitude Illness & Acute Mountain Sickness

Children are as susceptible to the deleterious effects of high elevation travel as adults (see Sec. 4, Ch. 5, High Elevation Travel & Altitude Illness ). Slow ascent is the preferable approach for avoiding acute mountain sickness (AMS). Young children unable to talk can show nonspecific symptoms (e.g., loss of appetite or irritability, unexplained fussiness, changes in sleep and activity patterns). Older children might complain of headache or shortness of breath. If children demonstrate unexplained symptoms after an ascent, descent could be necessary.

Acetazolamide is not approved for pediatric use in children aged <12 years for altitude illness but is generally safe for use in children for other indications. Some providers prescribe acetazolamide to prevent AMS in pediatric travelers <12 years of age when a slow ascent is not feasible. The dose is 2.5 mg/kg every 12 hours, up to a maximum of 125 mg per dose, twice a day. No liquid formulation is available, but tablets can be crushed or packaged by a compounding pharmacy for a correct dose.

Drinking Water Contaminants

Drinking water disinfection does not remove environmental contaminants (e.g., lead or other metals). Travelers might want to carry specific filters designed to remove environmental contaminants, particularly for travel where the risk for exposure is greater due to larger amounts of water consumed (e.g., long-term travel or when living abroad). Filters should meet National Science Foundation (NSF) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards 53 or 58 .

Accommodations: Hotels & Other Lodgings

Conditions at hotels and other lodgings abroad might not be as safe as those in the United States; adults traveling with children should carefully inspect accommodations for paint chips, pest poisons, inadequate balcony or stairway railings, or exposed wiring.

Adult caregivers should plan to provide a safe sleeping environment for infants during international travel. Caregivers should follow general recommendations from the AAP task force on preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related causes of infant death. Cribs in some locations might not meet US safety standards. Additional information about crib safety is available from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission .

Motor Vehicles

Vehicle-related injuries are the leading cause of death in children who travel. Whenever traveling in an automobile or other vehicle, children should be properly restrained in a car seat, booster seat, or with a seat belt, as appropriate for their age, height, and weight. See information about child passenger safety . Car seats often must be brought from home because well-maintained and approved seats might not be available (or limited in availability) in other countries.

In general, children ≤12 years of age are safest when properly buckled in the rear seat of the car while traveling; no one should ever travel in the bed of a pickup truck. Advise families that cars might lack front or rear seatbelts in many low- and middle-income countries. Traveling families should attempt to arrange transportation or rent vehicles with seatbelts and other safety features.

All family members should wear helmets when riding bicycles, motorcycles, or scooters. Pedestrians should take caution when crossing streets, particularly in countries where cars drive on the left, because children might not be used to looking in that direction before crossing.

Water-Related Injuries & Drowning

Drowning is the second leading cause of death in young travelers. Children might not be familiar with hazards in the ocean or in rivers. Swimming pools might not have protective fencing to keep toddlers and young children from accessing pool areas unattended. Adults should closely supervise children around water. An adult with swimming skills should be within an arm’s length when infants and toddlers are in or around pools and other bodies of water; even for older children and better swimmers, the supervising adult should focus on the child and not be engaged with any distracting activities.

Water safety devices (e.g., personal flotation devices [lifejackets]) might not be available abroad, and families should consider bringing these from home. In addition, adults should ensure children wear protective footwear to avoid injury in many marine environments.

Sun Exposure

Sun exposure, and particularly sunburn before age 15 years, is strongly associated with melanoma and other forms of skin cancer (see Sec. 4, Ch. 1, Sun Exposure ). Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is greatest near the equator, at high elevations, during midday (10 a.m.–4 p.m.), and where light is reflected off water or snow.

Physical, also known as inorganic, UV filters (sunscreens) generally are recommended for children aged >6 months. Less irritating to children’s sensitive skin than chemical sunscreens, physical UV filters (e.g., titanium oxide, zinc oxide) should be applied as directed and reapplied as needed after sweating and water exposure. Babies aged <6 months require extra protection from the sun because of their thinner and more sensitive skin; severe sunburn in young infants is considered a medical emergency.

Advise parents that babies should be kept in the shade and dressed in clothing that covers the entire body. A minimal amount of sunscreen can be applied to small, exposed areas, including the infant’s face and hands. For older children, sun-blocking shirts made for swimming preclude having to apply sunscreen over the entire trunk. Hats and sunglasses also reduce sun injury to skin and eyes.

If both sunscreen and a DEET-containing insect repellent are used, apply the sunscreen first and the insect repellent second (i.e., over the sunscreen). Because insect repellent can diminish the level of UV protection provided by the sunscreen by as much as one-third, children should also wear sun-protective clothing, reapply sunscreen, or decrease their time in the sun, accordingly.

Other Considerations

Identification.

In case family members become separated, each infant or child should carry identifying information and contact numbers in their clothing or pockets. Because of concerns about illegal transport of children across international borders, parents traveling alone with children should carry relevant custody papers or a notarized permission letter from the other parent.

As with adult travelers, verify insurance coverage for illnesses and injuries while abroad before departure. Travelers should consider purchasing special medical evacuation insurance for an airlift or air ambulance transport to facilities capable of providing adequate medical care (see Sec. 6, Ch. 1, Travel Insurance, Travel Health Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance ).

Travel Stress

Changes in schedule, activities, and environment can be stressful for children. Travelers can help decrease these stresses by including children in planning for the trip and bringing along familiar toys or other objects. For children with chronic illnesses, make decisions regarding timing and itinerary in consultation with the child’s health care providers.

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: Michelle S. Weinberg, Nicholas Weinberg, Susan A. Maloney

Bibliography

Ashkenazi S, Schwartz E. Traveler’s diarrhea in children: new insights and existing gaps. Travel Med Infect Dis. 2020;34:101503.

Fedorowicz Z, Jagannath VA, Carter B. Antiemetics for reducing vomiting related to acute gastroenteritis in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011;2011(9):CD005506.

Goldman-Yassen AE, Mony VK, Arguin PM, Daily JP. Higher rates of misdiagnosis in pediatric patients versus adults hospitalized with imported malaria. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2016;32(4):227–31.

Hagmann S, LaRocque R, Rao S, Jentes E, Sotir M, Brunette G, et al.; Global TravEpiNet Consortium. Pre-travel health preparation of pediatric international travelers: analysis from the Global TravEpiNet Consortium. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc. 2013;2(4):327–34.

Hagmann S, Neugebauer R, Schwartz E, Perret C, Castelli F, Barnett ED, et al. Illness in children after international travel: analysis from the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network. Pediatrics. 2010;125(5):e1072–80.

Han P, Yanni E, Jentes E, Hamer D, Chen L, Wilson M, et al. Health challenges of young travelers visiting friends and relatives compared with those traveling for other purposes. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2012;31(9):915–9.

Herbinger KH, Drerup L, Alberer M, Nothdurft HD, Sonnenburg F, Loscher T. Spectrum of imported infectious diseases among children and adolescents returning from the tropics and subtropics. J Travel Med. 2012;19(3):150–7.

Hunziker T, Berger C, Staubli G, Tschopp A, Weber R, Nadal D, et al. Profile of travel-associated illness in children, Zurich, Switzerland. J Travel Med. 2012;19(3):158–62.

Mace K, Lucchi N, Tan K. Malaria surveillance—United States, 2017. MMWR Surveill Summ. 2021;70(2):1–40.

Niño-Serna LF, Acosta-Reyes J, Veroniki AA, Florez ID. Antiemetics in children with acute gastroenteritis: a meta-analysis. Pediatrics. 2020;145(4):e20183696.

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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 !

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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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12 tips on how to travel internationally with a baby

Traveling with an infant is already an adventure -- and traveling abroad with one is an even bigger feat to tackle.

Knowing the rules, researching and prepping ahead of time and packing the right things can make (or break) your first international trip with a baby. If you're in the know, you can take advantage of all the options afforded to traveling families, from bassinets on the plane and security shortcuts to special infant fares and other perks.

Covering everything from booking and documents to travel insurance and even jet lag, this guide provides everything you need to prepare for an international trip with your baby.

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Get your baby's passport

Before you get too far into planning a trip abroad, you'll need to get your baby's first passport .

While you're at it, make sure everyone else in the family has a valid passport, too. Remember, U.S. passports for children under 16 expire after five years, not 10 years like adult passports. Also, make sure everyone's passport isn't nearing expiration. Many countries require three or six months of validity to enter, which effectively means that child passports are really only valid for 4 1/2 years, which go quickly.

When getting a passport for your baby , here are the main steps to follow:

• Get their birth certificate.
• Find out where to apply.
• Make an appointment. You'll need to go in person and bring your baby with you.
• Take their passport photo. It can be difficult to get a photo of your baby. Rules for photos state that the child/baby should be looking directly at the camera with a natural smile or neutral look. If you can manage to get the baby's eyes to stay open, that's typically enough for their first passport photo. The background should be white and the size 2 by 2 inches with no filters. Within that size, your baby/child's head needs to be 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. If you're struggling to get everything just right, the ItsEasy App can help you crop and size your photo to the correct dimensions.
• Gather the paperwork. Fill out Form DS-11 and take your baby's birth certificate plus photocopies of each document. Bring a couple of photos, a valid ID for each parent, a photocopy of parental IDs and the fee (you can pay by check). Fees are currently $100 for the passport and $35 for processing.
• Attend the appointment in person with both parents present . If only one parent can go, fill out and bring parental consent form DS-3053 plus a copy.

Get your baby Global Entry

If you already have Global Entry , you won't be able to use the service as a family if your little ones don't have it. So, get a start on your baby's application. Or, if this is something your whole family wants to do, apply simultaneously, making expiration dates and renewals easier to complete for everyone at the same time.

Do note that with TSA PreCheck , kids 12 and under won't need to have their own number to accompany parents through these special security lanes -- but that's not true for Global Entry, which you use to return to the U.S.

Check with your doctor

Check with your pediatrician to see when your baby can start flying.

To give you an idea, TPG talked to Dr. Jenny Yu , medical director at Healthline , to find out when it's typically safe for babies to travel. "While babies typically develop their immune system around 1 month, most pediatricians would recommend waiting until 3 to 6 months for travel," she said. For premature babies, it might be a little longer.

Also, with international travel, it's important to factor in any additional vaccines they might need, especially if you're traveling to emerging countries. Start by checking with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for recommendations on which vaccines both adults and babies should get, then talk with your pediatrician to see what is best for your family, baby and travel situation.

Other important questions to ask your doctor should be if your baby can wear sunblock or mosquito repellent and how to keep your baby and your whole family safe from tropical or waterborne diseases, COVID-19 and any other possible infections, which can depend highly on your destination.

Pick the right destination

Whether it's a far-flung visit to Asia, a trip to visit family in Europe, a Caribbean escape or an African safari, you can travel anywhere with a baby as long as you and your family feel comfortable doing so. Choose a destination that makes you feel joy, not anxiety or stress at the thought of getting there and enjoying it with your baby.

Consider things like the activities you want to do, and if the destination is a place that feels welcoming for families. Also think about logistics, like the language barrier, climate and local transportation, when deciding if that particular destination is right for your family.

Book tickets

Depending on how old your baby is, you have some options when flying abroad with them. Here are a few to consider:

• Lap infant: If your baby is under 2 years old, they don't need their own seat. They can instead sit on the lap of a ticketed adult. For international travel, some airlines charge 10% to 30% of the adult ticket price or just the taxes and fees for a lap infant, and some airlines don't charge anything at all. This table shows the costs by airline to buy your baby a lap ticket. Make sure to check on luggage policies when traveling with a lap infant. Most airlines allow for a stroller and car seat checked free of charge. You may also be able to check or carry on additional baggage, too, but more on that later.
• Bassinet for lap infant: Many airlines have bassinet options, especially aboard larger aircraft that fly internationally. See if you can select this option while booking or call the airline for more information on securing a bassinet. Bassinets are usually free, but given to those who request them first. Ask for one right after booking to ensure you'll be assigned a seat with one when available. In most cases, bassinet weight limits max out at 20 to 24 pounds, so they're best for smaller babies and newborns.
• Extra seat with car seat or restraint for babies 2 years and up: If your baby is older than 2 years, you must pay for their seat. Many airlines have discounted tickets for children. If the child weighs more than 44 pounds, they won't need any additional restraint system within their own seat. If they weigh less than 44 pounds, see the information on a certified child restraint or car seat below.
• Additional seat with car seat or restraint for babies under 2: If your baby is less than 2 years old, you can still book them their own seat. In fact, the Federal Aviation Administration suggests that children under 44 pounds wear an FAA-approved harness (such as the CARES harness ) or certified child restraint to help keep them safe during turbulence, takeoff and landing. Make sure to check your car seat to see if there is an FAA-approved sticker on it.

It's worth noting that car seat, bassinet and harness options and policies vary wildly by airline and class of service. For more information on these policies by airline, read this article on 23 airline car seat and bassinet policies around the world .

Note that when booking seats for your family on an international flight, there are areas where kids and babies are not allowed to sit, like exit rows. Malaysia Airlines doesn't allow babies in its first-class cabins on A380 and 747 aircraft. Some international airlines such as AirAsia, Scoot and IndiGo also have kid-free and quiet zones where families with babies and children under a certain age (usually 10 or 12) aren't allowed to sit.

Additionally, if your baby is closer to 2 years old, you might want to compare the price of a lap ticket to the price of getting them their own seat. Sometimes, the price difference may not be that much, and it could make the flight more comfortable for the entire family.

Organize documents, including visas and COVID-19 forms

Passports aren't the only documents you'll need for international travel these days. Check to see if you and your baby need a visa to enter whatever country you're visiting. If you're traveling without your partner, look into completing a Child Consent Form.

Have proof of vaccines, complete any health forms and entry forms and take those COVID-19 tests if required to enter the country. Be clear on if your baby or children need to wear masks during the flight and plan accordingly. While babies 2 and up need to wear masks on board U.S. airlines, international airlines have different rules. For example, Iberia only requires children 6 and up to wear masks. Presently, British Airways has made masking up for all passengers a "personal choice" when not required by international law. We expect these rules to continue to rapidly evolve.

It's worth checking what documents you need for the trip when booking and again before traveling to ensure that you have everything you need as rules and regulations frequently change, especially in this era of pandemic travel .

Understand luggage rules

Different airlines have varying rules for how much luggage you can take when traveling abroad, especially when traveling with lap infants or children/babies occupying their own seats. Most airlines allow you to check a stroller and/or car seat. Many also offer additional checked luggage, as well as a carry-on bag or item for the baby.

For example, British Airways allows both lap infants and children ages 2 and up to have a carry-on item and a checked bag in most cases, giving parents a little flexibility when bringing along all those key items babies need . Cathay Pacific allows lap infants two additional bags at 10 kilograms each when flying between most destinations.

If you aren't clear on the luggage rules, call the airline before traveling to confirm so you won't get stuck with any surprises or have to pay additional fees.

Know the rules for breast milk and formula

Thanks to the Friendly Airports for Mothers Improvement Act, all large- and medium-size airports in the U.S. now provide lockable, non-bathroom places to pump or nurse babies in every terminal and at least one men's and one women's restroom with changing tables in each terminal. This may not be the case abroad, so if you're concerned, research your destination airport to see what options are provided when it comes to these services.

You shouldn't have any issues flying with breast milk or formula on your outbound trip from the U.S. , as regular Transportation Security Administration liquid regulations don't apply to these special liquids. According to the TSA , "reasonable quantities" of these liquids are allowed, but you must take them out during screening for the security officer to test.

You can look up rules to see what's allowed when returning from your destination. For example, the United Kingdom allows breast milk past security in containers up to 2,000 milliliters. You can also take formula, milk and bottled water for the baby, but the baby must be present. In the European Union , you can take breast milk and formula through security and when flying as long as your baby is traveling with you.

Your airline may also provide clarity on these types of rules. Cathay Pacific, for example, states that breastfeeding is allowed during all phases of the flight, using an electric pump is allowed once electric devices can be switched on and travelers can even bring along suitably packed dry ice to refrigerate expressed milk, assuming it's declared during check-in.

According to some airlines, if you're taking a large breast pump along, this may count as a medical device and not be part of your carry-on allowance, but these regulations often aren't very clear. Contact your airline for more information and print out the rules in case you have any issues during security screening or boarding.

If you're traveling from a very obscure destination within an emerging country and you can't find answers about bringing breast milk, it may be best to have a Plan B in place, such as bringing along enough formula in powder form to last you for the flight or planning to pump or breastfeed in flight.

Should you want to ship your breast milk abroad, options are available for you depending on your destination, such as Maven Milk and Milk Stork .

Book accommodations

When booking accommodations in your destination abroad, take things into account like baby necessities, baby-friendly items, the option to do laundry and the availability to heat, cool and store milk and formula. Choosing a vacation rental instead of a hotel may be the right idea if you need more space, a kitchen and laundry facilities.

If your baby is eating solid foods, make sure there are restaurants or supermarkets nearby where you can get exactly what you need. Doing a little pre-trip research can help you feel confident and comfortable when traveling with your baby regardless of which hotel or home rental you choose to stay in.

Pack strategically

Packing with a baby can seem precarious, but it doesn't have to be. Just make sure you have enough of everything you need to get through the flight, plus a bit extra in case of delays or cancellations. For an exact list of everything you need to pack, see this article on how to pack -- and prepare -- for travel with a baby .

For extra-long flights, try to have everything to help your baby comfortably nap on hand, like a lovey, blanket, pacifier and more. Have changes of clothes on hand for the whole family in case of a messy situation, and enough layers for a plane that may be hot or chilly. A baby carrier can be key, too.

When packing for a trip abroad, the most important items to remember are everyone's passport, visa and key documents, plus anything essential that you know you can't get in another country. Babies live all over the world, so you can easily get items like diapers, wipes, formula and more anywhere. However, you may not find the exact brand you want, or if you're going somewhere rural or far-flung, like on a safari in Africa, you may want to bring enough for your entire trip.

For example, Enfamil, a popular baby formula brand, is found all over Europe and even in the Caribbean and Latin America. However, it may not be available in Africa or Asia, so do your homework.

If you're traveling with items that need to plug in to charge, like a breast pump, baby monitor or nightlight, bring converters if necessary. You can always rent baby items abroad, too, rather than lugging everything along with you. It's possible to preorder diapers and wipes in many destinations, as well.

Strongly consider travel insurance

Things happen. While getting the flu abroad may not be a big deal for an adult, a sick baby can be scary and stressful, especially if you're in a foreign country. Having travel insurance that covers accidents and emergencies -- and COVID-19, too -- can set your mind at ease and save the day if something happens.

Before travel, note where the nearest hospital or health care facilities are, as well as any international hospitals where staff may be more likely to speak English. Know exactly how to use your insurance, like what numbers to call or what to do if a situation arises. Check if any of your credit cards have travel insurance that may cover you and your family if things go awry.

Plan for jet lag

Jet lag stinks. Jet lag with a baby might be even worse. There are things you can do to make jet lag a little less stressful, though, especially when traveling abroad to very different time zones.

First, give yourselves a few days to adjust, planning big events later in the trip. Limit your baby's naps when possible. If your baby takes a five-hour nap, they definitely won't be sleeping through the night.

Shift mealtimes, naptimes and bedtimes to the new time zone as quickly as possible, getting daylight during the day and darkness at night, so internal clocks begin to adjust for the whole family. If the time zone difference is small, you may want to keep your baby on the original time zone to minimize disruption, especially for a shorter trip.

For more tips on combating jet lag with a baby in tow, read this guide on surviving jet lag with your baby .

Bottom line

Planning and taking an international trip with a baby can be simple and create memories for a lifetime if you prepare just right. With a little bit of extra research, you'll be armed with everything you need to know, do and bring to make your trip abroad smooth and hassle-free.

The Ultimate Packing List for Baby Travel (+printable checklist!)

Over the years, i’ve written a lot about how to travel with a baby..

Between leaping head first into baby travel when Evelyn was 5 weeks old, to taking our special needs baby Sophie on several trips around the country, we’ve become pretty well-acquainted with the world of travel with a baby by now.

Truthfully, traveling with a baby is not all that bad. But it does require a ton of preparation for  all the things  that you might possibly need.

We’ve covered  what to pack in your carry on  before, along with  everything you need to know before flying with a baby . I’ve even shared our favorite baby travel gear and travel-friendly toys .

But one thing I haven’t covered? A comprehensive, everything-you-must-pack guide to make the whole trip with baby go extra smoothly!

We were reminded of just how much stuff one little human can require as we prepared for our month-long adventure around Southern California . Our packing list felt endless . And I can say pretty confidently that we left nothing behind.

So let me spare you the stress of wondering “what am I forgetting” ?

Read on for our ultimate baby packing list of EVERYTHING you might ever need when traveling with a baby!  (+a free printable checklist at the bottom of this post!)

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which may reward us with a small commission (at no cost to you) if you click them. Thanks for supporting the blog in this way!

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BabyZen Yoyo Stroller | BabyZen Bassinet | MiaMily Carrier | MiaMily Infant Insert | Babyzen Yoyo Adapter Clips | BabyBjorn Travel Crib | Brica Travel Bassinet | MaxiCosi Car Seat | Car Seat Travel Bag

Baby Packing List | Travel Gear

First things first, the big stuff !

You may not need all of these items for every trip, but for the most part, we bring this same travel-friendly baby gear just about everywhere we go:

• Baby Carrier | A baby carrier is a must, even if it’s nothing more than an efficient way to move through the airport. I know not all kiddos love the carrier, but we find that having both a carrier and stroller available when we travel with Sophie is essential. You just never know when you’ll run into a place with lots of stairs or uneven sidwalks, so it’s good to have a back up that will keep you moving freely. We started out with the  ErgoBaby , but made the switch to the more lightweight and compact  MiaMily toddler carrier with Infant Insert and absolutely love it. Still on the fence? Read up and compare  all of our favorite carriers for babies and toddlers here .
• Stroller  | Even though our carrier is indispensable, we like to have options. After using and abusing our Graco Aire,  we switched to the UppaBaby G-Lite umbrella stroller. We liked both, but eventually splurged on the even more lightweight and carry-on compliant  Babyzen YOYO+.  (add the bassinet pack for newborns). (PS. Don’t forget a good  stroller travel bag too.) Best decision we ever made! Honestly, it’s an investment I only wish we’d made sooner! Another popular choice for baby travel is the  BabyJogger City Mini .
• Car Seat  | Depending on where you’re going, you may or may not want to bring the car seat. If you will need one, the Maxi Cosi and  Nuna Pipa  are two that can adapt to the YOYO+ (just get some  adapters like these , and you’re good to go!). For older babies, a popular choice is the  Cosco Scenera Next , which is super lightweight at just 10 pounds. I recommend getting a car seat bag to keep it clean while flying, and if you’re worried about it getting banged up by luggage handlers, you can upgrade to a padded car seat bag .
• Travel Crib | We’ve always brought our own travel crib, mostly because I want our kids to feel the comfort of a familiar sleeping environment, no matter where we are. We’ve been especially happy with our  Baby Bjorn Travel Crib , which has held up with our travels all over the country these past 6 years. For infants, you can get away with a more compact option, like this Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet . And if you’re in a pinch, most family-friendly hotels will offer cribs for free, or you can rent one from a baby gear rental company, like BabyQuip . Read up on all  our favorite baby travel cribs here .

Pro Tip: Don’t want the stress of traveling with all your gear? Use BabyQuip and get bulky items like cribs, strollers, high chairs, car seats and so much more delivered straight to your hotel or rental!

Packing Cubes | Sun Hat | Baby Socks | Moccasins | Pajamas | Boys Swimsuit | Girls Swimsuit

Baby Packing List | Clothes

Sure, babies require a lot of stuff to pack, but the one area where they don’t take up much space in the suitcase: clothes!

I use these packing cubes for everyone in the family and almost everything for baby can fit into just one:

• Pants & Leggings  | Usually 2-3 pairs. In colder months I’ll skip the rompers and dresses, and add more leggings, pants and sweaters.
• Shirts & Onesies | Usually 2-3 tops, adding 2-3 more in winter months.
• Dresses or Rompers | Usually 2-3 for warmer destinations, because they’re so easy to pack and don’t require mixing and matching tops and bottoms.
• Socks | 2-3 pairs , even in the summer months in case we end up somewhere chilly.
• Booties or Shoes | I’ve recently become obsessed with little baby shoes, but I try to stick to one simple pair of baby moccasins that match everything for travel, like these from BirdRock Baby .
• Hat | A must, no matter where you’re traveling, whether a sun hat for the spring and winter, or a fuzzy hat for the fall and winter.
• Swimsuit | Only if necessary, of course. These boy and girl options from Rufflebutts are our favorites.
• Pajamas | I stick to just 2 pairs of footie pajamas  (plus a 3rd pair worn on our travel day).

This might not seem like a lot of clothes, but if we’re traveling for more than 5 days, we’ll wash and rewear items to keep our packing light. This means making sure we have access to laundry facilities while we travel (whether it be an Airbnb with a washing machine, hotel with a laundry room, or a wash and fold laundry service nearby).

Tommee Tippee Bottles | Formula Dispenser | Travel Mug | Slim Ice Packs | Pumping Backpack | Breast Pump Battery Pack | Bottle Cooler | Nursing/Car Seat Cover | Muslin Swaddle Blankets | Dr. Brown’s Bottle Wipes | Travel Dish Soap | Travel Bottle Drying Rack | Stackable Snack Container | Silicone Snack Cup | Wipe-Clean Bibs | Spoon with Case | Folding Spoons | Squeeze Pouch Baby Food | Sippy Cup with Weighted Straw | Travel High Chair

Baby Packing List | Nursing & Feeding

Things change quickly with a baby, and depending on their age and feeding habits, you may need any of the following:

• Bottles | We’ve always traveled with just two bottles and been fine. Tommee Tippee and Dr. Brown’s are our favorites.
• Drying Rack | I love our OXO travel drying rack ; it’s come in handy more times than I can count! We also have a larger version of this Boon travel drying rack at home, and would highly recommend either. It’s truly one of the items you don’t think you need until you’re balancing wet bottles around a hotel sink.
• Dish Soap | Never fails, I always forget dish soap! If you’re staying in an Airbnb, there’s no need to bring your own (unless you’re particular about what you use). But if you’re staying in a hotel, for sure pack this little travel-size one  for washing bottles!
• Nursing Cover | There’s a good chance you’ll have little privacy for nursing during travels, and at the very least a nursing cover can help with getting little ones to fall asleep in busy places. Or for a lighter solution, a muslin swaddle is great and doubles as a blankie.
• Breast Pump & Supplies  | It’s a pain to lug around for sure, but if you’re going to need it, consider investing in a few pieces to make pumping on-the-go easier: a special  backpack and battery pack . (and good news, the airline won’t count this against your carry on luggage allowance)
• Cooler Bag | We love a little cooler bag with ultra-thin ice packs , or if you need room for more bottles, this Medela cooler bag is a great option too.
• Formula Dispenser | For babies on a formula-fed diet, this little guy makes mixing bottles on the go so much easier .
• Tall Insulated Mug  | This simple, yet useful item is a must for an on-the-go bottle warmer. Just ask your airport coffee shop to fill it with piping hot water after you get through security, and then dip your bottle in to warm milk up in no time!
• Wipe-Clean Bib | Once baby is into solids, a wipe-and-reuse bib is awesome for on-the-go feedings.
• Travel Spoon | Our favorite is still this one that comes with a little case for easy storage!
• Snack Catcher | This travel container is perfect for little cereals you don’t want spilled all over.
• Squeeze Pouch Baby Food | If you’re feeding while traveling, skip the mess and squeeze it from  pouch form onto the spoon!
• Sippy Cup | We’ve tried many of the years, and these classic sippy cups from Munchkin or these sippy cups with weighted straws are both at the top of our list of favorites.
• Bottles Wipes | It’s tough to clean bottles, pacifiers, and spoons on-the-go, but  these bottle wipes are a safe and easy way to do it when you don’t have a sink handy.
• Travel High Chair | If you have the space for it, I can’t recommend this travel high chair enough, which folds down flat for packing. You could also opt for a cloth seat harness for an even lighter, more compact option.

Refillable Wipes Case | Dirty Diaper Baggies | Hand Sanitizer | Hand Sanitizing Wipes | Natural Bug Spray | Sunscreen Stick | Brush & Comb Set | GoToob+ Container | 2-in-1 Shampoo and Body Wash | First Aid Kit | Inflatable Bath Tub | Travel Size Pain Reliever | Travel Size Diaper Rash Cream | Travel Size Lotion | Travel Thermometer | Nail Clipper

Baby Packing List | Health & Bath

• Diapers | My rule of thumb is to pack a maximum of 8 diapers in the baby backpack and then buy more as soon as we arrive.
• Travel Wipes Case | These no-frills travel wipes cases have become my favorite over the years. Like diapers, I load one up with as many as I can fit and then buy more once we’ve arrived in our destination.
• Dirty Diaper Baggies | These dirty diaper baggies have also come in handy more times than I can count.
• Baby First Aid Kit | We keep a super simple kit that includes only the basics, like travel-size diaper rash cream , infant pain reliever , a few bandages , a small  thermometer , nail clipper , skin cream , etc. For all those other ‘what if’s’, we’ll buy it at our destination if needed.
• Prescription Medicines | Keep liquids in their original containers to avoid any issues with TSA, and for anything needing kept cold, we use our bottle cooler bag with ultra-thin ice packs .
• Sunscreen | These pocket sunscreen sticks are my absolute favorite because they’re easy to apply and take up so much less space.
• Mosquito Repellent | This natural one is our favorite. No chemicals or stink!
• Sanitizing Wipes | Especially good for wiping down a dirty airplane seat. I always keep a small travel-size pack in the diaper backpack.
• Hand Sanitizer | For obvious reasons, I always keep a travel-size hand sanitize r clipped to the backpack.
• Baby Shampoo & Body Wash | This 2-in-1 combo is our favorite, filled in a small GoToob+ travel container .
• Brush or Comb | Of course.
• Inflatable Travel Tub | Finally, this handy inflatable bath tub is an absolute favorite of ours and has gotten way more use than I ever thought it would. It’s definitely worth the purchase if you don’t have access to a tub or your baby is not sitting up on their own yet.

Read Next: Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling with a Baby

Portable Baby Gym | Muslin Swaddle Blankets | Minkie Blanket | Baby Shusher | Clip-On Sound Machine | Pacifier Clips | Pacifiers | Peek-A-Boo Book | Stacking Cups | Musical Toy | Travel Crib Sheet

Baby Packing List | Play & Sleep

• Play Mat | We’ve stayed in lots of Airbnbs with hardwood floors and little comfortable space for baby to play. I so wish this fold-and-go baby gym was around when my kids were little!
• Small Toys | I try to keep toys to a minimum, mostly because when you’re traveling, you’re out and about a lot anyway. Sassy brand makes a ton of my favorite simple baby toys, and I keep a little collection in one of these  mesh storage bags for easy packing.
• Pacifiers & Pacifier Clips | We find these pacifiers with these clips  to work great!
• Swaddle Blankets | Another must-pack item, Aden & Anais makes our favorite muslin swaddle blankets that double as a nursing cover or burp rag too.
• Crib Sheet | Whether you bring your own travel crib or use the hotels, we like to have our own crib sheet. This crib sheet that’s designed specifically for portable cribs has traveled with us again and again.
• White Noise Machine | We love our  Shusher and I swear it has made all the difference in helping our babies fall asleep in new places. This portable sound machine is another favorite among traveling moms.
• Favorite Blankie | Even though it can be a bit of a pain to travel with, having a soft baby blanket sure is nice for wrapping baby up on a cold airplane or having a familiar comfort from home.

FreshlyPicked Diaper Backpack | Passport Cover | Reusable Storage Bags | Dropper Stopper Tether

Baby Packing List |  Miscellaneous Must-Haves

• Diaper Backpack | A good diaper bag is essential, and I can’t recommend going with a backpack style enough! Having your hands free, especially in airports, is a necessity, and this FreshlyPicked diaper backpack has travelled with us all over the world!
• Birth Certificate or Passport | Did you know some airlines require you to show a birth certificate for your lap baby? To be safe, I always carry a copy in my wallet. And if you’re planning on traveling internationally, be sure to start the process for your baby’s passport as soon as possible.
• Dropper Stopper Baby Tether | From toys, to bottles, to snack cups, this is our favorite item for keeping all of our baby essentials from hitting the dirty airplane floor.
• Plastic Storage Bags | Whether one-time use, or an  eco-friendly reusable , we’re always finding a need for the modest plastic storage bag. Whether for dirty clothes from a blow out incident, saving leftover snacks, keeping trinkets and keepsakes together, we’re always finding a new use for these.

Free Printable Checklist: Baby Travel Packing List!

It doesn’t matter how many times we’ve traveled with a baby, I’m always bound to forget something!

After many missed essentials, I finally created our own baby travel packing list ! We use it for every trip, and now you can use for yourself!

get it here!

Thanks for being a subscriber!

PS. You can also find this and all of our  printable family travel planning tools exclusively for subscribers in our free resource library .

What are your must-have packing list items when traveling with baby?

Wife and mom to two sassy little girls, Laura has been sharing her family's travels here on Our Next Adventure since 2016! Though lots has changed in both our family and the world of travel over the years, one thing remains: we love exploring new places together!

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Flying with Baby: Travel Tips for Flying with a Newborn

First-Hand Tips & Advice for Flying with a Newborn Baby

The thought of traveling with a newborn was overwhelming. With my first child the thought of leaving the house sent me into a tizzy, never mind the country! I wanted to believe I could still travel with baby, but was definitely not an effortless new mom.

But I was not a road trip person ( back then ), so in order for us to get away I needed to get over my fear of flying with baby . My daughter’s first trip was when she was 11-months-old.

My son came with us on our first family-of-four trip when he was just 10 weeks. Bub traveled quite a bit by the time he was two, and has been on planes at pretty much every developmental stage of his life.

Some trips were easy. Some trips were tough. But they were all worth it!

Our Experience Flying with a Newborn…

I consider a baby aged three months and younger to be a newborn. Our son was a big baby who nursed well, so by 10 weeks we had a robust infant on our hands who was slowly developing a sleeping and eating routine (but had lots of growth spurts and early teething that kept us on our toes). We flew to Quebec City via Porter Airlines Both are highly recommended for family travel!

Biggest Concerns Before Flying with a Newborn:

Our son had not yet had his routine vaccinations. I was worried about the germy environment of an airplane’s interior, as well as various strangers touching his hands. And I was really afraid of him getting sick on vacation . This was pre-pandemic, mind you, but this worry (obviously) still stands.

Also, I was also really afraid that he’d scream for the entire flight.

The Reality of Flying with a Newborn:

Flying with a newborn is (comparatively–to, say–a toddler ) easy. A baby this small is actually easy to keep fairly separated from the germ-laden population as they are not yet mobile. When Bub was not in his car seat , one of us was holding him, and various baby admirers seemed to know enough to keep their distance. We had anti-bacterial wipes for his hands if he did manage to touch something (and then regular wipes to wipe off the anti-bacterial residue. Because, residue).

Our flight out was not full, so we were able to keep him in safely in his car seat for the duration of the flight. This was awesome. For our flight home, we had to gate-check his seat but we had no issues with that nor keeping him on our laps. He slept for the majority of the flight in my husband’s arms after a good nursing session during take-off. For long-haul flights, check with your airline to see about availability and using an airplane bassinet .

Extra Consideration When Flying with a Newborn:

Our biggest issue was that, as an exclusively breastfed infant, our son’s poops were quite explosive. If the diaper did manage to contain it, it would end up seeping out anyway. (Normally I’d worry about TMI here. But, if you’re reading this you’re likely a parent (who won’t care), or an expecting parent (who needs to learn this stuff ;))

I brought a change of clothes for our flight out, but he went through that rather quickly. And the new outfit barely held until we reached our hotel. Since baby clothes are so tiny at this age, more than one change of clothes (for you too, if you’ve got the room) is a good idea. If your infant is formula-fed , bring extra feeds and bottles. You never know when or for how long delays will happen. I can’t imagine the stress of having a hungry baby and not having access to formula and water.

The usual flying with baby advice holds here when flying with a newborn… Try to keep them sucking during takeoff and landing, whether that’s by nursing, a bottle, or a pacifier. Don’t be afraid to administer a bit of infant pain relief medication if you think baby’s ears are in pain. Our son’s naps were not yet consistent by this point, but we were flying at typical naptimes so he slept for most of both flights. Toys won’t really do much at this age either, so enjoy the relative lightness of your carry-on bag !

Of all the ages and stages our son’s been at when we’ve flown with him, this was definitely the easiest. Although if you’re a first-time mom (as overwhelmed as I was), you probably don’t believe me.

You will, if you have another!

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• Planning Your First Trip with Baby
• Traveling with a Baby? It Gets Easier…
• Traveling with a Baby? It gets Harder…
• A Complete Guide to Traveling with a Newborn
• Coping with Time Changes & Baby Jet Lag
• A Complete Guide to Booking and Using an Airplane Bassinet
• The Complete Guide to Baby Travel Gear
• Tips for Flying with an Infant 3-6 Months
• Flying with an Infant 6-12 Months
• Flying with Toddlers and Preschoolers
• 10 Dos & Don’ts for Flying with Babies and Toddlers

56 Responses to Flying with Baby: Travel Tips for Flying with a Newborn

We didn’t take our twins anywhere until they were older, and didn’t fly until they were almost 4. When our youngest came along, we packed up and took off when he was only 3 months old. That was, by far, the easiest flight with him. He fed, he slept, he didn’t need much room to wiggle. It is hard to convince new parents, but they really should fly while the baby is tiny.

Oh boy. You are flashing me back 2 years to our first flight with our guy at 3 months. We went across the country. I thought everyone was right and we must be insane. He slept almost the whole time. When he wasn’t sleeping he was chewing on a toy. As usual, I was more crazy than he was. And you are absolutely right about packing more formula than you think you will need. This saved our butts. We got stuck in San Fran over night on our way home from Maui when he was 5 months old. I was panicked because we only had 2 bottles left. I was asking for our luggage, where a 24 hour grocery store was. Anything! Somehow we managed without more formula, but it was definitely more stress than we needed to deal with if we had planned a little better. We packed some extra in case of delays, but didn’t even think about getting stuck overnight! As always thanks for all the amazing baby advice.

I’d give anything to travel with a tiny one these days!

Corinne, I have some grand kids you can take . Jack

Totally not what I expected coming in to this entry, haha. For some reason I was expecting tips about how to keep your baby quiet on a long flight.

But all of these made sense. I’ve got no kids myself, but I had wondered in the past how my sister would deal with poopy nappies on a long flight. That confined environment makes them all the more lethal :-p

About to make our first air trip with our newborn, he will be 9 weeks. That’s great you were able to use the car seat on board. … We have requested the bassinet so hope he sleeps ok in it!

I will post our experience on my blog http://www.milkandsandcastles.com wish us luck!

Good to hear it’s not so bad traveling with an infant. Most people tell me I’m crazy for planning a flight with a 2M old. They said I am being naive as a fist time mom to think that all baby needs is sleep, food and change of diapers. This is all good advice but is there anything else I should consider for a long haul flight? We are flying NY to Australia which usually means 3 long flights of 6/16/5 hours. Besides extra clothing/diapers, is there anything else I should be considering to bring along? I plan on breastfeeding so that cuts down on bottle feeding gear. Should we really plan a layover somewhere for a few days to make travel easier for all?

Way to go, Marlyn! You will be all be tired, so make sure you have a day or two on the other end of your journey to recuperate. Hopefully you’ve bought baby a seat or will have a spare seat between you so you can have a break from holding baby. A layover mid-way just extends the journey in my opinion, but I’m of the “grit your teeth and get it over with” school of baby travel 🙂

We some time really become worried if we need to travel alone with a toddler and a baby. These tips will definitely help people to get prepared before the trip.

Thanks so much for this, I have been nervous about flying with my newborn but this has put my mind at rest a little!

Thanks a lot. I have been worried about flying with my 2 months old baby but this helps..

I’m planning on flying with my baby when she is 3 weeks old, crazy I know. We’re traveling missouri to California so one hr and one 3 hr flights. Any tips for a baby so little? Planning on wearing her and breast feeding for takeoff and landing.

Good luck Caitlin! Maybe this post will help: https://havebabywilltravel.com/2011/09/04/flying-with-baby-travel-tips-for-flying-with-a-newborn/

How did ur flight go? I’m taking the same from Missouri to lax in California in 3 weeks with out 2 month old. I’m nervous but allegiant airlines is nonstop 3 1/2 hours

I think it’s more safe take a baby on travel when he/her anti-body activates aside from the vaccines. Thanks for sharing your toughts.

We want to take our kids travelling once we start our family. My parents took my siblings on airlines when they were 3 months old and it seemed fairly fine. There was one scare with one of them catching a cold. Apart from that, they never really had any trouble. And the flight was from Sydney to LA.

I could never muster enough courage to travel with my infant.. Well they are 3 and 4 years old now, so i guess i missed the chance.. LOL.

Last time I travelled to India there was a baby screaming for about two hours. I cannot imagine what that would be like for the parents….The air on that plain was also extremely dry, so maybe that’s why.

I traveled with my 6 week old son from NYC to Michigan for an hour, then 6 hours to Claifornia. We stayed in LA for 3 days and proceeded to Manila, Phils. via Tokyo for another 15 hours straight flight. All he did was sleeping, eating and pooping. Layovers are good for long travel and with this age, travel light is recommended. I made sure to bring extra baby clothes and prepared water baby bottles.

Way to go, Phoebe! Thank you for leaving this comment. You’re an inspiration to moms of newborns facing a marathon flight.

Wow! Did you bring your carseat and stroller with you on all flights?

We did! It was a PITA sometimes, but I never regretted having them with me.

I didn’t travel with my two children until they were 3 and 5. Went to Disney World and was just amazed at how many people actually take their newborns, toddlers, twin infants and more! To me they were quite ambitious! At three and five it was so much easier with them being potty trained and able to talk. Kudos to the parents for braving it through the earlier years!

Dear Madam/ Sir,

Could you tell me that My daughter she is 3 month old can travel by Air and Total travel time is 4.5 hours.

But via flight 1. hours from Madurai to Chennai, Get 2.25 hours from Chennai to Mumbai.

Kindly Advise.

Hi Ganesh! You should be just fine. Plan ahead by packing all you will need, and be ready to be busy for those 5 hours! Take care, Corinne

I will be traveling with my baby once he’s 6wks back to Alaska where my husband and I are based. It’s a 5hr plane ride and I’m not sure where or how I’ll change him? Any info on that would be much appreciated.

Most planes have a change table in the washroom in the back of the plane. At 6wks your baby should fit just fine, but it is a challenge for older babies since the space is so tight. I recommend bringing along a change mat and lots of wipes to clean things beforehand. Have a great flight!

Thanks for this and all the comments. We are travelling soon and my baby will be just over 3 months..I am very anxious and scared of her getting sick during the travel but all these comments are helpful. Thanks

Great tips! The more tips the better!

Hello, I’m a first time mom and my husband and I will be travelling with our newborn in a few months from NYC to the Philippines. Was thinking about not getting her a separate ticket since the aircraft provides a bassinet but we will still be bringing a car seat with us. Do you recommend checking it in along with our other free baggage or should I take it with me to the plane? Can it be gate checked if the airplane is full?

Hi Karen! I would definitely gate-check your seat, ideally in a padded travel bag. The airline should be totally fine with this, and also not charge you for it.

Oh wow, that was quick! Thanks! Do you recommend gate-checking the stroller too? We’re taking the new york-seoul & seoul-philippines flights.

You should be able to gate check both.

Hello just want to have an idea since i am a first time mom of my daughter 6th month old and we want to travel from philippines to bahrain (it’s a long travel) i was thinking that maybe she might be afraid during take off and landing.. Can someone suggest to me what to do? Im thinking also what to do if she is not comfortable during our flight since it’s her first time to travel.

Hi Micha! Six months is a pretty ok time to travel with a baby. Seek to comfort during takeoff and landing by nursing or offering a bottle or pacifier, and make sure you have lots of diapers on hand! It will not be a relaxing flight for you but you should both do fine. Good luck!!

We have a weekend trip planned, 4 days from FL to NY. Our little one will be 11, almost 12 weeks by that time. My husband doesn’t want to take her, for fear of germs, getting sick, etc. Any resources available to help change his mind?

I don’t have any official resources to suggest other than our personal experience. My son was 10 weeks on his first trip which is kind of similar–we did a long weekend in Quebec City. It was a short flight and a few nights in a hotel. At this age, since they’re not mobile or (usually) sticking their hands in their mouths, it’s pretty easy to shield them from things and surfaces that usually harbor the nasty germs. We kept him in his car seat, he had a seat on the plane, and I’m not exaggerating when I say he slept from the plane, through the airport, in the taxi and didn’t wake up until we’d checked into the hotel. If you’re nursing your daughter will have some immunity from your breast milk, but even though NYC is a busy place, you’ll have her close to you either in her car seat, stroller, or carrier. You can control who touches her and what she touches. Enjoy this phase because it doesn’t last long!

Thanks for this write up. Being reading various comments so I’m not so scared anymore. Will be traveling on a journey of 35hrs 30mins from Texas to Nigeria with my 3months old baby. Guess I’ll have to pack as many diapers, bottles and extra cloth.

Hi Bibi! That is quite a journey! You could probably get away with 20 or so diapers, but since your baby is only 3 months they are still pretty small and don’t take up too much room. Don’t skimp on the bottles, though. It would be awful to run out and delays are possible. Good luck and have a great trip!

Hi Bibi, How did the travel go? I am planning to travel to Portland from Nigeria soon. My baby will just be around 4 weeks then and I do not know if he can cope with the jet lag. I do not want to drop him because I want to exclusively breastfeed him.

My grandmother is not expected to live much longer, so I am planning an unexpected trip from NC to Florida with my 9 week old. My husband and older two children will be staying at home. I was thinking about wearing the baby in a cloth baby carrier – if I do, will I have to take her out of the carrier during take off and landing ?(I believe I could still buckle my seatbelt with her in the carrier). Thanks!

Oh Alicia, I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother. Yes, you will have to take her out of the carrier for takeoff and landing. Luckily I would imagine your flight will be short. Wishing you and your daughter a peaceful journey.

Getting ready to take a 4 hr flight with my 2 month old, I’m planning on baby wearing, I know I will have to take her out during takeoff and landing, my question may be stupid but what do I do just hold her on my lap during that time?

Hi Tracy! During takeoff and landing, you are usually directed to hold your baby upright in the “burping” position.

Hello Corinne, Nice & very informative article you shared with us. it is very important to carry travel seat for a newborn to 18 months baby. if anyone have car seat then its very useful when you flying with air plane. You need lots of diaper storage when travelling, so check you have available diaper on your bag.

Thanks for Article.

We are about to embark on a 15hr trip (with two flights and layover and car ride) with our five week old. We are just praying she sleeps well. One thing I was curious if anyone has had success being able to wash bottles/hand pumps while on the plane or in layover? Just trying to figure out the safest way to ensure clean utensils.

At five weeks I think your bottles, nipples, and pump parts still need to be sterilized. If it were me I’d have extra on hand, sealed in ziploc bags, rather than risk the water from an aiplane restroom sink or airport bathroom. Good luck!

I have a girl baby 3 month old. Recently I have to travel a long journey for an important reason. It is about 4 hours journey.I am very worry about this how can i travel with my little baby in a long journey. plz dear suggest me.

This is a great post on realities of traveling with a newborn. I have gone through this myself with my son. Traveling with a toddler is a little different, since they become attention seekers and need constant entertainment. I am going to place a link in my blog to this post, and I would appreciate if you linked to my post talking about traveling with toddlers and what to take with you on the way. https://mommycando.com/2018/08/06/traveling-with-your-toddler/

Good evening.

I am plannin to travel from Washington DC to Europe( around 20 hours) with my daughter who is going to be three months old at time of traveling. Besides having a lot of diaper and formula bottles , do you have any advice for me. How does she travel? Do I need to buy separate seat for her? In that case, I should use car seat, right? What about stroller? Does it go with us in the airplane? Thank you in advance!

Hi Milica! 20 hours is a long time to have a baby on your lap! if your airline offers bassinets , see if you can book one. Otherwise, she would be safest and most comfortable in her own seat, in an airline-approved car seat. But if that’s not in your budget, it’s not in your budget. You’ll want to gate-check your stroller, instructions on how to do that are here . Have a great trip!

Thanks for posting this article! We’re debating whether or not we should take a trip with our newborn from California to France (approx 11 hour flight). She will be 10 weeks old at the time. We originally were not planning on buying a seat for the baby, nor were we going to bring a car seat with us. Do you think that’s doable?

We were also thinking of getting back row seats, because it’s closer to the restroom and there’s a higher chance that nobody will sit in between us. Is this a good idea? Or should we ask for bulkhead?

11 hours is a loooong time to hold a baby in your arms, even a cuddly 10-weeker 🙂 Bulkhead would likely be most comfortable for all of you, especially if you can get a bassinet.

Very important things to know when travelling with a baby.

Nice write up!, Thank you for sharing this amazing topic, I’ll like to call it ‘an ultimate guide when traveling with your baby’ ☺️you know what? I just discovered this website and I used read a lot of Parenting blogs, and I’ve read articles similar to this, but I’ve never seen written this way, very insightful and educative.

Thanks for sharing this information. I am a new father, and it’s help me a lot. Thanks again.

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Posted on Last updated: April 1, 2024 Categories Family Travel Advice

By: Author Kate

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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What to know about traveling internationally with a baby

There's no doubt that babies can complicate travel plans. (There's a reason parents call it a trip, not a vacation!) Still, plenty of people travel outside of the U.S. with their infants. Some have family and friends they want to visit, while others figure it's easier to travel to far-flung destinations with a baby (who still sleeps 16 hours a day) than with a toddler (who wants to spend the flight walking up and down the aisle).

Whatever your reason, your trip will go more smoothly if you make a few preparations before booking your tickets and boarding your flight. Here's what you need to know about traveling internationally with an infant.

Requirements for traveling internationally with an infant

As you're planning your trip, take care of these must-dos:

Check travel advisories

Before booking, check the  U.S. Department of State's website Opens a new window for international travel advisories. You can also look at travel health advisories for your destination at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website Opens a new window as well as information on required vaccinations by country. Although most countries have lifted COVID-related restrictions, you can quickly check requirements for international travelers on the United Nations' Destination Tracker Opens a new window .

Talk to your baby's doctor

The American Academy of Pediatrics Opens a new window advises talking to your pediatrician before flying with a baby . Some doctors recommend delaying unessential travel for the first few weeks after birth (sometimes until babies are at least until 2 to 3 months old ). Babies are prone to catching infections – especially those who were born prematurely or have certain health conditions.

Once they clear your baby for travel, your pediatrician can verify that your baby is up to date on vaccinations, recommend preventative medications to pack, and determine whether your baby requires any additional immunizations. If your destination is experiencing measles outbreaks, for example, your doctor may adjust your baby's MMR vaccine schedule.

Depending on where you're traveling, your doctor may recommend – and some countries require – vaccinations for other infectious diseases (such as yellow fever or rabies) that aren't part of the standard childhood vaccine schedule. Book your appointment at least four to six weeks in advance of your trip, because it can take time to build up immunity after a vaccination.

Make sure your baby has a passport

For international travel, your baby needs a passport . Make two copies of each family member's passport, and leave one copy with a trusted friend or relative. 

If you're traveling as a solo parent, consider bringing documentation proving you're a legal guardian – as well as letter of consent (preferably notarized) from the other custodial parent saying "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission." If you have sole custody of your child, you might want to bring a copy of the custody agreement. 

12 tips for international travel with an infant

Consider travel insurance. Travel insurance ensures that you're not out of luck if, say, your baby gets an ear infection the day before you're scheduled to fly. (Keep in mind that your credit card may already offer travel insurance.)

Bring your baby's car seat. Though babies and toddlers under age 2 are allowed to fly free (or at a discount) sitting on your lap , it's safest if you buy an airplane seat for your baby. That way you'll be able to use your car seat on the plane , as long as it's approved for aircraft as well as motor vehicles. (It likely is – just check for a sticker on the car seat confirming this.) What's more, your car seat will come in handy at your destination – or at least on the car trips to and from the airport.

Request a bassinet. If you're on a long-haul flight, and especially if you forgo buying a seat for your baby, consider reserving a baby bassinet. Most airlines offer free portable baby bassinets that attach to the bulkhead for longer international flights. These beds, which generally accommodate babies up to 20 pounds and 26 inches long, allow your baby to snooze during the flight. There are usually only a couple of bassinets available per flight – so be sure to call early, ideally when you book your tickets, to request one. 

Bring the basics. Depending on where you're traveling with your baby or toddler , you may not find your usual brand of formula, diapers, or baby food – although you'll usually identify a decent equivalent. At the very least, be sure to bring a two- to three-day supply of these products in your checked baggage, so you aren't pressed to find a pharmacy as soon as you arrive. If you're really attached to specific products, pack enough for your full trip, plus a couple days' worth of spares. (Here's what else to put on your baby packing list .)

Don't forget adaptors. You don't want to scramble to find a store that sells adaptors for your breast pump or sound machine when you're scheduled to be at the beach. Throughout Europe and in many countries worldwide, power outlets and voltage are different from the U.S. Be sure to check the requirements at your destination, and buy a few appropriate adaptors before you leave.

• Pack a change of clothes. Having a couple of full-body changes of clothes in your carry-on bag, including socks, is essential. There's a good chance you'll have to deal with at least one leaky diaper or major spit-up on a long-haul flight .

Stock your carry-on. Besides a change of clothes, pack all of the essentials you'll need for the duration of your flight – bottles, formula, pacifiers, diapers, wipes, baby food – plus a few spares for potential delays. Think of it like your usual  diaper bag on steroids. Airports in the U.S. allow you to carry on liquids (such as water, pumped breast milk, and baby food) that surpass the usual 3.4-ounce limit, but be prepared to remove them from your bag when you go through the security checkpoint. For your return trip, you'll need to verify whether there are liquid limits in the country you're visiting.

Bring a carrier. A baby carrier is extra convenient for infant travel, especially when you're boarding your flight and when you're trying to help your baby fall asleep.

Pack sleep essentials. Sleep can be tricky when you're traveling with a baby. As much as possible, try to stick to the bedtime routine you follow at home. Pack anything your baby relies on to sleep, such as a sleep slack , night light, or sound machine. And while many hotels and rental apartments have play yards available, check beforehand to make sure your baby will have someplace safe to sleep.

Prep for jet lag. It may be worth gently adjusting your baby's sleep schedule before your trip, especially if you're traveling to a different time zone. Starting a few days before you leave, begin moving your baby's bedtime 15 minutes earlier or later every night to closer match your destination. (This trick can help you with jet lag, too!) Moving your baby's bedtime by even one hour before you travel can make a difference. When you arrive, try to stick to your baby's usual nap, meal, and bedtime schedule, adjusted for the local time zone, right away. Here are more tips for handling time changes with a baby .

Dress your baby in layers. Airplanes are usually chilly, but it's hard to predict just how cold. Dress your baby warmly in layers that you can remove or add if it's warmer or cooler than expected.

Leave yourself lots of time. Like most tasks, traveling with children takes a lot longer than traveling solo. The Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) recommends arriving three hours early for international flights, but you may want to get to the airport even earlier. That way you won't panic if, say, your baby has a massive diaper explosion on the car ride to the airport. Arriving extra early also helps ensure you can secure that baby bassinet you reserved when you booked your flight.

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 .

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 Academy of Pediatrics. 2017. Precautions for international travel: Information for parents. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/prevention/Pages/Precautions-for-International-Travel.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

American Academy of Pediatrics. 2023. Tips for safe and stress-free family travel. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Travel-Safety-Tips.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2023. Travelers health: Vaccine recommendations for infants and children. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/family-travel/vaccine-recommendations-for-infants-and-children Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Mayo Clinic. 2018. Prepare for jet lag before boarding the plane. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-prepare-for-jet-lag-before-boarding-the-plane/ 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]

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

USA.gov Opens a new window . 2023. International travel documents for children. https://www.usa.gov/travel-documents-children Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

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Rules for Flying with a Baby: What you Need to Know

NOTE*** The content on this page may contain affiliate links, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.   More information: disclosure page .

In this article, we tackle the question: What are the rules for flying with a baby? Even as a seasoned – lap infant and kids in tow – traveler, I still refer back to the rules and airline policies.

You wouldn’t know it, but I can be a nervous traveler with the kids. Who isn’t? I go over all the preparations and questions even as I’m walking out the door. For my sake, and yours, I am writing up this comprehensive guide on rules and ailine policies for flying with a baby.

The rules and policies can be a little confusing because different countries, TSA and each airline all have slightly different rules.

I created a table of the general rules that apply for flying domestic and international with a baby. Further on in the article, you can find detailed information from TSA, different counties and examples of airline policies.

I hope this will make your flight smoother and safer.

Cheat Sheet of Rules for Flying with a Baby

** Note: read each section of the article for more information and the references for each conclusion in the chart.

The cheat sheet above will help you get an overview of the rules for flying with babies. Since the airline policies for infant travel differ you will need to check with your airline. Let’s dive a little deeper into questions you are likely asking.

Questions that arise during booking and ticketing a baby for your next trip.

How old does a baby have to be to fly?

How soon can you travel with a newborn? The answer actually varies depending on which airline you are flying. The general rule in the industry is that you can fly when your newborn baby is between 7 days and two weeks old , depending on the airline. Many airlines also have an exemption to travel earlier with a medical release.

For example, Air Canada , Delta Airlines , United Airlines , and American Airlines allow infants 7 days old without a medical release. Japan Airlines allows babies to be 8 days old. Other airlines require the baby to be at least 2 weeks old.

Other airlines require the baby to be at least 2 weeks old. Southwest Airlines and Jet Blue requires babies to be 14 days old before flying with them.

So I can technically fly with a newborn, but when is it safe to fly with a baby? Although a baby is allowed to fly within days or a week of birth, doctors recommend waiting a bit longer. Studies have shown flying with an infant ( especially in your lap) can be dangerous.

Pediatricians generally suggest waiting until an infant is 2-3 months old before flying ( source ). By this time the baby has developed a stronger spine, has more head control and a stronger immune system.

We suggest talking to your pediatrician if you plan to fly with a new baby.

How much does it cost for a lap infant?

If you want to save money on domestic air travel, you will likely consider traveling with your child as a “lap infant.”

Although there is still much debate about the issue , many parents choose to have a baby on their lap and avoid the fees.

For a child to qualify to fly on the lap of their parent, they must be under 2 years of age.

Many airlines will allow a lap child for free or a small fee when you are flying domestically (United, American, Delta, Southwest, and Frontier all do). International airlines similarly offer a lap infant for free within their own region. If the ticket is not free, the fees are generally 10% of the full fare.

Plus, if you fly at during low traffic, the airlines will likely seat you next to a free seat. Your lap child is generally welcome to use that seat.

International fees for a lap child flying between the different countries vary . Generally, the fee will be 10% of the full fare plus fees and surcharges ( for example, Delta ). What the airline defines as full or applicable fare makes a big difference in the price of the ticket.

Note: If you’re using miles to calculate the ticket for your lap infant, the cost will vary depending on the airline. For example, Air Canada fixes a flat fee of 50% for economy tickets, while others like Cathay Pacific will require you to pay 25% of the standard charge in addition to taxes and fees.

We like to take advantage of this period when our babies and toddlers can be included in a family vacation with free airfare.

How much does it cost to buy a separate airplane seat for a baby?

For both comfort and safety, buying a separate seat for your baby is a good option. You will likely have to pay for the seat but some airlines still offer an infant or child discount.

Unfortunately, many US carriers will charge between 90% and full fare for the extra seat. Delta, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Alaska Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Airlines, and Virgin America all charge full fare for an infant with a separate seat.

Southwest has a baby and a child fare that is a percent of the full fare. With their huge discounted fares, you may or may not save money.

American Airlines also offers both domestic and intentional fares for infants; you’ll also have to call 800-433-7300 to book.

Hawaiian Airlines only offer special infant fares for international flights.

Here’s where some of the carriers outside the US become more family-friendly. Child fares for a seat on carriers outside the US vary from 10% plus fees to full fare . For example, Brussels Airlines charges 25% to 30% plus fees, Air France charges 20% plus fees, Qantas charges 10%.

From Norwegian Air “ International long haul , children aged between 2 to 11 years on the date of their return flight …travel on a child ticket, at 90% of the adult fare, plus any airport taxes. “ Norwegian Air

Note: For children older than two years, you have to pay for the seat on the flight. If the baby turns 2 years while on your trip, they have to get a separate seat from their parents as they can’t travel as lap infants.

The good news is that many airways charge reduced fares for children aged between 2-11 years. Child fare tickets can be 25-50% cheaper. So contact the airlines directly to get information on whether they offer discounted rates for children on international flights.

Do I need an ID for my baby to fly?

When flying with a baby, the identification and documents that you will need are dependent on where you are going and the airline that you are traveling on.

Traveling within the US will not require much documentation. In fact, you can see from the TSA website that you do not need identification while traveling domestically .

“TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.” TSA Identification

However, if you have a lap infant, the airline will likely need proof of the baby’s age. A birth certificate or passport will need to be presented to the airline at check-in.

What documents do I need for flying with a baby internationally?

When traveling internationally, the amount of documentation increases to the same amount as required for adults. Depending on your destination you will need a passport plus possibly a visa, proof of vaccination, and a Letter of Consent (if required) . The passport must be v alid for at least 6 months after the date you enter a foreign country.

Note: To apply for an American passport follow these directions for applying at the USPS. You will require the following documents when applying for a passport for your minor:

• REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR PASSPORT
• Evidence of U.S. citizenship(e.g., a birth certificate)
• Photo identification(for the parents)
• Proof of parent relationship(such as an adopting decree or birth certificate)
• Passport photo
• Passport fee( apparoximately$100)
• Application forms( available on https://travel.state.gov/)

In addition to a passport, some countries require a visa to enter. For more information on passport requirements for various countries the travel center website has a great search engine .

Vaccines may be required depending on where you are traveling to and from. In order to enter some countries, you will be required to bring proof of vaccination. Check the CDC website for vaccines that are required for your destination.

The documentation required for international travel becomes more complicated if the infant is traveling with a guardian or one parent. The solo parent or guardian must get written consent from the biological parents of the child alongside their child’s original birth certificate.

American Airlines: ” If you’re traveling internationally with anyone under 18, you may be required show documentary evidence of your relationship and a Letter of Consent or permission for the child’s travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present.” American Airlines

Getting through TSA Security

Getting through security with your child can be stressful but knowing the rules will make everything go much smoother. When traveling with a baby it’s essential to arrive early, at least 2 hours for domestic and 3 hours for international flights.

TSA has developed a thorough procedure for screening children 12 years or younger. These guidelines are a security measure to ensure all passengers and crew is safe during the flight.

The TSA agents will check all the boarding passes including for the lap infant. So make sure you have a boarding pass even if your baby does not have a seat.

Knowing the procedure at the screening area will help you.

All equipment and items you’ll use for your baby while on the flight must be screened at the airport. This includes strollers, carriers, toys, etc. are screened either by the use of x-rays or checked manually.

If you have breast milk, formula, or juice excess of 3.4 ounces, you need to inform the security agent before the screening. These items must be X-rayed or screened for explosives.

Can I wear my baby through security?

Yes, according to the TSA rules, “infants may be carried in a sling” I have successfully worn my babies through security in an Ergo.

After walking through the metal detector, the security wipes my hands and maybe a pat-down.

Note: you cannot get through the security checkpoints with your child in a carrier or a stroller. You must first get them out and hold them in your arm as you go through screening.

In the screening process, your child can have their shoes, diapers, belts other appropriate clothing.

Children 12 and under can leave their shoes, light jackets and headwear on during screening. Children will not be separated from their parent/guardian. Remove infants and children from their carriers and carry them in arms through the walk-through metal detector. Infants may be carried in a sling through the walk-through metal detector but may be subject to additional screening. Modified screening procedures are in place to reduce the likelihood of a pat-down . TSA

Can I take breastmilk, formula, or other liquids on the plane?

Yes, you can take milk on a plane for your baby and as much as you need, within reason. Don’t worry, take what you need for your baby to drink, it is exempt from the 3.4 oz rule.

In addition, you are allowed to take with you cooling packs to ensure the milk remains fresh.

From TSA “Formula, breast milk, juice 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. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. You do not need to travel with your child to bring breast milk. Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk and juice are allowed in carry-on. If these accessories are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above. You may also bring gel or liquid-filled teethers, canned, jarred and processed baby food in carry-on baggage . .” TSA

Can I take a stroller through security and to the gate?

Yes, you are allowed to take a stroller through security and to the gate with you.

Actually, you have quite a few options for traveling with a stroller.

In the age of paying for bags and everything else, you get some relief here. Most airlines will check a stroller and car seat for free.

You can check them through with your luggage at the ticket counter.

Or.. you can take a stroller through security (see the section getting through security above) and checked it at the gate. When you get to the gate ask the agent for a gate check tag for your stroller. Then set it on the jetway before entering the plane.

With new small collapsable strollers, some airlines allow you to take it on the plane with you. For example, this is United’s policy:

“ Strollers and folding wagons may be checked to your final destination free of charge, in addition to your normal baggage allowance. This also applies to customers who are traveling on a Basic Economy ticket. Feel free to use your child’s stroller or folding wagon throughout the airport, but please keep in mind that most strollers and wagons must be checked at the gate. If you have a compact folding stroller, like the gb Pockit Stroller, you can bring it on board in addition to your carry-on bag and personal item. “ United Airlines

Can I bring a ca r seat on the plane?

Yes, you can bring a car seat on the airplane for your child. In fact, if bought a separate seat for your infant, you may be required to have a car seat to safely use on the plane.

If you have a lap infant, you have a couple of options. You can bring your car seat through security and out to the gate, in hopes of getting an open seat next to you. When you arrive at the gate, check in with the agent if there will be room on the plane for an extra seat for the baby.

If there are no extra seats, you can gate-check the car seat . The agent will give you a tag to place on the handle. When you board the plane, leave it on the jetway before the door.

The other option is to check your car seat with the luggage at the ticket counter. This way you do not need to carry to through the whole airport and will be waiting at your destination.

Car seats are always free to check. (I have yet to see otherwise, but you are welcome to tell me your story in the comments.)

When I travel with a lap infant, I choose to check the car seat with the luggage.

Final Thoughts on Flying with a Baby

To sum everything up, although rules for flying with a baby differ between airlines, some general guidelines that apply include:

• Infants may travel without medical approval provided them if they are over 7 days old (some airlines require 2 weeks).
• For domestic U.S. flights, a child under 2 years of age can travel without a ticket while sitting on the lap of a paying adult.
• If you decide for the baby to fly in a car seat you’ll pay for a ticket regardless of the age of your child.
• All children over 2 years of age must have a ticket.
• When flying with your baby, you must prove the age with a birth certificate or passport.
• Any child under 2 years must be accompanied in the flight by a passenger who’s at least 16 years of age.
• An adult passenger can only travel with a maximum of 2 infants and only one on their lap.

One last thought. You should keep copies of the TSA guidelines and the rules for the airline that you are flying on. I have heard of stories where TSA or gate agents are misinformed. Having a copy of the rules in hand will help you navigate the situation.

We have many resources for you if you are planning a vacation with your baby. You may find these articles helpful:

• How to get the cheapest flight for your family
• Step by Step guide to planning the perfect family vacation – with printable template
• Family Packing Checklist – special section for baby
• Check for the cost of the flight to the destination you are dreaming of on

What has your experience been traveling with a baby? Do you have more questions about the rules for flying with an infant?

Ease your flight travels by checking our Etsy Store, In there I have a packing checklist to make sure you wont forget essentials for your flight trip.

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How Old Does a Baby Have to Be to Fly?

Although babies can fly soon after birth, parents should consider various health and safety concerns first.

The truth is that flying with an infant can be a breeze—if your baby sleeps or coos happily the whole way. But the experience can also be closer to a nightmare if your baby ends up crying the entire time, turbulence makes holding them a challenge, or they have a diaper blowout mid-flight. And you might not know which way it will go until you're 30,000 feet up in the air.

But having a newborn doesn't necessarily need to hinder your travel plans. Whether you're visiting grandma or going on vacation, there are some factors to consider before bringing a baby on an airplane. Here's how old a baby needs to be to fly, with tips for making the plane ride go smoothly.

How Old Does a Baby Need to Be to Fly?

Most pediatricians believe that a 4- to 6-week-old baby can handle airplane flights. But this guidance only refers to babies with no health complications who get the go-ahead from a pediatrician. Premature infants, as well as those with respiratory or other health issues, may fare better on the ground. (What's more, doctors may recommend a longer rest period for new parents who had delivery complications or C-sections ).

It's also smart to check your airline's policies on newborn travel. They might have a minimum age requirement, ranging from 2 days old to 2 weeks old . In some cases, newborns won't be granted permission to fly without a doctor's note. You might also need proof of your baby's age. (If official government paperwork hasn't arrived, you could possibly use vaccination or hospital forms.) International travel isn't possible until your baby receives an official passport.

If you're feeling queasy about the idea of spending a whole lot of money on an airline ticket for a baby, ask your airline for a discounted fare. Many airlines offer discounts of up to 50% for children under age 2. Also, if there's an open seat on the plane at the time of boarding, you may be able to use it for your baby.

Considerations for Newborn Air Travel

Although air travel is generally safe for newborns, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents consider the following factors before booking their flight.

Germs and illness

While some older planes use recirculated air, which means that if one person has a cold, their germs are broadcast throughout the plane by the ventilation system, most commercial aircraft use sophisticated methods to refresh the air. Advanced airflow management techniques, including air filtration, ventilation, controlling the movement of the air downwards (rather than side-to-side), and drawing in fresh air from outside, all contribute to reducing the transmission of airborne illnesses between passengers.

In fact, in a 2021 letter published in Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease the authors wrote that "the air quality within modern commercial aircraft is enhanced by frequent air changes, with a complete air change every 2 to 4 minutes." The consensus among the authors was that there is a low risk of getting sick from other passengers, particularly those sitting more than a few rows away.

Other research has also found a low risk of transmission of airborne illnesses (specifically COVID-19) on airplanes: "Altogether, high airflow and use of HEPA filters onboard planes make it unlikely to catch the virus from someone who is not in the immediate vicinity."

However, if someone sitting nearby is sick, your baby could be exposed. That's not typically a problem for healthy adults, whose mature immune systems can more easily fight off germs. But an infant's immune system is no match for some of the viruses and bacteria that may be floating around on airplanes and in airports. If you do fly, make sure to wash your hands regularly, and avoid sitting near sick passengers.

Air pressure and ears

Ordinary cabin pressurization can cause intense pain in infants' ears. This can be helped, somewhat, by having the baby suck or drink during ascent and descent, says Dr. Berger. Offer your baby your breast, a bottle, or pacifier during take off and landing to help.

Breathing problems

Since airplanes have lower air pressure, some babies may have trouble breathing—especially if they were born premature or have heart, lung, or respiratory issues. If your baby fits the bill, talk to your doctor for more information about when it's safe for them to fly.

Fussy behavior

The unfamiliar setting of an airplane with its smells, sounds, and lights, as well as painful ear pressure, may lead to screaming, crying, and general fussiness . Make sure you're prepared to handle the worst.

Changing diapers

Most commercial airplanes have changing tables in at least one of their restrooms. However, not all do, such as smaller planes for shorter flights. Either way, you can't always get up to change your baby's diaper when needed, particularly during takeoff, landing, and times of turbulence.

And as new parents know, you can't always predict when you'll need to change a baby's diaper. So, be sure to change them right before boarding. And bring extra diapers and changes of clothes—you just might need them.

Where Should My Baby Sit?

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) , it's ideal to opt for window seats for babies. Aisle and middle seats put them at greater risk of items falling on them from the baggage compartments above, getting knocked into by people or carts rolling through the aisle, or hot drinks spilling on them (that are passed over them to people sitting closer to the window).

Sometimes, people purchase a separate seat for their baby or end up with an extra seat they can use, but often parents have their baby in their arms, sitting on their lap, or in a baby carrier (nevertheless, airlines do require your child be added to your ticket even if they will be in your lap for the entire flight). This option makes sense because it can save you money—and provides comfort to your baby during the flight. Also, holding them provides easy access for breastfeeding (yes, you can breastfeed on a plane ) or bottle-feeding.

However, there are some safety concerns about holding a baby on your lap while you fly. While the expense is a big consideration, if possible, it's recommended for your baby to sit in their own seat in a car seat approved for air travel.

Do they need their own seat?

Airlines allow babies and young children to ride on a parent's lap for no fee, but that's not the safest place for them if the plane hits turbulence, has to make an emergency landing, or if you're trying to sleep. The FAA strongly recommends that parents secure children in an appropriate restraint, if possible. Most car seats fit the bill (though not all are approved for use during air travel).

Before you fly, check your car seat for a label that identifies it as certified for use in planes. If there is no label, look at the seat's instructions or contact the manufacturer. A car seat should fit into most airplane seats if the car seat is no wider than 16 inches. If you have questions about whether your car seat will fit, call the airline and ask or check their website.

The risks of holding a baby on your lap in-flight

While in-flight deaths in healthy children are exceedingly rare, a 2014 study found a pattern among children who died during air travel during the study period. The study tracked recorded incidents of thousands of medical emergencies on airlines from 2010 to 2013. During that period, there were 10 pediatric deaths. Several were healthy children under the age of 2 who were sitting in an adult's lap during a commercial airline flight.

While this study is the first of its kind, research suggests that lap infants were at a greater risk of dying than those in their own seat, possibly due to in-flight environmental factors, such as sharing a seat with an adult and potentially dangerous co-sleeping arrangements, says Alexandre Rotta, M.D. , lead researcher on the study, a pediatrician, and professor of pediatrics at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina.

More research is needed to explain these deaths but it is possible that lower oxygen levels on planes could harm infants' immature respiratory systems. "What was unexpected was the number of healthy lap infants who ended up dead. It's a rare event but this is clearly a pattern," says Dr. Rotta. The study authors also noted that there could be another factor that is causing these deaths that has yet to be identified.

The Bottom Line

Once your baby is cleared for air travel by their pediatrician, it is relatively safe to fly with them. Often, flights with little ones go better than expected. That said, many a baby put their parents through the wringer while they fly. But even if your baby cries, spits up, or badly needs a diaper change or a bath, know that many people on board are sending you positive vibes. Just about every other parent has been there. So, you got this—and soon enough, you'll get where you're going and be back on land.

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10 Tips for Flying With a Baby

Airline travel with baby is no joke, but totally do-able. Learn my tips for traveling with your baby to make the trip enjoyable and fuss free for everyone.

• Written by Genevieve Howland
• Updated on October 11, 2022

My husband and I are avid travelers, and having a baby doesn’t have to stop us from continuing this great love of ours.

While traveling with little ones takes a little more planning and patience, it can be done.

Here are the top tips for travel with baby that I’ve learned along the way.

Video: 10 Tips for Flying with Baby

Book Flights Outside of the “Witching Hour”

With young babies, the later in the day, the more fussy they become. I learned the hard way not to book a flight in the 3 to 7 p.m. window. Travel with baby is best done in the morning because babies are better rested, happier and therefore more adaptable.

Get free updates on baby’s first year! – Free Updates on First Year [In-article]

Reserve a Window Seat

A window seat is wonderful for travel with baby. It gives you privacy for nursing or feeding and contains a “wall” (the window) to lean against which helps with a squirmy baby. You are also in charge of the amount of light coming in through window shade, which helps when trying to get a baby to nap. An added bonus, some babies also like to look out windows… a nice diversion!

Go to the Gate Early and See if You Can be Seated Next to an Empty Seat

If the plane isn’t full, most airline attendants will let you move to a seat next to an empty seat. This is a HUGE score for travel with baby. We brought Griffin’s car seat onboard and strapped him in the empty seat between Mike and me. He fell asleep easily because he’s in his own space and familiar with being in there for naps.

Bring a Travel Companion

If possible, be sure a husband, companion, friend or family member comes with you. This will allow you to take bathroom breaks and help you lug around all of the baby gear. In fact, I would seriously consider not traveling if you have to go alone.

Be Prepared to Nurse, Nurse, Nurse

Wear an easy access top and bra so baby can nurse liberally throughout flight, especially during take off. I also brought along a pacifier, which Griffin only gets on special occasions, as another tool to help soothe him during the flight.

Just a few of his/her favorites that pack well and aren’t horribly loud. Again, this brings some of the familiar to the foreign environment. They are also a great way to entertain baby during long flights.

Pack for Plane

Travel with baby requires creativity. Bring along a little bag filled with a few toys, pacifier (if you use one), extra diapers, wipes, changing and burp cloths, a change of clothes and an extra sweatshirt and blanket. Babies like to touch everything and put things in their mouths so the wipes are critical to keep the germs at bay. While I’m not a germaphobe, planes are filled with new exposures to the baby that could prove harmful. Extra clothes and diapers are obviously important in case there is a diaper blowout. Fun times.

Bring a Baby Carrier

If you can, wait until baby is 6 months.

Travel with baby is easier at different ages. We went to California when Griffin was 4 months and I found that was a tough age. He was “awake” enough to be restless and bored but he was also young enough to be a hot mess if he missed a nap. By 6 months, babies sleep cycles are more ingrained and they are more resilient. If they miss a nap, they can roll with it better, making for a better traveling experience all around. I even think 0-4 weeks would be better than 2-4 months since babies are still in that newborn “haze” and can sleep pretty much anywhere.

Be Gentle With Yourself and Baby

Travel with baby in tow is tough. Despite your best efforts, sometimes babies just need to cry on a plane. Griffin went “code red” for twenty minutes on his first flight and all I could do was rock him and patiently wait for him to pass out in exhaustion. I was getting the evil eye for all those around me. I felt like a terrible mother. It was hard. But it’s gonna happen. They are babies and airplanes are very stimulating, and at times, uncomfortable places. Roll with it and try to even find the humor in the situation. It will be over before you know it. BTW, on the return flight, Griffin didn’t make a peep and everyone was commenting on what an angel baby I had. LOL!

What About You?

When did you begin to travel with baby? Share any tips you learned along the way!

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• See 52 Comments

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About the author.

Genevieve Howland is a childbirth educator and breastfeeding advocate. She is the bestselling author of The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth and creator of the Mama Natural Birth Course . A mother of three, graduate of the University of Colorado, and YouTuber with over 130,000,000 views, she helps mothers and moms-to-be lead healthier and more natural lives.

52 Comments

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Ryan Castillo Oct 16 at 11:30 pm

Hi, those tips are awesome and really helpful! By the way, considering transportation laws, lugging car seats can be a nightmare! Did you know that Kidmoto can solve that problem for you? Ditch the car seats when flying with a baby! A life-saver, I promise! 🙂 You can learn more at kidmoto.taxi

Ryan Castillo Oct 14 at 6:12 pm

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Mariana Thielen Feb 2 at 6:41 pm

Not everyone is lucky enough to have someone to travel with. I´m a single mom that just traveled internationally with my 4mo old by myself (8h flight, a layover and another small flight). It is ridiculous and rude for you to make a point of `seriously consider not`. My little one was actually perfect and I had no problems. I took a 11pm flight since overnight and he slept pretty much the entire flight, only woke up when I had to get up from the seat to leave the plane. He was happy otherwise with a very light fussy time on second flight but I got up with him and he calmed down immediately. I took an ergobaby and also a carry-on size stroller to be able to have breaks from just being on me. Definitely extra clothes and diapers (i had an explosion at the airport – thankfully not in the plane). Lots of pacifiers since they may fall on the ground etc.

Marlie Mar 15 at 8:42 pm

Ohhh please. Don’t get all offended. Its not “ridiculously rude” for her to suggest not traveling alone. Shes stating facts. Glad your baby did well on your flight for you but a majority of people would likely agree that its easier to travel with help. She’s not trying to attack single mothers ?. She specifically said family or friends…no reason to get upset about it.

Sheldon Quinto Nov 6 at 7:46 pm

I agree with you

laura Mar 19 at 2:25 pm

There’s nothing wrong with this post but the timing! I would not take my baby to an airport right now. Social distancing?

Ashley Albanese Jun 24 at 9:12 am

This was posted in 2019 – before the pandemic.

Amy Boyd Sep 26 at 3:26 pm

I agree that avoiding the witching hour is critical! My LO is 22 weeks now and has gone transatlantic twice. The first trip at a little over 2 months was a breeze because she slept the whole time. Then we did a short evening flight at 4 months and it was excruciating! The 4 month sleep regression is real. For 3 out of 4 of her transatlantic legs I’ve been by myself. I concur with all of Genevieve’s rec’s with the exception of the window seat, at least while traveling alone. At least with an aisle, I can hang her feet out a little while nursing and that helps a ton in those cramped airline seats. I’ll add another tip for traveling alone, look for grandmotherly types hanging by the bathroom and endear your LO to them. They make great temporary baby-sitters when the need arises. More power to the mamas traveling alone! You got this!

Kayla Sep 25 at 11:07 am

Make sure to take more than enough diapers in carryon luggage just in case you get delayed. Our flight kept getting pushed further and further back, ended up being delayed about 8 hours. Thank GOODNESS the Dallas airport has a couple nursing rooms with a small stash of random left behind diapers because we ran out and there’s no where to buy more diapers in most airports! Second tip… if you have a long layover investigate if the airport has nursing facilities and/or rental suites. For that same trip we ended up renting a Minute Suite in DFW for a couple hours and it was SO worth the money!!!

Claudia Feb 18 at 2:14 am

I would never travel alone with a baby. 1) Bathroom breaks are so important to me:D I usually need on the flight and before, not to mention I also have IBS and traveling makes it worse.

2)All the planning and getting on time and worrying about surprises on the flight makes me very stressed and hence not good for me or baby. 3)Most low-cost airlines in Europe have such a crowded and uncomfortable seats leave alone nursing in them… Sorry to me this fly with a baby sounds awful

MO Dec 1 at 9:25 am

I will be traveling with my 8 month old this holiday season. We flew once when he was 3.5 and he did great on the lap. He fed during take off and landing and it was a quick flight (1.5 hours). This next flight is two 3 hour flights. I nurse on take off and landing to help with the ears popping. If he is in his car seat in his own seat what do you do to help them pop their ears?

Amy Boyd Sep 26 at 3:31 pm

I wonder if you could do a bottle of breast milk, or a breast milk popsicle. I just got a one ounce mold and my 22 week old loves it! It may distract just enough and provide the swallowing needed to pop the ears.

Mary Streeter Sep 13 at 1:46 am

From few days I am searching on the Internet for the best useful tips to travel. After reading many blogs I’ve found your tips more useful than the other. Or the tips may be suitable with my kind. So thank you for these unique suggessions.

Amanda Carrier Sep 12 at 1:31 am

While you are in a flight with your baby always be careful about his food. Maintain the time of feeding him. Don’t forget to check his diaper if it is dirty enough to have a new one. Because dirty diapers can make him sick. And it will be wise if you take a car seat in the flight. It is very very important for your baby’s safety and comfort.

Taylor Bishop Jul 24 at 8:06 am

These are some good tips for traveling with a baby. I appreciate that you mentioned to try and reserve a window seat, especially since it could be a good diversion if they look out the windows. Not only that, but it may be that they will feel more comfortable near a wall with you sitting next to them. There seems to be something calming about being near a solid surface.

shelley Dec 11 at 11:48 pm

Are you absolutely kidding me? I read this article for advice, I am a single parent from England and I live in Hong Kong. Simply telling someone they are not recommended to fly alone when they actually have no choice is awful. Life would be pretty boring if you decided to not take risks don’t you think? Any DECENT advice for someone who has no other option? Or are you just catering for those who have partners?

Tereza Jul 17 at 9:06 am

Hi, I am not single Mum but I do fly very often on my own with my 5 months old and 5 year old boys, as my Husband is busy at the farm and usually comes to join us in different times, but we always fly separately and I have to say that way it is more easier then with him :o) I prefer doing these sort of things on my own as I am more brave. So for me it is definitely pram, sling, dummy, breast, food, toys, nappies, wipes, cloth, blanket,….but I also take with me homeopathic for calming and organic honey in a small jar as it helps my baby to calm him dow if needed. I have been using organic honey for my older boy when he was a baby and it was a life saver for me. I always buy magazine for my older boy and little snacks and lots of water and for me…..well I just need energy pills, lip balm and lots of optimistic thinking :o)

Mariana Feb 2 at 6:42 pm

Totally agree

Elaine Nov 10 at 6:40 pm

Also, checking the car seat at the gate is not recommended either. Baggage handlers are not gentle and seats can easily get damaged or lost. The last thing you need to worry about when you get to your destination is not having a usable seat to drive anywhere.

Elaine Nov 10 at 6:38 pm

This is missing the most important tip of all: lap babies are not safe on airplanes. They can be ripped from your arms during severe and unexpected turbulence, rough landings, and runway emergencies. The safest thing (and what the FAA strongly recommends) is to buy your baby and ticket and have them safely buckled into a car seat, especially during take-off and landing and other times during the flight when the seatbelt sign is on. Taking baby out to feed or change is fine but they should be in their seat for the majority of the flight. A baby’s life is not worth saving money from not buying a ticket.

Crystal Jun 17 at 8:56 am

Hi, I’ll be traveling with a then nearly 4 month old by myself in August. Total travel time both ways a little over 4 hours. I did not buy her a ticket. I requested window seats. My plan had been to check the convertible (not infant bucket) car seat at the ticket counter and travel with my daughter in a ring sling and our carry-on as a backpack. I use this combo often when going around town with her and it works great. As of now, we don’t own a stroller (we are trying to wait until she can sit up on her own so we can skip straight to the umbrella-style). Question: can I bring the car seat (again- a convertible car seat, larger than an infant bucket-style seat) as my “carry-on”? Even if I can, and I get one of those bags to be able to roll it around the airport, it seems like a hassle. But, baby will be safer in the seat, if I even get to use it. . . advice?

Kayla Sep 25 at 11:13 am

I would suggest checking the car seat so you don’t have to tote it around the airport. Check with your airline but I think most let you travel with one car seat and one stroller free regardless if you check or carryon. The only reason I would carryon a convertible car seat (instead of checked) would be if you want her to sit in it on the plane but you have to buy her a separate ticket for that.

Rebecca Jul 7 at 2:47 pm

I recently traveled with my 2.5 month old from BC to Ontario to visit with family who had not yet met my son, with 1 stop over in Edmonton. I traveled without a companion (unfortunately hubby had to stay behind to work) and because of the length of stay at our destination (3 months) I also had in tow, my dog (which was stowed) my cat (as my carry on) baby, diaper bag, stroller, carseat, baby carrier and a bag of luggage for each of us (which was also checked). Everyone thought I was crazy,and/or curageous for taking on such a feat. But I did. And with no obsticles if you can believe it. We had an aisle seat since I was travelling alone (which made bathroom trips easier) I brought my ergo baby carrier so I could be “hands free” since my cat was tucked under the seat and my diaper bag had to be stored overhead. only had one minimal blowout… and changing in an airplane bathroom is pretty interesting, but can be done. I was surprised at how many helping hands there were to lend a hand if needed. Although there were a few rude looks when some folks saw that I was alone, and figured they were in for a miserable flight… which wasn’t the case at all. Now, my son is almost 5 months and we are due to fly back to BC in 3 weeks… I am certainly going to take your advice on travelling earlier in the morning, window seat, and bringing toys, now that hes old enough to want them. I am a little worried though as I think hes starting to teeth and how that might affect our trip? (Any advice or insight would be appreciated ) :/ fingers are crossed that we can have as smooth a trip home as we did when we left!

Megan Dec 29 at 12:53 pm

I don’t think it’s crazy to go alone at all but being away from your new baby for three months is.

Nancy Dec 10 at 1:26 pm

I’ve been following you for a while so I remember the last time you posted tips on traveling with an infant. I remember you got a lot of hateful, negative comments for NOT using a car seat with Griffin and not suggesting the use of one so now you sound disingenuous to me especially because you have posted pictures of your happy baby NOT sitting in one. I personally see no problem in traveling without a car seat and not sure why you would go back on your original suggestion and inadvertently suggest parents purchase an extra ticket just to accommodate a car seat when they don’t have to for a child under 2. To each his own but please be true to yourself and state what you have actually done with your children without fearing backlash from wack jobs who choose to stay home if they can’t afford a plane ticket for their infant.

Genevieve Dec 11 at 12:44 pm

I too remember the heated discussion last time. People pointed out that new guidelines had come out after we’d posted this article that recommended that babies be in their car seats on planes. We were going to delete or retool this article after that, but we never got around to it.

Our strategy, even with the original article above, was to try to score a free empty seat for baby so you can bring their car seat on board for them to sleep in, as opposed to checking the car seat and stroller at the gate. We did have success with this tactic years ago, and it’s still what we try to swing now with baby #2.

Destiny Feb 16 at 3:16 pm

Heyy! ? How do you avoid them checking the car seat & the stroller at the gate?

Judith Dec 9 at 4:34 pm

small bottle of lavender essential oil helps babies sleep by placing a drop or two on a cotton handkerchief and placing on your shoulder so baby breathes this in when baby gets fractious!

Huzaifa Feb 28 at 11:29 am

Hi dear I am stressed about flying with my 5 months old.help meeee

Chrys Jul 13 at 12:24 am

Thanks for the very helpful/practical tips for travelling – I will be flying with my 3 month old for the first time in the next few weeks. I’m feeling pretty anxious about the whole thing.

Jill Mar 23 at 10:03 pm

I just found your blog. I read this travel article. I will be traveling by myself with our little one (who will be 7 months old then) from Asia to the east coast in July and I’m trying to prepare myself! Since we live abroad, air travel will become second nature for us! Your video is super helpful and even though I can’t travel with a companion, your other tips are awesome. I look forward to reading more on your blog. Have a great day!

Brittany Sep 5 at 7:19 am

I’ll be traveling in 2 days with my 6 month old son and my husband, I must say I’m very nervous because the last time I traveled I was in early pregnancy. I’m not sure how my son will react to a plan as he’s scared by sudden noises (turbulence and landing is a concern). He isn’t usually fussy unless he has noticed a loud noise, at which point he starts screaming. We recently bought him his first real toy it’s a decent size cotton ball that plays a little tune and if he shakes it, it makes noise so we’re going to bring that along with his favorite blanket. What other tips do you have for traveling with things to avoid the screaming from sudden noises? Also, do you recommend ear plugs for his ears?

Staci May 3 at 10:23 pm

Just wanted to share this because it’s SO incredibly helpful! I’ve come across a really great product made by an awesome lady that would be an amazing help to parents traveling. It lessens the need for on hand baggage, especially when hands are full with baby and baby gear! It also keeps important documents safe and secure while moving about. It’s called a Passport Pocket! I hope you’re ok with me sharing! I just think it’s such a great tool for any traveler! Here is the link if anyone wants to check it out. http://passportpocket.com/

Joyce Perez Nov 13 at 11:04 pm

Thanks for this post! It gave me a little peace of mind. I am traveling from Minneapolis to Brazil (a total of 17 hours with the connections) with my 5 month-old son for the first time. I am freaking out because he is not a good sleeper and I am going to be by myself. I didn’t want to bring the card seat in the plane because I was afraid that they would destroy the car seat and stroller when checking in at the gate but it seems like it would be a good idea right? Thanks again for the tips!! Joyce

Genevieve Nov 14 at 10:57 am

Definitely bring the car seat. That way, if there’s an empty seat on the plane, you can sit next to it, strap the car seat into the empty seat, and let the little guy snooze all the way there (well, a mom can dream, right? 🙂 ).

Sam McEwan Jul 13 at 9:30 pm

Hi Great Tips.. We are planning to travel next year. Our son will be 1.5 yrs by then so looking for all the advice I can get. We will be on a long haul flight as well as car travel for 3 weeks. With regards to the Ergo carrier what age can this be used? Having diffculty deciding what to take.. Car seat or not or purchase once we reach our destination. What do you use for stroller etc? Do you check your’s in? So many questions.. Will keep searching for other traveling parents out there.

Kristanbul May 28 at 5:34 pm

I just got back today to Istanbul from a trip to Germany w. my 5.5 month old baby and husband. Flights went well, though little one was really overtired tonight (no surprise).

I made sure to check in online in advance for a window seat, and booked my husband in the aisle seat. Fortunately the airline was able to keep the middle seat open, and we could carry on the car seat (had to fight for this a little bit, and they did check the stroller part at the gate). They gave me a infant extension to my seatbelt, which attached to mine for take off and landing (when I had to hold her in my lap) but then she was able to hang out/sleep in the car seat which was strapped to the seat between me and hubby for the majority of the flight.

Upon getting seated, I used a few wipes to clean all of the surfaces that baby might touch, or that I’d touch and then touch baby. I’m sure that the effect was minimally helpful, but it made me feel just a bit better! 🙂 An extra hand sanitizer probably would have worked better.

Her biggest fussy spell was quelled when I figured out that she had a poopy diaper, which I changed at the seat (I have a rubberized pad to lay down under her for a quick change), and then put the dirty bits in the barf bag that the airline gives you. It was pretty discrete, and hopefully not upsetting to other passengers (no one even seemed to notice). And yes, breastfeeding was really key!

But the best thing to bring on the flight was my husband – he was a great help (both as valet and as baby-entertainer). Hope you’re able to have a great experience and great memories!

Irene May 25 at 10:50 am

My husband and I will be traveling with our 19 month old in 2 weeks so it was nice to read this over and watch the video as sort of a reminder of what to bring and what to do while on the plane. I traveled with him when he was 6 months old by myself and it was incredibly exhausting and difficult. One tip that I would recommend to people traveling with a baby/toddler is to bring a tiny little pocket book that fits in the seat back pocket which holds one diaper, a few wipes, a pacifier (which doesn’t work for my son because he would never take one), a small toy, and a burp cloth. I also kept a travel hand sanitizer in it’s own little baggie with the pocket book (which is small enough to fit inside the diaper bag so it didn’t count as a personal item). It was my own little baby emergency kit for when I just couldn’t reach down to grab my diaper bag from under the seat.

I am so relieved to be traveling with my husband this time!

Cassandra Jones May 11 at 8:34 am

I started traveling with my daughter when she was two weeks old, and we fly one-two times per week. If you are able you should get the baby a seat, I have only had my daughter on my lap once and it was a little uncomfortable. Most airlines will offer a discounted seat for infants and it is much safer and easier if you travel with your infant in their own seat(make certain your carseat is approved for use on an airplane!) We travel all the time and I know I wouldn’t ever let my daughter sit on my lap in the car so I don’t want to risk her being on my lap on an airplane.

Genevieve May 11 at 1:23 pm

Thanks for your tips, Cassandra. It *does* seem a bit weird that airlines let – no, request – that you sit your child on your lap during take off and landing – whereas that’s a no-no in cars, etc.

Great point about the discounted infant seat. I’m going to look into that next time.

Genevieve Apr 13 at 1:44 pm

And my YouTube channel :

Thanks for sharing! :0) 
 shleylee

Our first plane ride will be when baby is about 2-3 weeks old. Its earlier then I want, but its an important family event. I plan to have my moby wrap and will nurse when needed. Plus my hubby will be there to help.
 hazeldream1984 


I’ll be taking my first plane trip with Cartier on April 19, he will be exactly 6 weeks old. I booked an early morning flight there, but a late night flight back. I hope that all goes well on our trip to see his grandparents for the first time. Thanks for the tips!
 benz2silent

@benz2silent Good luck! If he’s that young, he should sleep on night flight, no problem. Enjoy your time!
 MamaNaturalBlog

I know this question has nothing to do with this video, but how do you get Griffin to nap during the day? What is your routine for putting him down? My son is almost 5 months old, and up until recently we only had him napping in his swing, but we’ve packed that away and are now trying to get him to nap in his crib. It is proving difficult, I nurse him just before and usually he will fall asleep but once I put him down he wakes up and cries. I’ve been trying to let him cry it out.
 mylifeisapuzzle

@mylifeisapuzzle Oh, sister, getting Griffin to nap as been the bane of my existence… LOL! It takes tons of practice, patience & routine. I’ve found the key is not to let him get overtired. It’s so much easier this way! At 5 months, Griffin wasn’t awake for more than 2 hours at a stretch. He took 3 naps a day & bedtime was 6:30pm. If your son cries in crib, I would stay in room w/ him & soothe him with “shh” noises but keep him in the crib. He’ll get the hang of it! Email me if u have more ?s
 MamaNaturalBlog

How do you go with taking bulky baby gear on a plane? For example you mentioned the carseat or something I think? And in terms of stroller and travel bed… we plan on travelling when our baby is about 3 months old and I’m really wondering whether my husband shouldn’t just take a couple of extra days off work so we can drive. I don’t know which would be more hassle – a full day in the car each way or travelling with a baby on a plane! 
 nikkiandvince

@nikkiandvince Hi, we used Griffin’s stroller that is essentially a frame with wheels for his carseat. We rolled it right up to the gate and they checked everything there. Most hotels will have cribs available but we recently stayed in a cabin so brought along a pack and play. We checked it with our big luggage so didn’t have to carry around very much.Yes, we thought about driving instead of flying but thought the flight would be less painful. It was shorter and Griff could move around more.
 MamaNaturalBlog

@MamaNaturalBlog Thanks for your answer! We have a travel system like yours so that might work… I guess I’ll have to just check with the airline about what they will carry for free or at what cost. It’s a family event so we probably won’t be in a hotel to take advantage of having a crib provided.
 nikkiandvince

wonderful video. we love to travel too and some of those things i wouldve never thought of. especially the witching hour, which usually is novas fussy time. thank you guys! 
 fcossell

great tips! hubby and I plan to be travling parents as well! I think its silly when people give up their love and desire to travel because they have kids or babies. :)
 DanielleBabyBliss

Genevieve Apr 13 at 1:41 pm

Sharing some comments from my Facebook page:

Natalie Martinez Rush Great video and just in time! We are traveling for the first time next month. My girl will be almost 6 months at the time. Thankfully we got direct flights. Thanks for the tips!

Felicia Russell I am traveling solo with my 22 month old daughter today from CO to OR. We started flying when she was 4 months old, Althea was breastfeeding then and it was the best “trick” to get through the flight. (I wish she was still nursing now.) Now that she is older we make sure we have lots of books, toys and crayons to keep her busy. I also let her have a special drink when the airline attendants offer, this makes her feel very special since all us adults are doing it. Some parents I know use a DVD player during the flight, I have found that it just another electronic hassle or maybe my kiddo is just not into it. I have also wrapped up lil’ gifts that she has never seen before, she really get into the unwrapping and checking out her new toy. My last tip is to use the airport play area if they have one or create your own. I let Althea run herself ragged in the airport so that when we get on the plane she is ready to sit and have quiet time. The most important thing for me has been to just relax and go with it. The more you let yourself off the hook the easier it will be to ensure that your kiddo is having a great flight. And be nice to the flight attendants! They can make or break your flight. Happy traveling to you all 🙂

Isabella Bashir I started travelling with Greg when he was four months old. Travel doesn’t get difficult until they become busier. I make a book out of photos with pictures of his friends, shapes, colors, etc and give it to him when the trip starts. The book keeps him engaged during the trip. I also take a couple of new toys, coloring books, puzzles, etc with me. I let him explore in the airport and run around so that he is ready to relax once he gets on the plane. Greg loves to talk so everyone he goes up to gets to hear about his trip.

Roderick Almaraz Did you say feed the baby at takeoff and landing? I thought they have to be strapped in? Is this another April Fools joke cuz I fell for the first one…

Isabella Bashir Trains – we had a 13 hour train trip last November. It was an overnight trip. The wonderful thing about Amtrek is having electrical outlets at your seat. We had dinner in the dining car, a movie at our seat, and he went to bed. Woke up and had breakfast then we were there. The more you travel with your kids the easier it will become. The trick is to keep them engaged with little activities.

Kylene Hing I use to fly and drive a lot with my baby. I forget how old she was when we started but I know she was an infant. Since she was a “lap baby” until 2, I would nurse her during take off and even at 5 years old, she passes out during take off though I don’t breastfeed anymore. When she was a baby, she would sleep most of the flight or drive. Now that she’s older, I bring my laptop and several movies (sometimes new movies to keep her entertained). She also brings a few of her favorite things to do, crayons, coloring book, tag reader, etc. Also, I bring little snacks but avoid stuff with sugar. I don’t want anything that can cause her to get hyper or antsy. A couple years ago we had a 19 hour flight to South Africa. Thankfully they had built in tv’s in the back of each chair with headphones. You can choose to watch movies, tv shows, play games, listen to music or check out the map of where we are. So she watched a lot of movies, snacked and slept for the most part. She’s a really good traveler and I think its because we have traveled so much with her from the start.

Zara Stevens Great video as usual! As a mum-to-be I was wondering if you could share your experiences with breast feeding. I know that it can be incredibly painful & difficult in the first few weeks & that women use all kinds of home remedies to heal sore nipples. Any advice is much appreciated!

Mama Natural ‎ @Zara – here are all my breastfeeding vids, including my top 10 tips: https://www.mamanatural.com/category/breastfeeding/

@Roderick – Nope, they don’t require that babies are strapped in. Weird, eh? They even had me take Griffin out of the baby carrier (strapped to me) and just hold him during takeoff & landing.

@Kylene – 19 hour flight to South Africa!? Bold. I love it. Good for you!

@Isabella – Great tips!

@Isabella – Love the idea about creating a special book for trips.

@Felecia – Brilliant idea about wrapping special gifts for the journey!

Courtney Harris Legenhausen Thanks for the tips! I will be traveling with my son later this summer when he will be 8 months. Very helpful:)

Zara Stevens Thanks so much for the link – the video/blogs have made me feel so much better & helped me to realise that breast feeding is like learning to eat solids – it’s going to take time, practice, patience & be quite messy in the beginning!

Jessica Fashun we haven’t yet, and I wish we had around 5-6 months, just not in the cards. 🙂 Now I’m scared to death! 🙂

veronica sanchez Apr 12 at 3:08 pm

thanks for this info I will be traveling with my baby in a couple of weeks and he will be turning 7 months I also have a 2 year old and both are going on their very first airplane flight!!

Genevieve Apr 13 at 1:37 pm

Glad it was helpful, Veronica. Sounds like your babies are at a great age to go up up and away. Bon voyage and hope you’re going somewhere fun!

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Travelling with a newborn to eight-month-old

When is my baby old enough to travel?

What’s the best way to transport my baby on holiday, what do i need to pack for my baby when we’re going away, how can i keep my baby happy when travelling, car accessories to help when travelling, how can i feed my baby when travelling, how can i keep my baby safe when travelling in the car, how can i keep my baby happy when travelling by plane.

• If you are booking a holiday and your baby usually sleeps in a cot, do ask for one when you make your reservation. Discovering there is no cot when you arrive at your destination with a tired baby is not a good start to a holiday.
• If you take along your own travel cot, pack one of their bed sheets, too. The familiar smell of your laundry may help settle your baby when you’re away.
• If you are buying a carrycot for your travel system, consider choosing one that is suitable for overnight sleeping. Not all of them are. It will be easier than taking a travel cot when your baby is small. At home, you can use the carrycot instead of a Moses basket.
• If your baby wakes when the sun rises, pack a travel blackout blind or blackout curtains. Not all rooms have thick curtains or shutters.
• If you’re travelling somewhere hot, a baby sun pod will keep your baby shielded from the wind and the sun . Make sure your pushchair has a sun canopy or umbrella, too.
• You may also want to take a plug-in baby monitor or night-light with you, which is useful for settling your baby back to sleep in an unfamiliar room. You may need a plug adapter, too.
• Take along a couple of their favourite toys and books . Stacker cups are brilliant as they can double up as bath toys.
• If your baby likes a bath as part of their evening routine, a universal bath plug is very useful. It will turn a shower into a bath. Or you can put socks over the taps and bathe them in the basin.
• And of course, take along your camera to capture all the fun.
• nappy rash cream
• changing mat
• sunhat and sunscreen
• first-aid kit
• breast pump
• travel steriliser kit
• formula milk
• anything shiny
• baby-proof mirrors
• musical toys
• soft animals
• plastic keys
• teething rings
• Older babies might also enjoy listening to songs or even an audio book in the car.

• Get some removable window shades for your car to shield your baby’s skin and eyes from the sun.
• Make sure your baby’s car seat is properly installed and that the seat belts, if used, are correctly threaded. Your baby should travel in a rear-facing car seat installed on the back seat of your car. Never place your baby’s car seat on the front seat of a car with an activated passenger air bag .
• Never smoke when your baby is in the car. It's illegal to smoke in a car when a child (defined as anyone under 18) is present. The law doesn’t cover e-cigarettes (vaping), however it is not recommended – so don’t vape or let anyone else vape when your child is in the car.

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Resources for parents to get through the challenges.

How Soon Can a Newborn Travel Long Distance by Car?

A recent study that revealed babies have a lower oxygen rate combined with an increased heart rate when in a car for more than half an hour has raised quite a few eyebrows, and plenty of questions.

It’s left most parents wondering if their child can die during long road trips, and when can they travel with their new baby. In short, is it safe to travel with your newborn baby?

The study conducted can be concerning, but there is not enough evidence to support that babies are in danger when in their car seats for long periods of time. 

In this article

How Big Is The Risk?

Head support, the car seat, the risk is small, additional head support, take frequent breaks, make sure someone can see them, mark rest spots on the gps, stop even at night, bring extra supplies (just in case), newborns in car seats: is it safe.

While the previous study mentioned was not large enough to produce conclusive evidence that newborns in car seats can experience a complete lack of oxygen when left in a car seat for an extended period of time, it is a bit concerning.

The main concern that this study brings to light is that newborns have a decreased level of oxygen. This is believed to be due to the angle that their neck is at.

Also because they do not have the muscles in their neck to properly support their head, leading to a decrease in oxygen because of the obstruction. If your little one falls asleep in their car seat, there is a greater chance of suffocation. 

While there is obviously a risk, it often comes down to how big the risk is. This depends on the car seat, the age of the newborn, how strong their neck muscles are, and several other factors. 

When babies are born, they have very little if any control over their head movement. They also are not able to support their own head. This drastically increases the risk of newborn babies in car seats suffocating.

As children get older and develop more muscles in their neck, this risk begins to significantly decline.

While the risk might be minimal for older babies in car seats, most pediatricians do not recommend taking children under one year old on extended car rides if it can be avoided. 

Babies that are able to support their own heads have a significantly lower risk of suffocation than newborns in car seats that cannot. However, this doesn’t always coordinate perfectly with age.

For example, my grandson began to really be able to control his head around five or six months because he was a preemie and was a bit on the smaller side.

My son, on the other hand, could turn his head and hold it up for brief periods when he was only a few days old. He could control his head movement sooner than most other babies could.

So, take a look at your own child to determine how much of a risk is there. 

If the car seat is positioned in an upright position, your newborn is at an increased danger of positional asphyxiation. However, revolutionary car seats are being designed that can lay flat like a cot instead of sitting upright.

This one is one of the more popular versions. They can be a bit pricey, but if you’re one to take plenty of road trips and want to take your newborn along, it can be well worth the additional cost. 

• The Infant Seat That Can Be Used as a Car Bed & Carrier!
• 3 Point Harness with Push Button Buckle.
• Installs Side Facing with LATCH Belt.
• Designed for use by children 5-20 lbs whose height is 19-26 inches.
• 28.75 x 15.5 x 8.25.

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

When you opt for a lie-flat car seat for newborns, you instantly eliminate the risk of your little one suffocating due to their position. In this situation, you can take your little one on long-distance trips as soon as you’re ready to. 

For those that are stuck with a long-distance trip without a lie-flat car seat, the risk is small. According to this study, only 3% of infants died this way in ten years.

It’s still a large enough risk that I wouldn’t be comfortable taking my newborn in a car seat for long periods without taking precautions, though. 

Newborns In Car Seats: Always Take Precautions

Sometimes, it can be unrealistic to not travel with a newborn baby for long periods of time, and the lie-flat car seat hasn’t been delivered yet.

If that’s the case, it doesn’t mean that you’re stuck at home or will have to delay a move. Instead, you can take these precautions for the one-time trip. 

Although car seats do not come with additional head support, and most pediatricians do not recommend them, it would be wise to use them on long car trips.

These provide additional support for your little one’s neck, preventing their head from falling to the side. 

• UNIQUE CUT-OUT DESIGN: The Boppy Head and Neck Support has a unique, patented cut-out. Designed to relieve pressure while keeping your babys head safely cradled. The product is endorsed by a Pediatrician.
• SUPPORT THROUGH TODDLERHOOD: The removable neck ring provides support through toddlerhood. Recommended age 0+ months.
• REVERSIBLE DESIGN: Comes with comfortable cotton on one side and cooling mesh on the other.
• MULTI-FUNCTION: Works with a 3- and 5-point harness system and is simple to install in any stroller, bouncer, or swing. The head support should only be used in the recline position for infants.
• EASY CARE, MACHINE WASHABLE: The head support is machine washable for easy care because little messes happen.

Some pediatricians recommend not leaving a newborn in a sitting up position for longer than 30 minutes. Others state that two hours is acceptable when in a reclined car seat.

Opt for taking a break every hour or two to take your little one out of the car seat. If possible, lay them flat. 

This shouldn’t be a problem for those traveling with a newborn, though. Most newborns need to be fed every two hours and sometimes changed in between.

When you pull over to change your baby, take them out of their car seat and lay them flat on the seat in the car. To feed them, do not cradle them in your arm as you normally would.

Instead, lay them on the seat in the car or in your lap. Then, gently lift their head up to prevent choking. (Feeding a newborn baby in a lie-flat position can increase the risk of choking.) This will give them the break that they need from being scrunched up in a car seat. 

When traveling long distances with a newborn in a car seat, make sure that someone can see them. If more than one person is going on the road trip, make sure that an adult sits next to them.

If not, pick up a mirror and velcro or tape it in place so that you can glance back to see your newborn. 

This will give you both peace of mind and can alert you if there is a problem. Someone sitting next to the baby can notice if the baby stops breathing, or begins to turn purple.

A mirror in the perfect position can let you see if your little one’s head falls over as well. 

• Extra-large convex mirror for a wide-angle view of your baby
• Clear-Sight Mirror for superior reflection and a distortion-free image
• Soft-Touch Frame is lightweight and energy-absorbing
• Multiple attachment options fit most vehicles. Child can see driver and their own reflection
• Crash-tested, shatter-resistant mirror for added safety

Travelling Long Distance With A Newborn

If you’re ready to take the leap and drive across the country with your newborn baby, it’s important that you’re prepared. Driving with a newborn baby is not the same as driving with an older child.

This article is packed with information, from a pack list to diaper changing tips for the car and more. In addition to that list, there are several other things to keep in mind when it comes to traveling with a newborn baby. 

The further you get away from larger cities, the further rest stops seem to get from each other. You might see one every sixty miles instead of every twenty miles.

This can be stressful when you don’t see a rest stop but it’s time to stop for a two-hour break. Instead, strategically plan your road trip by marking rest stops along the way.

If you get there before two hours, that’s fine. You can stretch your legs while you give your little one a chance to lay flat on their back before feeding time. 

Most people will enjoy their baby sleeping through the night on a long road trip, but this isn’t safe for newborns. In fact, pediatricians recommend never letting a baby sleep through the night in their car seat due to the position that they are in.

This makes it essential to stop every hour or two so that your little one can have some time laying flat on their back. They’ll need that break after being scrunched up in a car seat. 

Even if your little one is not sick when you leave, that doesn’t mean that you won’t need a few things while on the road. It’s a good idea to put together a baby first aid kit full of the necessities just in case you need them.

Bring along baby Tylenol, diaper rash cream, fingernail clippers, a thermometer, and other things that might come in handy while you’re on the road. It’s always better to have them and not need them instead of needing them and not having them. 

Traveling with a newborn in an upright car seat for long trips is discouraged, but sometimes it is unavoidable. If you find yourself in this situation, pick up a lie-flat car seat before the big trip.

When that isn’t an option, take extra precautions to help keep your little one safe. 

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4-Week-Old Baby Milestones

On This Page

• 4-Week-Old Feeding Schedule
• 4-Week-Old Baby Development
• 4-Week-Old Health

Four weeks isn’t “just” 4 weeks—it’s just about the 1-month birthday! Yay! That’s a huge milestone for both your baby and you. Whether it’s your first time or 10th, you’ve earned a huge pat on the back.

As you and your baby continue to get acquainted, you’ll understand them better and better. From predicting when your baby will be hungry to recognizing cues that they are getting sleepy, you’re starting to figure things out.

This fussing for no obvious reason peaks between 4 and 8 weeks. The word “ colic ” means stomach pain. Maybe 10% of fussy babies fuss because of a milk allergy and 2 to 3% fuss because of acid reflux . But, for most babies, we can easily tell that the fussing is not caused by tummy pain because they tend to calm with the sound of a hair drier, bouncing on the edge of the bed, or even car rides…and, of course, with the 5 S’s .

Many babies have fussing peaks in the early evening, the so-called “witching hour.” A key culprit of the witching hour is overstimulation . Your baby may be a good sport all day…but may hit their limit by sundown. Help them wind down by dimming the lights, using white noise, turning down other noises (TVs, etc), and crank up the 5 S’s to lull your baby into a more peaceful state.  

4-Week-Old Baby Feeding Schedule

How much breastmilk should a 4-week-old baby eat.

A 4-week-old baby eats about 2 to 3 ounces of milk about every 2 to 3 hours. Breastfed babies nurse about eight to 12 times in a 24-hour period.

Your 4-Week-Old Baby’s Development

Senses coming into focus.

As your baby begins to have clear wake and sleep periods, you get to play together more!

• Hearing is one of your baby’s sharpest senses. At this point and they love the sound of you speaking and singing…especially when you use a higher, more animated voice.
• Your baby’s eyesight continues to develop. Now, it’s much easier for them to track your face—or a toy or black and white design—as you move it from side to side. Their best distance for seeing is 18 to 24 inches.
• Speaking of those eyes: Babies’ eye colors can change throughout the first year. If your baby’s eyes are dark brown now, they are likely to stay that way. If they are blue or grey, they may or may not darken. You’ll know better by 9 to 12 months! 

Your 4-Week-Old Baby’s Health

The rundown on colic.

There’s a reason colic is so dreaded by expectant parents: More than a few tears, colic is defined as inconsolable crying streaks for three or more hours a day. It’s heartbreaking! It’s miserable! It’s NOT going to last forever. You may just be in the very worst of it, so do what you can to help your baby and ask for back-up when you need to step away for a while. 

For centuries, the common belief about colic was that it's tied to intestinal discomfort. People point to clues like bloated bellies and clenched fists…but why is it that digestive “fixes” don’t solve colic? That’s because the real trouble here is that human babies are simply born too early. We can’t safely extend the gestation period, but we can help ease the transition to the outside world by practicing (and practicing, and practicing) the 5 S’s. 

Between 1 and 2 months, some babies develop oily little scales on the scalp, eyebrows, and face known as “ cradle cap ” or seborrhea. With your doctor’s blessing, you should be able to treat the scalp/eyebrow scales by massaging in oil, gently brushing, and shampooing the scalp or washing the eyebrows with a soapy cotton swab. (Once the scalp/eyebrows are better, the face rash often resolves on its own.) Read more about cradle cap here . 

4-Week-Old Baby Vaccinations

Sometime between one and two months, babies will receive the second dose of their Hepatitis B vaccine. Other than that, though, you’ll wait until your baby’s 2-month checkup before they receive their next round of vaccinations. 

Can you travel with a 4-week-old baby?

At 4 weeks, babies are still very, very vulnerable to illness, so limit travel to what’s necessary. If you can, travel by car instead of by plane or train, which will lessen your little one’s exposure to nasty germs . When you are out and about with your baby, be sure to wash and sanitize your hands often. Opt for outdoor meet-ups when you can, and keep your distance. And, it’s best to wait until your baby is at least 3 months old before passing them around. (If you must travel by air, see our tips for flying with your baby .)

< Your 3-Week-Old Baby   | Your 5-Week-Old Baby >  

About Dr. Harvey Karp

Dr. Harvey Karp, one of America’s most trusted pediatricians, is the founder of Happiest Baby and the inventor of the groundbreaking SNOO Smart Sleeper. After years of treating patients in Los Angeles, Dr. Karp vaulted to global prominence with the release of the bestselling Happiest Baby on the Block and Happiest Toddler on the Block . His celebrated books and videos have since become standard pediatric practice, translated into more than 20 languages and have helped millions of parents. Dr. Karp’s landmark methods, including the 5 S’s for soothing babies, guide parents to understand and nurture their children and relieve stressful issues, like new-parent exhaustion, infant crying, and toddler tantrums.

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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.

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