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Children on board – fly with baby and toddler, tui fly

Fly with baby & child

Have you always wanted to know what to consider when flying with children and babies? What are the special features of taking a stroller or cot with you?? In the following you will find out everything you need to know about this – be sure to look forward to our valuable travel tips for flying with children!

Overview of important information

Flying with baby and toddler under 2 years.

Every toddler (up to 2 years) must be accompanied by an adult and travel on their lap. A toddler is not entitled to their own seat. Each adult can only accompany one toddler. To avoid health risks, newborns up to the age of seven days cannot be transported.

Luggage for young children For small children under the age of 2, the airline TUI fly charges a small fee of EUR 15 on international short and medium-haul flights per flight route. Children under 2 years have on flights in the Pure tariff does not entitle you to free baggage allowance . in the Perfect fare get toddlers 20 kg free baggage allowance . If you need items for baby care during the flight, you are welcome to take them with you in your hand luggage. Strollers, baby carriers or buggies can be carried free of charge.

The toddlers’ tariffs of the other airlines that can be booked on the website www.tuifly.com are automatically displayed based on their age when making the booking request. For more information, please refer to the tariff provisions available in the booking process.

The basis for the calculation of the toddler tariff is the age of the child at the start of the trip, for return flights the age at the start of the return flight applies.

Flying with children from 2 to 11 years old

When booking a TUI fly flight, children pay the full fare from their second (2nd) birthday.

For children between the ages of 2 and 11, some airlines that bookable on the website www.tuifly.com offer a discount on the one-way flight price plus taxes and fees. The reduced flight price is automatically displayed based on the age given when making the booking request. For more information, please refer to the fare conditions available in the booking process.

Unaccompanied children

TUI fly airlines offer a special childcare service for unaccompanied children aged 5-11 years. If your child is under the age of 12, they must not travel alone. It is important that children under the age of 12 are accompanied by a person who is at least 16 years old. Children / adolescents from the age of 12 can travel without a companion with a written declaration of consent from their legal guardian.

In some countries, children / adolescents under the age of 18 must present an authorization form from their legal guardians. As of January 15, 2017, the legal guardians must leave unaccompanied children France to submit a permit. To fill out the form, please click here.

Does your child fly to / from Portugal ? Remember that the declaration of consent must be notarized on these flights. Children traveling alone are not permitted to take animals with them. The exact conditions of the airlines can be found in the following conditions of carriage.

Are you interested in our TUI fly support service? You can easily book the service for your child by phone in the service center. The childcare service on TUI fly flights costs EUR 30 (GBP 24 / USD 48) on international flights and EUR 35.70 on national routes per child and route in addition to the flight price.

Child seats on the plane

Child seats (child restraint systems) can be used on TUI fly aircraft (Boeing aircraft) for children up to and including 6 years – depending on the approval regulations for the child seat. To use a child restraint system, you have to book your own seat at the current Pure or Perfect rate. The use of a child restraint system must be registered in our service center up to two working days before departure. Written reconfirmation / transport authorization from TUI fly is mandatory for the transport and use of the child restraint system.

Suitable child seats are.

a) KRS, which are approved and labeled accordingly by the authority of an EU member state, the FAA or Transport Canada (based on a national technical standard) for exclusive use in aircraft.

b) KRS which are approved for use in motor vehicles in accordance with UN standard ECE R 44, -03 or a newer version, or

(c) KRS approved for use in motor vehicles and aircraft in accordance with Canadian CMVSS 213 / 213.1, or

d) KRS approved for use in automobiles and aircraft in accordance with US FMVSS No. 213 and manufactured on or after February 26, 1985 in accordance with that standard. U.S.-approved KRS that were manufactured after this date must have a sticker with the following red inscription: "THIS CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS" and "THIS RESTRAINT IS CERTIFIED FOR USE IN MOTOR VEHICLES AND AIRCRAFT".

stroller & Cots on the plane

TUI fly airlines allow free transportation of folding buggies and strollers that are transported in the luggage compartment. There is an option for passengers to take them to the aircraft entrance. Then they are brought to the luggage compartment. You will receive the returned stroller or buggy at the gate after getting off the aircraft. If this is not possible, the buggy or stroller will be handed over together with the other luggage in the luggage hall.

A small TUI fly tip: at many airports you will receive a replacement buggy after checking in. We also advise you – if you have booked a hotel at your destination – to proactively inquire about buggies, because hotels usually make them available for their guests to use.

It is permitted to carry a travel cot for babies as special luggage in the luggage compartment. The travel cot is considered part of the total baggage that can be carried per person. Possibly. there are additional baggage charges.

Travel tips for flying with children

Baby food for the flight For traveling parents, it is allowed to take food prepared for their babies and toddlers (baby glasses and baby water included) into the cabin. You can take as much food and liquid with you as is necessary to take care of the child for the duration of the flight. You are welcome to warm up the baby food during the flight on request.

As a parent, you know your child’s food taste best. We therefore give you the tip that you may inquire by telephone with the airline before departure about which and whether special children’s menus are offered.

Travel documents for children and babies All flight passengers – including babies and children – must present a valid identity card / passport when checking in and out, on which a photo is stored and the name corresponds to that in the booking documents.

Very important: The current passport regulation states that children and babies are no longer included in the parents’ passport and therefore require their own children’s passport. You will receive this when you apply at the responsible citizens’ office or registration office.

Flying with multiple babies As a passenger of TUI fly flights, each adult may only accompany one toddler / baby. Every toddler must therefore be accompanied by an adult and travel on their lap.

season Children want to move – preferably all day long. Therefore, use the time before departure, because children and babies have little opportunity to let off steam on board due to space constraints. Discover the airport with your child, go exploring and let your child’s curiosity run wild. This gives you the chance to relax on the plane and makes it even easier for your child to sit still.

A little advice from the TUI fly crew: books, drawing materials, toys or your favorite toys help to prevent boredom on the plane. It is also highly recommended to take pillows, a blanket or a favorite cuddly toy with you – this way your child will feel at home!

First-hand tips: Personal experiences of a mom Blogger Eva reports on her very personal experiences and gives you further useful tips for flying with a baby. Read Eva’s tips now.

Note: The above regulations only apply to transport with the airline TUI fly. For flights with other airlines, different rules may apply for flying with children and babies. Only the regulations and fees confirmed by the respective air carrier apply to these flights.

You can find more information in the conditions of carriage of the respective airline. These can be different. To the conditions of carriage

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• Dear Life Kit
• Life Skills

We asked, you answered: Parent-approved tips on traveling with kids under 2

Becky Harlan

Last month, Life Kit asked parents to share their go-to advice for traveling with babies and toddlers under age 2 as part of an episode we did on the subject. Over 200 folks responded with tips they wish they'd known before taking a big trip with a little one.

Reading through these responses, it became clear there's no magic hack that works for every kid. Some parents swore by sticking to their kid's sleep schedule on a trip, others said their vacation was smoother when they let the usual routine go. Some sang the praises of the overnight flight (so their child would sleep on the plane), others said their child has never slept more than 10 minutes on a plane no matter the timing.

I flew to Japan with my baby. Here's the travel advice that helped me survive the trip

A few pieces of advice held true throughout. A hungry kid is an unpleasant kid, and children are messy. So packing lots of snacks, extra diapers and a change of clothes ranked high on the list of must-dos. Almost 40 of over 200 responses suggested packing extra outfits in your carry-on for your kid and for you. (If your charge spits up, throws up, blows out or spills it will also get on you!)

So here's a non-exhaustive, impossible-to-be-comprehensive, but-hopefully-still-helpful round-up of your top advice for traveling with little kids. These responses have been edited for length and clarity.

What to pack

A stroller that can be stored in the overhead bin. It's a game changer to not have to check clunky strollers at the gate or check-in counters. —Amy P.

A change of clothes for yourself. If the baby spits up or has a blowout, there's a high likelihood that the mess will end up on you too, especially if you're holding them. Also, be sure to bring a bag to put messy clothes in. Reusable waterproof bags are great and they keep the smell in! —Jenna Yount

Extra diapers. You think you will be fine but if something comes up it's not a good situation to be in. —Jeanna Limtiaco

Overnight diapers. Fewer diaper changes in transit makes everyone happier. —Samantha Warren

Snacks. Remember, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration allows for any size baby food [and baby or toddler beverage], so pack those pouches! —Clara W.

Meds you and your kids might need in flight. That includes chewable Tylenol, Imodium, Dramamine, Zofran, ginger chews, Band-Aids and alcohol wipes. —Paige Ellis

A dark-colored bath towel. It's a blanket, it's for tidying up, it's a tablecloth, it's a sun cover, it shields bottoms from hot slides, it dries off swings. It's a multi-tasking powerhouse. —Judith Heise

Consider what may make sense to buy, rent or borrow upon arrival. You don't need to stuff everything into your suitcase. Buy some of your diapers and snacks at your destination. See if you can borrow or rent large, bulky items like car seats or travel cribs from Facebook Marketplace or your hotel or Airbnb. —Jocelyn Newman

How to get through the flight

Get to your gate an hour before boarding. It gives you time to feed your child, change their diapers, have a cup of coffee and fill your water bottle. It can also help your kid let out their energy before they have to sit on the plane. —Shelly C.

Check the airport for family friendly spaces. Use nursing spaces or pods and family restrooms to reset as needed. Check lounges for nursing and play rooms. —Sara Conger

Take an early morning flight. Those are least likely to get delayed, which is important when traveling with kids. —Carina Ochoa

Parenthood Is A Shock To The System. These Tips Can Help You With The Transition

Board with your partner separately. If you're traveling with two caregivers, have one go on the plane first with all the stuff and do the gate-checking of the stroller while the other hangs back with the kids until the last minute. It gives kids more time to run around! —Andrea De Francesca

Get a plane seat for your kid. Even though many airlines allow kids under 2 to fly for free as a lap baby, if you can afford to get them their own seat, it is worth it. It is recommended for safety to have them in a car seat, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, and the extra space for them to move around is nice. —Nicole Shelledy

Be ready for motion sickness. We were not prepared for how easily some little ones get motion sickness on an airplane. Have throw-up bags handy at all times. —Tiff Bankhurst

Prevent ear discomfort. Sucking during take off and landing may help relieve ear discomfort. My babies have flown with me from 4 weeks onward and never had a problem as long as they had a bottle or sippy cup or straw to suck on. —Shelly Ransom

Don't plan on them sleeping on the plane. It's great if they do, but if it doesn't happen, you'll be frustrated. —Colleen Mayerhoff

Don't worry too much about your kid "bothering" other people. The vast majority of people don't care, and many have been in the same situation you've been in and feel nothing but empathy for you. As for those who do care, they are not guaranteed a child-free existence in public. Kids are part of society too, and they are also allowed to take up space. —Jenna Yount

Make friends with the flight crew. They're going to help, they've got more experience than you, and they also want the flight to be pleasant. —April Graham

Save the screens for the flight. If you're using a screen, wait until you're on the plane. While you're waiting in the terminal, let them move as much as possible. Find an empty gate and play Simon Says, see who can jump in one place the longest, do animal charades. Let them go wild. —Paige Ellis

Download age-appropriate shows for your child on an iPad. (But know that if your kid is under age 2 they'll mostly just want to push the buttons.) —Chantel Dockstader

Travel hacks

Find a lodging close to a grocery store and a park. It makes it easy to buy last-minute things and burn off their energy easily at a park. —Gillian Molina

Dress your young kids in bright, matching shirts. I once traveled alone when my kids were 2, 4 and 6. We all wore matching yellow shirts so people could see we were together. —Emily Hernandez

If you want to let your little one crawl around , bring a pair of socks that you can put over their hands. Then you don't have to worry about dirty hands afterward. —Shannon Geraghty

Hire a photographer. You'll have photos with everyone in them, maybe get to see some scenic parts of the city you hadn't seen before. Dress up, wear matching outfits, be extra! They're only little once. —Tina Doyle

Helpful mindsets

It's not a vacation. It's a trip. You're just parenting in a new place. Set your expectations accordingly. —Laura Henriquez

The airport/train/bus/car is not the time to enforce the normal at-home rules. Do you want Doritos at 7 a.m. at the airport? OK. Do you want to watch 20 episodes of Blippi on the plane? No problem. There are no rules when traveling. This also makes traveling fun for kids because they get to do something different. —Meg Houston

Build in extra time to do things. It will decrease the chances of you and your child getting into stressful situations. —Cori DeLano

You're not going to get as much done as you think with a kiddo in tow. Think about things like nap schedule, traveling with a stroller, meltdowns, diaper changes. On my most "successful" trip with my kiddo, we planned one big activity a day and left the rest of the day open with some general ideas and left room for flexibility. —Whitney Winters

They might not remember, but you will. —Nina Hartman

The digital story was edited by Malaka Gharib. The visual editor is Beck Harlan. We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or email us at [email protected].

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• Life Kit: Parenting

Flying With a Baby? Here’s What to Know Before You Go

Medical review policy, latest update:, how old should a baby be to fly, read this next, what do children need to fly, tips for flying with an infant.

What to Expect the First Year , 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff.  WhatToExpect.com, Do Babies Need Passports? , May 2019.  WhatToExpect.com, Should You Bring Your Child’s Car Seat on an Airplane? , August 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Your Ultimate Guide to Traveling While Breastfeeding , August 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Family Friendly Flying , November 2015.  American Academy of Pediatrics, Flying With Baby: Parent FAQs , November 2019.   American Airlines, Traveling With Children .  Delta Air Lines, Infant Air Travel , 2021.  Federal Aviation Administration, Flying With Children , March 2021.  Transportation Security Administration, Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQ .  Transportation Security Administration, Identification .  Transportation Security Administration, Will Minors Need to Have a State ID to Fly Domestically? United Airlines, Traveling With Children , 2021.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Children – Child Traveling With One Parent or Someone Who Is Not a Parent or Legal Guardian or a Group , December 2019.

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Navigating family-friendly holidays: TUI’s expert advice for every situation

From accessible getaways to teen-friendly accommodation, a TUI Travel Expert provides invaluable insights for your family holiday needs.

By Rebecca Roberts | Last updated Oct 20, 2023

Planning a family holiday can be both exciting and challenging, especially when you have specific requirements or unique needs to consider. To make your travel experience more enjoyable, we recently held an AMA with TUI , providing space for Mumsnet users to ask their questions about travel planning. 

From finding accessible holidays for children with additional needs to locating vegan-friendly hotels and ensuring smooth check-in processes with young children, TUI Travel Expert and mum of two, Hannah, provides valuable tips and recommendations for a hassle-free family getaway.

So, whether you're a parent in search of the perfect holiday spot or a grandparent looking to book adjoining rooms, we've got you covered… Find the most common themes and questions our Mumsnet users ask answered below.

On accessible holidays 

Mumsnet user, BristolMum96 , asked: 

“Is there a way to search for accessible holidays? Travelling with a child in a wheelchair is proving to be difficult.” Hannah says:

“Yes, we have a whole page on our website for accessible holidays . We also have a dedicated Assisted Travel to help with any questions or concerns. You can pop into a TUI Store , too, and speak to one of our friendly Travel Experts. 

This last year we have partnered with the accessibility experts AccessAble , who have been visiting some of our most popular hotels and creating handy Access Guides. These will be published on our TUI website very soon. 

“My dad uses a mobility scooter and we’ve been on a few lovely TUI holidays.”  

Read next: Discover 8 resorts the whole family can visit together in 2024

On aparthotels

cancan678 asked: “We love apartment hotels but they can be hard to find. Where are they most common?” 

Hannah says: 

“They’re more common in Spain, especially the Balearic Islands . 

“My top picks are TUI BLUE Alcudia Pins and Protur Safari Park . I know the Canary Islands, especially Gran Canaria , have a good selection to choose from. 

“I’d recommend taking a look along the south coast in places like Puerto Rico . I’ve also stayed in some nice ones in Greece .

On SEND and sensory needs

MissHavershamReturns asked: “Do you have any plans to start recommending holidays that are particularly suitable for neurodiverse kids? We need a short transfer from the airport, special assistance in the airport etc for our autistic son.” 

Hannah says:

“Our dedicated Assisted Travel know their stuff when it comes to holidays and travelling with a neurodiversity . 

“You can speak to them in store, online and over the phone, and they can organise assistance at the airport for you. Plus, you can pick up a sunflower lanyard in your local TUI Store .

“I always find it helpful getting to the airport early, that way I have time to calm my little boy down and explain what is happening. We have a few hotels and destinations where the transfer times range from 10 to 30 minutes. I’ve stayed at the TUI BLUE Tropical and Holiday Village Türkiye before – both in Turkey – where it’s a short 20-minute transfer from the airport to the hotel.”

purplepandas asked: “What holiday set up would you suggest for young teens (one with sensory needs and difficulties with crowds)?”

Hannah says: “We have a variety of room options that are suited to young teens. Some accommodation has two or three rooms, including ones with dividers that make it easier to be together but also have some privacy. 

“You can choose which specific room type you’d like when you book, so you can rest assured it’ll meet everyone’s requirements. 

“If you’re worried about crowds, some hotel rooms have private pools, and we have villas in quiet areas that come with car hire included.” 

On dietary requirements

GuardiansPlayList asked: “What are your best all inclusive resorts for Coeliacs? Doesn’t matter what country!”

“ TUI MAGIC LIFE hotels , Holiday Villages , TUI BLUE resorts , Marella Cruises and TUI River Cruises are all great for Coeliacs. 

“They showcase food ingredients clearly, and you can let your waiters know when you’re dining and they’ll make sure you get diet-appropriate options. 

“I’ve recently had a customer who went on a gulet cruise around Turkey . Before she travelled, our Assisted Travel Team asked for a list of foods she could and couldn't eat, then passed it to the chefs onboard.”

Dashel asked: “We’re a vegan family, apart from the TUI BLUE hotels, what is the best way to find vegan friendly hotels and cruises?” 

“A lot of our hotels cater for dietary needs, but I’d suggest looking at our premium and a la carte holiday types. These hotels are more likely to include vegan-friendly dining options. 

“My colleague, who’s vegan, recently went on a cruise with our sister company, Marella Cruises, and absolutely loved it. There was always a vegan option on the menus and at the buffets. I’m vegetarian and have always found hotel's very accommodating."

When travelling with babies

Wanttoplayboardgames asked: “My little girl is 9 weeks old and we'd love a winter break, we've reviewed the TUI website but find it hard to find suitable holidays or information about travelling with babies, it's all for kids around 2+”

“Firstly, congratulations! I’ve taken both of mine away when they were under two. I’ve stayed at a TUI BLUE resort , and a Holiday Village since everything’s easy to organise, like being able to hire all the baby equipment needed and the baby lounges. The lounges are great as they’re air-conditioned rooms stocked with toys, and are fully fitted with changing and feeding facilities 

Wanttoplayboardgames adds: “ My question is how best can we find suitable holidays for little babies? Thank you!”

“A lot of our holidays are well suited for little babies. As I mentioned earlier, I loved taking mine away when they were babies, and we’ve stayed in everything from TUI BLUE resorts to Holiday Villages . Both of these options offer baby equipment hire, so you don’t have to worry about lugging any big bits of kit with you on and off planes. They’ve also got loads of facilities that are specifically suited for babies. There are baby lounges where they can play with toys in air-conditioned rooms. These spaces are also fitted with changing and feeding stations. Some of the restaurants also have stations where you can heat up milk or baby food. If they don’t have stations, the waiters will be able to help you out.”

Read next: Win a TUI holiday voucher worth £2,000 to spend on your next trip

On multigenerational travel

JacCharlton asked: “Can you book adjoining rooms for larger families (eg grandparents)?”

“Yes, you can. Pop in store and our Travel Experts will be able to show you our range of interconnecting rooms.”

When travelling with teenagers

Gazelda asked: “A frequent thread on MN and convos with friends is how to take teens away. We'd like separate rooms, but guaranteed to be adjoining or connecting. I want a hotel rather than villa or self catering.

“We’ve got loads of options that suit families travelling with teenagers. We’ve got interconnecting rooms and big family suites that come with dividers, making it easy to be together while also ensuring everyone can have some privacy. 

“Marella Cruises are also great for this, too. You can book a suite that has separate sleeping areas for parents and children. Or, if you’d prefer to have two cabins next to each other, you can book which specific individual cabins you’d like when you book your cruise. 

“If you want more help organising your ideal holiday, visit one of our stores and speak to a TUI Travel Expert. 

Gazelda adds: “As more families are having one child only, I imagine this will become more of a request as families want the buzz of others at a hotel or resort rather than having to do daily trips if staying at a villa just so that the three (or 2 in the case of single parent families) don't go stir crazy.

“I personally love the TUI BLUE For Families resorts or Holiday Villages , because there’s a great atmosphere, especially around the main swimming pool. I’ve been away with my friends before, one who has a 9-year-old. He’s always made friends playing football, or in the pool and had a great time on holiday. These larger resorts have loads of organised competitions and sports tournaments, so it’s easy for kids to get involved and meet others.”

On travelling with young children

ScienceDadOliver asked: “Do you have any tips for making the check-in process smoother with young children? Also, what's your go-to strategy for keeping the little ones entertained during flights? Thanks!” 

“Oof, we’ve all been there! Take all the snacks you can fit in your bag. I always take a hand luggage suitcase or rucksack full of snacks, nappies, fidget toys, colouring supplies etc. just so they have lots of different ways of passing the time. 

“More options mean the less likely they are to get bored. Also, a change of clothes for you and children is an essential. I went on a flight once and my little girl spilled her just-opened drink all down me! Certain airports also have family security areas, which are easier and quicker than standard security. 

“Depending on which airport you’re flying from, we offer holiday extras like security fast track and airport lounge access, too. These help make the process of getting through the airport easier and ensure your little ones have somewhere comfy to sit while you wait for your flight. 

“Aside from all that, getting to the airport a little bit earlier can help things go smoother, as well. You can check out our piece on tips for travelling with young children .

When it comes to booking a holiday, we know everyone likes something different - from great value all inclusive deals with TUI Magic Life where kids can go free at selected hotels to our action packed Holiday Village options and our TUI BLUE for families hotels which cater for everyone and are handpicked just for your family.

Our holiday portfolio ticks off everything from beach holidays and city breaks through to lakes and mountain getaways. We also offer tours that let you experience exotic places like Costa Rica, South Africa and Japan in a brand new way, and multi-destination trips with over 5,000 combinations to choose from. As one of the biggest UK holiday companies, we're here whenever you need us - via our stores, website or 24/7 Holidayline. Book your TUI holiday today for a £0 deposit when you pay via direct debit.

About the expert

Hannah is a mum of two young, lively children aged two and four. She’s worked for TUI for 19 years and is currently a Deputy Retail Manager in the TUI Westwood store. 

As a mum, she understands the importance of seamless family travel, and has been lucky enough to experience all that TUI has to offer on her own holidays. From partying in Ibiza to grown-up, luxury holidays. These days, times have changed, and she now chooses from all of TUI’s family friendly hotels.

Travelling with young children can be stressful, but she knows that with TUI hotels that all boxes are ticked. From an endless children's buffet which caters for her forever hungry four year old, to the safe haven of the creche for her little one. When the creche and kids’ club grant her a blissful 2-hour window, you'll find her lost in the pages of a good book!

About the author

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. After birthing two babies just 15 months apart, she knows all too well the struggle of finding a family holiday that suits everyone’s individual needs and tastes. That’s why, when reading one of our guides you know you can trust her experience and recommendations.

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog.

Best Age To Travel With A Baby 

By Author Vicky Smith

Posted on Last updated: April 6, 2023

Are you looking to travel with a baby and wondering what the best age to take your little one away on holiday might be?

If you’re expecting your first baby, or have only just welcomed your bundle of joy, you may be unsure what the rules around flying abroad may be. 

The logistics of travelling with a baby may seem daunting – especially as they seem to come with so much stuff. 

But the good news is you can travel with a newborn baby pretty early – ideally from three months. 

As a newborn they are sleepy, so will hopefully snooze through much of the flight, they are not mobile so won’t be running up and down the aisle of the plane and can be easily entertained with milk and cuddles. 

The things holding you back from jetting off right away are: 

• Your own recovery after giving birth 
• The paperwork – you need a birth certificate in order to get a passport for travel (applications for passports can take three weeks or more to process)
• Your own confidence – there’s something to be said for pulling up the drawbridge and enjoying time at home with your new baby so you can get used to this new arrival. 
• Baby’s routine – Sleep schedules are very unpredictable when your baby is three months or under. It can be useful to wait until you have a handle on your baby’s natural sleep routine to help you book the best travel times. 
• Your baby’s vaccination schedule – As airports, trains and buses are germ central, it’s wise to wait until your baby has had their infant vaccinations. For babies under one year they will have had all their doses by the time they are 16 weeks. 

This article is going to take you through what the best age to travel with a baby is and the logistics of travelling abroad on holiday with a new baby. 

You may also like: Checklist for travel with baby

How soon can you go on holiday abroad with a newborn?

The earliest you can fly abroad with a newborn baby is once they are 48 hours old (if you fly with an airline that will take them at this age, like BA). 

But the logistics of trying to get a passport within 48 hours of your baby’s birth mean this is unlikely to happen. 

Of course they need a passport to travel abroad and getting one within two days of their birth would be challenging. 

You can book fast-track appointments to get a passport, however you would need to time this exactly to fit in with when you want to fly. And as you know, you can’t necessarily know in advance when a baby will be born or when you may be discharged from hospital. 

And you need a birth certificate in order to get your passport, which means you also need to have that appointment booked at your local register office.

So, looking at a realistic timeline for getting a passport, assuming you register your baby’s birth in the first week to get their birth certificate, the earliest you could travel with your baby is when they are three to four weeks old. 

For internal flights you may not need a passport to travel, but you should check in advance and it’s still sensible to take your baby’s birth certificate with you.

When is the earliest a baby can fly?

There is no legal minimum age for when a baby can fly, but several airlines ask that your baby is 14 days old before they fly. 

This is the guidance issued by big carriers such as EasyJet .

However if you fly with British Airways they ask your newborn is 48 hours old and Ryanair will not allow babies aged seven days or under to board. 

So as you can see it varies between airlines and you should always check before you book. 

The big benefit of flying with a baby under two years old is you won’t need to book a separate seat if they will be travelling on your lap. You’ll still be charged 10% of an adult fare, but it does save you money!

If you do want to bring a car seat on a plane , in order to give your arms a rest and provide your baby with a comfy place to nap, then you’ll need to book a seat for your baby. You’ll also need to check that the car seat you are bringing is aircraft approved.

What is the best age to travel abroad with a baby?

The best age to travel with a baby is between three and nine months. At this stage they aren’t particularly mobile, they’re still napping a fair amount and they are easily entertained with simple things. 

At four months they will have completed their under one vaccination schedule (which the NHS completes by the time they are 16 weeks).

In the US infant vaccinations are spread out wider across the first year, but they will have had at least two doses of the main vaccinations by the time they are four months old.   

Best and worst ages to fly with a baby

It’s important to note that some babies may well travel better than others. 

Like adults, babies have different personalities and traits. 

Some babies may settle to sleep like clockwork at the same time every day for a nap, while others may fight sleep at every stage and experience every sleep regression to the max. 

As the parent you know your baby best, so it’s important to consider how you think your little one will cope with a flight – with consideration to how long the travel time is to your preferred destination. 

To help you make the decision on when to fly with a baby, here’s a handy guide to the best and worst ages to travel with a baby. 

0-3 months 

I would avoid traveling at this age due to the logistical challenge of getting the paperwork organised and the uncertainty around their sleep schedules.

3-9 months 

This is a great time to travel with your baby! 

You probably have an idea of their sleep patterns and how to settle them down for a nap. 

If you are breastfeeding then you’ll be able to travel much lighter. But if you are formula feeding you can make it much easier by taking ready-made formula in small bottles. 

If you’re worried about your baby suffering with ear pain during the flight then you can help with this by nursing them or giving them their bottle to suck. If your baby uses a dummy (pacifier) then this can ease the discomfort too. 

9-12 months

At this age your baby will be on the move and probably have started to crawl (unless they’re like my first baby who rolled everywhere instead of crawling). 

From 12 months they may be about to take their first steps. 

For this reason this age could be a little more challenging when it comes to flying, so distractions will be key. 

Taking them for walks down the aisle of the plane to keep them entertained and avoid them getting too fussy with boredom. 

12-18 months 

At 12 to 18 months your once immobile baby is now on the move and wanting to explore absolutely everything. 

The key to travelling at this age will be distractions and snacks. 

Although you can still travel with them on your lap at this stage, it’s well worth considering whether having a separate seat with a car seat may be easier for you.

What to pack for flying with a baby 

This is a complete list of essentials to pack for your flight. These items also apply when you’re taking a long train or bus journey! 

• Enough feeds for the flight – It’s sensible to bring double what you think you will need for the time you will be travelling, just in case of delays 
• Nappies – one for every hour of travel plus five spare 
• Nappy sacks 
• Wipes 
• Pacifier (if they use one)
• Favourite toy
• Sensory toys (avoid ones that make loud noises for the sake of other passengers)
• Books 
• Anti-bacterial wipes and hand sanitiser
• Solid meals – if your baby is over six months. You can request baby meals from some airlines, but you need to do so in advance. Check with your airline.
• Dress your baby in layers that are simple to remove and put on when baby is on your lap. It may be cold on the plane, but hot where you are going. 
• One change of clothes for every three hours of travel (just in case)
• A change of clothes for you – in case of spit-up 
• Travel car seat (you may be ok for a younger baby on your lap for the flight but a car seat is useful for naps and rests from six months and over)
• Baby carrier – these are so useful for moving around the airport especially if you’ve had to check in your stroller 

Do you need to reserve a seat on the plane for your baby?

If you plan to travel with your baby on your lap then you still need to inform the airline that you will be travelling with an infant. 

You can only travel with one lap child per adult and you can only take your infant on your lap if they are under two years old. 

Tips for flying with your baby 

Request a carrycot/bassinet from the airline .

Some airlines will offer carrycots or special infant seats. These are great because they’re a comfy spot where hopefully your baby can get some sleep. 

You’ll need to request these ahead of your flight but they can save you from having to bring your own car seat.  

Choose your seats

Some airlines will let you pick your seat for free if you are travelling with a baby. 

This can be really useful to ensure you are all travelling together and can help each other out with keeping the baby happy. 

Check your airline’s requirements 

If you want your baby to fly in their car seat then it’s important to check the one you have can be used for your airline. 

Checking with the airline ahead of travel is essential. 

Get baby used to room temperature food 

Some airlines will warm milk and food for you on request, but just in case it’s sensible to get your baby used to having their food at room temperature. 

This can be particularly handy if you’re stuck at the airport due to delays and have to feed them without access to a microwave. 

Look at policies on car seats and strollers 

If you are taking your car seat or stroller away with you for your trip then it’s handy to check what your airline’s policy is on these. 

Many will let you check a stroller in for free. Some may let you take them on-board without it counting toward your carry-on limit. But this isn’t guaranteed so you may have to see when you check in. 

Final thoughts

When it comes to flying abroad with your baby for the first time, you’ll find the experience easier once your baby is three months and older.

Taking them on holiday before they start weaning can also be a lot easier, as you won’t need to worry about taking their meals with you for the journey, just milk.

Happy travels!

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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 !

Save these tips so you don’t lose them!

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

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Before I had a baby, I had traveled to almost 60 countries and was on a plane every other week.

A huge fan of solo travel , yoga retreats with friends and adventurous escapes with my husband, I was always on the move. Thanks to the ability to work remotely, travel was easy. Then COVID-19 hit, and shortly after, I got pregnant .

So life changed, and so did travel.

But now that travel is picking up again , I'm back at it — with my eight-month-old in tow.

Here's how — and why — I've navigated travel with a baby.

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Why I travel with my baby

Because i have to, and so does he.

I live in Europe and my entire family lives in the United States . Like it or not, my child will have to constantly go back and forth between the two continents, and I want this to become second nature for him. I started flying with my child when he was three months old. He's already on his 15th flight and 4th high-speed train ride -- and has a few road trips under his elastic waistband.

Have some flights been really easy? Yes. Have some flights been harder? Also yes. But it doesn't matter all that much either way, because we have to travel if we want to spend time with friends and family back in the United States. And most of the flights, with a few small exceptions, have been great.

Even you don't need to travel with a baby, just know it's possible. It may not always be easy, but you can absolutely do it if you want to.

I want him to experience the wonders of the world instead of material things

My apartment was recently broken into. As violating and frustrating as it was, I realized that I was able to get over the things they took from me (cash and jewelry) relatively quickly, even though some of the jewelry pieces were family heirlooms.

When I'm still traumatized emotionally about having my space invaded, the robbers couldn't take from me what I most valued: my family and our shared experiences, especially the ones we've had traveling.

My hope is that my son will grow up understanding these same lessons and placing value on experiences and connections instead of things. And the best way to show this is by modeling the same behavior for him, which is often what motivates me to plan that next family vacation .

Because it's fun

Playing with my son in the peaceful Caribbean ocean waves, watching him stare at the Chicago skyline with awe or seeing him smile at the iconic Eiffel Tower are memories I'll never forget. Although he definitely won't remember these trips, we will — and we'll have lots of photos to show him one day.

How I make travel with my baby easier

Traveling with a baby isn't always easy. From diaper blowouts during landing and bleary-eyed nights with a jet-lagged infant to nasty stares from passengers if my overtired son shrieks during take-off, traveling with a baby has its downsides and complications. Here are some hacks I use to make it easier.

I bring someone along to help

I know I'll travel alone with my child as he gets older. However, for now, whenever possible, I try to have another adult in tow to help out — whether that be my partner, a family member or friend.

While I'm not expecting a friend to deal with a crying baby or his meltdowns, it's helpful to have someone along to help carry luggage, make sure I don't forget my jacket in the airport, hold the baby while I head to the restroom or help me fold up the stroller at TSA .

These little things can really make a difference when traveling. Once my child can at least walk on his own, I'll start traveling with just the two of us.

I pack as light as possible

It's true that kids — and especially babies — can need a lot of stuff. And there are things I really don't want to be stuck without on a long plane ride like diapers or snacks (more on this in a moment).

When traveling with my baby, I try to bring everything I need but don't go overboard. I swear by lightweight travel strollers and always take along a baby carrier and diaper backpack for a hands-free airport experience.

I like to book rental properties with as many baby and kid amenities already present as possible, such as a crib, high chair and more to avoid taking extra stuff along. I've also used rental companies in destinations for key items such as car seats, too.

Always bring these key items — especially when flying

What you can carry with you when flying is obviously very different than what you can lug along on a road trip, which offers you more space and added flexibility. That being said, these are key items I always take in my carry-on when flying with a baby:

• Extra clothing for both you and your baby (yes, trust me, you need a backup outfit just in case).
• Layers of clothing or blankets (plane temperatures can vary).
• Pacifier and clip (and backup).
• Comfort toy or blanket.
• Extra diapers (enough for an unexpected delay).
• Formula/breast milk/pump.
• Snacks (for you and/or your baby).
• Baby wipes.
• Sanitizing wipes.
• Extra bibs.
• Ziploc bags for soiled clothing (or a reusable, waterproof bag).
• Baby Tylenol or any infant medications.
• A basic first aid kit.
• Small toy(s).
• Anything that can help your baby fall asleep.

For more on what to pack and how to prepare for traveling with a baby, read this article .

Use points and miles for a more comfortable and affordable trip

This may be an unpopular opinion, but I love using my points and miles to fly in business class with my baby .

He's actually better behaved than other passengers in some cases. Also, having the extra space to stretch out makes a real difference for all of us, especially on long-haul flights where sleep is essential for the entire family.

I have also dipped into my stash of points and miles to buy three seats in economy, taking a car seat along so my baby can safely sit in his own seat, even though that isn't required at this age. The bassinet was once an option if I had enough points or miles for just two seats, although now my baby has surpassed the weight limit.

If you want to use the bassinet, always call the airline to see if this option is available and what the weight/size limits are, which can vary by airline or even route .

I verbally prepare my baby for travel

I'm well aware that my baby probably can't understand what I'm saying. But as he gets older, he is starting to recognize words, and I want "airplane" to be one of them as quickly as possible. Whenever we travel, I softly and carefully explain to him what's happening several days in advance each day before the trip.

I tell him we're going to fly high in the sky on a plane, that we need to be calm, quiet and happy. I tell him that we'll be spending time with many other people in a small space, so we need to not scream or kick the seat in front of us and bother other passengers.

I explain that we're visiting a certain destination or specific family members or friends, where we'll be sleeping and for how long we'll be gone.

One day, he'll slowly begin to associate these explanations with the journeys that follow them. Kids ask a lot of questions and want to understand what's going on, so I hope explaining things to him will help him feel safe and in control as he gets older, as well as excited to fly and to travel.

I fly or take a train trip at least every two months with my son

I realize that as someone who's worked remotely for more than 10 years, I'm afforded the flexibility to travel frequently and take my son along with me. I'm teaching my child how to eat properly and sleep well, and will pretty soon potty train, so I'm training him to travel, too.

With the convenience of low-cost air carriers and high-speed trains here in Europe (and a solid stash of points and miles), it's easy to get my baby on a plane or train every few months to get — and keep — him used to travel and make it part of a familiar routine.

I minimize travel stress with early arrivals, elite status and lounge access

Running through the airport with a baby and luggage is stressful and not at all how I want to start a trip.

I find the calmer I am, the calmer our whole family is — especially my baby, who tends to absorb my energy and mental state. Getting to the airport with lots of extra time helps me feel relaxed and in control — and these feelings transfer to everyone in my travel party, especially my son.

Having elite status and lounge access doesn't hurt, either, as I can avoid long lines and hang out in the lounge if I have time to kill before flying.

Both The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offer lounge access, and considering my home airport of Madrid Barajas (MAD) has several really nice Sala VIPs that are part of the Priority Pass network, I find this credit card perk a valuable one.

My Oneworld Sapphire status makes flying on airlines like Iberia much more comfortable, too, allowing me to use the business class check-in area, board first and check a bag at no added cost.

I plan flights around bedtime and nap times whenever possible

While my son sleeps fairly well on planes, I prefer to plan flights strategically at times where he'll already be fed, calm and rested. Although I can't always make this happen, I do so whenever my schedule and flight schedules permit it.

I organize sightseeing and beach days around naps, too

When traveling, I always try to organize my days so that my baby can either nap at the hotel or vacation rental, or while we walk in his stroller.

Cobblestoned European streets are particularly helpful in coaxing my son to sleep in his stroller, as the vibration is relaxing for him. I also bring everything along possible to encourage sleep while on the road — a portable sound machine in the stroller, a portable night light, his lovey, a tent for the beach , our own sheet for the travel crib to remind him of home — really anything that will help him to nap and sleep, keeping him and the whole family calm and happy.

Bottom line

While I'm not hopping on a flight every other week like I was in those pre-pandemic, pre-baby days, having a baby hasn't ruined travel for me.

I know it can be more restrictive and more expensive, but I now look at travel in a whole new way. I see it as an opportunity to bond as a family, give my son new experiences and help him grow into a flexible, excited young traveler .

My hope is that starting with these experiences while he is young will make travel a habit for him, just like going to school or playing with friends — something he is familiar with and learns to love and do with joy.

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Parents' tips: travelling with a baby

How can I make my baby comfortable when we’re travelling?

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Travelling with a baby: everything you need to know

Manage your expectations — and take advantage of the extra hand luggage. cathy adams has the tips to make it all go smoothly.

Y oyoing European entry rules for unvaccinated children, skyrocketing airfares for summer holidays and nannies being booted out of business-class flights is enough to make any parent yearn for home turf. Apart from this one, that is.

I became a mum at the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, and despite various lockdowns and crushing nursery fees, I’ve managed to sustain an even more punishing travel schedule with my family. I consider my desire to travel as part of Who I Am, and wasn’t ready to relinquish the frequent trips alongside the lost brain cells.

We’ve done Europe ( Greece , Portugal , Ireland , Paris , Madrid for new year), long-haul ( Dubai twice, Barbados ) as well as plenty of staycations and city breaks . I like to think I’ve earned my stripes as a travelling parent, even though I’ve lost my temper and patience in the process.

There’s a huge benefit to travelling with a little one: a plane fare for an under-two typically costs 10 per cent of the adult fare, and on Eurostar they travel free until they turn four. Plus, babies aren’t constrained by half-terms and summer holidays — when airfares spike — which has been my main motivation for getting away as much as possible.

Aside from the sort of preparation you might make for the invasion of a small country, there’s no big secret to making travel work with a baby in tow. Here are my best tips.

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Time your travel with naps

The flight (or long car journey) is often the trickiest bit, and I’ve always tried to time it with a nap — then pray it lasts as long as possible. While daytime flights are often more expensive than overnight flights, they can be far easier to deal with if you have a tricky sleeper or an older baby who may find it hard to settle down.

If you’re flying long-haul with a very young baby, taking an overnight flight can work well — you’ll typically be allocated a bulkhead seat with a bassinet (speak to the crew if not the case). This isn’t for everyone: I still haven’t recovered from the horror of a London-to-Dubai flight when my son was eight months old.

Trains can be an easier (and a more eco-friendly) way to travel. There’s more space for starters: he learnt to walk on a trip to Leeds from London, and loved dipping a croissant into chocolat chaud on a Eurostar train, where the buffet car far outstrips any British equivalent.

Get the right gear

The amount of baby guff I have to pack for a weekend away could rival a house move. Naturally you’ll want to take it all “just in case” and packing cubes are helpful. Isolate the bits the baby needs for the journey (including Calpol — there’s nothing worse than being without the purple syringe on a long journey). The 100ml limit on liquids taken through airport security is less strict for children, with exemptions for milk, baby food and medicines (though check ahead with the airline).

Next, consider the transport. Some buggies can be folded up and taken on board as cabin baggage. I have the Babyzen Yoyo pram, designed for Parisian parents to haul their offspring through the metro and up apartment steps; but it also folds up so small it can be carried on board. I’ve never had any issues taking it all the way to the plane door.

“Children get a generous allowance regardless of the ticket,” says Gilbert Ott, founder of the God Save the Points travel blog, who has flown frequently with his young daughter, Olive. “Car seats are free to check in as well as at least one or two other items. I’d be lying if I said we haven’t borrowed Olive’s extra baggage allowance before.” Buy a canvas bag to transport your car seat in and not only will it protect the car seat, it will also give you extra packing space — nappies on the way out, a bag of laundry on the way back, for example.

Even if you don’t take a carry-on buggy, airlines will typically give you two extra bits of luggage for free, meaning you check in things such as your pushchair and car seat without denting your allowance.

I’d advise taking a sling on board too. I’ve carried out many successful plane naps by bouncing up and down the aisles and standing by the door while he nods off to the roar of the engine. I flew back from Dubai last week with him strapped to my front, his head tucked into my neck: sure, he’s now so big my ability to breathe was hampered, but I got to watch Promising Young Woman uninterrupted. Don’t bother taking a travel cot with you. It’s highly likely your accommodation will provide one if you ask.

Ask for help at the airport

Airlines will usually prioritise families with young children and offer services such as check-in areas and priority boarding, so you can get settled before other passengers board. Bigger airports also have children’s facilities (Heathrow has soft play areas in all terminals) as well as spaces for breastfeeding and baby changing.

Ott, who flew to Los Angeles just before his daughter turned two, says: “BA and Virgin are the only two airlines in the world that won’t charge extra if your little one turns two during the trip. You just need to telephone to make the booking.”

Take some entertainment

For older babies, a tablet is essential, packed with freshly downloaded episodes of Peppa Pig , CoComelon and Hey Duggee . Amazon sells a robust, child-friendly Fire tablet with a brightly coloured case and a battery life that will last a long-haul flight — get a strap so you can hang it off the seat in front. Lift-the-flap books and stickers are also good distractions. I’ve been known even to write out an hour-by-hour schedule on a long flight to give my son (and his parents) some structure.

My fellow travel writer Mike MacEacheran recommends a portable white noise app.

Book a family-friendly hotel

I had a baby, but unfortunately I didn’t lose my love of sexy design hotels with facilities entirely unsuited to babies. On a recent holiday to Barbados we checked into a succession of gorgeous hotels with pretty pools and twinkly restaurants that were technically welcoming of children but not necessarily “family-friendly”. Reader, there is a difference.

While babies are too young for a kids’ club (the lower age limit tends to hover around three), a family-friendly hotel will still provide plenty of facilities and, crucially, be filled with other families too — there is nothing worse than having to wait until 7.30pm for a restaurant to open, only to find it filled with child-free couples who don’t want their dinner ruined by a baby’s overtired wails.

● Best family-friendly days out ● Best family holidays for 2022 ● Best family ski resorts

The very best ones do a bit of both. I was impressed by Four Seasons Hampshire during a stay last year: we ate dinner with all the other families at 6pm, walking out satisfied and happy for a 7.30pm bedtime. I returned later for a drink at the bar (see the point about the monitor below) when the clientele (and the atmosphere) had matured by about three decades — you’d never know that a few hours’ previously it was full of squalling children drawing on tables.

I’ve stayed in both hotels and self-catering accommodation with a baby, and the jury’s still out on which one is best — what you have in space in an apartment you miss in facilities at a hotel. Make sure you have access to a washing machine, and ensure the room you book is big enough to be able to put the baby to bed and enjoy your evening without sitting in silence in the bathroom drinking wine. We’ve now done this in so many hotels that it’s become rather A Thing. Failing that, take the baby monitor and see how far the range stretches.

Manage your expectations

Travelling with a child under two is never going to be “a holiday” in the traditional sense, but after multiple attempts at all sorts of trips I think we’ve realised what works and what doesn’t. I’ve lowered my expectations significantly, vowed never to go longer than a week without childcare (or moral support), and delighted in showing my toddler what the world has to offer. Oh, and naturally, “aeroplane” was one of his first words.

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I searched for the best summer holiday deals of 2024 and wait till you see what I found…

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My thoughts are already on the next big family holiday , and whatever your reason for booking a break, us savvy holidaymakers know not to book one without checking out the best of TUI’s 2024 discounts – because why pay full price for a holiday when you can save some money? 

As always with TUI, there’s plenty of holidays on sale to suit all sorts of breaks, from family-friendly beach-based holidays to self-catering breaks and adults-only hotels. Long-haul, short-haul, whatever your dream destination there’s bound to be a brilliant deal for you too.

TUI’s trending holidays on sale – at a glance

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What is TUI’s latest deal?

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If you are travelling with kids, it’s always worth checking TUI’s free kids places, which seem to apply to more and more holidays every single year. The free kids places often can be used with discounts or the holidays on sale too, saving you even more. At the last count, there were over 300 holidays with free kids spaces – wow! 

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If it’s a big summer 2024 holiday you’re looking to book, head to TUI’s Deals tab and browse to your heart’s content.

The school summer holiday deals should be your first click if you’re looking for a family break in July or August; there’s holidays from £294pp and for some, you can book now with zero deposit.

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How I chose the best TUI deals

• Personal experience : I’ve been covering TUI’s deals for years at HELLO!, and can sniff out a brilliant holiday discount when I see one.
• Availability : Every holiday or deal listed is still available, with holidays ready to book between now and the end of the year. 
• Deals : I scoured the TUI website to highlight the best of their deals. There’s a lot on there, so a good search is always needed. 
• Holiday type: From family-friendly to adults-only, I’ve included holidays and deals to cater for every type of holidaymaker. 
• Reviews : I only ever highlight the holidays that get four or more stars on Tripadvisor.

We hope you love the holidays within this article created in collaboration with our brand partner TUI. Our team of expert editors and writers has independently selected the inclusions for this promotional piece. We will receive compensation for this article, and commission when you click on the links or purchase. Prices accurate and items in stock at time of publication.

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Pregnant Lea Michele Cradles Baby Bump at NYC Event as 'Funny Girl' Tour Starring Katerina McCrimmon Arrives in LA

Lea Michele starred in the Funny Girl revival on Broadway, but she isn’t leading the national tour production that is traveling around the country right now.

The 37-year-old actress, who is pregnant with her second child , cradled her baby bump while walking the red carpet at the 2024 Hope Rising Benefit on Thursday night (April 4) at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City.

Lea was joined by Anna Wintour at the event.

One night earlier, the Funny Girl tour had its opening night performance in Los Angeles at the Ahmanson Theatre.

Newcomer Katerina McCrimmon is leading the production and she got rave reviews and standing ovations for her work as Fanny Brice. “The best thing about Katerina McCrimmon’s dazzling performance is that she makes the character her own,” a review in the Los Angeles Times said, adding that she “brings the house down in Fanny’s poleaxing first-act numbers.”

Funny Girl is playing at Center Theatre Group’s Ahmanson Theatre through April 28. Get tickets now!

FYI: Lea is wearing Michael Kors with a Brilliant Earth Cuff Bracelet.

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