Traveling takes on a whole new meaning when you have children, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of hacks for making the experience much smoother.
You want to bring your baby along and be a part of your adventures, but you’re also worried about the logistics of traveling with an infant.
The days of stressing about this are over because we have all the best tips and tricks, including some personal tips from our founder, Carley.
From packing and airport advice to pointers about maintaining routine on the road, traveling to new and familiar destinations with your baby requires thoughtful planning and adaptability to ensure you have the best trip possible.
There are endless benefits to experiencing different corners of the world with your little one, so we’ve compiled a list of insights to transform your travels into a seamless and memorable time for the whole family.
Helpful tips for traveling with an infant
Life doesn’t stop when you have a baby – as a matter of fact, the world becomes even more full of possibilities! Create precious memories by following our top tips for traveling with an infant on the road and by air below.
- Pack strategically
- Plan around naps
- Know the TSA rules
- Invest in travel-friendly gear
- Pull over when necessary
- Ensure accommodations are baby-friendly
- Dress comfortably
- Have plenty of entertainment
- Allow ample time
- Keep necessities on hand
- Stay flexible
1. Pack strategically
Having everything you need is vital to any trip. Be sure to pack for the climate you’re traveling to and bring extra outfits for unexpected messes. Prioritize essentials like diapers, wipes, and formula or breast milk.
If flying, many find it convenient to just pack the diapers you’ll need during travel and then pick up a pack of diapers at the store when you get to your destination or mail them to your hotel ahead of time.
Our founder swears by the SlumberPod, which is an on-demand portable blackout pod to create a private and dark space for babies and toddlers to sleep in — even in the middle of a bright hotel room.
2. Plan around naps
You’ll thank yourself if you schedule flights and activities around your infant’s nap times as much as possible.
Flights usually go much smoother if planned around your baby’s nap, and a well-rested baby is likely to be more content and cooperative during the journey.
If you find your little one is cranky, even with naptimes covered, nursing or giving your little one a bottle during take-offs and landings can help with ear pressure, as well.
3. Know TSA rules
Understanding TSA guidelines when traveling with an infant ensures a smooth and efficient navigation of the security process.
Familiarity with the regulations allows you to prepare for security checks in advance, reducing stress and saving time.
This is particularly important given the additional items and equipment accompanying travel with an infant, such as strollers, baby carriers, formula, and baby food.
Read next: What to Know About Pumping While Traveling Without Your Baby
4. Invest in travel-friendly gear
If you can, it’s a good idea to invest in lightweight travel baby gear such as a collapsible stroller and car seat, as well as a comfortable baby carrier. These items make navigating airports and crowded spaces much more manageable.
Carley says, “Whatever gear you decide to travel with, make sure to practice using any new items a few times before you head out on your trip. This will save headaches during security and as you try to get into your seat — trust me on this one!”.
5. Pull over whenever necessary
You may feel determined to get to your road trip destination as fast as possible, but pulling the car over when traveling with an infant will more than likely be necessary.
Feedings and diaper changes will be needed, and just like adults, babies sometimes need breaks during long car rides, too. It’s advised that you stop a minimum of every two hours to let your little one stretch their legs.
Pulling over to tend to your little one also minimizes distractions for the driver.
6. Ensure your accommodations are baby-friendly
Most hotels and rentals these days should be plenty accommodating towards babies, but it’s always a good idea to check ahead of time before booking.
Look for places that offer amenities like cribs, baby bathtubs, gates if there are stairs and easy access to essential services like healthcare. Doing so can significantly reduce the stress of settling into a new environment.
7. Dress comfortably
Who wants to spend travel days dressed in stiff, uncomfortable clothing? No one! Dress both yourself and your baby in comfortable and soft clothing, adding layers based on the climate.
Ensure easy access for diaper changes with outfits that have just a few snaps or a zipper.
8. Have plenty of entertainment
Depending on how old your baby is, entertainment will be the biggest lifesaver during travel days.
Pack a variety of engaging toys and books to keep your baby entertained during the journey. Familiar items from home are also great for keeping your baby comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings.
9. Allow ample time
Allocating ample time – even more than you’d usually allocate – when traveling with an infant allows for a more relaxed travel experience, reducing everyone’s stress.
You’ll be so thankful to have that extra time when unexpected situations, such as feedings, diaper changes, or sudden fussiness, come up.
Infant travel also typically involves carrying additional equipment, such as strollers or car seats, which may require extra time for handling and storage.
10. Keep necessities on-hand
Keep your diaper bag with essentials like diapers, wipes, diaper cream, a changing mat, and extra clothes readily available.
You never know when you’ll need to take care of a diaper or outfit change, so having the necessities at the ready will be a lifesaver, especially during long travel days.
11. Stay flexible
At the end of the day, understand that traveling with an infant may not – and likely won’t – go exactly as planned. Be flexible, allow for breaks as needed, and be patient with your baby and yourself.
Adjust your itinerary wherever possible to accommodate your baby’s needs as they get used to these new experiences.
Traveling with an infant made simple
Even though your baby won’t remember their travels during that first year of life, they will certainly be something you and the rest of your family will never forget.
There’s hardly anything more special than creating new memories in wonderful places, and you’ll be able to share incredible pictures and stories with your children when they’re older. Most of all, know that you are doing a remarkable job.
If you’re concerned about bothering others, know that most people are more understanding than we imagine, and babies sometimes just need a few moments to adjust to these changes in their routine.
Every baby is different, and you know yours best, so tailor these tips as needed to suit your child.
Embrace the unpredictability instead of fighting it and cherish the moments as they unfold. With a bit of planning and a positive mindset, traveling with an infant can be an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Other articles you might find helpful
