first trip out with newborn

My ultimate guide to travelling with a newborn

By: Author Monica

Categories Blog , The Mama Hack

If you’re thinking about travelling with a newborn then I’m here to give you some reassurance and encouragement and let you know this is a great time to travel with your baby!

I have three young children and we travelled a lot with them all as newborns and I honestly found this to be the easiest time to travel with them.

Once you’ve recovered from giving birth, you’re got into a bit of a routine, established a feeding pattern and you’re starting to feel a bit more human (whether this takes 6 weeks or 6 months!) then it’s a great time to start thinking about going on holiday with your newborn.

I started to feel a bit more human when each baby was about 4 months old and we had some lovely holidays to Barcelona, Menorca, the Maldives, we went skiing in France, summer holidays to France, Tenerife and countless trips around the UK.

But before we go any further, I want to say one thing…

If the thought of travelling with a newborn is stressing you out, don’t do it!

I don’t know about you but I see photos of these picture-perfect mums on Instagram hiking mountains with a baby on their back just weeks after giving birth. Or they’re casually breastfeeding on a beach looking all sweat-free and perfect. This would not have been me! I would have been a sweaty, sandy mess and feeling very stressed about it all.

So I’m here today to reassure you and share some tips if you are taking your newborn on holiday, but if you aren’t ready then don’t feel any pressure. Just enjoy your new bundle of joy and relax!

Before we go any further, here are 10 great reasons to travel with a newborn…

• You and your partner will need a holiday!

Having a newborn is wonderful but my goodness it’s exhausting. If there’s ever a time in your life you need a holiday, it’s now! 

Having a young baby is hard work and a holiday together with your partner and your new bundle of joy could be just what you need. Yes, it can be more difficult than travelling pre-baby but it’s 100% worth the extra effort.

• Plane journeys with newborns are relatively easy (and cheaper!)

I’ll always remember a flight I took to Barcelona when my son, Joseph, was two months old. I was so nervous about it and was picturing him screaming for the whole flight. I was breastfeeding at the time and I was nervous about feeding him on the plane and everyone looking. 

But I didn’t need to worry at all. In fact, it was the easiest flight we’ve ever taken with a child. He fed and slept for the entire flight! As we got off the plane everyone was so shocked to see there had been a baby sat near them the whole time. I wish he was that quiet on a flight now!

Plane journeys with small babies who barely move are much easier than travelling with toddlers who can’t keep still.

Flying with a new baby can be nerve-wracking but babies are often lulled to sleep by the motion and the noise of the plane and they’ll quickly fall asleep in your arms. Another thing to remember is that planes are extremely noisy so even if your little one is a tad noisy, no one will be able to hear them!

Toddlers on the other hand will be up and down like a jack in the box! You don’t get a second of peace with a toddler on a plane!

And let’s not forget that babies under the age of two don’t need to pay for their ticket. You’ll usually need to pay a small fee for taxes and extra if you’d like to check-in a suitcase but make the most of that small fee while you can.

• Newborns sleep a lot!

I know, it probably feels like they don’t sleep enough or don’t sleep at the right time but your newborn will undoubtedly sleep a lot.

The younger your baby is, the more they will nap and there is nothing a new parent loves more than a nap!

While your baby is napping you will be free to go for lunch or a quick coffee, go for a swim, nip to the spa or even have a nap yourself!

What’s even better is that most babies love to nap in their pushchair so you can stroll around a new city or take a sunset walk along the promenade as your baby gets a much-needed sleep.

As your baby gets older they will nap less and less so it will become harder to sneak off to that cosy little wine bar while they’re napping in their pushchair.

Travel Hack Tip: I highly recommend getting a snooze shade for your pushchair. It’s like a breathable blackout blind for a pram and creates a dark, cool place for your baby to sleep. We also had the Aston Rose pushchair by Ickle Bubba which has an enormous hood that comes all the way over. It was brilliant, I don’t know why all pushchairs don’t have this feature! Even if you don’t get the Aston Rose pram, I highly recommend looking for a pram with a huge hood!

• You don’t need to worry as much about safety

Of course, safety will always be on your mind when you have a young child but it’s less of a concern before they can walk. Once your child is toddling you need to be aware of every trip hazard, every step, every unguarded stairwell and all the places they can squeeze into and get stuck! Newborns barely move so it’s much easier!

• It’s easier to get around busy spaces

Whether it’s a busy airport, a crowded train station, a bustling hotel or a chaotic market square, it’s much easier to get around when your baby is safely strapped in their pushchair, in a baby carrier or being held. 

It’s not quite as easy when they’ve found their feet and they’re desperate to be independent and run free.

• Feeding a baby is much easier than feeding a toddler!

Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottlefeeding, it’s relatively easy to find a quiet space to feed your baby. They guzzle it down and, while they may dribble or burp, it’s nothing compared to the mess of feeding an older baby!

• You can travel during your maternity leave

What better way to use your maternity leave than by taking lots of holidays!

For many people their maternity leave is spent at home in their loungewear, occasionally leaving the house to grab a coffee with NCT friends or attend a baby group in the village hall.

And for a little while this is amazing but it can get a little tiresome after a few months.

If your partner is unable to travel as much as you due to annual leave restraints then look into mother and baby holidays. HolyMama offers mother and baby retreats with a focus on wellness and nurturing in beautiful locations around the world. They also have nannies on hand for those days when you need a rest!

• People love babies so it’s a great ice breaker!

A friendly baby is often the perfect ice breaker to get chatting to local people while you’re travelling. I’ve often found that countries outside of the UK are much more welcoming towards babies and they love to interact with them and make them smile. If you live in the UK you might not be used to this, but many countries make a huge fuss of babies!

We travelled to the Maldives when George was 7 months old and it was brilliant. All the staff made such a fuss of him and we were made to feel so welcome everywhere we went.

• Dad gets to spend lots of time with Baby

For many families a holiday is the perfect time to relax, bond and make precious memories together. It’s something that often feels impossible during our hectic everyday lives, especially when one parent works full time.

For many families, the mother will be on maternity leave while the father continues to work full time and dads actually don’t get much time to bond with their babies. If they work long hours then they’ll barely see their babies during the week and weekends are often so busy we don’t get two seconds to just sit down and relax as a family.

A holiday with a newborn is the perfect opportunity to relax together as a family.

• Happy parents = happy babies

I’m a firm believer that happy parents lead to happy babies and holidays make us all happy!

Different babies have different needs

I don’t want to complicate things here – especially if you’re reading this before your baby has been born – but different babies travel differently!

My eldest son was a very routine-y baby. He liked to get up at the same time, eat at the same time, have the exact same bedtime routine and be asleep by 6.30pm.

We absolutely couldn’t take him out for dinner because he’d be so tired and would always just want to go to bed. It got easier as he got older but he was at least 5 before he could stay up past 7pm. (This was amazing when we were at home but difficult when we went away!)

My youngest child however is the complete opposite. She can easily stay awake until 10pm every night and if she does get tired then she’ll happily sleep in her pushchair.

My middle child was different again and he was very shy and very clingy to me. He didn’t like strangers and was happiest when I was holding him. Holding him ALL THE TIME!

I just wanted to mention this to highlight how important it is to lean in to your baby’s needs. Listen to what they want and need and just go with it.

If they’re happy to go out for dinner at 8pm then do it! But if they need to be tucked up in their cot by 7pm then there’s no point fighting that because no one will have a nice time.

What’s the best type of holiday with a newborn?

This is going to be personal preference for each family, but when I’ve booked holidays with newborn babies I’ve looked for the following things:

• Relatively short flight time (under 4 hours)
• Somewhere warm (personal preference here)
• Accommodation with a living area not just a single hotel room – this makes it easier to put Baby to bed and then have somewhere you can relax
• Self catering or the option to have room service on a private balcony
• Plenty of restaurants within walking distance nearby

Do you need a kitchen/kitchenette when travelling with a newborn?

Access to a small kitchen will make things a little easier but it definitely isn’t a necessity. If you’re exclusively breastfeeding then you won’t really need access to a kitchen at all, but if you’re bottle feeding and/or pumping then it is a bit easier to have somewhere to wash and sterilise bottles.

Having said that, I’ve stayed in lots of hotel rooms with a newborn without a kitchen.

You can wash all bottles and equipment in the hotel bathroom. If you don’t have access to a steriliser then you can always rinse your bottles a few times with boiling water. I did this in the Maldives and it was fine.

Many hotels will provide you with a steriliser which you can use in a well ventilated area.

The only thing you really need in your hotel room is a kettle so you have access to boiling water. And just make sure you take a small bottle of washing up liquid and brushes and clothes to clean the bottles.

You can also sterilise using Milton sterilising tablets which can be used in cold water.

Is it best to self cater when travelling with a baby?

This is going to be a personal choice so ask yourself the following questions…

• Is the thought of eating out for every meal stressing you out?
• Or does the thought of not having to cook for a whole week sound amazing?
• Are you looking forward to getting dressed up and going out for dinner?
• Or would you rather sit on your private terrace and eat sandwiches in your swimsuit?

Self catering undoubtedly gives you a bit more flexibility but an all-inclusive hotel will mean you won’t need to cook or tidy up all week.

What about all the baby equipment we need?

It may feel like you need a million and one things to keep your baby safe, happy and healthy but, in my experience, you don’t really need that much.

Hotels will always provide travel cots.

You can do without the Jumperoo and bouncers for a few days.

You might want to take your own car seat but you can check this into the plane hold so you don’t need to worry about carrying this too much.

A kettle – to wash and sterilise equipment, dummies and bottles

Pillows – to create a safe space for them to lie/sit on the floor

A fully reclining pushchair such as the BabyZen Yoyo+ (I have a post about the best travel strollers )

A baby bag (such as the Travel Hack Backpack )

Possibly a baby monitor if you’re staying in an apartment (don’t forget plug adaptors!)

I’ve got a full blog post over here with my ultimate baby and toddler holiday packing list

Should you take your car seat when travelling with a newborn?

This is going to be personal preference and will depend on the type of trip you’re taking.

If we are hiring a car in our destination then I will always take all the car seats for the kids.

It’s a bit of a pain to get the car seats into the airport but we’ll quickly drop them off at the check-in desk so you don’t have to cart them around for long.

We’ve tried hiring car seats with hire cars and they always seem a bit grubby and dated, not to mention expensive.

You’ll get two pieces of baby equipment that you can take on the plane so make one of them your pushchair and the other can be your car seat.

If we won’t be hiring a car then we personally don’t take our own car seats. Yes, we might get in a taxi every now and again but, legally, babies don’t need to be in car seats in the back of a taxi in most destinations. Taxis will often provide car seats but it’s a massive faff to take your own for a 10 minute taxi journey.

I have a review of the Doona Carseat Pushchair which is great for travelling.

Should I take a pushchair?

Yes, I’d definitely take a pushchair.

If you want a compact travel stroller then I recommend the Baby Zen Yoyo+

If not, just take your regular pushchair. There’s no weight limit on pushchairs but it’s easier if you have a pushchair that folds down into one piece.

Remember that you get two pieces of baby equipment for the plane (like a travel system that has the pushchair frame and then the seat comes off), so if your pushchair folds down into two pieces then both of your pieces of equipment will go on your pushchair. You can also only take a pushchair to the gate at the airport if it folds down into one piece. 

Should I take a baby carrier?

If you use a baby carrier at home then I’d 100% take it on holiday.

I’ve always been a big fan of baby wearing and my babies all loved to be held in a carrier. It makes everything so much easier because you have both hands free and babies are often soothed by being held so close.

But it isn’t for everyone so if you don’t like it at home then you probably won’t like it on holiday!

The Izmi Baby Carrier was always my favourite

Should I take a travel crib?

I’ve honestly found a travel crib to be the most pointless piece of baby equipment available (unless you’re an accommodation provider). 

I’ve never stayed anywhere that doesn’t have a travel crib available for free.

I recommend taking your own sheets and blankets though and many places actually insist on this.

10 tips for travelling with a newborn

• Look after yourself

We all know the phrase ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’ and I wholeheartedly believe in this with parenting. Not just parenting while you’re travelling but parenting in general. Before you can look after anyone else you need to look after yourself. So make sure you’re getting enough rest, eating well, drinking plenty of fluids and not doing things that feel stressful.

The main trick to travelling with a newborn is simply to slow down. Everything is going to take longer than your pre-baby days and you won’t be able to pack your itinerary with back-to-back activities. But that’s OK, take it easy.

• Pick one activity a day

We like to plan one activity a day and it’s usually something that doesn’t have to be super time-sensitive.

Have an idea of things you could do (just in case Baby miraculously naps at the perfect time!), but remember you don’t need to do them all.

• Don’t book time-sensitive things 

I try to avoid booking tours or anything that involves us being at a certain place at a certain time. I find it stressful knowing that other people are relying on me to be on time and when you’re on holiday and you add a newborn baby into the mix…well you’re just adding an extra layer of unnecessary stress.

• Bring the grandparents along

Since having kids we’ve been on holiday with my parents so many times. The kids love spending so much time with their grandparents and it gives me and Sam the odd little break too!

• Don’t be disheartened if romantic meals don’t happen

This is one that took a bit of getting used to for me and Sam as we would still plan lovely meals and 9/10 they wouldn’t happen! The baby would wake up just as our food arrived and one of us would end up pacing around the restaurant with a baby while the other quickly ate our meal before swapping places!

We now always eat in casual places but if we want something nice we’ll go for early evening drinks at a nice bar or something.

• Join baby for nap time

Because holiday naps are the best.

• All-inclusive buffets are your friend

I didn’t think I’d ever say this but all inclusive buffets are great when you’re travelling with a newborn. The casual nature of them means it’s fine to get up and have a walk around if your baby won’t settle. You can keep going back for more food if Baby is happy or you can quickly wolf something down if your baby has a meltdown!

• Break up long journeys

It goes without saying that you’ll need to break up long journeys in the car because newborns shouldn’t be in their carseats for more than two hours. But it’s best to break up any kind of journey so everyone can get a rest. Even if your baby sleeps for the entire flight, you might not get much rest so you’re going to need a bit of downtime too.

Packing light will really make everything so much easier and I promise you don’t need the billion one things you think you do! If you’re travelling to a hot destination with your baby then just pack a load of vests and keep them in a cute little vest for the majority of your trip!

Other FAQs about travelling with a newborn

Do babies need passports.

Yes, babies need their own passports.

Thankfully, the rules around baby passport photos aren’t as strict as they are for adults so you can generally get away with a simple photo.

I have a guide to applying for your baby’s first passport here.

When is it safe to travel with a newborn baby?

There isn’t really a recommended time when it becomes ‘safe’ to travel with a newborn. There will always be risks when it comes to flying with babies and young children due to the increased risk of catching a virus on the plane.

Personally, I think it’s safe when the mum is 100% fully recovered, so you’re probably looking at about 6 weeks – 3 months.

How do you travel with breastmilk?

If you’re travelling with breastmilk then you’ll just need to flag it up when you go through security.

You’re unable to take more than 100ml bottles of liquid through airport security but baby items are exempt. 

The airport security staff will take it away to ‘test’ it. Whatever that means! But it is fine to travel with breastmilk.

How do you travel with formula?

The easiest way to travel with formula is to take those pre-made cartons. They’re expensive but it’s much easier than faffing about with powder and boiling water. If your baby will only drink warm formula then you can ask the staff on the plane to warm it up by placing it in a jug of hot water.

You’ll find many babies will actually drink formula cold and don’t seem to mind so try this out before you leave.

How do you clean and sterilise baby’s bottles while you travel?

I usually clean them in the bathroom sink of my hotel room. I’ll take my own washing detergent, a bottle brush and a wash cloth.

I’ll then use the hotel kettle to rinse them with boiling water and I’ll do this a couple of times.

You can use Milton Steriliser tablets and submerge your bottles into cold water with a tablet in it. You’ll need a very big sink for this but you can make it work in a hotel sink.

If I’m self catering I’ll take microwavable steriliser bags and it’s always worth asking your accommodation provider if they have sterilisers available to borrow as they often do.

How do you get the bassinet at the bulkhead of the plane?

You will automatically be assigned the seats at the bulkhead of a plane if you’re travelling with a baby. This is because the bassinets sit on the bulkhead in front of you.

Unfortunately, if multiple families with babies are on the same plane then it’s often just luck as to whether or not you get the bulkhead seat.

Personally, I really enjoy having the extra leg room you get at the bulkhead but none of my babies actually slept in the bassinet. You’ll also find that the bulkhead is where the toilets are, so this can be a busy and noisy place to be sat.

So it’s nice to have these seats but I wouldn’t panic if you don’t get them.

What should I carry onto the plane with a baby?

I like to put Baby into a carrier and have a small backpack on my back. I’ll then have both hands free.

I actually don’t take much onto a plane when travelling with a newborn. None of my babies were massively into toys until they were much older so I really didn’t need to take much.

In the backpack I’ll have:

• 2 changes of clothes for the baby
• 1 clean top for me
• Huge bottle of water for me (breastfeeding)
• Snacks for me
• Kindle (easy to read one-handed)
• 1 x toy for the baby
• If formula feeding then enough empty bottles and cartons of formula for whole flight
• Muslims or bibs if you have a sicky baby
• Phone and purse 

How can I get my baby to sleep on a plane?

Babies pick up on our feelings so if you’re relaxed then your baby is more likely to relax too.

Planes are very noisy and this endless white noise actually sends most babies to sleep.

Try and keep your baby awake while you’re at the airport so they’re tired when you board the plane. Feed them on takeoff and then many babies will be asleep by the time you’re in the air.

Do babies get jetlag?

Yes, babies get jetlag just like we do! They’ll get over it in time though. Taking a black out blind to your destination can help if your baby is waking up too early.

Can you give your baby a sedative for flying?

No. No, don’t do that.

What should I do if my baby’s ears hurt on takeoff and landing?

If your baby’s ears are hurting then the best thing to do is encourage them to swallow. The easiest way to do this is to feed them.

Always try and time their feed for takeoff and landing.

If you’re breastfeeding this is often much easier as babies will happily feed slowly.

When formula feeding it can be tricker to get it right. If you give them a bottle too early then they will guzzle it down before you’ve taken off! Give it to them too late and they become hungry and angry.

During all of our flights with newborns, we only had one flight where one of my sons’ ears hurt. He cried all the way down but instantly stopped when we touched the ground. It is hard and you feel terrible for them but unless they will swallow there’s not a lot else you can do for them.

Read more: What to pack for a flight with a toddler

Thursday 31st of March 2022

Thank you so much for this post! I have the exact same thoughts - are these instagram-ready new moms even real?! I traveled a lot before and even without a baby I used to get sweaty and dirty...

What to Pack When Traveling With Baby

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

Happy travels!

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

Go to Your Baby's Age

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• Parenting /

When Can Newborns Go Outside?

Here's how to prep for baby's first outing., by amylia ryan.

If you’ve been staying close to home with a brand new baby for a few weeks, you may be itching to get out and about once more, or you might not be so eager to leave the safe, cozy confines of your home with your tiny little one. Or maybe you’re feeling a mix of both—or neither.

However you’re feeling about it, taking a newborn baby out and about (besides just to their doctor’s appointments, which you’ve probably had a few of already) requires a bit of planning and organization. Here’s everything you need to know to make your first trip to the park, grocery store or wherever go as smoothly as possible.

When can newborns go outside?

You might hear that you need to wait until at least a few weeks after birth, but really it depends on your baby’s general health and what their pediatrician recommends. Healthy babies don’t typically need to wait any amount of time between birth and going outside, but be sure to double check with baby’s pediatrician just in case. Once you’re ready to get outside, take baby for a walk. Between the fresh air and the Vitamin D from natural light, going for a walk can do both you and baby a lot of good.

For babies who have health conditions and weaker immune systems, their doctor will likely want you to keep them home for longer periods of time to give their immune system time to get even just a little stronger. And when you do finally get the green light to take baby on their first outing, you may need to take extra precautions like avoiding crowded, public areas.

Dos and Dont’s of Taking a Newborn Outside

• Keep baby protected from the weather. Keep baby cool and out of the sun in warm weather by using a light and breathable carrier, giving them a sun hat or using a sun shade over the stroller. Keep baby warm in cold temperatures by keeping them close to you in a thicker carrier, and pack an extra sweater, booties, mittens and a blanket.
• Pack more diapers and wipes than you think you’ll need. Newborns sometimes need up to a dozen diaper changes per day, so if you have the room in your diaper bag, it’s always better to be over-prepared on diapering supplies.
• Wash your hands often, and bring hand sanitizer.
• Bring entertainment for your baby. Really young babies can’t see very far in front of them, so they probably can’t take in much of the scenery on a walk. If you’re stopping in the park, a waterproof blanket and a few outdoor activities (i.e. easy-to-clean toys, books and flash cards) are great additions if you can spare the room.
• Apply sunscreen on babies under six months old.
• Put baby in direct sunlight. Since younger babies can’t wear sunscreen, the safest option is to keep them out of the sun entirely to protect their delicate skin. Keep to the shade whenever possible, and when shade isn’t an option, use UV-blocking clothes and sun shades.
• Take baby outside in extreme weather.
• Put a mask on your baby if you live in an area with high rates of cold, flu or Covid infections. The best option is to keep your baby at home.
• Go to crowded places. If crowds are unavoidable, keep baby close and facing inward in a carrier.

On-the-Go Gear

If you’re leaving the house, you’re going to need a way to get around. This may look different depending on if you’re a city versus a suburban family or if you’re planning a road trip rather than a walk around the block, but here are the basics you’ll want to consider.

• An infant car seat. If you’re going anywhere by car, an infant car seat is a must. Haven’t chosen one yet? Check out our picks for the best infant car seats . We recommend familiarizing yourself with your car seat before your little one arrives. Read your seat’s instruction manual, watch any videos from the manufacturer on how to use and install the seat and learn how to properly buckle a newborn into a rear-facing seat . (Note: you can also use an infant to toddler car seat for your newborn if you prefer.)
• A stroller. A walk around the block is a great way to ease into getting out and about with your newest addition. You spent so much time researching the best strollers and now it’s finally time to take it for a spin. But before you venture out, you’ll want to get to know how to work all its features. Learn how to get your baby in and out and how to adjust the straps, practice folding and unfolding it, read the manual for any operating instructions and learn if you’ll need to purchase a separate insert to make it compatible for a newborn. If you’re using a travel system, check to see if you’ll need any car seat adapters , and practice snapping the seat in and out. The more comfortable you are with your stroller, the better your first walk will be.
• A baby carrier. Some new parents prefer a baby carrier over a stroller, especially in those early newborn days when babies like to be held extra close. Short of someone dropping by for an in-person lesson on all things babywearing (wouldn’t that be nice!), online video tutorials like this one are the best way to learn how to put a tiny, squirmy newborn into a baby carrier. There is a bit of a learning curve with babywearing, and practice really does make perfect, so try to stick with it and don’t get discouraged as you figure things out. (If you don’t have a carrier yet, be sure to check out our list of the best baby carriers to help you choose one).

How to pack your diaper bag

We love minimalism as much as the next person, and we’re all for cutting down on the amount of stuff you’ll need to lug around when you’re out and about. But the reality of being on the go with a baby is that stuff is bound to happen that’s out of your control—and you need to be ready for it. Blowouts, spit-up, fussiness, you get the idea. The better prepared you are, the better you’re going to be able to deal with whatever your (unpredictable) baby throws your way.

It’s possible to use any type of bag or tote as a diaper bag, but bags specifically designed with parents in mind are often better equipped to get the job done. They feature things like extra compartments for storage, insulated pockets for keeping milk cool, built-in changing pads and other extras that can help keep you prepared and organized for a day out with your baby.

So what exactly are you supposed to put inside of a diaper bag? Try to be as organized as possible before you venture out on your first outing with your baby. These must-haves should be packed in your diaper bag before every outing (and you can shop our favorite picks below):

• Portable changing pad
• Diapers (three or four for a short outing, more for longer)
• Hand sanitizer
• Change of clothes
• Extra layer of clothing to protect baby’s delicate skin (socks/booties & sweater for cold weather; sun hat for hot weather)
• Formula or breast milk
• Burp cloths
• Small toy or teether

These optional items are also helpful to have on hand if you have the space:

• Diaper cream
• Portable cooler bag for bottles
• Cleaning wipes for surfaces
• Sun hat (no sunscreen for babies under six months old )
• Swaddle or small blanket
• Nursing cover

Skip Hop   Forma Diaper Backpack

Freshly Picked   Classic Diaper Bag

Fawn Design   The Satchel Diaper Bag

lillebaby   Complete All Seasons 6-1 Baby Carrier

Ergobaby   Omni Breeze Baby Carrier

Skip Hop   Pronto Signature Changing Station

Bambino Mio   Portable Changing Mat

Gathre   Baby Changing Mat

Dr. Brown's Travel Formula Dispenser

Skip Hop   Grab & Go Wet/Dry Bag

OXO Tot   On-the-Go Wipes Dispenser with Diaper Pouch

Copper Pearl   Multi-Use Cover

Munchkin   Mini Sterilizer Plus, Portable UV Sanitizer with Recharge...

GREEN SPROUTS   Brim Sun Protection Hat

Burt's Bees Baby   Organic Burp Cloth (5 Pack)

Goumi Kids   Stay on Baby Mitts + Boots Bundle

Little Unicorn   Outdoor Blanket

Solly Baby   Wrap Carrier

Bringing the right attitude.

The final thing on this list of preparing to go out with a new baby is making sure you’re mentally and emotionally prepared. Because reality check: getting out with a new baby can be hard .

It’s okay to get frustrated when your baby starts crying three minutes after you leave your house. It’s okay to long for the time you walked out the door with just your phone and your keys. It’s okay to miss your old life. But try your best to take it all in stride.

Be as prepared as you can, but expect the unexpected. Start small on your first few outings and don’t set unrealistic expectations or put pressure on yourself. Roll with the punches and remember that it does get easier—we promise.

Amylia Ryan

Associate editor.

Amylia Ryan is the Associate Editor at Babylist, specializing on the topics of health, wellness, lifestyle products and more. Combining nearly a decade of experience in writing and editing with a deep passion for helping people, her number one goal in her work is to ensure new parents feel supported and understood. She herself is a parent to two young children, who are more than willing to help product test endless toys, books, clothes, toiletries and more.

Baby travel: why and where you should head afield with your infant

Feb 10, 2020 • 6 min read

Your baby’s first trip away is not something you'll ever forget © Chris Tobin / Getty Images

As a parent, life suddenly becomes full of significant milestones, from your child's first smile to those wobbly initial steps and onto toilet-training, starting school and learning to ride a bike. What we don’t always realise is how important these markers are for us too, not just as points in the passage of time but often as periods of intense learning in the complex art of parenting. Baby travel provides plenty of opportunities for growth, both for you as a parent and for your infant in their development.

Your baby’s first trip away, whether it’s a short drive out to the country for a long weekend, taking the train to a different state or neighbouring country or flying further afield, is not something any of us forget in a hurry. I still remember in detail the highs and the lows, and exactly what we vowed never to repeat again. We live in London and the birth of our first child coincided with the opening of St Pancras International as the Eurostar station. Given it was just down the road from our flat, we merrily booked ourselves onto the first public train and set off to explore Paris with our babe in arms. But while our son might have been easily to carry in his sling, everything else I insisted on bringing with us was not so portable. With hindsight a two-day trip with a newborn does not require a special cot, a baby monitor (we were never more than a metre away from him) or two of the baby manuals I would not at that stage leave the house without. On the plus side we still reminisce about the lovely attention our son received on the train and how carefree we felt exploring Paris together with our beautiful (and admittedly mostly sleeping) baby.

If you’ve travelled extensively before starting a family, that first trip with your baby can be a huge deal. Life might have changed beyond all recognition but you need to prove you can still do what makes you tick. If having a baby has made you want to start travelling, we salute you. What better way is there to teach your children about our wonderful world than to show them it?

Dealing with the anxiety

Responsibility for a very small person can induce anxiety in the calmest of people so the idea of leaving your normal routine, home comforts and a health system you know how to navigate can be daunting. However, travelling with an infant is also an amazing opportunity and one you will look back on fondly as they get older. We will never regret taking our second child to Istanbul as a nine-month-old (even if his toddler brother gave us a run for our money on several occasions) or our cross-Europe train adventure from London to Slovenia with six-month-old baby number three.

An infant usually doesn’t walk that much (if at all), sleeps a lot and hasn’t yet learnt to answer you back. This leaves you free to make all the decisions without interventions from junior, and allows you to maximise the napping periods for long lunches or museum visits. And crucially, you’re not constantly running around on hyper-alert for a toddler with a death wish.

So we’ve convinced you that travelling with an infant is worth it. What next? Here are our top tips for life on the road with an infant.

Adjust your expectations

This is not going to be the holiday where you try mountain-biking for the first time or party the night away for days on end. Look for destinations where you can enjoy a quieter pace of life, with lots of parks, baby-friendly cafes and perhaps shops and museums to potter in. Cultures with reputations for actively welcoming small people such as those from the Mediterranean, South America and Southeast Asia can be a good place to start. It’s much more relaxing to deal with a crying baby when that baby has already been fussed over.

Know your comfort levels

If, like us, routine is a key part of your parenting style then make sure you take a trip which allows you stick to it (unless of course you’ve suddenly decided this is the time to mix things up). Find a location which will give you a nice place to base yourself, with plenty of options for getting out and about as well as some lovely little treats to make yourself feel like you are really on holiday. For us, a trip to the Scottish island of Mull ticked all these boxes. Our home for the week was a farm cottage with two rooms (plenty of space – tick; plenty of cows to moo at – tick); we were close to Tobermory to potter around, Glengorm Castle for a history fix and the Isle of Iona for amazing seafood. Arriving by ferry was also a big hit with a nine-month-old already developing an interest in transport.

Those of you with a more spontaneous parenting style might want to embrace the opportunity to take a city break or multi-city trip while the baby is still young enough to be bundled up and transported easily around.

Be prepared

However relaxed you might be as a parent, when you’re travelling away from home with an infant you still need to be sure you have a decent medical kit (thermometer, age-appropriate painkillers and so on). It’s also wise to consult your pediatrician and (if appropriate) the local travel clinic before departing and to know what emergency numbers you need to call if there’s a problem. Once children start crawling or toddling, hand sanitisers can be a great way to ward off bugs, but equally, embracing a bit of dirt and mess can be part of what makes the whole experience memorable.

Accept you will take way more than you actually need

It’s an unwritten parenting law that travelling with a very small person will always involve you bringing more than you really need. Our advice? Embrace this, and learn from it. Doing anything with infants involves a huge amount of kit (spare clothes, nappies, age-appropriate snacks, spare clothes for you, more age-appropriate snacks) and that’s without a stroller or sling, layers for changeable weather and toys to attempt to keep them occupied. Look on your first trip as a chance to learn about what you really need and what you can survive without.

Keep calm and carry on

We’ll never forget arriving in Funchal , Madeira, with our sixth-month-old and the battle we had to get the car seat securely fastened in the hire car (something the staff were unable to help us with due to regulations). It. Was. Stressful. We were under pressure to get going but the roads were steep and winding, and we knew we had to make our baby safe. But we couldn’t for the life of us work out how to get the seat safely in. Then we took a step back, the solution became clear and suddenly we were on our way, ready to explore somewhere new as a family.

Lasting memories

Don’t listen to anyone who tells you it’s not worth travelling with a little one as they won’t remember it. Firstly, you will and that matters. Secondly, the details of the trip may escape them in later life but the experience of the journey, of being somewhere new and of your undivided and relaxed attention will remain with them – it will help form the person they become. Now go out there with your baby and conquer the world! Or, at least, a small corner of it that’s accessible to you and your parenting style.

This article was first published Jun 27, 2019 and updated Feb 10, 2020.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pin it for later:.

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

Baby Packing List | Travel Gear

First things first, the big stuff !

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

• Baby Carrier | A baby carrier is a must, even if it’s nothing more than an efficient way to move through the airport. I know not all kiddos love the carrier, but we find that having both a carrier and stroller available when we travel with Sophie is essential. You just never know when you’ll run into a place with lots of stairs or uneven sidwalks, so it’s good to have a back up that will keep you moving freely. We started out with the  ErgoBaby , but made the switch to the more lightweight and compact  MiaMily toddler carrier with Infant Insert and absolutely love it. Still on the fence? Read up and compare  all of our favorite carriers for babies and toddlers here .
• Stroller  | Even though our carrier is indispensable, we like to have options. For newborns, I adore the Doona Car Seat & Stroller 2-in-1 . I only wish this had been around when our girls were babies because it takes so much hassle out of traveling with a baby! For us personally, we love and recommend the lightweight and carry-on compliant  Babyzen YOYO+ , which is great for older babies who can sit up on their own (don’t forget the puchase a compatible backpack carry bag – so worth it)! For newborns you can add on the bassinet pack onto the YOYO+, just keep in mind you will have to gate check the stroller with this add-on.
• Car Seat  | Depending on where you’re going, you may or may not want to bring the car seat. If you will need one, the Maxi Cosi and  Nuna Pipa  are two that can adapt to a YOYO+ without the bassinet add-on (just get some  adapters like these , and you’re good to go!). For older babies, a popular choice is the  Cosco Scenera Next , which is super lightweight at just 10 pounds. I recommend getting a car seat bag to keep it clean while flying, and if you’re worried about it getting banged up by luggage handlers, you can upgrade to a padded car seat bag .
• Travel Crib | We’ve always brought our own travel crib, mostly because I want our kids to feel the comfort of a familiar sleeping environment, no matter where we are. We’ve been especially happy with our  Baby Bjorn Travel Crib , which has held up with our travels all over the country these past 6 years. For infants, you can get away with a more compact option, like this Travel Pod Bassinet . And if you’re in a pinch, most family-friendly hotels will offer cribs for free, or you can rent one from a baby gear rental company, like BabyQuip . Read up on all  our favorite baby travel cribs here .

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

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

Baby Packing List | Clothes

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

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

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

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

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

Baby Packing List | Nursing & Feeding

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

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

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

Baby Packing List | Health & Bath

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

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

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

Baby Packing List | Play & Sleep

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

FreshlyPicked Diaper Backpack | Passport Cover | Reusable Storage Bags | Dropper Stopper Tether (similar options here and here )

Baby Packing List |  Miscellaneous Must-Haves

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

Free Printable Checklist: Baby Travel Packing List!

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

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

get it here!

Thanks for being a subscriber!

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

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

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

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Traveling With My Newborn: What It Was Like On My First Flight With a Baby

"I was always the person who dreaded seeing children get on a flight."

d3sign / Getty Images

We’re dedicating our  March features  to family travel. Read on for insightful guides to the best road trips for different ages , the best hotels with amenities for children , and the changing face of family trip planning , as well as inspiring stories of traveling with a newborn, family travel post-divorce , the lowdown on family campground culture , and more. Giving birth abroad and traveling around the world with my child at such an early stage in his life was never in my five year plan. But, as life would have it, my newborn son was destined to become a frequent flyer. From his first plane ride from Germany at just six weeks old, he had covered four continents and a multitude of countries and states before he could even walk. 

I gave birth in Szczecin, Poland, just two hours outside of Berlin, where my husband had been coaching a professional football team. Shortly after, his contract was cut short, and we suddenly found ourselves packing up all of our things quicker than expected. The thought of flying with my newborn for multiple hours had me on pins and needles; I was always the person who dreaded seeing children get on a flight. As we prepared for our flight home, I thought of all the ways I could possibly keep my son subdued throughout the experience. My panic was sending me into a tailspin before we even boarded the plane.

Things didn't begin smoothly. The first rookie mistake I would make was not practicing separating the European-style pram we had been gifted from our Polish friends. It was a bit fancy—not one of those one-click type of strollers. As we checked in, my husband huddled with an airline employee trying to figure out how to separate the thing so we could get on the plane. Talk about stress through the roof! Thankfully, after a few trial and error clicks and hits, we were able to get the top and bottom separated and check it onto the flight. 

My panic was sending me into a tailspin before we even boarded the plane.

But that wasn't all. I would soon find that I would be making my next rookie mistake, which was checking our stroller at the check-in counter versus at the gate. As a new parent, it didn’t cross my mind that we could take the stroller through security and directly up to the gate where the airline would tag the stroller and check it for us. This left my husband and I having to trudge through Berlin’s Brandenburg Airport with a bulky carseat, a baby bag, two carry-ons, and a personal item. We had inconvenienced ourselves twice before even having the opportunity for people to snare at us for having a screaming baby on the flight. 

Once we finally boarded the flight, we hustled straight to the back. I always booked our seats in the very front or very back of the aircraft to be closer to bathrooms and to either get off quickly or be able to take my time when needed. On this flight, we shared a row with a woman who gleefully looked at us and let us know that if there were any empty seats, she would happily move to give us more room for my son. She wasn't at all disappointed that she had been placed next to a family with a newborn; it immediately eased all of the tension I had in my body. In my years traveling with my son, I will never forget the passengers who have openly given me grace—those who would show empathy by offering me an entire row or giving my son little gifts, toys, or candy to help lessen the stress.

Thankfully, the flight wasn’t full, which gave us an additional seat in our row. I had read somewhere that it’s good to feed your child during takeoff and landing to alleviate any air pressure they might feel, which often causes babies to cry. If they fall asleep, the advice had said, it was best to let them rest. Because my son had been awake and I breastfed, I allowed him to nestle during takeoff which put him to sleep. Once we were stable in the air, I laid him in the middle seat for the rest of the flight. Prayerfully, he did not cry—he slept for hours.

Throughout the flight, I focused on my son's food and snacks, entertainment, and clothing. Having food and snacks that I knew he liked was vital for the flight. For longer flying times, I learned, airplane food may not settle well, or your child may just may flat out refuse to eat it, which will stress them out. As my son grew older, I learned to bring along a tablet with pre-downloaded episodes of shows he would enjoy. When he was a newborn it was never needed, but once he reached the one-to-two year mark, having his own headphones with pre-downloaded shows kept him subdued. Just as adults want to be comfortable on flights, so do children.

She wasn't at all disappointed that she had been placed next to a family with a newborn; it immediately eased all of the tension I had in my body.

When my son was a baby, we always boarded a flight with a fresh diaper and I always had extras in my carry-on to keep him clean and comfortable. I’d take off his shoes, have a blanket in case the flight was cold, and have alternative outfits like a hoodie, pants, and socks, or tank top and shorts depending on whether he needed to be warmer or cooler. Those few moments of getting settled and making sure I had everything ready for him were essential; it's why airline policies that allow people traveling with children to board first are so appreciated.

My son is now five years old and travels like a complete pro. It takes a village to raise a child, and my first experiences traveling with a newborn certainly felt scary. But the years I spent traveling with my son as a baby taught me lessons about both parenting and traveling that have been endlessly valuable.

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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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Infant Travel: Planning Your First Trip with Baby

Planning your first trip with baby let us help you.

Baby travel can still be fun travel!

Have Baby Will Travel ‘s mission is to inspire, motivate, and help families travel with babies, toddlers, and young children. Since 2007, we’ve traveled, we’ve learned, and we’ve shared any and all advice and information about baby travel and family vacations. Scroll down for where to find tips and advice on all aspects on travel with babies and toddlers. And if you have any questions about your first trip with baby, please reach out on Facebook or Twitter !

The way you’ve always traveled in the past is changing.

In some ways, it’s harder. (Don’t worry, it gets easier .)

In a lot of ways, it’s more rewarding.

You get to see the world through the eyes of your child, and it’s truly a magical place. If you’ve always loved travel, you still will. And very soon you’ll have a new travel companion who’ll be just as excited about new adventures.

Infant Travel: 10 Things to Consider When Planning Your First Trip with Baby…

1.  flying with baby:.

Whether you’ve got a newborn or a toddler, the thought of that first flight with a baby can be overwhelming. CLICK HERE for a collection of articles and tips on flying with a baby or toddler at every age and stage.

2.  Infant Travel – Eating:

Don’t stress about feeding on your first trip with baby. From exclusively breastfeeding to fully weaned and on solids (and every stage in between):   CLICK HERE for articles, tips, and baby travel gear for feeding, eating and managing baby food while traveling with babies and toddlers.

3.  Infant Travel – Sleeping:

Sleep (or lack of it!) has to be the biggest worry for parents of babies and toddlers on their first trip with baby. CLICK HERE for information and advice on maintaining naps and sleep routines during infant travel, as well as the best options for dealing with baby jet lag and finding a safe baby travel bed .

4.  Infant Travel – Playing:

As babies get bigger, you need to keep them busier. CLICK HERE for some tips, advice, and infant and toddler travel toys for playing with baby and family fun while traveling with an infant or toddler.

5.  Infant Travel – Getting Around:

Once you get to your destination, you still need to get around! CLICK HERE for tips, information, and baby travel gear recommendations for travel strollers , as well as travel car seats and boosters.

6. Infant Travel – Baby Travel Gear:

Wondering what you need to bring? CLICK HERE for a break down what’s worth lugging, what’s worth leaving, and we list businesses for baby travel equipment rentals in many places around the world. And please check out our Amazon Store when you’re ready to buy!

7.  Infant Travel – Destinations:

Looking for some ideas of where to go? CLICK HERE to peruse our list of safe, clean, and family welcoming destinations that are ideal for a first family vacation. BTW, we’re big fans of Disney 🙂

8. First-Hand Infant Travel Stories:

Want to read real stories of other parents’ trips with their babies and toddlers in tow? CLICK HERE for travel stories and trip reports from other moms and dads (besides us!) who’ve got tales to tell and advice to share.

9.  Baby Travel Packing Lists:

Once you’re ready to go, you won’t need to make a list (because we’ve done that for you) but you’ll need to check it twice. Our printable packing lists will make sure your suitcase(s) and carry-on bag are well-stocked.

10.  Infant Travel – Health & Safety:

Chances are you’ll be playing it safe when dipping your toes into infant travel. But being and staying healthy is important for every member of your family. Consider any baby travel vaccinations you may need and make note of what to do if baby gets sick on vacation .

Have Baby Will Travel  is a participant in the  Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program . If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission.  Click here to check out our Amazon Store .

• Tips & Information for Traveling with a Baby or Toddler
• Tips for Airport Security with Babies, Toddlers & Young Children
• Flying with Babies & Toddlers: The Ultimate Tip List
• A Complete Guide to Booking & Using an Airplane Bassinet
• Traveling with a Baby? It Gets Easier
• Everything You Need to Know About Traveling with a Newborn

21 Responses to Infant Travel: Planning Your First Trip with Baby

I have two kids – a nine year old and a two year old. I have already been on two holidays abroad….but they were very tourist friendly destinations. I still shudder to think what I would with my two year old do if I were traveling to a not so tourist friendly place. Thats why I haven’t looked beyond Thailand and Singapore yet…

An inspiring blog for mommies. Indeed it isn’t easy to bring with your babies while travelling but you nailed it. Will definitely give this a try when we availed seat sale this year.

Thanks for such an inspiring article. Keep it up!

And daddies

Great site with a load of good advice for those travelling with kids. I’m still footloose and free to travel but a few friends with kids have recently asked me for tips so I’ll send them you’re way. Safe travels. Jonny

Fantastic collection of tips, thank you for sharing!

We want to go to the Dominican Republic next year and our baby will be 15 months old. Do you have any suggestions for hotels that pffer a baby club thatvshe will be able to join in with and the option for evening babysitting. We would like maybe one or two romantic meals 😊.

Also a lot of hotels offer a kids club for 4 years plus but we need one that our baby would enjoy. Dont want her getting bored and would be nice for her to play with other young babies.

Hi Nichola! You have a few options here: https://havebabywilltravel.com/destination/dominican-republic/dominican-republic-resorts-with-baby-clubs/

Have a great trip!

Hi Corinne! We are taking our 7 mo from Edmonton to San Francisco and I’m wondering about purchasing a Flye Baby hammock. I found a few reviews that said they weren’t allowed to use them or there wasn’t enough room. One review said air canada were the only ones she checked with that allowed it. We are flying air canada and I’m wondering if it’s worth spending the $ if we won’t be allowed to use it. We have two other trips coming up this year as well, so if it’s allowed i thought it might be worth it!

This is priceless advice for parents travelling with young children so thank you. There are so many people out there who have no sympathy when it comes to having to settle children on planes etc. so I think this is brilliant for anyone, not just for parents.

I found, when travelling, that one of the hardest and most stressful scenarios is getting off the plane and having no idea where to go. I’ve recently been involved in the development of a new travel site (www.triporia.com ) which aims to solve this by providing users with detailed images of their accommodation’s surroundings. I’d really appreciate it if you could take a look and let me know what you think 🙂

I am not a parent, but I like to think when my time comes that I don’t have to part with my love of exploring. Thanks for the inspo 🙂

Thank you for the lovely comment, Tahlia!

Hi Corinne! I am a great an of your work and love reading your tips. I am a mommy of two lovely babies, a boy that’s turning 5 in March next year and a girl that is turning 2 in January. I love being a mom and I try to document my life as a mom on my blog, In Mama’s Words .

When we had our first baby, my husband and I traveled with him just as much as we used to travel before he was born. The downside to this was that he got colds and flus and other opportunistic infections all the time. Needless to say, we spent a good part of our lives then at the hospital! 🙁 Due to this experience, the birth of our baby girl made us put a halt to all our travels because we didn’t want to go through what we had with our boy.

Now that she is about to turn 2, we are gearing up for a one week holiday trip to Mombasa (Kenya’s coastal city known for beautiful beaches) from December 26 to January 2. We are going to a place called Vipingo Ridge . I cannot begin to tell you how excited we are. The tips on your website are a godsend and I hope to share with you and your readers our holiday pics.

This trip is special for us also as we will booking using our newly established Tour Company called Simba Trails Expeditions . Our target market is clients with extra special requests and families with babies is top of that list!

Thanks again and wish us luck! Elizabeth

Thanks, Elizabeth! Best of luck with your business 🙂

Great to have everything all in one spot! Thank you

Hello Corinne,

I left a comment on an article yesterday but I forgot which one was it to keep checking for you reply! So I will comment on this one again!

I am planning my first travel with my baby (14 months old) and I am freking out! I bought him a seat after reading all the articles about safety but I don´t have a car seat yet. I live in Brazil and car seats here are NOT FAA approved. Upsetting. So I will have to buy one online and have it delivered to my place. Another ton of money.

My concern is to buy a car seat with a good reclining feature while rear facing, so that my baby can sleep confortably during the 10-hour-night -flight. I was thinking about the Graco size4me, or Mysize. What do you think?

What type of foods should I bring to the airport/plane to feed him? He is breastfed and doesn´t take formula. So I need to bring food and liquids for hydration. What would you recommend?

Thank you so much for any help!!!

Sorry I missed your other comment! A car seat installed rear facing automatically has a decent recline. Your best bet is to choose one that you will get the most use out of–either at home or specifically for travel.

Great Tips! Corinnel, Thanks for sharing these beautiful tips 🙂

Great tips! Every first-time parent-traveler should read this.

Thank you so much for these great tips. Looking forward to read more from you.

Amazing tips! Just read the whole blog and found it really helpful and informative.

Your writing style is very engaging and I appreciated the in-depth research you did. It was very informative and provided a fresh perspective on the subject. I will definitely be sharing this with my colleagues and friends.

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A Zero-Tears Guide to Your First Trip Away From Baby

If you're a new parent—or a seasoned parent with a new arrival in your family—leaving your child with a caregiver while you go on a trip can feel scary…even if you know your kiddo will be in good hands. But with a little bit of planning and prep work, you can take the anxiety of traveling out of the equation, so you’re able to truly enjoy your trip. Here are a few tips for how to prepare yourself, your baby, and your caregiver for your first time away.  

How to prepare yourself for your first trip away:

No matter how long your trip will be, you'll want to prepare as much as possible to help make everything go smoothly. Here are a few things to consider: 

Breastfeeding . If you are breastfeeding your baby, then pack a portable pump. Even if you are gone too long to collect and save the milk, pumping will still help keep your production up while you're gone. You can pump extra milk to store in the freezer before your trip so that your baby will be well fed in your absence. If your baby has trouble using a bottle, give them lots of practice before you go. 

Print your itinerary as well as your contact information.  Print and make several copies of your itinerary as well as travel and contact information. Keep one copy for yourself and give the rest to your child's caregivers.

Take deep breaths.  Every parent gets the jitters before they leave their baby for the first time. That is absolutely to be expected. But don't worry—with a little planning, you and your kiddo will be fine!

Create a special comfort item for your child . Try wearing a sweater or soft wrap for a few days that can pick up your scent. When you leave, give this to your caregiver to help soothe your baby when they get upset. Your scent will help your baby feel safe and secure. 

How to prepare your child for your first trip away:

If you and your baby haven't ever spent time apart, then a trip might spark some stress. To help keep things as calm as possible, try helping your baby prepare for your departure:

Give your baby opportunities to get used to being with other people.   Ask friends and family to spend time alone with your baby while you're there. You could briefly disappear to laundry or run a quick errand while Grandma watches your child, for example. 

Practice saying goodbye.  Saying goodbye and telling your child that you will be back can be scary if they don't know what to expect. If your baby is an infant, this likely won't be an issue. But if your baby is closer to toddler-age, then saying goodbye might bring on the waterworks. You can make short trips to the store or even just walk outside and come back in. Get your child used to say goodbye while feeling safe; knowing that you'll be back will help them transition when it comes time for you to leave on your trip. 

Stock up on your child's favorite things . To ease the blow of your absence, be sure to stock up on your tot’s favorite snacks, foods, activities, and other things. Set out their favorite clothes, loveys, and blankets. 

Tell your child they can talk to you . Even while you're away, you can still talk on the phone or do video calls so they can see your face. Having access to you can mean the world, especially if your child is old enough to understand that you're not at home.  

How to prepare your caregiver for your first trip away:

If you can, choose a caregiver who is already familiar to your child. To help make the experience go smoothly...

Do a practice run . If your baby hasn't spent much time with other people yet, then try having your caregiver pop over for a few visits to interact with your baby while you are there. This practice can help your child to feel safe with this new person.

Leave lots of instructions . Give your caregiver a list of foods, clothes, and activities that you know your baby loves (along with any "don'ts"). Routines help babies feel confident and secure, so be sure your caregiver knows all of your little rituals. For example, if there is a particular lullaby you sing before, write out the lyrics. You want your baby’s day-to-day to be as seamless as possible while you are gone. 

Share emergency contacts and instructions . Provide your caregiver with all of the information they will need in the event of an emergency, such as a list of health issues, medications, and allergies. Give your caregiver a list of emergency phone numbers, including your doctor’s phone number and address, as well as your itinerary and how to reach you, so they know where you'll be and when. If you'll be blocking out time when you cannot be reached (for a spa appointment or a big conference panel, for example), have a backup contact your caregiver can reach.

Preplan visits and activities . If you'll be gone for a few days, consider offering to set up playdates or activities in advance so that they have ways to break up their time while also giving your child options for fun things to do. 

Leave your caregiver a gift . Even if you pay your caregiver, a kind and lovely gesture is to leave them a gift, especially one they can use. You could arrange for a favorite local eatery to deliver dinner one night. Or leave tickets to the movies or theatre or some other event that they can use when your trip is over. Making an effort to make your caregiver feel appreciated is a wonderful way to leave everyone feeling good. 

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

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Traveling with Babies: Tips That Will Make Your Life Easier

Cindy Richards

Traveling with a baby for the first time? If the thought of taking your infant on a trip makes you break out in hives, we can help.

These baby travel tips will work on everything from day trips nearby to international flights around the globe. They’ve all been tested by SheBuysTravel writers who have been around the world with their babies!

Here, in one place, find all of our most helpful family travel tips, including what to pack for a road trip with little ones, essential air travel advice, how to handle naps in between sightseeing and why a baby carrier will be your best bet for traveling with a baby.

Road Trips with a Newborn

This is where most new parents start. It’s certainly where my husband and I started with our 2-month-old son. We bundled him into a car seat and headed 70 miles away to the grandparents’ house for a visit.

1. Start small

Take short car rides to acclimate your baby to spending time in her car seat.

You don’t want to learn, as SheBuysTravel writer Julie Bigboy did, that your baby doesn’t like car rides when you’re stuck in heavy traffic on the freeway. It made for a very loooooong trip as they idled in traffic while the baby screamed.  

2. Travel light

Just going to my parents’ house on that first road trip seemed like a huge endeavor. We packed a stroller, filled a diaper bag and loaded up on baby toys. My mom (a first-time grandma) had already bought a high chair and crib to keep at her house, so at least we didn’t need to bring those.

Back then, I wish I had known about SheBuysTravel writer Greg Stump’s trick for traveling without a crib. And, of course, now I know that small children don’t really need all of that stuff.

Just pack the basics: A few more diapers than you think you’ll need. Especially if your baby wears cloth diapers. At least two extra outfits because there will be diaper blowouts. Baby’s lovey and one or two toys.

Really. That’s it.

And, yes, you have permission to take everything you can carry the first and maybe even the second time you head off on a road trip with the baby. But on that third trip, leave behind all the stuff you didn’t use on the first two trips.

3. Drive while they sleep

When SheBuysTravel writer Anuja DeSilva was ready for a weekend getaway with her baby, she and her husband looked for places within a two- or three-hour drive from their home in Westchester, New York. They planned the drive to coincide with the baby’s nap time.

She and her husband looked at the trip as one in which they would scout the area for a return trip later when the baby was older.

They spent much of the visit to the Hamptons with a baby driving around while the baby napped. It might not have been as exciting as a pre-baby vacation, but at least they weren’t at home staring at the same walls. And the baby was getting used to sleeping in a different place. That’s the first critical step toward raising a committed traveler!

SheBuysTravel Tip:   Before heading off on your first road trip with a baby, read our survival guide for road tripping with a baby. It’s got very practical tips on everything from breastfeeding in the car to changing a diaper in the car.

Getting Around with Baby

This is certainly personal preference — yours and your baby’s.

Some people swear by those big-wheeled jogging strollers that look like they could take on the Baja. My husband just liked to carry our babies in his arms. I preferred umbrella strollers because they are lightweight and easy to carry up and down the stairs of the L in Chicago.

4. Why you need a baby carrier

SheBuysTravel writer Nasreen Stump, who has traveled with all four of her kids since they were infants, swears by baby wearing. Why? Having hands. If you’re wearing the baby, you can pull a carry-on bag through the airport, feed yourself a snack, pack up the beach toys and even just to give your arms a break when you’re standing in line for the rides at Disney World.

Carriers are like jeans, there’s a version for everyone. You’ll need to find the right fit for you. Nasreen keeps a Tula soft structured carrier in her car for emergency ups (even though her youngest baby is now a toddler). If you’re heading to the beach, look for a water carrier/sling to keep baby close and introduce them to water safely.

SheBuysTravel Tip : As a bonus, the carrier can be used to fashion a pseudo-high chair in restaurants if necessary!

5. Test your travel gear before the trip

From strollers to car seats to baby carriers to diaper bags, you’ll want to travel with the gear that makes baby and you the most comfortable. No one — you or the baby — wants to be a mile in to a 3-mile hike only to find that the baby doesn’t like the backpack you’re carrying her in.

And why do you want to test the diaper bag? Because you need to be comfortable with the bag when traveling with baby. Even more important, you need to know where everything is and know how to access it quickly when the blowout happens or the baby needs a binkie!

Flying with a Baby

Julie’s first flight with her baby was a 5-hour flight from California to Florida. Alone. She’s braver than I ever was. But she’s a mom warrior.

These are her tips for making that first flight as easy as possible, on both of you.

6. Start small

Just as with road trips, if you can, start with a short flight of less than two hours. It will give you and the baby a chance to test the whole process.

Was she intrigued by going through TSA or freaked out? Did she like the feel of takeoff and landing or did she scream in pain? Was it easy to hold her on your lap or do you wish you bought the baby her own seat?

7. Choose a direct flight whenever possible

Getting on and off the plane with a carry-on and a baby is less stressful when you know you only have to do it once. Avoid the layover and go straight to your final destination whenever possible!

8. Book the right seat

For some, this will be the window seat. For others, the aisle seat. It’s not just personal preference. It’s really a question of how much you expect to get up.

Will your baby need to be walked up and down the aisle whenever the “fasten seat belt” sign is off? Or is he happy in his car seat or on your lap? Is the flight long enough that it will require at least one diaper change in the lavatory?

9. Choose a red eye if it’s a long flight 

Your baby likely will sleep for a greater portion of the flight.

10. Board as soon as possible

If the carrier offers early boarding for families, take it. You’ll be able to store everything in the overhead bin and get yourself and the baby settled before the crowd descends.

11. Book the bulkhead seat

On the wide-body jets commonly used for international flights and cross country domestic flights, bulkhead rows are set up so a bassinet can be mounted to the wall. And there’s more legroom, which means more room for easily accessing baby gear.

The downside is no under-seat storage for that baby gear so you’ll need to find space in an overhead bin during takeoff and landing. (Remember what we said about jumping at the chance to board early?)

12. Buy baby his own seat

Airlines still allow kids under 2 to ride as a “lap child,” but we don’t recommend it. Yes, it costs more to buy another seat, but your baby will be secured in his rear-facing car seat and tethered by the seat belt. Equally important, you’ll have your own hands free during the flight.

If you don’t want to pay upfront for your baby’s seat, Julie says you can try getting in the good graces of the flight attendant, who can rearrange seating so you have an open seat next to you. It happened to her on every flight she took with her under-1-year-old!

SheBuysTravel Tip:  Check the car seat rules for your air carrier to be sure your car seat will fit in the airplane seat. 

13. Keep the pacifier handy to manage ear pain 

On a recent flight, a newborn three rows up started to scream just as my ears started to pop with the increased cabin pressure. The new parents tried mightily to comfort her, but the screams just grew louder. We all listened with sympathy for that poor little one.

Finally, a male voice from the front of plane said loudly, “Give that baby a bottle!”

The dad replied, less loudly, ” She won’t take a bottle.”

To which the first man responded, “Then give her a boob. That baby’s in pain!”

And it is painful for those little ears. Have a pacifier ready for takeoff and landing. If that doesn’t work, try a bottle — or a boob. The suckling tends to equalize the pressure inside their tiny ears.

Consult your pediatrician before the flight for additional tips and ideas that might work for your baby.

Have a Sleep Strategy When Traveling with Baby

Getting your baby or toddler to fall asleep in an unfamiliar place like a hotel or Airbnb can be tough.  Consider what works at home and try to mimic that environment.

14. Book a multi-room Airbnb or hotel suite

When traveling with baby, don’t settle for a plain old hotel room. Booking something bigger with a separate bedroom means the baby can be in a quiet, still place. Bonus points: You can look for a vacation rental that supplies baby gear such as a crib and high chair.

If you must book a hotel room, at least look for one with a balcony. Put the baby to sleep, then head to the balcony with your partner and a glass of wine. Leave the door open a crack while you two have a little “us time” while keeping one ear open for any cries from the baby.

15. Do what works at home

Whatever calms your baby at home might also calm him on vacation, whether that means putting baby in a carrier and pacing the room, walking with baby in a stroller up and down the hotel hallway or using a white noise machine.

16. Test out different sleeping spots

Again, a week at the beach house is not when you want to learn that your baby will only sleep in her own crib in her own room.

In the weeks leading up to the trip, have her sleep around — put her down for naps at your best friend’s house, do an overnight visit at Grandma’s, even try getting her to sleep in a different room at home.

Nursing and Feeding Your Baby

If you are a breastfeeding mother you have rights.

This is another time when it’s important to know your baby’s temperament and schedule. With time zone changes, it can be easy to lose track of a feeding schedule. Your baby also may be cutting nursing sessions short because he is distracted by what is happening all of the new stimuli around him.

17. Take care of yourself

With the possible change in schedules and timing, be sure you bring some type of relief for yourself in case baby isn’t feeding well.

Even if you don’t usually pump breast milk, having a small manual pump could be a vacation-saver if baby is leaving you engorged. No one wants to have mastitis at all, let alone when you’re away from home.

18. Breastfeed everywhere

If you mostly feed your baby in a rocker in a quiet room, you might want to mix that up a bit in the weeks leading up to your trip. It’s important that both baby and you get comfortable breastfeeding in other places.

19. Keep track of wet diapers

Make sure you’re still keeping track of wet diapers, just like at home. That way you’ll know if baby is dehydrated (especially if you are traveling in a warm locale).

20. Make mixing formula easier

Traveling with formula for baby? We’ve got a few tricks for that, too.

First, you can bring water through the security checkpoint. Be sure to pull it out of your bag and let TSA know it’s for baby. Nasreen says she always brought a bottle of room temperature water and pre-filled bottles.

Bring a sectioned formula holder so that you don’t have to measure while you’re on the go.

To prevent spills in your suitcase, pack a new sealed container of powdered formula. If you can’t do that, stretch a piece of plastic wrap over the container before you put on the top and then put the whole thing in a zip-top plastic bag before tucking it into your suitcase.  Nothing ruins a vacation like formula powder all over everything!

Lastly, those shaker bottles that you can get for protein powder? They’re perfect for mixing formula on the go. They can even function as a bottle warmer. Just fill the shaker with hot water and pop the bottle in to warm it.

Diaper Details

I remember a coworker years ago grumbling about his pending trip to France with his wife and newborn. He was angry because his wife was planning to bring along a case of diapers.

“Doesn’t she know that babies everywhere poop?” he asked of no one in particular.

21. Bring Only What You Need

My coworker was right. Babies everywhere poop and pee. So you’ll be able to buy what you need once you arrive. But remember what we said about preparing for blowouts: Bring twice as many diapers (and two extra outfits) for the flight or car ride.

22. It is Possible to Travel with a Cloth Diapered Baby!

Nasreen has done it. My hat is off to her. But she says it’s easy if you follow these 3 steps:

• Plan on doing laundry during the trip. Don’t pack every single diaper you have.
• Bring a travel pack of Handy-Sacks or a bunch of plastic bags for possible blowouts when you are out and about.
• When you arrive in your hotel room set up a diapering station similar to what you have at home.

Become a Minimalist

Remember what we said at the beginning? It can be tempting to bring every single thing you think that your baby might need while you’re on vacation. We understand. We did, too, on our first one (OK, first two) trips with baby. But you won’t need it all. Really.

For now,  give yourself permission to bring every little thing you think you might need. Better to be safe than stressed. But when you get home, make a note of the things you brought but didn’t use.

When you’re ready, here’s what we recommend:

23. Use a backpack as a diaper bag

We recommend packing baby’s essentials in a backpack rather than a diaper bag. Then, if you wear the backpack on both shoulders, you can be completely hands free.

24. Pack only the bare necessities

• Diaper supplies (changing pad, diapers, wipes)
• Wet bag (for storing wet or soiled clothing)
• Two changes of clothing per day (more if you have a baby prone to spitting up or diaper blowouts). Pack these outfits in gallon-sized Ziploc bags and you’ll have extra bags on hand for any incidents.
• Baby-friendly sunscreen
• Protective hat
• Swaddle cloths/muslins for wrapping & covering from sun
• Baby food/bottles/formula/baby spoons
• Front carrier and/or stroller with car seat

25. Don’t forget about the power of Amazon  

Worried about running out of things? Realize that you used half your diapers on the first day alone?

Don’t underestimate the healing power of Amazon. A couple of clicks and you’ll have diapers, formula, extra bottles, a few changes of clothes and more headed to you at the hotel or Airbnb.

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Thanks for the reminder that packing sunscreen is also essential when planning to travel with a toddler. I’m interested in looking for a good resource for parenting because I’ve been having trouble adjusting to being a single mom. It would be best to start reading up on guides so that things wouldn’t feel to overwhelming for me.

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Out and about with baby

You’ve been home staring lovingly at your newborn for a while, but maybe now is the time for some fresh air. here’s how to be prepared for a trip out with your brand-new baby., in this article, introduction, when can you take a newborn out, places to go with a newborn, is your baby bag packed and ready, travelling with a baby, travelling with a baby by car, travelling by public transport, travelling with a baby on a plane.

Your first trip out with your new baby can be daunting, even if you’re just popping to the shops. But once you've been out a few times, you'll soon get the hang of it.

Love a list? Read our handy checklist on what you need for taking baby out for the first time .

There are no set rules as to when you can take a newborn out - you and your travel-size human can go out whenever you’re feeling up to it. There’s no reason to wait, it just requires a bit of planning and preparation. Yes, going out for the first time can be daunting and doing more things with fewer hands takes a little getting used to. So, it might be good to go with a friend or your partner the first couple of times, until things get easier. If you’re unsure about anything or you’re feeling a little anxious, chat to your midwife or health visitor.

The good thing about your newborn is they’re compact and light but can’t run around. You can take them almost anywhere – enjoy it while it lasts! There are a few things to bear in mind though:

Are there baby changing facilities nearby?

Is it crowded and noisy?

If you’re eating out maybe try a family-friendly place instead of a fancy restaurant, it will probably be more relaxing for you that way.

Is there step-free access? Or do you have to manoeuvre loads of stairs with your buggy?

If you’re using public transport will you be travelling off-peak?

Plan ahead to consider where you will feel comfortable breastfeeding, it might be helpful to ask breastfeeding friends for suggestions.

Forget the designer handbag it’s all about the baby bag these days. Before you leave, do a quick check to make sure you’ve packed all you need for going out and about with baby. Don’t worry, this will become second nature over the next few weeks:

Nappies. Not just one or two. Four or five.

Cotton wool. Changing mat. Wet wipes. Bibs. Muslin squares... Check.

A couple of outfit changes and a spare top for you too in case baby brings up their feed.

If you're breastfeeding, pack breast pads and you may want a large shawl or muslin to make feeding in public more private.

Don’t forget your keys, purse and a fully charged mobile.

Keep expressed milk in a sterilised bottle in a cool bag and use within four hours.

Formula feeding ? You'll need an insulated flask of previously boiled hot water, a sterile container of pre-measured formula powder, and sterilised bottles and teats.

For a fuss-free alternative to making up formula, pack ready-made formula in individual cartons.

A baby sling can be a real lifesaver when you’re on the move and baby gets fussy in the buggy. They love snuggling up to you for comfort and you’ll love it too.

Can’t wait for your first holiday away with baby? Here’s a few tips to make the journey as smooth as possible.

Things you might need:

A lightweight buggy

A baby sling

A baby car seat. This is often permitted as an extra in your baggage allowance on flights. Check with your airline before you go. Just remember those buggy adapters, you might want to use the car seat on the pram to travel light(ish).

A travel cot

A travel steriliser

A travel bottle warmer

Formula if you’re not breastfeeding

Baby’s favourite soft toy or blanket

A first aid kit with infant paracetamol, medicines and sun protection

Travel blackout blinds

A monitor if your accommodation is big enough to require one. You’ll need to make sure you bring enough adapters of course.

For a more interactive and extensive list, check out travelling with baby on our Mother of all Checklists .

Time your journey round baby’s naps and factor in plenty of breaks.

Take car window blinds for when baby is sleeping. A dark muslin tucked into a shut window is always a good backup plan.

Line up a few nursery rhyme playlists on your phone. Or keep it classical – everyone’s a winner.

Avoid rush-hour traffic.

Do a test drive and make sure you have your car seat properly fitted to the correct safety standards.

If you’re travelling alone with baby you may want a baby car mirror to keep an eye on your little one from the driver’s seat.

Avoid travelling in rush hour, it’s really not pleasant.

Plan the most direct route with the fewest awkward changes.

Check for step-free access and lifts. Don’t forget the baby sling.

To help relieve pressure in their middle ear, try breastfeeding when taking-off and landing. Or if they have a dummy, this is a good time to use it.

If you’re on a long-haul flight ask ahead if you can have extra legroom or a bassinet seat.

Make sure you have enough sunshades for the pram when you’re out and about. Always use a specialised sun cream for babies.

Baby’s skin is very delicate. If they are under six months old they need to be kept out of direct sunlight.

Take a baby bag on board with all the essentials. Take extra nappies, formula and wipes in case your journey is delayed. A prepared feed in a bottle is usually allowed, they just get checked at security, you can check the government website for latest guidance

Bring changes of clothes for you and baby in your carry-ons.

Make sure your travel insurance covers any baby-related incidents.

For more tips on travelling with a baby read our article.

How to massage my baby

Tips for travelling with a baby

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We believe that breastfeeding is the ideal nutritional start for babies and we fully support the World Health Organization’s recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life followed by the introduction of adequate nutritious complementary foods along with continued breastfeeding up to two years of age. We also recognise that breastfeeding is not always an option for parents. We recommend that you speak to your healthcare professional about how to feed your baby and seek advice on when to introduce complementary feeding. If you choose not to breastfeed, please remember that such a decision can be difficult to reverse and has social and financial implications. Introducing partial bottle-feeding will reduce the supply of breast milk. Infant formula should always be prepared, used and stored as instructed on the label in order to avoid risks to a baby’s health.

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27 Best Places to Travel with a Baby (Safe + Baby-Friendly)!

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Home » 27 Best Places to Travel with a Baby (Safe + Baby-Friendly)!

Are you wondering where to travel with a baby?

Our youngest daughter, Avalee, was just 2.5 months old when we embarked on our very first trip with her. Our first trip with her took us to Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands.

After Indonesia, we ventured further afield to Australia and explored Perth and Sydney.

We then set off to Asia visiting Japan and Europe for a big extended road trip that included France, Switzerland, and Italy – all before Avalee had reached her first birthday! As seasoned family travelers (we have 3 children) we’ve learned a lot about what works best when traveling with babies in tow.

With input from other parents who have traveled with their babies too, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to travel with a baby along with practical tips based on our experiences on how to choose the perfect baby-friendly holiday destinations. 

Just because you have a new baby doesn’t mean you have to be stuck at home. Now is a great time to make memories with your little one and travel the world!

It might not always be easy to travel with a baby, but in my opinion, it is always worth any challenges.

Here is a list of the best baby-friendly countries to visit to ensure your trip will run as smoothly as possible.

27 Best Places to Travel with a Baby in the World

Wondering where to travel with your baby?

We love traveling with our baby as we scout out the best places to visit with an infant.

In our opinion, the best countries to visit with a baby in USA, Australia, South Africa, Japan, Italy, and the UK, but you can find more ideas on our list down below.

But first! Sign up for our ‘Wanderlust Storytellers Family Tribe’ newsletter to get loads of helpful information about how to travel with a baby! 

1. Tuscany, Italy

For one of the best holiday destinations with a baby or even older kids, head to beautiful Italy!

Children are adored in this country, and you will find that Italians will often go out of their way to help parents. And expect them, to come to say hello to your little ones too.

Italy is one of the best places to go on holiday with a baby. It is easy to find some beautiful family-friendly accommodation options.

We chose Tuscany for our list because it has plenty of stroller-friendly destinations.

I recommend you choose either Florence or Lucca for a home base. Both cities are great for strollers, although we recommend a stroller with large cushioned wheels to handle bumpy or cobble-stone roads.

Florence has plenty of playgrounds for older babies and toddlers, and the restaurants typically can prepare a small plate for younger kids or a simple pasta dish (when Avie was a toddler, she often had simple pasta and butter).

If you decide on Florence, be sure to have a look at the best neighborhood to stay in Florence .

You can also find many beautiful small towns scattered through Tuscany that will allow you to explore this region of Italy without the masses of tourists.

Recommended attractions in Tuscany that you should see with your baby include the Leaning Tower of Pisa and The Boboli Gardens.

If time permits, you should also visit Capo Sant’Andrea on Elba Island (make sure to take baby beach shoes if you are planning to spend some time on the beach).

Personally speaking, Italy is arguably the best place to travel with baby options for us so far, as well as one of the best baby-friendly travel destinations and baby-friendly countries.

• Bring your baby carrier along, as you will often find stairs at the main attractions in Italy.
• Always have a baby change mat on hand, as change tables in public restrooms are rare.
• You can rent a stroller in Italy, and check out sites such as TravelBaby.It and BabyGuest.com.
• Pre-book your taxi online , that way, you can request a baby car seat for the transfer as well.

Where to Stay in Tuscany with a Baby:

We recommend basing yourselves in either Florence or Lucca (cheaper) and then planning your day trips from there.

Best Place to Stay in Florence with a Baby:

• Best Hotel: For a fantastic stay I would choose  MyFlorenceHoliday Gold Bridge . Their family room includes a cot and high chair and has a kitchen area where you can prepare bottles etc. The hotel is located 100 meters from Ponte Vecchio.
• Best VRBO: I love The Time Machine apartment which is located next to Palazzo Vecchio. It has 2 bedrooms and includes a travel crib, high chair, and dishes & utensils for kids- it also has a lift to the apartment which is on the second level.

Best Place to Stay in Lucca with a Baby:

• Best Hotel: The 4-Star Hotel Ilaria has a triple room that includes a cot. This popular hotel is located in the historic centre of Lucca.

Further Reading:

• Visit Tuscany with Kids (Tips and Information)
• See our full blog post with helpful information about traveling to Italy with a baby
• Watch our Video on YouTube: Italy with a Baby or Toddler .
• Florence with Kids

Wondering where to travel with a baby in Asia?  Japan is one of the best places to travel with an infant in Asia.

This destination is very baby-friendly. You can easily choose from some of these great destinations in Japan perfect for first-timers .

“ Baby Cafes ” located throughout Tokyo have childproof areas and food for mom and dad to purchase.

There are also family rooms throughout (mainly in the larger supermarkets) around, the larger cities where moms can nurse or change their babies.

Baby supplies are available from pharmacies, and let’s not forget how clean the country is (you won’t see rubbish anywhere!).

• Bring your baby carrier along and leave your stroller at home.
• You will typically find beautiful baby rooms in the larger supermarkets.
• Public restrooms should have change tables and a parent-friendly toilet with a baby highchair, so you have somewhere to pop baby while you do your business.
• Choose Airbnb over small hotel rooms.
• For toddlers, we can highly recommend some popular theme parks such as Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan.

READ MORE: See our helpful post on how to visit Japan with a baby

3. London, England

London is one of the best places to travel in Europe with a baby.

This city has parent rooms and changing facilities readily available, making it a great place to visit with a baby.

Many sights can easily be accessed by public transportation or on foot. We love how easy the city is to navigate with a stroller; simply use the   step-free Tube map to navigate the underground with your stroller.

Breastfeeding in public is accepted and considered perfectly normal. Children under five can travel for free on public transport, and there are plenty of family-friend restaurants.

If your bubs is a bit older, he/she might also really enjoy outings to a  baby disco, one of the children ‘s  theatres, the city farms, zoos, or a day out at one of the many parks.

• Top 10 Things to do in London with Kids
• Make sure you download NCT’s Babychange app, which will show you all the baby-changing facilities in your vicinity, and the Wowmum app, which lists baby change areas, as well as child-friendly activities, parks, and more.
• Book your taxi online. Book Taxi London is a reliable website that you can use to quickly and easily book your taxi (you can even select to have a car seat for your little one)!

After one of the most affordable places to visit with your baby?

With rice paddies, waterfalls, beaches, and great people, Bali certainly has it all.

This dreamy vacation is very baby-friendly, and nannies or babysitters are super affordable.  You can also very easily rent baby gear and equipment for super low prices if you need them.

Hotels and resorts will be equipped with baby cots and high chairs, and with a bit of effort, you can also pre-book transfers with baby car seats.

Avoid Kuta and head to more family-friendly areas such as Canggu, Ubud, Legian, Jimbaran, or Nusa Lembongan.

We love to combine some time in Ubud to soak up the peaceful rice paddy atmosphere with some luxury and relaxation at one of the beachside areas such as Canggu or Jimbaran.

Bali might be the best place to travel with a baby for those living in Australia.

• Bring your baby carrier along and leave your stroller behind
• Always have a baby change mat on hand
• Book a cheap nanny to tag along with you on your outings
• Pre-book your transfers if you wish to have a baby car seat
• Don’t forget to bring along your  sun tent for baby , as well as some handy and essential  beach items for baby

5. Tulum, Mexico

One of the best travel destinations with a baby if you are after some beautiful beaches and warm weather. This city can make for a very relaxing vacation.

Many family-friendly beaches and hotels accommodate those traveling with babies, as they often provide cribs and strollers.

If you are wondering if it is safe to travel to Mexico with a baby, you will be glad to know that it is.

What you will need to consider is taking enough baby formula if you are not breastfeeding your little one as the variety of formula available is limited.

If you do use baby formula, make sure to use bottled water when making your baby’s milk.

If you do take a baby stroller, take one that can fold up and will fit easily into any taxi that you may take whilst on holiday.

If you are planning on venturing out and about, a baby carrier is a great choice as you will be hands-free, and is perfect for any hikes are strolls on the beach.

Top places to visit include Sian Ka’an Biosphere and Playa Paraiso.  Mexico offers some of the best baby-friendly travel destinations for those in the USA.

6. Chicago, Illinois

One of the best places to travel to with a baby in the United States is Chicago. This city is so baby friendly making it hands down one of the best cities to travel with a baby and one of the best travel destinations with baby options.

The great thing about Chicago is that it has a ton of baby sights, attractions, and tours to enjoy.

Taking your baby out and about during the day is great for you and the baby and in Chicago, they celebrate that.

The town of Chicago has free stroller tours at some of the area’s major museums, including The Field Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago, and The Museum of Contemporary Art.

Besides the museums, you can also visit the Shedd Aquarium and Navy Pier.

If you are explicitly wondering where to travel with a newborn, this would be one of our top picks.

7. Montreal, Canada

After stroller-friendly places to visit with a baby? One of the nice things about Montreal is that it’s very stroller-friendly.

Numerous kid-friendly festivals occur throughout the year. Popular attractions include Jean-Talon Farmer’s Market, Clock Tower Beach, and The Botanical Gardens.

If you visit Montreal outside of these festivals do not worry because there is still lots to do. Experience much of the cultural scene in Montreal by visiting many of the galleries and museums. Kids under 12 can go free to many of these local Montreal attractions.

In summer there are many parks and open green spaces that you can enjoy as a family. Enjoy a picnic and the many playgrounds that can be found in the parks.

Montreal boasts a large variety of baby-friendly and welcoming cafes and restaurants, so when it comes to enjoying a bite to eat, you and your baby can relax.

8. Tasmania, Australia

Definitely, one of the most baby-friendly countries to visit.

Australia is another brilliant country to visit with a baby. While there are many baby-friendly places to travel to in Australia, we love Tasmania.

This Australian state is an excellent destination for children of all ages. You can easily find high chairs in restaurants, which typically have special kids’ menus to keep toddlers happy.

You can easily find all baby supplies in small or large grocery stores. Hotels have cots available (typically free of charge), and destinations are all stroller-friendly.

One of the nice things about Tasmania is that you don’t have to haul a stroller with you on your flight if you don’t want to because plenty of stroller rentals are available.

Many activities here are nature-based, including a visit to the Bay of Fires and Russell Falls. A great activity during the summer months is to head to one of the beautiful sandy beaches for some much-needed relaxation.

9. Wales, United Kingdom

Wales is another one of the best places to travel with a baby in Europe!  People love babies in Wales and will bend backward to ensure you enjoy your time here as much as possible.

Hotels will provide everything from cribs to baby gates and can even recommend babysitting services if you need some alone time. Good places to visit with your baby include Cardiff Castle, Tenby Harbour, and Bodnant Garden.

When you are out and about enjoying the lush Welsh countryside, be sure to take a baby carrier with you.

If you plan to spend more time exploring the Welsh villages and towns, a baby stroller will definitely come in handy. If you can, a stroller that folds up compactly is best as you are guaranteed it will be able to travel in your taxi.

10. San Diego, California

This is one of the most baby-friendly destinations on the list. There are a lot of boardwalks, walking trails, and plenty of beaches.

If you take a stroller with you when you travel to San Diego with a baby, you will be able to move around with ease.

If you are looking for some great baby-friendly activities then a visit to the Birch Aquarium, Mission Beach & Boardwalk, or the San Diego Botanic Garden are all great choices.

Be sure to also make your way to the San Diego Zoo. This huge zoo has so much to see and do and is a huge amount of fun for everyone.

If you visit during warmer months, be sure to pack sunblock and a swimming costume so you can take a dip at the many beaches.

Pack some kids’ beach toys or grab a set from one of the local shops on the boardwalk as all kids love to play in water and sand and most of all build sandcastles.

For kids big and small, head to Legoland which is under an hour’s drive from San Diego. The best part about the rides at Legoland resorts is that they do not have height restrictions so even the shortest of visitors can enjoy the rides when visiting.

Is it any surprise that Hawaii happens to be one of the best places to vacation with a baby? This island is a dream vacation for many due to the many resorts that cater to families.

So it is probably no surprise that Hawaii happens to be one of the best places to vacation with a baby!

If you do not want to explore the island and just need to relax and take it easy, then staying at your beach resort is great as you can lunge around the pool or on the beach.

Head to the beach for some sand and fun and when baby is tired and ready for a nap, the room is only a short walk away. If you want to do an activity that is a bit more strenuous, many of the resorts do offer activities at the resort that you can enjoy.

The best way to get around this island is with a rental car. You will be able to see plenty of amazing sights that will allow you to take unforgettable pictures of yourself and your baby.

Exploring Hawaii by car also means that your baby can take a nap when traveling and not be tired to enjoy the sights.

Baby-friendly places include Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail and Valley of the Temples.

12. Cape Town, South Africa

Not many people associate good places to travel with a baby, including South Africa. However, those who’ve been to Cape Town know it’s one of the best places to visit with a baby or even older kids.

Cape Town is also one of the best cities to visit with a baby because baby facilities are readily available everywhere.

There are plenty of picturesque views and things to do, visiting the penguins, heading out on a boat to see the seals, or having a picnic in a vineyard.

If you want to travel around Cape Town then make sure to rent a car. Many places that you will visit may be an hour or so drive out of the City center.

You do not need to take a car seat with you as many of the car rental companies will be able to offer you car seat rental.

Cape Town is known for its many wine farms. If you think that visiting is not great for kids, you will be pleased to know that many of the wine farms cater to all ages, with most offering children their own version of a “wine-tasting menu “with treats and kids’ drinks.

Nearly everywhere you visit a baby chair will be available to use. Most wine farms have play parks for kids to enjoy with swings, slides, and jungle gyms. If you are traveling with older kids.

Head to one of the many beaches, the most renowned being Camps Bay and enjoy a sunset picnic.

You can find our full guide on how to travel South Africa with a baby here. We visited South Africa with our youngest and two older kids and spent 5 weeks exploring various parts of the country and we loved it!

Further Reading

• Grab some ideas of what to do in Cape Town with kids here.

13. Taipei, Taiwan

Another popular destination for family travelers in Taiwan. This destination is very safe and the people of Taiwan are very welcoming of babies and children.

Many places in Taiwan have mothers’ rooms, similar to those found in Japan, but this city is a great place to travel with a baby because of its many attractions.

Unlike other places, you can easily strap a baby into a stroller and walk around, as the terrain isn’t tough to maneuver making it super easy to get around and explore.

This allows families to see a lot of exciting sights like Longshan Temple or Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

The city of Taipei is exciting and colorful and at night looks a lot like Times Square in New York.

Head to the 101 Building which cannot be missed when you arrive in the city. You can go up this building and it is strongly recommended to buy tickets in advance rather than queuing.

Head out of the city and you will find the Silver Stream Cave which is a temple carved into the rock face behind a stunning waterfall. The nerve-wracking walk-up is definitely worth the trek and be sure to pack a baby carrier for this to make the walk easy.

Belize is one of the most baby and kid-friendly places to visit. It has so many different attractions and activities that everyone can enjoy.

One of the other biggest perks for families visiting here is its affordability.

The country is also English-speaking, so you don’t have to worry about the need to whip out your language translator while trying to balance a baby on your hip.

There are a lot of great places to take your little one in this country, including the Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm and the Mayan Ruins.

If your trip to Belize is to have some downtime and not be out and about too much, be sure to stay at one of the many resorts that offer guests all they need from horseback riding to pools and a health spa.

You can easily find what you need in the stores in Belize however if your baby is drinking formula, it is best to take your own with you as you may not be able to find the same make in Belize.

15. Ecuador

Ecuador may not be the first place you think of when traveling a with baby however you will find that this country is very welcoming of children and is affordable for a family vacation.

Ecuador is one of the best places to visit in South America , so you can’t go wrong with this destination!

The safest way to get around Ecuador is by renting a vehicle. Although there is a lot of public transport like taxis and buses, seatbelts are not always readily available and the maneuvers that the drivers take along the winding roads are quite hair-raising!

When it comes to mealtimes and feeding, you will be pleased to know that breastfeeding is very acceptable and normal. If you need baby formula, this is readily available however you may not find your usual brand.

The terrain is challenging to get around with a stroller, so you will need to use a baby carrier instead. You can even take a backpack carrier as this will be the easiest way to get around and carry your baby.

It’s worth exploring the city as much as possible with your baby as there’s a lot to see. This includes The Otavalo Indigenous Market and the Manabi Coast.

It can get pretty noisy at night too so you may want to bring along something to create white noise. Top tip – book hotels and places to stay that is away from main roads to help reduce the noise at night.

Wondering where to travel with your baby in Greece?

Those who visit Greece can tell pretty quickly that the culture is family-oriented. Often children can eat free at restaurants, stay free at hotels and ride public transportation for free.

While we recommend you leave the cliff-top towns such as Santorini for another year, you could visit many other beautiful destinations in Greece with your baby in tow. 

There are many islands that you can visit in Greece offering you and your baby warm beaches to enjoy like the infamous Mykonos.

Another great place to visit in Greece is Crete and the great thing is that this is not the first place most people think of visiting in Greece.

This makes it a great destination as it is not crowded and Crete also has a range of activities to do with kids.

Greece is also a very safe place to visit so it is a definite for any family vacation. If you want to explore by walking, a stroller may be difficult to use so a baby carrier may be best. Or a stroller with larger wheels will be ok.

Make sure you and your baby visit the Plaka District of Athens and The Castles Of Rhodes.

How To Get Around

Of course, the best way to get around Rhodes is with the locals. Get your local Rhodes taxi here.

And if you are staying in Athens (check out our list of the best hotels with rooftop pools in Athens here ), the best way to get around town is by taxi! Book your taxi here !

• The Best Places to Visit on a Family Holiday To Crete
• Where to visit in Greece for first-timers

17. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is full of incredible sights to explore; it would be a shame not to discover the elegant harbors because you have a baby. Instead, Stockholm is one of the best places to travel with a baby.

One of the best things about Stockholm is that you can walk almost everywhere. It is an incredibly safe city and is the perfect size for a family to explore.

Sweden is one of the best places in Europe to visit with kids , because there are plenty of age-appropriate entertainment spots, such as;

• Old Town – the quaint part of town with fantastic toy stores
• Vasparken – a massive park with a lovely playground
• Skansen – a giant ocean-air museum and zoo

It is a legal requirement for all city buses to ensure space for wheelchairs for disabled people and prams for children. This makes it easy to get around if you push a stroller.

A trip to Stockholm is one of the best baby-friendly vacations you can plan.

Tip: One of the best ways to check out Stockholm is from the water. Take a look at our list of best Stockholm boat tours here.

The USA is one of the best baby-friendly vacation spots in the world. There are so many different places in the USA that it is a hard choice of where to go when visiting the USA with a baby and young children.

Washington, DC, is such a vibrant, beautiful city, and it promises to be a memorable and enjoyable experience for the whole family. It is an icon of democracy, full of history and progressive happenings.

There is so much to see and do – a lot of which is free. The best time to visit Washington, DC, with your baby is during spring (March to May), as the temperature is pleasant, with the pink cherry blossoms blooming around early April.

Avoid July and August, which can get uncomfortably hot and cause your baby to fuss.

The city has an excellent public transport system, making getting around easy. While the law doesn’t require car seats for cabs, you can pre-request one for a taxi or Uber.

Florida is another great place to visit and has so many family-friendly resorts to choose from. Florida is well known for all the amusement parks for toddlers such as Disney World, Magic Kingdom Park, etc.

Your young children and even baby will love the splash pads inside Magic Kingdom

Take a trip to Utah to see Zion National Park. There are short hikes inside the park which will be enjoyable for the whole family.

If you do decide to hike in Zion National Park, make sure to take a baby hiking carrier. Find more tips for visiting Zion National Park with kids here.

The same applies if you visit Colorado and the Rocky Mountain National Park.

North Carolina has many fun activities for the family. There is the North Carolina Zoo which is bound to make your little one smile.

Spend a night or two under the stars in the Uwharrie National Forest. There are many activities that you can do from swimming to fishing and boating. Make sure that you put safety first and use life vests for water sports and activities.

If you happen to travel to New York, make sure to take a stroll around central park. It is perfect for walking with a baby stroller or baby carrier.

19. Reykjavik, Iceland

Due to the chilly temperatures, Reykjavik and the rest of Iceland are often overlooked when deciding where to travel with a baby.

However, the city is breathtakingly beautiful, and if you bundle up your baby, you can enjoy the Northern Lights, geothermal hot springs, and fascinating history without the fuss!

Boasting surreal landscapes and fascinating natural phenomena, your little one may be lucky enough to capture a memory.

Reykjavik is fast becoming a trendy tourist destination, so there have been increased tour options. Many of these tours are family-friendly and remove all the fuss when planning your trip.

Make sure you pack in a few extra warm goodies, and you and your baby are good to go.

20. Runaway Bay, Jamaica

Jamaica is known as a paradise getaway, and no reason having a baby should change this experience. Runaway Island in Jamaica prioritizes an atmosphere of relaxation and is one of the top places to travel with a baby.

As a fabulous family vacation destination, Runaway Bay boasts many villas, resorts, and accommodation options focused on the family. Many of these resorts offer family-sized rooms that can comfortably sleep up to three children.

Many of these resorts also help arrange the services of a nanny or babysitter to help you better relax on the beach. Some resorts even have a baby club where trusted employees mind your child during nap time.

If we can give you one little piece of advice, it’s to pack a lot of sunblock (keeping in mind that babies under six months can’t use sunblock). Chances are, your little one will enjoy the sun, sand, and clear waters as much as you.

21. Cascais, Portugal

Cascais is a quaint village in Portugal full of culture, history, and, most importantly, families. The laid-back destination promises one of the best vacations with infants possible.

There is a tangible warmth in the air reflected in the locals’ cheery expressions, and it is sure to be a holiday you will never forget.

If you don’t choose to push your stroller on the wide, open streets, you can be comforted that child seats in taxis are not mandatory, making taxi cabs easily accessible.

There is a wide selection of parks, calm beaches, and historical sites to explore. One thing to remember is that the rich traditions in the seaside village mean that local restaurants don’t necessarily serve chicken nuggets and the like.

However, if your baby wants to venture from their formula, you can rest assured that the local food isn’t particularly spicy and generally quite soft.

22. Vail, Colorado

Vail, Colorado, is one of the best places to travel with a baby.

The breathtaking images of gorgeous mountains, vast open spaces, and reflecting lakes may make you think Vail is better suited to adults; however, that assumption couldn’t be further from the truth.

There is an entire baby brand named ‘Travel Vail Baby’, which serves as proof of how excellent the destination is for infant-friendly vacations.

The baby and toddler equipment rental company provides cribs, strollers, high chairs, hiking backpacks, and bouncy seats (among many other items) to help parents enjoy Vail’s jagged peaks and slopes.

When ascending to higher altitudes, your baby should be fine, as babies older than three months old adjust to altitude much better than adults.

Handy Tip: The Vail Public Library has incredibly fun baby storytime!

23. Barcelona, Spain

A trip to Barcelona with your baby is a sure way to begin stimulating their creativity from a young age.

From the eccentric design of the Gaudi buildings to the intricate stained glass windows of the cathedrals, your baby will be so busy absorbing the environment that they’ll have little time to cry.

If you want to make the most of your time in Barcelona, travel in the summer when you can enjoy the multiple parks and outdoors. Babies are often happier and more relaxed when moving about.

With so many sights and attractions, you can be sure your little one will be happy as a clam.

Top tip: Make sure to pack a sling or baby carrier. The streets in Barcelona are cobbled, and the bumps could make your baby uncomfortable.

24. Nice, France

Nice is a romantic and magical destination filled with bustling alleyways, quaint little shops, and outdoor restaurants.

One of the best parts about traveling to Nice, France, with a baby is the excellent promenade which offers surreal views while pushing a buggy.

As Nice is such a popular tourist destination, you’ll find that the hospitality industry accommodates babies.

From heating bottles to providing changing facilities, you can visit Nice quickly without any baby hassles.

The French Riviera offers sun, sea, and delectable food; it would be a shame to miss out on this. The charming city is easy to travel to with a baby, especially if you follow our tips on how to travel through France with a baby .

25. Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is one of the most accessible places to visit with a baby. The cosmopolitan city has a lot to offer the entire family and caters to its attractions.

In addition to fantastic shopping, music, and food experiences, there are a lot of free and budget attractions to enjoy.

Seoul has plenty of indoor playgrounds, known as Kids’ cafes that are great for toddlers under two years old. These are a great option during the extreme seasons when the weather can be icy or uncomfortably hot.

The city’s very efficient public transportation system and a wide variety of family-friendly accommodation options make day-to-day living in Seoul very easy.

If you prefer to walk, you’ll be pleased to know that Seoul is also fairly stroller friendly.

One piece of advice is to not breastfeed in public. The Koreans don’t make a habit of the practice, so choosing to do so will attract unwanted attention.

Although there are baby nursing stations in larger subway stations, department stores, and restaurants.

26. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin City and the rolling green hills surrounding the area are on the top of many people’s bucket lists – for a good reason.

There is a stunning culture of friendliness in the city, and the beautiful design of the city mimics the breathtaking landscapes on the outskirts.

Dublin is well-supplied with formula, food, nappies, and clothing for your little one. Most restaurants will go as far as to prepare a bowl for your child and offer high chairs and baby-changing facilities.

Getting around Dublin is very easy. In addition to speaking English, the city is also easy to navigate, and baby car seats are available for a small additional cost. There is even a child-friendly taxi service .

There are many baby-friendly activities to discover in the city, including live Irish music performances.

Be aware that Dublin has quite a vibrant pub culture, and while children are allowed in the pubs and bars during the day, they are not legally allowed entry after 9 pm.

27. Thailand

Thailand is such a great destination to travel with a baby as it is so baby friendly. We love traveling to Thailand and have done it many times with our daughter when she was a baby and a toddler.

The Thai people and culture are so welcoming it makes this country a perfect destination for families who want to travel to a beach destination with a baby.

Another perk is that there are quite a few 4+ star hotels that are more than willing to accommodate your baby’s needs.

Many of them include indoor pools and even water parks. If you are after great cultural travel destinations with a baby, you can’t look further than Thailand. Here is a list of the best resorts on Koh Samui for families .

Some of the best places and great destinations to travel with a baby in Thailand are Khao Lak, Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui .

How to Choose Infant-Friendly Holiday Destinations

Wondering how to choose the best place to travel with an infant? Find below some of our requirements when we decide where to travel next.

1. Is the Transportation Safe?

An important consideration when we choose holiday destinations with our baby is whether transportation will be safe for our little one.

For example, you might consider whether taxis and private transfers offer infant travel car seats. 

If they don’t, it might be best if you rent a car and add a child car seat onto the rental costs, or you might prefer to bring your own – find a post on the best infant travel car seats to travel with here.

(However, it is essential to check if your car seat can be adequately secured in a different country as they all have different systems to install car seats).

How safe are these to use if you plan to take public transport? Some countries are crazy when it comes to driving.

Think about what you are comfortable with and choose the best vacation that ticks your boxes.

2. Is the Climate Baby-Friendly?

Look at the average temperatures and how much rain the destination will get at the time of year you plan to visit.

We made the mistake of traveling to Asia during their hot season, and our baby developed a heat rash from the constant heat; it made life more challenging than it needed to be as she was unhappy and pretty grumpy.

We also went to Japan when it was freezing, and it was tricky to keep our little baby warm and snug in the temperature.

3. Keep Travel Time Short

Keep flight time as short as you can. It is much easier to fly with a newborn who sleeps a lot, in comparison to a baby who has just become mobile.

It might be a good idea to pick infant-friendly travel destinations closer to home.

An 8-hour flight overseas might be okay, but a 15-hour long-haul flight will be much more challenging (If you are traveling long-haul, you might appreciate our long-haul flight checking list for babies ).

So while we list baby-friendly holidays from around the world in our list below, it will be essential to consider the ones closer to your home.

Also, think about how long your transfers are once you land, and keep your travel days nice and short so that there is plenty of downtime for your baby.

4. Which Countries Are Safe?

The best countries to travel to with a baby are the ones that are safe for little kids. Have a look to see if there is any unrest in the destination you will be visiting.

Look at which vaccines you might have to get (and whether your baby can even get them).

It might be best to avoid rural and remote areas of a country until your baby is a bit older.

We visited Bali when our daughter was only six weeks old, but we stayed clear of the monkey forests and spent a lot more time on hotel grounds than we would typically have done to keep the trip safe for her.

5. Consider Health Care

Think about the amenities and healthcare facilities you would typically be comfortable with at home.

Are there good hospitals, and will the medical staff be able to understand you?

6. Baby Facilities

Another thing that will make traveling with a baby easier is choosing a destination with baby facilities readily available.

Can you find hotels that have baby cots available? You might prefer to travel with a crib; you can find our top recommendations for a lightweight travel crib here.

Are high chairs available in restaurants, and are there baby change rooms?

If not, you can always travel with your own high chair – find a post on the best high chair for travel here.

You can also find a list of all our recommendations for baby travel gear to make your life easier while on holiday here.

Consider how easy it will be to purchase baby diapers, formulae, baby food, or baby medication.

If you have to travel with baby food, you can find a post about TSA baby food and formulae rules here.

Also, think about your baby’s age; the best places to travel with a newborn will not be the same as the best places to travel with a 1-year-old, because a 1-year-old is mobile.

If your baby is at the age where they are eating and drinking water, it is also essential to consider how safe the water and food are to eat in the country you are visiting.

Hopefully, all the tips above are helpful and will guide you to choose one of the best baby-friendly holiday destinations from our guide below.

Jolene’s Pro Tips for Traveling with an Infant

• Do it your way: People seem to think that if you go somewhere and you stay in your resort you are doing it wrong! But there is nothing wrong with a holiday with your baby where you do nothing but stay on the resort grounds.
• Have plenty of time to rest: Everything needs to happen slower when you travel with a baby. Plan to have only half days of exploring and half a day to relax, plan to have relax days after big travel days.
• Stay longer in one hotel: Our baby took a few days to adjust to a new hotel/crib. Which meant we had a few rough nights before she settled back into sleeping better. So we learned to stay in one spot for at least 5+ nights.
• Beach vs City trips: We personally found it much easier to go on a beach vacation in comparison to exploring towns and cities in a country. Life moves slower on islands and so that is where we prefer to be with our baby.
• What works for someone else might not work for you: Babies are all different, just because someone else had an incredible road trip holiday with their baby, does not mean your road trip will go smoothly. Our baby hated the car and the stroller, so road trips or days exploring all day long in a stroller were not fun for anyone!

Final Thoughts On The Best Places To Vacation With A Baby

So hopefully, if you have been wondering where to travel with an infant, you have made a list of the best holiday destinations with a baby you would love to visit.

The best destination with a baby will be different for each of us as it depends on your current location, as well as what sort of current baby ‘comforts’ you might be used to.

Most parents feel most comfortable when they choose destinations that offer the same level of baby care as the country where they live.

Ultimately you can travel anywhere in the world with a baby; after all, babies are born in each country worldwide.

But the most comfortable holiday where you will be less stressed out will be the country that matches your current baby’s facilities, amenities, and healthcare standards.

And as a last resort, go with your gut instinct. If the destination doesn’t feel right, it might be best to leave it until your child is older.

• Wondering what to take along on your trip? Here is our guide to handy travel accessories for baby that you should take on your holiday.
• First time flying with your baby? Grab our top tips on how to survive your flight with an infant .
• Wondering whether you should take a car seat on your flight? Here is a handy guide to help you decide .

Leave us a Comment:

• Which of these destinations on our best countries to travel with a baby list do you want to see the most?
• Can you add other best places to holiday with a baby?

Jolene Ejmont

20 thoughts on “27 best places to travel with a baby (safe + baby-friendly)”.

Hi, totally understand where you are coming from, but we visited Bali, Lombok and Gili Islands with our 2-month-old baby and her normal vaccines that she needs to get anyways was sufficient to keep her safe. And that was on doctor’s advice. We have also just visited Vietnam (she is 2 now) and again her normal routine vaccines was enough for her to go. Always best to choose a destination that you are comfortable visiting though and make sure you pop into your travel doctor for advice as well.

I would add Reykjavik

Oh Great tip Ana! Can you tell me why you found it baby friendly? 🙂

I love this! You guys have had some pretty awesome places – all the pictures are simply beautiful. That has to be one of the most memorable, not many people get to say that they have accomplished that! Great Job! and one more question How difficult is it to travel with a 2 month old baby?

A 2-month-old is EASY 🙂 They sleep a lot, they fall asleep anywhere and when they cry you can breastfeed. The hard months arrive once a baby is mobile.

Very interesting article about traveling of the baby. The traveling helps a baby to grow their physical and mental health. Baby strollers and prams are essential things during travel. Thank you for your well-written article.

Thanks for your comment Donna. Do you have a favorite destination that you love visiting with your baby?

I love to travel with my baby. Very interesting & informative post. Just lovely. Thanks a lot for sharing.

We traveled with our 7 month old to Florence and Tuscany and had an amazing time. People are incredibly friendly and helpful. If you get an Airbnb be careful for stairs!

Hi Matt, we love Italy because Italians love our kids! 🙂 We are actually heading to Italy for a 13 week trip early in 2019 – so excited!! Great tip with the stairs, I think it is important to ask that question in all European countries.

Great article. Thanks for sharing this post about best places to travel with baby. It’s very informative and helpful.

Korea is also really great for young children. Lots of kids’ cafes, people love children, most people in the big cities speak at least some English, safe, clean and quite cheap (compared to Japan).

Autumn (September/October) is the best time to come, summer is too hot, winter is too cold and there is often dirty air in spring. The autumn leaves are beautiful and sky is usually blue. The best area to visit is Gangwondo, to the north east.

Thanks for all those wonderful tips 🙂

I would suggest Portugal as well. People there love babies. If you’re pregnant or have a baby you have priority anywhere, from the queue at the supermarket to being seated at a restaurant. The country is beautiful, especially if you don’t just stay in the hyper touristy places like Algarve. Alentejo has great beaches and skies that go on forever and the further up North you go the cheaper it is, with some great hidden gems for both culture and nature.

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing and for giving some info on why you found it to be perfect for babies! We have actually had a few recommendations of Portugal, so might have to add it to the list 🙂

Jolene thank you for your list, we waiting for our baby and looking forward to starting travel with our boy.

Glad you like the info. Hope you have a great time once you can travel again 🙂 All best.

Thank you for the comment. Much appreciated it!

Thank you for the comment

Hi! Great post! Where would you recommend to travel with a 6 month old in December (internationally)? We would like the weather to be around 70F if possible as we are traveling from Minnesota and crave warmer weather in the winter months. Thanks!

Comments are closed.

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Traveling With A Newborn By Car: Tips For Baby’s First Road Trip

When you welcome your bundle of joy, life completely changes. Talk of the sleepless nights, crying babies, and endless joy, you name it. And after a while, it is natural to feel burnt out.

A family vacation comes as a relief for many new parents – or obligations interstate may see you needing to prepare for a long journey by road (especially if you’re not quite feeling ready for airplane travel with a baby!)

But we’ll bet there’s a constant worry whether traveling with a newborn by car is safe; and will you be able to survive a longer trip by car with your newborn?

Chances are that your newborn probably arrived home by car after delivery, meaning there are no restrictions on family road trips . Provided you and your baby get out of the car every couple of hours to take a stretch and avoid restlessness, there’s no reason you can’t undertake a successful road trip with a newborn.

Car travel with an infant is good for you and the family, and here are some reasons why:

• It helps you build confidence as a parent
• You get to share new experiences with your little one
• You get to enjoy some quality family time
• Traveling with your little one helps in their brain development

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How Soon Can a Newborn Travel Long Distance By Car?

How soon can a newborn travel long distances by car? This is an overwhelming query that lingers in every parent’s mind. It is very understandable, given the delicate, tender, and fragile nature of your little one, making you want only the best for their safety.

While no laws or safety implications have been put in to determine the right age for your infant, some safety tips ensure that your little one is safe as you travel.

The American Academy of Pediatrics maintains that there is no specific child age to travel, but it gives safety tips for traveling with infants and young children. Meanwhile, the NCT (UK ), recommends that if you are traveling with an infant that is less than four weeks , you should ensure that they do not sit in their car seats for more than thirty minutes .

For an older baby , they should not stay in the car seat for more than two hours before you take a break.

Always Use An Infant Car Seat!

It should go without saying that you are ALWAYS to use an infant car seat anywhere you drive with your newborn, be it a short trip around the block or across the country. Never, ever hold your infant in your arms whilst the vehicle is moving, no matter how distressed your baby might seem, in their car seat is the safest place.

The most important thing to remember is that the car seat should always be in a rear-facing position when road-tripping with a baby and correctly installed in the back seat.

As your infant grows, you should also familiarize yourself with the car seat laws of the state(s) and countries where you will be traveling. This is because while some states/countries do not specify the type of car seat to be used at a particular age, or car seat position, some are clear about these in the laws; if car seat rules are violated, they can attract hefty fines.

Medical Issues and Concerns

If you have any concerns at all before setting out, please raise them with your pediatrician or health care worker. They are sure to put your mind at ease that a healthy baby is fine to undertake a road trip.

When you decide to go on a long road trip with a baby , and you are an American citizen, ensure that they (infants) have their medical insurance. Ensuring that you have the proper insurance for your baby is essential before you travel. You should also double-check to ensure your baby is registered under your medical plan.

If you are from another country, then be sure your child has their insurance health card and that you have it with you as you travel, just as important as their baby passport.

Tips For Road Tripping With A Newborn

Your car travel with a newborn might seem daunting at first, but it can be a rewarding and memorable experience if done right. And yes, your baby can also have a great time on the road!

First, you must adjust your attitude, carry some handy must-haves, and a few simple tricks to ensure you are all happy and comfortable on the road. Sure, there may be some tears (yours and your baby’s!), but let’s try and minimize these by going in to your car trip well prepared.

Buckle up and read on to learn how to ensure that your long journey comes with memories that will last a lifetime.

Get Your Car Checked Before Leaving For Your Car Travel With A Newborn

Before heading out, ensure that your vehicle is mechanically ready to hit the road . Check for tire replacement, whether you need an oil change or your car’s air conditioner is working. Trust us, an auto repair shop is the last place you want to find yourself in on your long car ride with a baby!

Having a technician ensures that your baby’s car seat is installed correctly according to the car seat manufacturers specifications before taking off is also a great idea if you’re feeling unsure.

Plan Your Route Wisely

Prior and proper planning beforehand will ensure that you avoid driving too far in a single day. You should therefore plan for several stops when road-tripping with a baby, as this is important, and inevitable. Always allow yourself extra time!

Depending on the age of your little one, you should plan for stops every one to three hours. Why, might you ask? This is because your little one needs frequent breaks from their car seat and regular feeds and changes. You can incorporate fun activities during the breaks.

These breaks will also be times for feeding, diaper changes, and walks for you and the baby to get the much-needed stretching and fresh air.

Time The Long Distance, Right

The right timing during your long car ride is when your little one has their nap times or bedtime. By so doing, you will have a good chunk of quiet, peaceful driving that you need.

But if your baby is not a great car sleeper, then the best time would be shortly after they awake in the morning or immediately after their nap and feed. This will ensure that you have a well-rested and happy baby.

All said and done on planning, ensure that before you leave, your baby has a clean diaper and a full tummy – these are likely be their largest causes for complaint once you’re on the move.

Entertain Your Baby

For newborn babies, remember you are still their favorite toy. As you travel, being as present as possible will be essential. How you might wonder:

• Sing : yes, your baby loves your voice though you think otherwise. The sound of your voice soothes them, and it goes a long way when you incorporate hand actions and sound effects to capture their attention completely.
• Give leg massages : just like you, your baby will feel relieved when given leg massages. So, if you are two (a driver and you), you can rub the feet and legs to help them reduce the tension.
• Sit with your baby : if you have someone to help with driving, you or a family member should sit in the back seat. This is comforting for your little one and will help them remain calm.

If you are traveling alone, you may want to look at getting a baby monitor for the car to give you peace of mind what is happening behind you.

Pack Your Car Like A Pro

Why Are Road Trips So Tiring? (And How to Fight It!)

Essential Safety Tips For Driving in the Desert

Essential Tips for Planning The Big Lap Australia (With Map)

Packing your car the day or night before you leave is best, and while packing, you need to categorize. This is where you know what you will need to keep at arm’s length versus what you can stow away.

The suitcases and large newborn baby items like the travel crib can go at the back of the trunk, or in a roof top cargo box , as you will likely only need to access these once you reach your destination. Then you can have a necessary bag with all you need en route.

You can also have a separate changing station in a travel bag that includes diapers, baby wipes, diaper creams, changing pad, small trash baggies, and extra clothes for you and your baby for spit-ups, spills, or worse!

You may want a nursing cover handy too, if you are not comfortable feeding in public or your baby prefers to feed without distraction.

If you don’t have older children or other passengers in the car, keep a back seat free ready to do quick diaper changes. This will save you needing to hunt out proper change room facilities at every rest stop.

Take Regular Rest Stops

During your car travel with an infant, you will need to take frequent breaks for several reasons.

One of the reasons is that the much-needed break will give your baby a change of scenery and give you a chance to feed and cuddle your little one. This way, your baby might be a little less grumpy as they will have a chance to get out of the rear-facing car seat and interact.

As a general rule, you should take a 15-minute break after every two hours with young babies on a long road trip. The reason behind the 2-hour rule is concerns of restricted breathing in a car seat after more than a couple of hours.

This is also an opportunity to adjust how many layers your baby is wearing as the day heats up. Overheating can be another common cause of newborn discomfort, even after they’ve been fed and diaper changed.

Bring A Cooler With Bottles, Snacks or Meals

Whilst you may be breastfeeding full-time at home, while you’re on the move you may find it more convenient to pump and transport your breastmilk ready for feeds in the car or roadside stops.

If you’re taking the pumping and pre-prepared bottle route, or prefer to formula feed your infant, you will want a good cooler for the car .

If your baby hates taking their milk cold, a wise investment for your road trip will be a portable bottle warmer to quickly prepare their baby bottles on the move. Their are many fabulous models made for use on-the-go that work on a thermos system or plug into your car with a USB cord.

Remember YOURSELF, too. Throw a few healthy snacks in the cooler for yourself as well, in an easy to grab picnic bag or cooler as you may want to eat on the move if your baby is peacefully sleeping through and you’re not due a rest stop – some easy to grab granola bars are an excellent choice.

Recreate Your Baby’s Sleeping Environment

Having your little one sleep for a portion of your trip is essential for everyone’s happiness. So, do everything it takes to recreate your baby’s ideal sleeping environment.

You can bring their comfort blankets, lovey, or pacifiers. And if your baby is used to the white sound, you can download it to play on your phone or iPad or use a portable white noise machine.

You can also use a window shade to ensure your baby sleeps peacefully and is protected from the sun. A window shade is also great for creating a slightly darker nap-inducing environment.

Remember Baby’s Favorite Things

Having the things that your baby finds entertaining or comforting with you during your road trip with your newborn will be beneficial. When the baby has awoken from their nap, they will be ready to play and interact – which is difficult when you’re sat up front.

A newborn is likely unable to differentiate between old and new travel toys, so you’re a long way off needing to wrap them little surprised or anything like that, yet! (for older bubs, head over to our toddler road-tripping tips for further entertainment ideas).

For a young infant, you will need a few simple and engaging baby toys for the car , that they can squeeze, suck and cuddle as comfort items.

Make A Playlist

Making a playlist that you and your baby will enjoy will make your road trip soo much fun. If you can sync your phone or device to the car speakers, make a playlist of your family’s favorite songs.

The great thing is, your newborn is a long way from complaining how old and embarrassing your favorite hits are, and won’t be requesting Baby Shark on repeat, either!

You can also listen to podcasts or audiobooks . Maybe skip the thrillers genre, but something light and chatty can not only help the time move more quickly for the grown ups in the car, the sound of voices in the car can be relaxing for your baby, too.

Dress Your Baby In Everyday Clothes And A Blanket

You never know whether your little one will be too cold or too hot as you travel. Whatever the case, it is best to be prepared. Clothing your little one in everyday clothes will allow you to regulate their temperature more effectively and prevent overheating.

Ensure that they are not clothed in anything too padded, like a pram suit, as this might make their car seat ineffective in case of a collision. If they seem cold, use an additional blanket over their car seat – we have more tips for keeping your baby warm in their car seat here.

Conversely, you don’t want your baby overheating in their seat either when its hot outside, we share all top tips for keeping infants cool in their car seat over here.

Remember Your Camera

Road trip with newborn calls for lots of pictures! You will be lost without your camera.

Ensure that you capture all those magical moments of your newborn first road trip. And who knows, once you have exhausted everything to entertain your baby, they might find it attractive to look at your pictures and themselves!

Be Prepared For Everything And Anything

All we hope for when traveling is to arrive safely at our destination. But it is only sometimes smooth, and some unforeseen circumstances might arise. Always have a bucket or a small garbage pail and old towel or muslin c l oth within arm’s reach.

Have a first aid kit with sunblock, band-aids, over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions, and bug spray, just in case. Also, ensure that your vehicle has emergency supplies like jumper cables, a spare tire jack, and, if applicable to your location, a small snow shovel and a brush.

We share our complete list of road trip essentials over here.

Best of luck with your new baby adventure! Sure, they’re not going to remember their early years on the road but you’ll undoubtedly be creating memories of a lifetime , and well on your way to becoming a family of adventurers !

© Family Road Trip

Planning A Road Trip In Australia: Essential Tips For First Timers

The best types of vacations to take with a baby

Bringing a new baby into your home changes life as you know it. Watching them sleep is more exciting than bingeing the latest Netflix show and you take more pictures of them in a day than you did on your last vacation.

Speaking of vacations, it's 100% possible to still enjoy travel with a baby in tow , but you'll need to get the right gear , learn about flying with an infant and determine which destinations specifically cater to tiny travelers.

We've laid out the four best types of vacations to take with a baby , with our favorite locations in each category and what you should pack for your trip . Whether your little one is unfazed by city life or you've got a beach baby on your hands, these are TPG's top picks for where and how to travel with a baby.

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All-inclusive resort

When you visit a baby-friendly all-inclusive resort , you don't have to stress over having enough cash, finding fun activities to keep your kid entertained or deciding where to eat every meal because it's all included in the cost of your vacation.

Many resorts even provide cribs, strollers and bottle warmers that you can borrow during your stay, so you can pack light and focus on carrying your baby instead of extra suitcases.

On top of being situated right on the beach (because what baby doesn't love to eat sand?), all-inclusive resorts have kids clubs, splash areas and playgrounds designed to keep your baby contently cooing until it's time to head home.

Where to go

Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Port St. Lucie , Florida, is the only stateside location of the popular all-inclusive resort brand. Child care is available for an additional fee for babies between 4 and 23 months in the resort's Baby Club Med day care and you can request a baby welcome kit with a stroller, bathtub, bottle warmer, changing table and Pack 'n Play.

Related: Club Med helped set the course for all-inclusive resorts: Now it's adding 17 new locations around the world

If you are looking for a luxury resort that's still baby-friendly, Mexico's Finest Playa Mujeres goes above and beyond what you'd expect. In addition to standard baby gear like a baby monitor and high chair, the resort offers a variety of natural homemade purees for babies. You can visit the kids club facilities with babies ages 0 to 2 to play with toys or swim in the kiddie pool, but you are required to stay with them at all times. Child care is only available for kids ages 3 and up.

What to bring

Because the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping babies under 6 months of age out of direct sunlight, you'll want to pack items to protect them from the sun. Though most resorts provide beach chairs and umbrellas, you may also want to bring a few baby-specific beach items like a pop-up shade tent (they are great during nap time), a full-body swimsuit with SPF protection and a hat (that they probably won't keep on).

Baby-friendly hotel

Most hotels don't go out of their way to accommodate families traveling with babies , but a select few have made it a priority to offer child care, welcome kits with baby amenities and spacious rooms that give babies the peace and quiet they need so that parents can have their own peace and quiet.

Loews Regency New York is located in New York City just two blocks from Central Park. The Loews Loves Families program (offered at multiple locations) hooks families up with a guide to area activities and dining options, as well as amenities like baby bathtubs, cribs, baby-proofing gear and even stuffed animals. The hotel has 58 suites, some with kitchenettes, that have the space, convenience and privacy you need when traveling with a baby.

Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya , 32 miles south of Cancun , has a top-notch complimentary kids club called Kimbo Kids Club, but until recently it was only available for kids ages 4 and up. With the introduction of Kimbo Baby — for kids ages 3 months to 4 years — even parents can steal a few hours for themselves while their baby is cared for by the resort's trained child care team. Rooms with terrace plunge pools give you and baby a private spot to splash in the shade.

City hotels especially can be noisy, which isn't much fun when you have an overtired baby on your hands . Pack a white noise machine to drown out the noise (pro tip: place the sound machine near the noise you are trying to drown out rather than near your baby). If you plan to spend some time at the hotel pool or on the beach, bring along a flotation device designed for babies. Many have detachable canopies for extra shade.

Your baby won't be tall enough for their first roller coaster for years, but there's still plenty of fun to be had at a theme park . And if you decide to take turns riding roller coasters without them, your baby will be none the wiser.

All kidding aside, theme parks have lots of perks for babies. They are noisy and colorful, which can keep babies occupied for a surprisingly long time (but if they don't like loud noises, you might want to pack some noise-canceling headphones).

Plus, everyone expects theme parks to be full of kids. If your baby has a meltdown or throws your popcorn bucket at a passerby, you'll be surrounded by other parents who have likely been in the same position and will probably brush it off.

We'd be remiss to leave Walt Disney World off a list of baby-friendly vacation spots. Even if you've been dozens of times, there's something magical about seeing it through your baby's eyes for the first time (when they are awake, at least). For maximum ease, stay at one of Disney's on-site hotels . They offer complimentary transportation to and from the parks and most have baby pools or splash pads available, as well. To preserve those precious first-visit memories, you can have an artist hand-cut your baby's silhouette portrait at Magic Kingdom or Disney Springs, or visit the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs for a family portrait.

Your baby probably still lacks the dexterity to build with Lego bricks, but that doesn't mean they are too young for Legoland California Resort . There are more than a dozen attractions with no height requirement, including sand pits where they can dig for dinosaur bones, a Duplo-themed interactive playground, a Coast Cruise boat ride and a Legoland Express train. There's also a convenient baby care center in the park where you can feed and change your baby in a cool, comfortable environment. An on-site hotel allows you to easily get back to your room for nap time or the inevitable change of clothes.

With so many theme parks on either the West Coast or in Central Florida, the temperatures can climb pretty high. Pack a fan designed to clip onto your stroller, sun protective clothing and some stylish baby sunglasses.

Mountain retreat

Where better to test out a baby's developing senses than surrounded by nature? They can smell the fresh mountain air, touch leaves and pinecones (and most likely taste them, as well), listen to birds chirping in the trees and experience nature's majesty.

Related: Best ski resorts for families in North America

While babies are discovering the world around them, parents can escape the daily routine in a peaceful, relaxing setting. Bonus points if you book accommodations large enough to bring the grandparents along for a bit of built-in babysitting.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole in Teton Village, Wyoming, is a luxury mountain lodge resort less than 30 minutes from Grand Teton National Park . Rooms are cozy with a fireplace and furnished balcony with mountain views. Residence-style rooms have up to five bedrooms for multigenerational vacations. During your visit, you can swim in the heated outdoor pool, ride an aerial tram to the top of Rendezvous Peak and, in the winter, embark on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow.

Hyatt Place Keystone in Keystone, Colorado, is a great starting point for your mountain adventures, even if your adventures include nothing more than sitting in the hot tub (or near it if you are on baby duty) and taking in the mountain views. Breakfast and coffee — the preferred wake-up call of parents everywhere — are included with your stay. Opt for a suite over a standard room and you'll enjoy a separate bedroom where you can lay the baby down while you gaze into each other's eyes (or, more likely, at the TV).

If you are planning a wintertime visit, you'll need to pack certain items to keep your baby bundled safely. Not many things in the world are cuter than a baby in a snowsuit, but most snowsuits aren't safe to use in a car seat. Another option is to use a car seat or stroller cover that keeps your baby warm without the bulk.

Bottom line

Vacationing with a new baby can feel overwhelming, but if you know where to go and what to bring along, you can use it as an opportunity to rest, recharge and bond with your baby — all while creating lifelong memories.

The Essential Packing List for a Road Trip With a Baby

If you’re like me and a first-time parent, it is daunting to go on your first road trip with a baby. What to pack, what to bring, the mental checklist runs on.

Our first road trip was from Sacramento to Los Angeles with our 8-week-old. Now home, I want to share what we brought on the trip to help make it go smoothly.

We booked a six-night trip that was split across two hotels and around a 5.5-hour drive each way. I spent probably too much time thinking about what to bring. But I would much rather be prepared and it certainly helped calm my nerves.

Now back home, I can say the trip was much easier than it felt in my head. The prep work definitely paid off and having a game plan was helpful. We thought about where we wanted to stop and made sure our car was set up for the stops to feed and change. More on that below.

So here’s my essential packing list for a road trip with a baby. It’s everything we brought for the car drive and what you may consider bringing on yours.

Essential Packing List for a Road Trip With a Baby

Travel tips for the road trip, time budget.

We chose to stop every 2.5-3 hours to give the baby a break from the car seat, feed, and change. These longer stops took around 45 minutes to an hour. Then we had the occasional one-off stop for a quick feed or change.

I would recommend the essentials being within hand’s reach and setting up a diaper changing area. We didn’t want to use public bathrooms so we changed her in the front seat of the car.

If you’re headed on a longer trip, try to time it with one of the longer naps. I know our baby sleeps longest in the morning and after the middle of the night feed. So we left at 5 am promptly after her feed. We got a really nice long stretch before having to stop.

Flexibility

Sometimes you may have to stop in the most random places or even only after being on the road for 15 minutes, roll with it!

Always double-check your car seat. Map out where you want to stop, it is super helpful.

What to Keep in the Front of the Car

Diapering station.

• Several diapers + wipes
• Butt cream (we used this one since we were going for 3-hour stretches)
• Changing pads. For the changing pad, I bought these puppy puddle-proof liners to protect our car seats underneath our Gathre changing pad .
• Plastic bags for dirty diapers or soiled clothes.

Feeding Essentials

• Burp cloths and lots of them. I had a single bag just of burp cloths for the trip.
• Haakaa if breastfeeding (super helpful if you get engorged/overfull on the trip)
• Any other feeding essentials like bottles + formula

Other Essentials

• Portable sound machine — we use this all the time in the car.
• Nasal bulb suctioner in case you need to suction.
• Blankets — we keep two in the car.
• Outfit changes for you and baby. At least 2 for baby.
• Sun shades for car windows — these block UVA
• Safety mirror to see baby
• First aid kit + one towel
• Toys or books for baby for entertainment (see my toddler travel essential gear list for our favorites!)
• Diaper Bag: I kept ours up front stocked with our normal go-to’s. I love our Caraa Diaper Bag .
• Snacks and water

Everything Else to Pack

How much you pack is dependent on what gear you choose to travel with. Since we were road-tripping and using our SUV, we packed what would be most convenient for the trip.

I’ll share what we packed for gear and some alternatives to consider.

• Car seat ( Cybex Cloud G ) + Mios 2 Stroller . These connect together as one travel system. (rain gear for carseat and a stretchy car seat cover — great for protecting baby from curious eyes!)
• Baby Bjorn Bouncer — loved having another spot to put baby in our hotel room.
• We have the Guava Pack & Play which is what I pack every time
• The Slumber pod — a black-out tent for naps and fits over most pack & plays. Wouldn’t travel without it.
• Artipoppe Baby Carrier — this was amazing to have on the trip, it’s one of our most used baby items.

Sleep Essentials

Whatever you may use to get baby down at night. For us that is:

• Swaddle (brought 2 in case one was soiled) or sleep sack
• Hatch Sound Machine – we use it as a nightlight, could use the portable sound machine instead. Certainly wasn’t necessary but we had the room.
• VAVA Baby monitor . You don’t need any internet for this to work.
• 2-3 outfits a day – we live for bodysuits and kimono-style onesies.
• Sweaters and outerwear
• Sleep sacks or pajamas
• Socks, shoes, beanies, and sun hat

Hygiene + Medical + Diapering

• Laundry detergent — we did a bit of hand-washing
• Baby Shampoo + Soap and brush
• Thermometer and infant medications
• Rash Cream and body ointment
• Diapers, wipes, and changing pad
• Baby brush and nail clippers if a longer trip
• Nasal aspirator and saline drops
• Burp cloths — these muslin ones are our favorite
• Formula, bottles , cleaning brush
• Fork and spoon set and suction plates
• Breastfeeding: cover , disposable nursing pads , Haakkaa , breast pump if needed

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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Here in July 2023 and found your list very helpful as we prepare for our first mini road trip with our 2 month old – thank you!

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Road Trip with Baby: Essential Travel Packing List & Tips

Written by Becca

Updated on April 30th, 2024

How do you take a road trip with a baby for the first time? Check out my essential travel packing list for everything your infant needs during a trip.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Table of contents

• Feeding & Nursing
• Clothes & accessories
• Grooming & medicine
• Transport: strollering, driving, car seat and carrying
• Learn more about road trips for babies!

Traveling with an infant is incredibly daunting when you first decide to take a short trip with your baby. How will you set up a safe place for sleeping? How will you pack enough to cover every possible situation? How many bottles is enough?

We took three trips between our baby being three and six months, and having a standard packing list gave us peace of mind. We borrowed suggestions from friends and family, and put together the best of all the recommendations.

In this packing list, you’re welcome to switch around the quantities of all items based on how long your trip is. Also, note that this list was for three road trips and not for flying. Nothing we brought was specific to TSA-approved sizes and our luggage wasn’t optimized for a flight.

Shop our must-have items

• UPPAbaby Minu travel stroller Check Availability
• Eufy Baby Monitor Check Availability
• BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light Check Availability
• Blackout Cover for Pack 'n Play Check Availability
• Baby Tula Lite Baby Carrier (with fanny pack) Check Availability

Here’s the list of road trip items we took, many of which are the best baby products for travel .

The below list is based on a three-day two-night trip during which I’m nursing and giving a few bottles here and there. Of course, you have your own methods of feeding your infant during the trip , and no two parents nor babies are alike in this regard. For all the clothing recommendations (along with sleep sacks, bibs, etc.), I liberally pack an extra in case there are “accidents.”

Ready for our road trip baby packing list? Here it goes.

If you are flying with your infant, check out this list of crucial tips for taking a flight with your baby!

Feeding & Nursing

Whether you’re nursing or exclusively bottle feeding, there are some essentials to consider.

• Bottles : We like Comotomo and Lansinoh .
• Bottle brush & stand : This OXO stand has been great.
• Pacifiers (2) : Check out Avent and the Avent + animal !
• Burp cloths (3-4) : We like aden & anais .
• Bibs (3-4) : aden & anais make great bibs as well.
• Vitamin D drops : We have these .
• + flanges (6)
• + duckbill valves (6)
• + tubing (2)
• + backflow protectors (2)
• 6 Spectra milk bottles and tops : Check them out .
• Milk cooler with ice pack : We have this one , and it fits most standard 5oz bottles.
• Frozen milk (1 bag) : We use the Lansinoh storage bags . I bring frozen milk on our way when we leave home, so that it survives the car ride in the cooler.

Our strategy for bottles is to have enough for feeding, storage and a few extra. When they are empty, we clean them right away and cycle through them like that. We also put Vitamin D drops in each bottle for feeding, so we’ll always have a few storage bottles ready to dish out.

Also the bottle supplies that I mention are optimized for 5oz bottles. You might need slightly different supplies for the bigger 8oz bottles.

For babies eating solids

• Jars or pouches of baby food (however many your child consumes)
• High chair : Take a look at this clip-on high chair . A foldable travel high chair also works!
• Booster seat : Try this one from OXO .
• Spoons/utensils : We’ve had the best luck with these spoons .
• Silicone bibs : Check these out and pick from lots of different colors.
• More wipes !: We like these water wipes .

We make our own baby food, and our baby eats whatever we have in the house! For convenience, I can see how the pouches could be a quick and easy solution to have food on the go. You can put out only as much as you need and use your own spoon, then save the rest for minimal clean up.

Sometimes at home, we keep our daughter sitting up right and hold her to give her some food. So the clip-on high chairs and booster seats are only necessary when independent solid eating is more of a thing.

More diapers are better than fewer, especially if you’ll be in a remote location like we were when we went up to the northwestern Catskills to stay in a country house. There wasn’t a Walmart for MILES! Luckily, I learned from our trip the month before that I should pack diapers like they’re going out of style, and we survived plenty fine.

I had already corrected all my former mistakes when we went away to Litchfield County, CT , when our daughter was 7 months, and came home with a heap of diapers to spare.

One thing I like to have on hand is little plastic throw-away baggies for diapers when disposing of them in a hotel or Airbnb. I save the ones we use as produce bags at the supermarket and then load up my diaper bag with those. They are so handy. If you’re looking for something more compact for storing (or already have a dog) these dog #2 storage bags might also work.

• Diapers : Find your brand and size on Amazon . For a three-day trip, I took 30 diapers.
• Wipes : We use these water wipes .
• Diaper balm : We like diaper balm with a lid , to prevent accidental spills.
• Little garbage bags for diapers
• Changing pad : This one is great for most babies.

For the diapers, it’s best if you leave them in the original packaging to help save on space. We found that bringing loose diapers takes up more room in our already cramped bags.

Our diaper bag has a changing pad that never leaves our bag. When we travel, we change our daughter with the pad on the floor. This is a good practice in case there’s an accident. We are not prepared to scrub any carpets while away!

It’s also likely that you may have these items in your diaper bag. It would be a good idea to make sure you have extra / a spare set for a makeshift changing station at your accommodation.

Clothes & accessories

When we went upstate to Livingston Manor for three days, I almost laughed: we came home with exactly one diaper left in the diaper bag and our daughter’s luggage combined. ONE!

This was because we went through quite a few changes of clothes, if you know what I mean. And if there are overnight accidents, you may have a soiled sleep sack or swaddle.

In addition to the extra outfits I leave in the diaper bag, I was happy with the number of backup clothes and pajamas I had packed, as we almost went through everything. In my guide to how to visit NYC with a baby , I discuss the importance of bringing clothing layers for changes in weather.

• Zippy pajamas (3-4) : We’ve had good luck with Carters brand PJs .
• Outdoor blankets (1) : For colder months, try this type of blanket .
• Daytime outfits (with spares) : These Carter onsies and pants are great staples!
• Booties or socks : You can never have too many socks .
• Sun hat : Hats work great for keeping the sun out of your baby’s eyes.
• Headbands or hair bow clips : So cute !

We’ve liked bringing plenty of headbands and hair bows for times when we’ve wanted our daughter to look cute in a photo.

Grooming & medicine

For babies with hair, you might want to consider packing a comb or brush. For us, we do a quick hair combing at bedtime as part of the routine.

For all other medicine and health products, it’s up to you. We haven’t had to use any of the medicines while away from home, but you truly never know what can happen and what you’ll want to have in your back pocket if your child is soon to be teething, comes down with some congestion or is having bouts with gas pains.

• Frida nail file & clipper : The Frida Baby Grooming Kit has everything you need.
• Hair comb or brush : We like this comb because it has an extra fine side.
• Medicine for unexpected scenarios : ( Acetominaphen , gas drops , Snotsucker )
• Thermometer : We got this digital one .
• Rattle toys, teether toys : Our baby LOVES these teethers .

A tip from my cousin, an expert mom of two, is to bring along “identifying docs” for your child, even when your baby doesn’t have an official ID or baby passport yet, like an immunization report or other medical record (even a physical photocopy of baby’s birth certificate would be a “better-safe-than-sorry” thing to have!).

Transport: strollering, driving, car seat and carrying

We have become UPPAbaby people and we are super happy with the choice to buy into the UPPAbaby ecosystem of strollers and car seats. We picked up the Minu stroller for traveling purposes and it has saved a ton of trunk space when compared to the larger and sturdier UPPAbaby Vista stroller we keep at home.

For unexpected weather or bugginess in summer locations, opt for bringing both the rain cover and the insect net covers for your car seat or rumble seat.

• UPPAbaby Minu travel stroller : We’re happy with ours and it saves trunk space. Check it out or read our UPPAbaby Minu review here!
• UPPAbaby Mesa car seat : Check prices on Amazon for this sturdy car seat.
• UPPAbaby stroller parent console : Ours lives on our stroller, even when folded. Check it out .
• UPPAbaby Mesa rain cover and bug screen cover : The rain shield and bug screen have been helpful!
• UPPAbaby car window shields : Help keep the sun out of your baby’s eyes. Check it out .
• Baby Safety Car Mirror : We have one of these in our car at home, and if you will be renting a car at your destination, be sure to bring along your own baby car mirror .
• A baby carrier you love : If you have car space to spare, opt for a strong baby carrier like the Baby Tula Explore Carrier . If you’re short on space, go the route of an ultralightweight carrier like Baby Tula Carrier Lite ; for more ideas, see my list of the best baby carriers for travel .
• *A hiking carrier : For adventurous parents, as well as for toddlers and larger kids who like being carried, consider a hiking carrier. We like ours, which you can read about that the Deuter Kid Comfort Venture review .

While our daughter doesn’t exactly love the Pack ‘n Play, it’s a fact of life when you leave home for travel. The first trip we took with her when she was 13 weeks was when we used the bassinet from our UPPAbaby Vista stroller ! That way, she wasn’t sleeping in a foreign environment.

With the Pack ‘n Play, we make sure the mattress cover is clean before we leave home, and we bring a backup sheet in case it gets soiled. Another hack has been the blackout cover, which simulates darkness for the baby if you’re in a place with lots of windows or no dark curtains. It also gives the baby their own sense of space if you’re all in one hotel room, like we say in our guide to staying in a hotel with your baby .

• BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light : This travel crib is so easy to set up and take apart, and it’s tons lighter than a Graco Pack ‘n Play. Check it out or read our review .
• Pack ‘n Play sheet with spare sheet : This one should work great!
• Pack ‘n Play blackout cover : We have this one .
• SlumberPod : This is a blackout tent to use during travel! It goes over an entire travel crib and parents swear by it.
• Baby monitor : We’ve been happy with our monitor . You don’t need Wi-Fi, so it’s easy to set up anywhere.
• Audio baby monitor : If you want as a backup, or alternative to video, you can check out the audio-only options.
• HALO & Nested Bean sleep sacks (2) : We love our HALO , and we’ve been using the Nested Bean as a backup.
• Hatch Rest+ sound machine : We like the Rest+ because it has an easy charging base.
• Amazon Basics portable suction cup blackout curtains : These curtains help to darken a room so your little one sleeps longer!

We feel a little silly bringing the Hatch because it’s such a big sound machine. The backup battery has actually been a huge help because we once lost power and we’re glad we still had some white noise going. Something like this might be a better option.

Plus, we use a portable travel sound machine (you can also get it on Amazon ) on our stroller or with our a travel-friendly baby carrier while taking walks, to help create some familiar and consistent white noise It works out great, whether on the road or at home.

Learn more about road trips for babies!

From our experience, here are some of the things that we’ve learned that have been helpful in making everyone happy during the adventure.

And as a heads up, you can check our the rest of our articles on traveling with a baby to learn everything you can, as well as our list of the best essential road trip accessories for everyone in the car.

What to expect on your first trip with a baby

I actually kind of expected the worst, in traveling with a baby. How would naps work? Would we have to stop for feeding? How would our child sleep at night, the first time away from home?

This all felt kind of crazy, but we knew we had to take the plunge if we ever wanted to introduce our daughter into our world of travel.

Our first trip with her was at 13 weeks. I was largely doing okay, three-ish months postpartum, and we were finally comfortable with the world of being parents. Also, I don’t want to sugarcoat this at all: our baby was far from sleeping through the night, and as my best friend put it, “If you’re going to be sleep deprived and doing night feeds, why not at least be away from home on a vacation?”

While New Hampshire at the end of winter is far from tropical and didn’t involve any skiing or snowy sports for us, it’s where my extended family gets together every year in mid-March. I didn’t want to be left out, so we took our tiny newborn along (easier said than done).

Here’s a few tips for what to expect and how things really went, that time, and the two times we went up to the Catskills when our child was 5 months and then 6 months. While both trips were very different from each other, we decided to risk it (again!) by going up to Litchfield County, CT , when she was 7 months old as well!

Naps and sleeping tips for road trips

On the way up to New Hampshire and down from New Hampshire, our baby took some of her best naps of the month in the car. Her naps were a total grab bag and we never know what to expect, especially if we were going to be in the car for more than two hours. We were graced with some two-hour naps during the five-hour drive, and when we stopped for bathrooms, I fed her in the rest area or in the front seat of the car.

When we went to Nova Scotia, we planned a day trip excursions from Halifax and timed our planning with the baby’s three-nap schedule.

Keeping your baby entertained during the car ride

When she wasn’t napping, one of us sat in the back and tried to entertain her with toys and a book. It’s hard to say if it worked. During our road trips with her two and three months later, we both sat up front and if she needed consoling, I’d reach my arm back to hold a pacifier in her mouth. We had her teether beads and a fruit teether attached by a pacifier clip in her car seat.

I recommend having some toys or teethers, depending on your baby’s age, attached to the car seat straps so they don’t get lost or dropped during the ride.

Feeding during car rides

Most babies eat every 1.5-2 hours in the first few months of life, and ours certainly did. Even at five and six months, she likes to eat every two hours if she can. Some babies are on an every-three-hours feeding schedule by this point, but that’s not something that worked for us. Much of this experience inspired me to write about how to feed a baby during travels .

If a baby is hungry during a car ride, you’ll know. It’ll be chaos. If our child cried, we turned up the music, held a pacifier in her mouth and sang her favorite lullaby on repeat. Being a parent is far from glamorous!

During some stops, we gave her a full feed, depending on when she had last eaten. I did this in rest area cafeteria booths, the front seat of our car in a Trader Joe’s parking lot In Connecticut and in a Panera off the highway, most recently. I think a good tip is to get comfortable feeding your baby at the right time, and the place is less important.

The importance of the diaper bag

Just like when you go out for the day, having a robust diaper bag is crucial during a road trip. And I mean “two spare outfits” level of robust. We have been using Nike’s diaper backpack and it’s good for travel. Check out more photos at my Nike Diaper Bag review .

On our most recent trip with our baby when she was six months, there was a diaper blowout just as we hit our first stop, and I wound up doing an entire outfit and diaper change on a picnic table in a covered pavilion as it began to rain. Good thing we had weather-appropriate attire in a packing cube in the diaper bag, along with enough wipes and diapers and of course, hand sanitizer.

Other things I keep in the diaper bag are my new nursing cover, a small Hakka pump, a disassembled Medela hand pump, spare Medela milk vials, a changing pad and a spare light blanket for miscellaneous use. I suggest keeping your diaper bag contents constant so that if something is missing, you can figure it out.

I use the same diaper bag contents on a regular trip to the supermarket, as well as a trip up to the countryside.

As a secondary diaper bag for when I’m just getting out of the car at a rest area, or going somewhere with only the carrier and not a full stroller setup, I’m into the Kibou fanny pack diaper bag .

It’s also crucial for a diaper change on a plane , for the next time you fly.

For a limited time: Join the list for 15% off your first order + get free shipping on orders $75+!

Shop the deal

This cute belt bag is the most minimalist (and chic) diaper bag. I review the Kibou to talk about all the features.

It has a fold-out changing pad, and in the main compartment I can fit diapers, diaper cream, a pacifier, my phone and a slim wallet. Plus, it has a waterproof zippered wipes pocket on the inner side, which is so handy and cool.

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Halløj ! We’re Becca & Dan.

We created this blog to share some of the knowledge and experience that we have around travel , remote work , photography and beyond!

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• Activity ideas
• Places to go
• Brilliant day trips before your baby's first birthday

Brilliant day trips before your baby’s first birthday

We've picked the best places to go around the UK for a fun day out with your baby before they turn one.

1 Chester Zoo, Cheshire

When: Daily, 10am-5pm Where: Chester Zoo, Chester, Cheshire, CH2 1EU

One of the UK’s finest zoos, Chester Zoo is perfect for a little one just starting to recognise animals and enjoy making animal noises!

Under 2s go free; you can even hire a buggy from the zoo.

2 Deen City Farm, London

When : Tuesdays to Sundays, 10am-4.30pm all year round Where : Deen City Farm, 39 Windsor Avenue, London, SW19 2RR

Deen City Farm in Merton Abbey, London is a great place to start teaching your little ones about animals.

The farm has sheep, goats, cows, pigs and lots of small animals that your baby can see for the first time.

3 Little Potters Pottery Painting Cafe, Sittingbourne

When : Tuesdays to Saturdays all year round Where : Little Potters, Central Park Stadium, Church Road, Murston, Sittingbourne ME10 3SB Price : Entry is free and painting starts at £5 per item

Why not take your baby to Little Potters in Sittingbourne, Medway to get their hand or foot prints painted onto an ornament or plate?

Your little one can also try their hand at painting or play in the soft play area.

4 Beechenhurst Lodge in Forest of Dean, Coleford, North Gloucestershire

When : All year round Where : Beechenhurst Lodge, Forest of Dean, Speech House Road, Coleford, Gloucestershire, GL16 7EJ Price : Free entry but car park charges do apply

Let your baby get closer to nature at the Beechenhurst Lodge in Forest of Dean , Coleford, North Gloucestershire.

There are buggy-friendly walking routes as well as a gorgeous sculpture trail for you to stroll along and discover nature with your baby, as well as an onsite cafe that serves delicious food and drinks.

5 Ruislip Lido Railway, Hillingdon, London

When : Select dates all year round Where : Ruislip Railway, Reservoir Road, Northwood, Ruislip HA4 7TY

Your baby will love a fun train ride on a miniature steam trail at Ruislip Lido Railway in Hillingdon, London.

The train and its carriages run from the Waters Edge pub in Ruislip to the play area and back. The journey is about 11 minutes each way so is suitable for even the youngest train enthusiasts.

If you’re heading out for the day, make sure you have the right kit to take with you!

This backpack-style changing bag is much easier to carry, has loads of pockets, plus a mat included. Have a closer look here at Amazon.

Fancy a picnic? This waterproof picnic rug from Amazon will keep bottoms dry on damp grass and can be folded up easily for carrying about. See more details here.

A food flask is a must for keeping food warm or chilled. We like this one that’s available at Amazon for around £20.

6 100 Aker Wood, Aldenham Country Park, Hertfordshire

When : Daily, 8.30am-9pm Where : Aldenham Country Park, Aldenham Road, Elstree, Hertfordshire, WD6 3BA

Visit Pooh and his friends at 100 Aker Wood, enjoy a trip to the farm and play at the wonderful adventure playground at Aldenham Country Park , a fabulous rural retreat in Hertfordshire.

Under 2s go free. Love it here? You can extend your stay as there are camping and glamping facilities here too.

7 Beetle Bank Farm and Wildlife Sanctuary, Yorkshire

When : All year round except Tuesdays Where : Beetle Bank Farm and Wildlife Sanctuary, Moor Lane, Murton, York, YO19 5XD Price : £6 per person. Children under two go free

Take your baby to Beetle Bank Open Farm in York to meet all the farmyard animals.

The farm is big enough that you can push your little one in their pram or buggy and they’ll love seeing all the little animals including bunnies and guinea pigs.

8 Bach to Baby Concerts, London and South East

When : various dates, check the website Where : Various venues, London and South East

With wonderful music and bubbles, plus a completely baby-friendly atmosphere, Bach to Baby concerts are an excellent treat to enjoy before your baby turns one.

You get your hit of classical music culture; they have their senses stimulated. It’s a win-win.

9 Trentham Monkey Forest, Staffordshire

When : Daily, Mar-Nov Where : Trentham Estate, Stone Rd, Tittensor, Stoke-on-Trent, ST12 9HR Price : Adults £9.50; kids aged 3-14, £7.50. Children under 3: free

Visit the amazing Trentham Monkey Forest in Birmingham – an exciting walk among 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques, sure to catch the attention of your little one.

Take your baby’s favourite book about monkeys along with you and read to them while they meet the animals face-to-face.

10 Music for Miniatures, Somerset & Wiltshire

When : various dates, check the website Where : various venues, Somerset and Wiltshire

The short, live Music for Miniatures concerts designed especially for parents, carers and babies under 4 make a perfect trip out with tiny babies.

Choose from classical, folk, world and jazz, and let the music transport you and your little one.

11 Belfast Zoo

When : 10-4pm Where : Belfast Zoo, Antrim Road, Belfast, Newtownabbey, BT36 7PN

Explore the wonderful Belfast Zoo , a uniquely tranquil city zoo that’s built into the Belfast hills. Your little one will love meeting the elephants, lions, zebras, monkeys and meerkats on display at this fantastic zoo.

12 Parc Play, Cardiff

When : Mon, Thurs, Fri, 10am-6pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-5pm Where : Parc Play, Unit 5, Curran Embankment, Grangetown, Cardiff, CF10 5DX

Have fun whatever the weather at Parc Play , an indoor and outdoor play centre in Cardiff. It’s the perfect place for tiny people just starting to learn how to move and explore.

13 Anglesey Sea Zoo

When : Daily, 10am-5pm Where : Anglesey Sea Zoo and Marine Resource Centre, Brynsiencyn, Isle of Anglesey, LL61 6TQ

Aquariums are perfect for babies – there’s something about the combination of water and fish that just captivates little brains.

Take a trip to the Anglesey Sea Zoo and introduce your little one to sharks, rays, starfish, seahorses and the mesmerising moon jellyfish.

14 Dundee Science Centre

When : Daily, 10am-5pm Where : Dundee Science Centre (DSC), 14 Greenmarket, Dundee, DD1 4QB

Babies are natural-born scientists, using their bodies and brains to solve all sorts of problems each and every minute: indulge your little Einstein with a day trip to the Dundee Science Centre .

Play with the interactive exhibits and make whale song; mess around in the construction zone; hear a story brought to life from a the story sack; or take a sensory pack and engage all five of your baby’s senses.

15 Deep Sea World, Fife

When : Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-5pm Where : Deep Sea World, Battery Quarry, Forthside Terrace, North Queensferry, Fife, KY11 1JR

Bring your baby through the longest underwater tunnel in the UK, and watch their face as they experience the thrill of seeing sharks, rays, lionfish and more swimming above them!

Under 3s go free; and there’s a buggy-friendly route around the site, so it’s a perfect day out for babies.

Want more info and tips to make your day out even more special? Visit Tripadvisor to explore more about your chosen attraction.

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How I Went From One Kid to Two Without Losing My Mind

A couple of days after I had my first baby , I was nervously sitting on the toilet, asking myself why no one ever told me how scary, how absolutely horrifying , going to the bathroom after a vaginal delivery with stitches actually was. In that desperate moment, I thought, Is it just me? Maybe this is a breeze for everyone else? It’s not, of course — it’s just that, among the glut of useless advice like “sleep when the baby sleeps,” no one mentioned this god-awful moment to me and I had no idea that was something I needed to explicitly ask about.

Yet whenever I shared that I’d had a baby, online or in person, parents would instantly offer their experiences and advice on everything you actually need to know but don’t until you do, from surviving the bathroom to dealing with a congested newborn to getting that particular mustard-colored stain of a diaper blowout out in the laundry. It was like having a Rosetta stone for motherhood in my phone.

But what if you’re curious about all this, the visceral details of childbirth , the sticky truths about preserving your identity as a parent and some of the other various hard parts of parenting, before you have a kid? Or what if you don’t have a network of parents in your circle? Bringing all aspects of parenthood (even the, uh, shitty ones) to light is my goal with this column, so in the interest of sharing some of that intel I’ve collected since that bathroom nightmare many year ago, I put out a call for questions on Twitter and Instagram and answered a few of them while nursing my newest newborn on my lap.

What was it like to go from one kid to two?

Even though I knew I wanted to have another kid after my first, I had a lot of fear around the reality of doing it again. I was nervous about my capacity to love another child as much as I loved my first; I was scared of the logistics of managing a toddler and a baby; and I wasn’t sure how it would impact the relationship between me and my husband. Those were all anxieties that, in the abstract, were just about fear. The fear of hypothetical scenarios, which felt like a fear that I felt I was supposed to have, rather than one based on experience. What I had to focus on was actually preparing for the shift in tangible ways.

So we moved closer to family and friends because given that we were barely surviving having no real community with one kid, we knew we couldn’t do it with two. That became especially important for our then-2-year-old son, because my family stepped in when the baby arrived to make sure he wasn’t getting lost in the chaos of having a newborn, that he was still getting one-on-one time and focus. When I was pregnant, we also talked to him a lot about who was in our family, listing out all the grandparents and aunts and uncles and included the coming baby in all of those conversations, using her name as often as we could. At one point, I even drew out a family tree that included her, which I put on the fridge so we all saw it every day. In this way her arrival didn’t seem abrupt but inevitable.

Once I gave birth to our daughter, the biggest change was in how my husband and I divided responsibilities. Parenting became a lot more about triage: What’s the biggest emergency and who’s available to handle it while the other one deals with the waiting room? With the first, we did a lot of the baby care together; with the second, my husband ended up spending most of the day with our toddler while I was with the newborn. Then as the baby grew and naturally shifted into more of a routine, we did go back to doing most things together and it didn’t take long for my kids to become their own unit, separate from us.

Going from two to three though, let’s see how that goes!

How much does your parenting style differ between kids?

Really, the biggest change was how much more confident I was about myself as a parent with my second, and how much more relaxed I am about my approach to things like sleeping and feeding. With my first I was rigid about certain parenting dogmas, like gentle parenting or baby-led weaning, and after my second, I realized how little my adherence to that parenting scripture mattered at all. Otherwise, I try to be as equitable in my time and attention as I can, knowing that each kid has specific vulnerabilities and strengths that require different approaches.

What would you say to would-be parents considering doing it on their own?

Talk to single parents, especially ones that may not have a co-parent they share responsibilities and time with. And take stock of your network: Who can you call to watch your kid in an emergency or if you have to run to a last-minute appointment? So much of the decision around having kids is emotional but the truth is that it’s about logistics, what can you reliably manage and who can realistically support you through it, whether you’re doing it solo or not? I have a lot of friends who reached a crossroad about whether to have kids, with the reality that if they wanted to do it, they’d probably have to do it on their own and most of them decided not to. But I also know amazing solo parents who have a great network of care and love not having to compromise on their parenting style or approach and who can’t imagine doing it any other way.

Any road-trip tips with a newborn and a toddler?

I have road-tripped with a newborn and toddler more times than is reasonable and frankly sane, so my first tip is, could you fly? But if you insist, I always leave very early in the day, ideally before 6 a.m., letting the kids sleep through the first big haul, so that by the time you’re grabbing a proper breakfast and a second coffee, you’ve already been on the road for at least a few hours.

Inside the car, I have seat covers with a million different pockets that the kids can reach on their own (well, at least the toddler can) and I fill each of those pockets with toys, activities, snacks, extra clothing, and wipes. (Bring more snacks than you think is reasonable, they will all get eaten.) You will be feeding the newborn frequently, so have a sense of where you might be able to pull over in case rest stops are further apart than a couple of hours. Have at least two playlists handy, knowing one will just be “Let It Go” on repeat.

And finally, there will be many moments when both the toddler and newborn are crying and I don’t mean a little moan or a mew, I mean howling, wailing from the very depths of their as-of-yet untortured souls and you will not be able to pull over to stop for some time, so practice meditating now so you have somewhere to go spiritually and mentally when that happens. Good luck!

How do you deal with the fear of being a shadow of yourself after having a baby?

Well that is the question, isn’t it? The fear is that you won’t be you after you become a parent, but the truth is, both you and the baby are, in a sense, being born. That’s not to say you won’t feel like you’ve lost something intrinsic and necessary about yourself, especially when you have your first child.

Right after I had my eldest son in 2017, I felt both grief and anxiety about what I was losing — I was utterly rocked by the emotional and physical changes of postpartum life. My body was unrecognizable to me, I wasn’t sure who I was when I wasn’t working and I struggled to connect with friends right away. But as I recovered physically from childbirth and started to get more sleep and established a routine with the baby, I could confront both what I thought I’d lost and what I’d gained with clear eyes. I asked myself why I felt I should somehow be unchanged by this monumental and fundamentally altering experience. Why should I remain my “old self”?

As a mom of three now, I think I’ve had to rebuild my sense of self each time (third one in progress), and each time, I’ve been able to interrogate who I thought I was, who I want to be, and in the process, I think I’ve come out as more myself than before.

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King Charles Steps Out for First Public Outing Since His Cancer Diagnosis Alongside Queen Camilla

The monarch's doctors are "sufficiently pleased with the progress" he has made thus far, allowing for the visit to a research center and hospital to proceed

King Charles has returned to public-facing duties amid his ongoing cancer treatment.

On April 30, the monarch, 75, accompanied by his wife Queen Camilla , 76, visited a cancer hospital in London. During the poignant outing, they spent around an hour meeting with medical specialists and patients to emphasize the importance of early cancer detection and learn more about the support on offer.

The visit to the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre marks King Charles' first official public engagement since his cancer diagnosis was announced on Feb. 5. Following his diagnosis, he has continued working behind the scenes and hosting  small audiences . He also  greeted well-wishers  after attending a church service on Easter Sunday.

While the hospital has not been directly involved in the monarch's medical care, highlighting the importance of early detection was one of the reasons King Charles went public with his cancer diagnosis. A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace previously stated that this decision was made "in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer."

HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images

As he stepped out of his maroon Bentley upon arrival, the King waved to well-wishers — some of whom craned their necks out of open windows above — and acknowledged the good wishes of the media who called out, “How are you feeling?”

“I felt pleased for the King," loyal royalist John Loughrey, 69, told PEOPLE outside the hospital. "For me, it’s nice to see him back, and we all missed him. He’s come here today to see people who’ve got cancer and show that he — and they’re — not alone.”

King Charles and Queen Camilla stopped to wave to the cameras before being greeted by senior hospital staff and dignitaries. Inside, the monarch was welcomed by cheers from ranks of hospital staff gathered in the main central hall.

The palace has not disclosed the specific type of cancer that King Charles has (beyond stating that he does not have prostate cancer).

Royal aides also stressed Tuesday that while his appearance in public shows that people can continue to work with cancer — and return to work when they’re advised as able to do so by doctors — everyone has their own path to follow as they are treated for the condition.

The University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre, which has been open for 12 years, provides facilities for diagnosing and treating a wide range of cancer and non-cancer conditions. Additionally, it offers crucial support to patients and their families.

Press Association via AP Images

For King Charles and Queen Camilla, the purpose of their visit was to underscore the significance of early cancer diagnosis and to acknowledge innovative research, some of which is funded by Cancer Research U.K. and conducted at the University College Hospital Macmillan Centre in central London.

Upon arrival, the royal couple met with clinicians and learned about their use of groundbreaking technology such as CT scanners, which aid in early cancer detection.

David Probert, chief executive of University College Hospital London, tells PEOPLE that the monarch was "full of great energy. He engaged positively and, as always, was incredibly enthusiastic with the staff."

"It was a wonderful atmosphere. The energy was high," he adds. "Their Majesties were full of enthusiasm and engaging with the patients and most importantly for our staff. It was very uplifting.” 

Probert said he found King Charles, whom he had met before, "incredibly knowledgeable, and every time I speak to him I learn something new about cancer." The monarch took great interest with the clinical scientists in the basement of the building about the “latest innovations,” he added.

SUZANNE PLUNKETT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

For King Charles to resume his public work at the hospital meant a "huge amount" to the staff, Probert says.

"This has been an incredibly difficult few years for the NHS. We’ve just come off the back of COVID, and we care for many patients with cancer — it’s one of the biggest areas for us— and for the King and Queen to choose to come here was incredibly uplifting," he says.

Probert adds, "We didn’t rehearse our staff to clap and cheer. Everybody was happy and keen to meet the King and Queen — you could just tell by the smiles and the enthusiastic comments that they were talking to someone who’s himself been through a difficult time."

Samir Hussein/WireImage

King Charles, the new Patron of Cancer Research U.K., took the opportunity to meet the charity’s Chief Clinician, Professor Charlie Swanton. Swanton has spearheaded a collaboration with 250 researchers and clinicians based at 19 centers across the U.K. Their research focuses on understanding the evolution of lung cancer over time and the reasons behind treatment ineffectiveness.

While King Charles has assumed this new patronage, his wife is actively involved in combating cancer and its impact on families. As president of Maggie’s cancer charity, one of her core causes, she oversees the provision of expert care and support, free of charge, at centers across the U.K. and online for individuals with cancer, as well as their friends and families. Since assuming the role of president, she has made regular visits to centers throughout the U.K. and inaugurated a new Maggie’s center at London's Royal Free Hospital in January 2024.

As they left the hospital, King Charles and Queen Camilla were handed flowers by Della Thomas, 6, and Ellis Edwards, 11, who are patients at the hospital. The royal couple had gifts of their own for the youngsters: some books for Ellis and a bag of goodies for Della, including a toy version of Camilla's rescue dog Beth and a large chocolate coin.

Buckingham Palace announced encouraging news on April 26, revealing that this outing would be the first of several engagements planned for King Charles in the coming weeks. These engagements include hosting a state visit at Buckingham Palace for the Emperor and Empress of Japan in late June.

The palace also provided an update on the King's ongoing treatment, sharing a positive sentiment from his doctors.

"His Majesty’s treatment program will continue, but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that The King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties. Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimize any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery," a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said.

The palace did not disclose when the King’s treatment might be completed.

"It is too early to say, but His Majesty’s medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the King’s continued recovery," the spokesperson explained.

As for how he's feeling, the palace added that he's "greatly encouraged to be resuming some public-facing duties and very grateful to his medical team for their continued care and expertise."

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage?  Sign up for our free Royals newsletter  to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

King Charles isn't the only member of the royal family undergoing cancer treatment. His daughter-in-law Kate Middleton revealed her cancer diagnosis last month after weeks of speculation about her health. In an emotional video announcement , she shared a personal message with those affected by the disease.

"At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope," she said. "You are not alone." 

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Reclusive Michael Richards reunites with Jerry Seinfeld on first red carpet in 8 years

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Michael Richards reunited with his longtime friend and co-star Jerry Seinfeld Tuesday night at the “Unfrosted” premiere, which served as the reclusive comedian’s first red carpet in eight years.

The “Seinfeld” alum, who portrayed the eccentric character Cosmo Kramer on the NBC sitcom, hugged Seinfeld, 70, before posing for photos with him and waving to fans.

Richards, 74, looked sharp in clear-rimmed glasses and a gray suit, which he paired with a paisley button-down.

The “Problem Child” actor last reunited with his “Seinfeld” co-stars , with exception to Julia Louis-Dreyfus, in 2015 when Richards, Seinfeld and Jason Alexander attended the inaugural Los Angeles Fatherhood Initiative Lunch for Baby Buggy.

Richards mostly has remained out of the spotlight since 2006 when he launched into a racist tirade during his stand-up set at the Laugh Factory. When a small group of Hispanic and black audience members began heckling him, Richards fired back with a series of racial slurs.

“Fifty years ago we’d have you upside down with a f–king fork up your ass,” Richards shouted before calling the man the N-word.

The “Michael Richards Show” alum will address the “shameful” outburst in his forthcoming memoir, “Entrances and Exits.”

In the tome, Richards explains the incident “drove him to a lifelong spiritual quest, one that would help him move forward from apology and accountability to a greater appreciation for our shared humanity, a quest that continues to this day almost eighteen years later,” according to publisher Permuted Press.

Richards’ memoir will also include a look at his tumultuous childhood being raised by a schizophrenic aunt and his time in the Army after being drafted in 1970.

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Los Angeles Lakers fire coach Darvin Ham after just 2 seasons in charge

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers fired coach Darvin Ham on Friday after just two seasons in charge.

The Lakers announced on social media that they were dismissing Ham four days after their season ended with  a first-round playoff loss to Denver  in five games.

Ham led Los Angeles to the Western Conference finals less than a year ago in his first season as an NBA head coach. He had replaced Frank Vogel, who was fired by the Lakers exactly 18 months after winning the franchise’s 17th championship in 2020.

Ham had two winning seasons and made two playoff appearances, but that’s not enough with the championship-focused Lakers. With little time left to capitalize on the concurrent presence of Anthony Davis and 39-year-old LeBron James — who hasn’t decided whether to return for his 22nd NBA season — the Lakers are resetting their coaching staff once again instead of blaming general manager Rob Pelinka for his roster construction.

“We greatly appreciate Darvin’s efforts on behalf of the Lakers and recognize the many accomplishments achieved over the past two seasons, including last year’s remarkable run to the Western Conference finals,” Pelinka said in a statement. “We all want to thank Darvin for his dedication and positivity. While this was a difficult decision to make, it is the best course of action following a full review of the season. This organization will remain unwavering in its commitment to deliver championship-caliber basketball to Lakers fans around the world.”

Ham presided over a disappointing year for the Lakers, who went 47-35 in the regular season and won the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament. The Lakers then  beat New Orleans in a play-in game  to move up to the seventh seed in the highly competitive Western Conference — but that meant they had to face Denver, which swept them out of the playoffs last season.

Los Angeles led the defending champion Nuggets for long stretches of their first-round series, but Nikola Jokic and his teammates eventually rolled into the second round with  a series of comeback wins .

“Sitting in this seat, it’s been a hell of a two years,” Ham said after the game. “A lot of good things that got done, but ultimately, you want to win that ultimate prize.”

The Lakers’ failure stung because James and Davis were largely healthy all year long, with both superstars playing more games than they had managed in an NBA season since 2017-18 — 76 for Davis and 71 for James, the leading scorer in NBA history. D’Angelo Russell also had a strong regular season, setting the franchise record for 3-pointers.

That health and success only translated into a four-win improvement in the standings from last season, and Ham received much of the blame from fans and observers for his game management, slow tactical adjustments and a reluctance to change his player rotations and starting lineups, even when things weren’t working.

The Lakers fell into a hole they couldn’t escape when they  went 3-10 during the holiday period  immediately after the In-Season Tournament finale. Ham was widely criticized for his lineups and rotations during that poor stretch — among other decisions, he curiously benched Russell and Austin Reaves while giving extensive playing time to Taurean Prince and Cam Reddish.

That slump eventually prevented the Lakers from landing a top-6 seed in the West even though they finished the regular season on an impressive 28-14 surge.

The players publicly backed Ham, but signs of frustration were clear. After the Lakers blew a 20-point lead and  lost to Denver in Game 2  last month, Davis said the Lakers “have stretches where we don’t know what we’re doing on both ends of the floor,” a comment widely interpreted as a shot at Ham’s coaching competence.

The Lakers only went 43-39 in their first season under Ham in 2022-23, but they capitalized on more favorable playoff matchups. After beating Minnesota in a play-in game, they won playoff series against Memphis and Golden State to reach the conference finals, where  they were swept by Denver .

James, Davis and the Lakers have failed to win a playoff round in three of their four seasons since winning the 2020 championship in the Florida bubble.

Ham had two years left on his contract with the Lakers, who will be hiring their fourth head coach since James arrived in 2018. The new coach will be the Lakers’ eighth in 14 seasons since Hall of Famer Phil Jackson’s departure in 2011.

Ham had an eight-year playing career in the NBA as an athletic forward, winning a championship with Detroit in 2004. He got his first NBA assistant coaching job with the Lakers in 2011, and he was Mike Budenholzer’s assistant in Atlanta and Milwaukee for nine seasons — winning a second championship ring with the Bucks in 2021 — before returning to the Lakers as their head coach.

James has a $51.4 million player option for next season, and his decision hangs over every offseason move for the Lakers, who internally expect him to return.

Pelinka then must determine whether he can make the long-anticipated move for a third superstar through trades, or whether he believes the assertions by Rui Hachimura and other role players that the Lakers can become a contender with more continuity.

Russell has an $18.7 million player option after the sharpshooting guard excelled in the regular season and flopped in the playoffs, infamously going scoreless in the Lakers’ Game 3 loss to Denver. After Los Angeles was knocked out of the playoffs on Monday, the point guard said he has “a little leverage. I’ll try to take advantage of it.”

The Associated Press