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What to know about traveling internationally with a baby

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

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

Requirements for traveling internationally with an infant

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

Check travel advisories

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

Talk to your baby's doctor

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

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

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

Make sure your baby has a passport

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

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

12 tips for international travel with an infant

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies .

American Academy of Pediatrics. 2023. Flying with baby: Parent FAQs. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Flying-with-Baby.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

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

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

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

Mayo Clinic. 2018. Prepare for jet lag before boarding the plane. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-prepare-for-jet-lag-before-boarding-the-plane/ Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Transportation Security Administration. Undated. Traveling with children. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures/traveling-children Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

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

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

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Traveling Internationally With A Baby: 11 Expert Tips To Read Before You Fly

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Our family began traveling internationally with a baby long before starting this blog – our son first joined us in Spain at 14 months old and our daughter in Germany and Netherlands before 3 month! Since it’s been a minute, I asked long-time travel expert and first-time mom Kristin Addis to share some of her best tips now that she’s globetrotting with her own baby.

Check out Kristin’s best tips for international travel with a baby and drop a comment below with your suggestions!

Top Tips for Traveling Internationally With a Baby

1. consider getting baby global entry.

You probably already know that your baby needs a passport, but did you know that they also can get their own Global Entry (or NEXUS for Canadians)? TSA PreCheck allows kids to “stay with you up”piggyback” off of their parents’ until 12 years old, but Global Entry is required from birth for each person.

Global Entry also includes TSA PreCheck, which is a must-have for domestic travel in the US. It allows you to go through faster lines without taking off your shoes or removing electronics and liquids from your carry-on.

When you go through the Global Entry line, it scans your face as a method of verification for re-entry after international travel. The same is required of a baby, which is why they have to go through the same application process as anyone else. They’ll even need the in-person “interview”, which is really just the process of quickly taking their photo for the verification process.

Passports can take time to obtain. Once you have the passport, you can apply for Global Entry, which can also take months for approval and to get an appointment near you. Keep in mind that even if both parents have it, nobody can take advantage of the expedited line unless the baby has it, too.

If you plan to get Global Entry for the whole family, the good news is that many credit cards cover the fee! You can use those credits for anyone – just pay for the application on the card. Some great low-fee travel rewards credit cards that cover Global Entry include Capital One Venture Rewards, IHG One Premier Rewards and United Mileage Plus Explorer . There are lots of other best travel credit cards that include Global Entry as well!

For families who won’t do a ton of international travel, another option is to download the Mobile Passport Control app. It isn’t accepted at every port of entry all the time, but it’s a solid backup if you won’t be traveling internationally with a baby very often.

2. Add Baby to Your Plane Ticket

The safest way for baby to travel on a plane is buckled into their car seat. If you’re still deciding what’s right for your family on your upcoming trip, you can read about the pros and cons of an infant on lap vs infant in a seat of their own.

Even though your baby is allowed to ride on your lap until they turn two years of age, they still need their own flight verification document. It looks a lot like a ticket and will be printed at the check-in counter. You won’t be able to get through security without one. Some airlines, like United, will have you add the lap child when you book the flight. Others, like Singapore Airlines or Emirates, will require you to make a call and add them to your ticket over the phone.

Although your lap infant will be free on domestic flights, you will need to pay the taxes and usually about 10% of the fare for them to be on your lap for an international flight. So if you’re flying business class, even if you have booked your own ticket on points, you will probably have to fork over a few hundred dollars for the infant to ride on your lap.

Here’s an important point about that: if you’re booking a flight before your baby is born, every airline has a slightly different procedure. Often you can just put the child’s first name as “Baby” and an estimated birthday (if one is required), and then call to change your baby’s name and birthday later.

If you’re flying internationally I recommend reserving baby’s seat (or adding her as a lap infant) when you get your own ticket, otherwise the baby’s ticket price will be whatever the prevailing rate is. Adding a lap infant at check-in for an international flight means you will pay taxes plus 10% of the same-day fare – potentially thousands of dollars! For a baby riding in her own seat, the flight could also be sold out.

Be sure to sort all of this this out before arriving at the airport. Once at the airport, you will need to print out a physical ticket for the infant. Usually, I haven’t been able to check in online when I have our son added to my ticket. I have to present myself and my baby to the ticket agent, and during busy periods you’ll need to give yourself plenty of extra time.

Keep in mind, only one lap infant can be added per parent and each group of two or three seats can only have one lap infant because there’s only one “extra” oxygen mask for a child. If you have twins, each parent will need to sit in a separate group of seats. And if you’re flying a Canadian carrier with two young children, each adult can only be responsible for one infant – whether they’re on your lap or in their own seat!

3. Luggage and Carry on Requirements for Babies

My next biggest question was what can we bring for the baby, and do baby items count towards our checked baggage allowance? For most airlines, car seats and strollers do not count against checked luggage or carry-on allowances. If you do choose to check either of these items, put them in a high-quality travel bag that will keep the loose parts from getting caught. Though you’ll have to make peace with the possibility of damage or lost luggage, we thankfully haven’t had either happen yet after over 40 flights (knock on wood).

You can also opt to take both through security and onto the plane, provided they’re within regulations. Using your car seat on the airplane is the safest option for both the baby and the car seat. You can check the bottom of your car seat to see if it’s FAA-approved, but nearly every harnessed car seat in the US is. There are some great infant car seats for travel that can make your travels easy, or you can transition to a lightweight convertible car seat . Remember you can only use this car seat if you get your baby their own seat or the gate agent happens to be able to give you an extra seat on a flight that isn’t full.

For strollers, make life easy on yourself and take a smaller one that can fit through the scanners at TSA. We prefer to travel with strollers that can fit in the overhead bin so that we don’t even have to gate-check ours. It saves so much time and avoids breakage.

Diaper bags and pumps do not count towards carry-on limits.

4. Getting Through Airport Security with Your Baby

Leave extra time for TSA security now that you’re a parent! Nine times out of 10, we’ve been stopped for extra checks.

You’re allowed to travel with liquids over the usual 100ml/3oz limit with a baby ‘up to a reasonable amount’, which is up to the discretion of the TSA officer. If you get questioned on the amount of liquids you have, which has happened to me before, calmly but firmly explain you’re allowed to have them and ask to speak to a supervisor. This has worked for me.

You’re allowed to have purees, baby food, juice, water, and milk for the baby. Declare to the officer prior to passing through the x-ray machine that you have liquids for the baby. They may ask you to remove them. They will probably be put through extra machines for testing and they may perform a vapor test, but are not allowed to insert anything into the liquid. Extra checks usually take us an extra 15 or so minutes.

If you’re bringing a car seat or stroller through security, often it will be hand-inspected so that. it doesn’t get stuck in the scanner. Sometimes agents think your baby gear will fit but you can always request hand-inspection if you’re skeptical.

We love using a baby carrier in the airport to keep our hands free. If you go that route too, be sure to bring a carrier like this one that has no metal. In the US you’ll be able to leave your baby in the carrier and have your hands swabbed by TSA agents. If you use a ring sling or other carrier with metal in it, you’ll have to remove your baby (yes, even if they’re sleeping). In other countries the policies vary.

5. What’s in Our Airplane Diaper Bag

Pack way more diapers into your carry on than you think necessary, and about double the baby food you think you will need on the flight – trust me. It’s always important to plan for delays, especially since formula and diapers in the right size could be difficult to find in the airport. You’re allowed to bring baby food and liquids over the typical amounts, though prepare for extra checks (and time) at security.

You’ll also want a portable changing pad , small size diaper cream, and ample baby wipes.

We always bring some small toys, often saving one he’s never played with before for a long flight. This set is especially engaging! Bring a couple changes of clothes, because you never know, and if it’s going to be a long flight, we like to bring a sleep sack along to simulate bed time, since it’s what he sleeps in at home.

Oh and don’t forget a change of clothes for yourself – just in case.

6. Feeding on the Go

If your baby is bottle-fed, pack a few bottles and a portable bottle washing and drying station . I also bring a refillable travel sized container with our own unscented dish soap since soap in airport bathrooms can be variable or nonexistent.

For breastfeeding mothers, consider investing in a comfortable nursing cover (it doubles as a blanket too), and if traveling in the US, sign up for Mamava before you go. You’ll see these private nursing pods all over airports domestically. Some airports have nurseries as well, especially in Europe – search for the airports you’ll be visiting and “baby care lounge” or similar wording.

If your baby has started solids, carry a variety of age-appropriate snacks and/or purees for nourishment along the way. It’s not a guarantee you’ll find them in the terminal or on the flight. Some airlines offer “baby meals” but you’ll have to request it at least 24 hours in advance.

7. Plan Ahead for Travel Baby Gear

How are you going to get around? Will you need a car seat? Does wherever you are staying have a safe sleep space? You’ll definitely want to consider what baby travel gear you bring.

First, I research how people typically travel around the destination we want to visit. For our trip to Japan , I found that the train and metro system are excellent, so we would be able to leave the car seat at home and just rely on public transport. However I also found that few hotels had cribs, so that meant we needed to bring our own travel crib . I like to have the Slumberpod along as well to block out light when we’re all sharing a room.

For our trip to the Portuguese Azores , I found that most people rent a car. That meant we’d have to bring a travel car seat as the rental companies there didn’t have them available on their booking pages, but every hotel showed a crib available upon request, so we didn’t have to bring one of those along.

This research is fairly simple and straightforward with most booking sites showing these options and extras. It’s also possible to check a box that shows only properties with cribs on Airbnb. If this information isn’t displayed, feel free to reach out to the hotel or car rental company to see if they have these extras.

There are also baby rental companies the world over. Google your destination and ‘baby equipment rental’ to see what’s available where you’re going. In the US, Babyquip is a popular option.

8. Stroller or Carrier?

That is the question. The best answer will depend on the nature of your trip.

Does where you’re going even have sidewalks? Are they mostly cobblestone, like in Europe? Are you going to encounter stairs often? These may not be things you had to think much about before, but with a baby, it’s helpful to research this ahead of time.

Since we were taking all public transportation in Japan, and mostly traveled by foot on the sand on our trip to Mexico , we only brought a baby carrier for those two trips. Ultimately, I was glad not to have a stroller along, but it sure saved our backs having a stroller in Portugal! Strollers are also quite helpful at the airport, when you just need somewhere to put your little one. The older and bigger they get, the more essential a stroller will be.

9. Pack as Light as Possible

Packing light is even more important when traveling with a baby, yet it is so much more difficult to do. We look for accommodations that have a washer and dryer at some point on the trip, bring enough diapers that we trust for overnights, and look into where to buy food and formula before we go. Message boards and Google queries related to the destination are helpful for getting answers to these questions. We bring about half of what we’ll need, and buy the rest there.

I’ve actually found that diapers, formula, wipes, and baby food have all been cheaper abroad than in the US, including in Japan and Europe. Unless your baby has a very specialized diet or you’re going somewhere remote without access to baby items, I’d recommend buying some on the go.

10.  Health and Safety

Always check with your baby’s pediatrician about your travel plans. They may recommend going to a travel clinic to get travel-specific immunizations depending on where you’re going.

Always come prepared with medications for your baby as well, rather than relying on getting them abroad.

Although I knew it was best practice to always travel with a first aid kit, I admit, I didn’t bother most of the time as a solo traveler. With a baby, it’s different. We always have his thermometer and medications along.

It’s also important to consider the water safety. In Mexico, we stayed at a house that had a water filter and UV system, and in Japan we used the tap water, which is safe to drink, but boiled it first. Almost every accommodation in Japan has a water kettle, which made this easy.

If your baby is mobile, you may want to bring some outlet covers and cabinet locks for extra safety. We always have a big blanket with us that we can spread out over a floor or outside to create a play area on the go.

11.  How to Manage Sleep and Routine

One of my biggest fears when traveling with a baby was how he would handle jet lag . Babies are already not known for being the world’s best sleepers, so how in the world do you handle switching time zones?

We do what we can to maintain consistent nap and bedtimes on travel days. If nap time comes up when we would be on a flight, we do our routine and try to get him to sleep. Thankfully, the white noise helps.

When on the ground, we bring a small white noise machine , which can help drown out unfamiliar sounds and maintain a consistent sleep environment. When the evening comes, we do what we can to get him to sleep at a decent hour, following the same bedtime routine we have at home. If he wakes up in the middle of the night, we keep things dark and quiet. Gradual adjustments have been key for our jet lag, and it’s been easier each time than I expected.

Try to maintain your baby’s regular sleep and feeding schedules as much as possible to provide a sense of predictability amidst new surroundings. For naps, some babies can sleep in their stroller or in a baby carrier. If you’re road tripping, the car seat might be perfect. Some babies are less able to sleep on the go and will need a dark environment like their crib, which will probably change up how you approach your trip (maybe one spot on the beach for a week is better than a multi-stop itinerary, for example). You know your baby best.

Traveling with a baby is a voyage that challenges and rewards in equal measure, but it’s always been worth the added variables for us. What I have loved about traveling our son is how much it invites encounters with strangers that have been so heartwarming. People just LOVED our baby in Japan and Portugal. One lady even kissed his head!

Embrace these connections and watch as people play peek a boo with your baby, wave at them, or if you’re comfortable with it, even hold them. This has been my favorite part of traveling with our son. Babies have a unique ability to bridge divides, bringing smiles to faces from different cultures and backgrounds. In these moments of connection, the world becomes a little smaller, and I’m reminded that people are mostly good.

I love looking back on these memories, and can see how being in nature and exploring the world are already positively impacting him. It’s been great for me to keep up the adventures, too. 

Life absolutely doesn’t ‘end’ because you have a family. Now that we’re used to traveling with my baby, it doesn’t even feel like extra work anymore. It’s just another kind of adventure.

About Kristin Kristin Addis is the founder of  parenthoodadventures.com , a resource for adventurous parents who still want to travel the world with their little ones. She’s been a travel expert for over a decade, leading adventure trips and spending several years as a nomad. Now, she’s showing her baby the world.

Before you go…

There are so many logistics to consider before your first big trip as a family! Have you thought about how to bathe baby while traveling ? Be sure to read that article for lots of real-world tips.

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Travelling Abroad With A Baby: The Ultimate Guide

Travelling abroad with a baby can feel like an overwhelming experience for any parent. You want to make sure that your little one is comfortable and happy while also navigating through the logistics of international travel. But don’t worry, I’m here to help!

As a mom who has been in your shoes, I understand the unique challenges of travelling with a baby. I know that you want to create amazing memories with your family but that you also want to make sure that your baby’s needs are fully met. That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to make your journey stress-free and enjoyable.

In this guide you will find plenty of travel tips and tricks – from researching your destination and booking family-friendly accommodations to packing essential items for your little one and and advice on how to keep your baby entertained during the flight.

From my own experience, I have also learnt that travelling can be unpredictable, so I’ve tried to include advice on handling unexpected situations like delays, lost luggage, or illness.

My goal is to help you feel confident and prepared so that you can focus on enjoying your family trip rather than worry something might go wrong for the entire trip.

I know that travelling abroad with a baby may seem daunting right now, but always try to remember that it is such a great opportunity to create unforgettable memories. So, whether you’re planning a family beach vacation or a trip to see loved ones abroad, let me help you make your next family adventure stress-free and enjoyable.

PREPARATIONS BEFORE YOU TRAVEL WITH A BABY

As a mum who travels a lot with my little one, I totally get how daunting it can feel to plan you first trip with your baby. In fact, as a keen traveller, I already started to worry about this during my pregnancy.

But trust me, it’s worth it! With a little extra planning and preparation, you and your little one can have an amazing time exploring new places together.

First things first, it’s crucial to prepare thoroughly to ensure a safe and comfortable trip for both you and your baby.

In this section, I will therefore share some helpful tips based on my own experiences travelling with my little one.

CHECK THE TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS AND DOCUMENTS

Let’s start by getting all your paperwork in order. Before you start packing your bags for your family trip, it’s crucial to check that you have all the necessary travel requirements and documents for your baby and the rest of the family.

Every country has its own rules and regulations, so it’s essential to research and plan accordingly. The information can usually be found easily on the web.

The most important document you will need to bring for your little one is a passport, so make sure to apply for it as early as possible. Keep in mind that obtaining a passport for your baby can take several weeks, so it’s best to get started right away.

You might be worried about taking a photo for your baby’s passport. But it isn’t as complicated as you might think. The guidelines for passport photos for babies are far less rigid than for adults. T

Some countries may also require additional documents such as a visa or a birth certificate for your baby, so be sure to check for these requirements before you go.

Apart from travel documents, it’s also important to check if the country you’re travelling to has any specific health requirements for your baby.

Some destinations may require a certificate of vaccination or a letter from your doctor stating that your baby is in good health. Taking care of these details beforehand will ensure a smooth and stress-free trip for both you and your little one.

VACCINATIONS AND HEALTH CHECKS

When travelling abroad with your baby, their health and well-being is probably (and should be) your top priority.

Before embarking on your trip, make sure to talk to your paediatrician to ensure that your little one is up to date on all necessary vaccinations for the country you’ll be visiting. This will help protect your baby from potentially harmful diseases that may be present in the region.

Additionally, it’s crucial to be prepared for any potential health issues that may arise during your trip. Research the medical facilities in the area you’ll be visiting and consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical expenses. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Packing a small first aid kit with basic supplies like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and fever reducers is a good idea and can also be helpful in case of minor injuries or illnesses.

With these precautions in place, you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for any situation that may come your way.

PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR BABY

When you start packing for your family trip, make sure to include all the essential items your baby might need to have a comfortable and stress-free journey. Items that immediately come to my mind include diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, and baby food if your baby is already on solids.

Travelling with a baby, is one of those rare occasions, where I believe that it is better to pack more than you think you’ll need. This is even more important if you’re traveling to a country where these items may be difficult to find.

Another important factor to consider is the weather and climate of your destination. Make sure to pack appropriate clothing for your baby, such as plenty of layers for colder weather or lightweight clothing for warmer weather.

You might also need your baby carrier, stroller and car seat, depending on the type of trip you are taking. So take some time to think about all the baby gear you might need to take with you. Or read our thorough guide on all the travel baby necessities for some inspiration and to get you started.

When travelling abroad with a baby, space can be a real challenge. Luckily, fold-away pushchairs are a game-changer! They’re compact, easy to store, and fit into even the smallest car boot. Plus, they’re a lifesaver when it comes to flying. Some models even come with car seats that attach to the pushchair, giving you the best of both worlds (and one less item to carry).

When choosing a fold-away pushchair, be sure to opt for a model that is suitable for your baby from birth with a seat that lies flat. Keep in mind that some models are only suitable for babies from six months when they can sit up. With the right pushchair, you can make travelling with your little one a breeze!

Another option for carrying little ones whilst traveling is to use a sling or backpack carrier. Slings can be a comfortable way to keep your little one close to you while leaving your hands free, while backpack carriers are a great option for older babies who want to look around and explore. Just be sure to choose a carrier that is appropriate for your baby’s size and age, and practice using it before your trip to ensure a comfortable fit.

By packing everything your baby needs, you can ensure that your trip will be enjoyable for both you and your little one.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATION

Choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference when you travel with your baby. Make the wrong choice and your trip could become very challenging. Make the right one and your trip has a much better chance at being trouble free.

Look for hotels or apartments that offer amenities like cribs, highchairs, and kitchenettes to make your stay more comfortable.

Choosing a central location can also be helpful, especially if you’ll be exploring the area with your little one.

Before booking your accommodation, be sure to ask about any additional services they offer, like babysitting or laundry services. You should also read reviews from other families to see if they had a good experience.

Note that some places require you to book a family hotel room for fire reasons. We nearly got caught out by this when we first travelled to France.

TIPS FOR FLYING WITH A BABY

If you’re planning to fly with a baby, it can be nerve-wracking to imagine all the possible challenges that you might face.

I remember the first time we flew with our son. I remember the first time we flew with our son. He wasn’t even one year old. In fact, he was only a 3 month old, so really still a newborn baby. I was so worried that our baby son would cry throughout the entire flight and was desperate not to upset the other passengers.

But fear not! I soon learned, that with a little bit of preparation and the right mindset, you can breeze through the journey without any hiccups (or very few).

As a fellow mom who has now flown with her little one on several occasions, I’m here to share some valuable tips that can help make your trip stress-free.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLIGHT

To ensure that your little one is well-rested during the journey, try to find a flight that suits their sleep schedule. While in the past, my priority was to maximise our time at the destination, now I try to find flights that align with my baby’s sleep schedule.

This means we usually opt for mid-day flights that give us enough time to get ready in the morning without being too early, and allow my little one to nap during the flight. Priorities change when you travel as a family.

It’s also important to avoid flying when your baby is unwell, particularly if they have an ear infection or are experiencing ear pain. This is because the pressure changes during take off and landing can cause discomfort and pain in young children. In my experience, this always leads to crying with little ones, which can be stressful for both you and your baby.

It’s better to wait until your baby has recovered before flying, unless you have no other choice.

PACKING FOR THE FLIGHT

When it comes to packing for the flight, specifically your hand luggage – remember that less is more. Even for a long haul flight. From my own experience, I’ve found that packing light is key when travelling with a baby. It can be tempting to bring everything you think you might need, but in reality, you won’t use half of it.

Pack only the essentials in your diaper bag, such as diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, and a few toys to keep your baby entertained. You don’t want to be lugging around a heavy bag that you can barely carry, especially when you have to tend to your little one.

A lightweight blanket or swaddle is also a must-have item in your hand luggage. Airplane cabins can get chilly, and you want to make sure your baby is cozy and warm throughout the flight. This can also double up as a nursing cover if you’re breastfeeding your baby.

Also, don’t forget to bring a few plastic bags to dispose of dirty diapers and clothes. You don’t want to be caught in a situation where you have nowhere to throw away a dirty diaper, especially during a long flight. Bring a couple of bags to ensure you have enough for the entire journey.

KEEPING YOUR BABY ENTERTAINED

Finding ways to keep your baby entertained during a flight can be tricky, but there are plenty of tricks to keep them happy and engaged.

Bringing along some favourite toys, like a teething toy or a soft book, can be a great way to keep them occupied.

Additionally, downloading some of their favorite TV shows or movies on your phone or tablet for older babies can be a lifesaver during a long flight. I am not ashamed to say that we discovered the wonders of the amazon fire tablet for kids early on into our family travels .

However, to avoid disturbing other passengers, be sure to pack a pair of headphones to keep the noise level down or set the device to mute. Babies are mainly interested in the colourful pictures anyway.

FEEDING YOUR BABY DURING THE FLIGHT

Ensuring your baby is well-fed during a flight is vital to keep them comfortable and hydrated.

If you are breastfeeding, try to nurse your baby during take off and landing, as it can help stop your baby’s ears from popping due to the change in air pressure. We found that this family travel tip also work with a bottle. In fact these days we give our toddler juice or gummies to eat. It’s all about that swallowing movement.

If you’re formula feeding, remember to pack enough formula in your carry-on bag for the entire flight. Be sure to bring a bottle warmer and a few extra bottles to make feeding easy.

If your baby is already eating solid foods, pack some snacks like rice cakes, Cheerios, or pouches of baby food to nibble on.

In summary, flying with a baby requires some extra planning and preparation, but it can be a smooth and enjoyable experience.

By choosing the right flight, packing smart, keeping your baby entertained, and feeding them during the flight, you can ensure a stress-free journey for both you and your little one.

ENJOYING THE TRIP WITH YOUR BABY

Taking a trip abroad with your baby can be very different from travelling alone. Gone are the days when you would cram your itinerary full to the brim out of fear of missing out.

Travelling internationally with a baby requires some forethought. So, in this section we will provide tips on how to make the most of your trip whilst keeping your baby happy and comfortable.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ACTIVITIES

When planning the itinerary for your trip , it’s essential to select options that cater to your baby’s needs and are compatible with your schedule.

Look for activities that are adaptable and won’t disrupt your baby’s daily routine.

Opt for attractions and activities that are age appropriate. Some of our go-tos when our son was still a baby were visiting a wildlife park or aquarium, going for a hike, or spending a day relaxing on the shore.

You might also want to consider booking tours or activities that are tailored to families with young children.

The best tip that I can give you, is to plan ahead but still be ready for any unexpected situations that may arise during your travels with your baby.

With some patience, flexibility, and creativity, you can create an unforgettable and hassle-free trip for your entire family.

GETTING AROUND WITH A BABY

Travelling abroad with a baby requires some extra thought when it comes to transportation. No matter what mode of transportation you choose to use, we would highly recommend you plan ahead (before you have left your house).

If you are planning to use the local public transportation, make sure to bring a stroller that’s easy to fold up and transport. You don’t want to be caught out by an underground tube that is packed to the brim.

If you are planning to rent a car, remember to request a car seat for your little one or bring your own. Personally, we like to take our son’s car seat with us, as we know for sure it’s safe and fits him.

If you choose to hire a taxi, make sure the car has enough room to fir both you and your baby in comfort.

In summary, take some the time before your holiday to consider your transportation options to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for both you and your baby.

NAVIGATING MEAL TIMES

When you’re traveling with a baby, mealtime can be tricky.

To make things easier, try to locate baby-friendly restaurants that have highchairs or booster seats, so that you can eat hands free. It’s a good idea to do some research beforehand to avoid any surprises.

Additionally, if your little one has been weaned, it’s always a good idea to pack some snacks for your them, such as fruits, crackers, and baby food. This way you always have something to hand for your baby to munch on.

Be sure to pack some spill-proof cups and utensils as well to avoid any messes.

DEALING WITH EMERGENCIES

It’s always good to be prepared for emergencies when traveling with a baby.

Pack a first aid kit with essentials such as bandages and antiseptic cream, as well as any medications your baby may need.

Keep a copy of your baby’s medical records and have the contact information of a paediatrician on hand in case of any medical issues.

It’s also important to keep important items like passports and tickets in a safe and easily accessible place in case they get lost.

Remember to stay flexible during your trip and be willing to change plans if necessary to accommodate your baby’s needs. Prioritize your baby’s well-being above all else. Make the most of your trip, capture plenty of memories, and take lots of photos!

RETURNING HOME AFTER A TRIP WITH YOUR BABY

Congratulations, you’ve reached the final section of our ultimate guide on traveling abroad with a baby!

By now, you’ve probably had an incredible time exploring new destinations and making unforgettable memories with your little one. However, as your adventure draws to a close, it’s essential to get ready for your journey back home.

PREPARING FOR THE FLIGHT HOME

Preparing for the return flight is just as pivotal as preparing for the outbound one, particularly when traveling with a baby. To make the journey back as seamless as possible, here are a few tips to consider:

Pack wisely: Remember to pack all the essentials in your carry-on bag, such as extra diapers, wipes, formula or baby food, and a change of clothes for both you and your little one. Keep in mind that you may have acquired some souvenirs during your trip, so leave some room in your luggage or consider shipping items home.

Check in online: Save time at the airport by checking in online. Choose seats that will provide you and your baby with the most comfort and convenience. If possible, upgrade to a seat with extra legroom or request a bassinet for your baby.

Time your flight: Try to book a flight that works well with your baby’s feeding and sleeping schedule. This can help ensure that your baby is well-rested and content during the flight. Avoid connecting flights if possible, as they can add stress and extra time to your travel.

DEALING WITH JET LAG

Travelling to a different time zone with a baby can be tough, but there are some tricks to help your baby adjust to the new schedule and reduce the effects of jet lag:

Spend time outdoors: Exposing your baby to natural light during the day can help regulate their sleep cycle and reset their internal clock. We like to plan in plenty of outdoor activities like walks in the stroller or trips to nearby parks to get some fresh air. This tip also forks for adjusting to the new time zone when you first arrive at your destination.

Stick to a routine: Keeping to your usual routine, especially with feeding and sleeping times, can help your baby adapt to the new time zone faster.

Be patient: It may take a few days for your baby to fully adjust to the new time zone, so try to stay calm and patient. Your baby can sense your stress, so staying relaxed will help them relax too.

Travelling abroad with a baby can be a wonderful experience, but it’s important to be prepared and informed. We hope the tips and advice in this guide will help you feel confident and excited to embark on your next adventure with your little one. Wishing you safe travels!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TRAVELLING ABROAD WITH A BABY

Can You Fly Internationally With A Newborn?

Yes, it’s possible to travel internationally with a newborn, but it’s important to plan ahead and keep a few things in mind. As someone who has flown several times with a baby, I’ve learned that it’s crucial to research the airline and destination country’s policies on traveling with newborns. Some airlines require babies to be at least 2 weeks old, while others may need a doctor’s note confirming that the baby is fit for air travel. You’ll also want to make sure that you have all the necessary documents for your baby, including their passport, visas (if required), and any other essential paperwork. The process of obtaining a passport can take some time and you can usually only apply for a passport after your baby is born. Your baby’s health and comfort during the flight should also be taken into consideration. Bear in mind, that doctors usually advise parents to wait until their baby’s immune system has had a chance to mature before flying. So be sure to speak with your paediatrician before the trip to ensure that your baby is healthy and ready for air travel. Finally you will want to consider your own recovery after giving birth before planning an international trip with a newborn before even reaching your due date.

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

There really is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best age to travel with a baby overseas really depends on a number of factors such as your baby’s temperament, health, and developmental stage, as well as your own comfort level with traveling and the destination you have in mind. That being said, many parents find that the best age to travel with a baby overseas is between six and nine months. At this age, babies are generally more adaptable and can handle longer periods of time away from home. They are also usually still breastfeeding or taking formula, which makes feeding easier while traveling. Additionally, babies in this age range may not be mobile yet, so you won’t have to worry about chasing after a crawling or walking baby in an unfamiliar place. However, I would like to stress that every baby is different and there are many factors to consider when deciding the best age to travel with your little one. For example, if your baby has health issues, you may need to wait until they are older and stronger before traveling. Similarly, if your baby is a fussy or difficult traveller, you may want to wait until they are more settled and can handle the stress of travel better. Ultimately, the decision of when to travel with a baby overseas is a personal one that should be based on your individual circumstances and preferences. I would recommend consulting with your paediatrician before making any travel plans, as they can provide advice based on your baby’s specific needs and health. And always remember to take it easy and enjoy the journey, no matter what age your baby is when you travel!

How do I keep my baby safe while travelling?

Travelling with a baby can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. As a parent, your number one priority is (and should be) to keep your little one safe and sound throughout the journey. That’s why it’s crucial to take all those extra precautions to ensure their safety. First and foremost, it’s essential to properly secure your baby in their car seat during any car rides. Never leave your baby unattended, even for a moment. When checking into a hotel or any other accommodation, take the time to baby-proof the room and remove any potential hazards. To create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your baby, consider bringing a portable crib or playpen. This will give your little one a familiar and secure place to sleep, no matter where you are in the world. By prioritizing safety, you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind and create unforgettable memories with your family.

Is it safe to use car seats and cribs provided by hotels or rental car companies?

It can be tempting to use the car seats and cribs provided by hotels or rental car companies when travelling with a baby, but safety should always be your top priority. So before blindly using these items, take the time to do some research and make sure they meet the highest safety standards. Always check that the car seat or crib has been properly installed and is in a good condition. If you’re uncertain about the safety of the provided equipment, it’s always better to bring your own to ensure your baby stays safe and secure. We certainly always opt to bring our own with us.

What do I do if my baby gets sick while we are traveling?

When your little one falls ill during a trip, it can be concerning. The best thing to do is to seek medical attention right away. This could involve finding a local doctor or hospital or reaching out to your paediatrician for guidance. It’s always wise to pack a small first-aid kit with essentials like fever reducers, cough syrup, and bandages, just in case of any unexpected health issues. It is also why we always make sure to get travel insurance before any trip.

What vaccinations does my baby need before travelling abroad?

It’s crucial to check with your doctor or a travel health clinic well in advance of your trip to determine what vaccinations your baby may need. The recommended vaccinations vary depending on your destination country and your baby’s age and health status. Some vaccinations may require multiple doses over several weeks or months, so it’s important to start the process early to ensure your baby is fully protected before your trip.

What documents do I need to travel with my baby?

When travelling abroad with a baby, you will need to bring several important documents. These usually include your baby’s passport, visa (if required), and any medical certificates required by your destination country. It’s essential to check the requirements well in advance of your trip to allow enough time to obtain any necessary documents. Remember to also check the expiration dates of your baby’s documents, as some countries require that passports be valid for at least three or six months after your travel dates.

Can I bring my baby’s stroller on the plane?

When travelling with a baby, bringing a stroller can be a lifesaver and save your back from a lot of pain. However, whether you can bring your stroller on to a plane depends entirely on the airline. In our experience most airlines will at least let you check it in as luggage. Some airlines may require you to check in your stroller at the gate, while others may allow you to bring it on board and store it in an overhead bin or designated closet – as long as it folds up small enough. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to bring a lightweight and compact stroller that’s easy to fold and transport. This will make your trip a lot easier. PS: We bought a stroller specifically for our holiday, that folds up nice and compactly, because our main stroller was way to clunky. We also like to use it when we are eating out at a restaurant.

How do I handle airport security with a baby?

Going through airport security can be a daunting experience for anyone, but it can feel especially challenging with a little one in tow. To help ease the stress, here are a few tips that can make the whole process a bit smoother. First and foremost, pack all liquids you need for your baby (like formula, breastmilk or food pouches) in a clear plastic bag and keep them separate for easy screening. Note that the usual restrictions for liquids do not apply for your baby’s items. It’s also a good idea to have a copy of your baby’s birth certificate or passport handy to confirm their age and identity. When you get to security, don’t hesitate to communicate any concerns or questions you may have to the staff. You will normally be asked to carry your child in your arm as you walk through the metal detectors. Remember, patience and flexibility are key, and taking a deep breath can go a long way in keeping everyone calm and relaxed.

Can I bring baby food and formula through airport security?

Travelling with baby food and formula through airport security is allowed, so no need to worry! If you feel particularly anxious about this, give the airport a ring before your trip. They will be happy to answer any of your questions. Just be sure to pack the food, formula or breastmilk in a clear plastic bag and inform the security officers during screening. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to pack a little more baby food / formula to cover any potential delays during travel.

Can I breastfeed on the plane?

Yes, most airlines allow breastfeeding on the plane. However, it’s a good idea to bring a nursing cover or a lightweight blanket to ensure your privacy and your baby’s comfort during feeding times. Covering your little darling in a lightweight breathable fabric will shelter them from distractions (of which there are many on the plane) and keep them focussed on nursing. If you are formula feeding, consider bringing pre-measured formula and a portable bottle warmer to make feeding on the go easier.

How do I deal with a crying baby on the plane?

Crying babies can be stressful for both parents and other passengers on the plane. However, it’s important to remember that crying is a natural way for babies to communicate their needs, especially during a flight when they may be uncomfortable or experiencing ear pressure changes. Try to stay calm and comfort your baby with gentle rocking, feeding, or a change of position. Bring along some favourite toys or books to distract your baby and consider taking short walks up and down the aisle to soothe your baby and give them a change of scenery.

What should I pack in my carry-on bag for my baby during a long flight?

As a parent, you never know what to expect when it comes to travelling with a baby. That’s why it’s crucial to pack your carry-on bag / nappy bag wisely and prepare for any situation. In addition to the usual necessities like diapers and wipes, I always make sure to bring extra food, formula, and snacks to keep my little one happy and fed. I also pack a few of their favorite toys and books to keep them entertained during the flight. It’s important to remember that accidents happen, especially when travelling with a baby. That’s why I always pack a change (or two) of spare clothes for both me and my baby, as well as a small blanket to keep us warm on the plane. I also bring a few plastic bags to store any dirty clothes or diapers, making clean-up a breeze.

How do I find baby-friendly accommodations when travelling?

Travelling with a baby requires careful planning, especially when it comes to finding the right accommodations. To ensure a comfortable stay, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, look for options that offer baby-friendly amenities, like cribs or playpens, and consider whether the location is suitable for travelling with a stroller. It’s also important to check if there’s a kitchenette or microwave available for preparing baby food. Reading reviews from other parents who have stayed at the accommodation can also be helpful in gauging its family-friendliness. If you have any specific needs or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the hotel or rental property directly. With a bit of research and communication, you can find a place that meets your family’s needs and ensures a comfortable stay.

How do I manage sleep schedules when travelling with a baby?

Travelling with a baby can wreak havoc on their sleep schedule, but there are ways to ease the transition. One helpful tactic is to gradually adjust their sleep schedule a few days before your trip, so they’re closer to the new time zone when you arrive. Another option is to maintain their routine as much as possible while on the trip, like keeping their usual bedtime routine or nap schedule.  Above all, it’s vital to be understanding and patient since your baby might need some time to adjust to the new environment and routine.

How can I make sure my baby gets enough sleep while we are traveling?

One key to ensuring that your baby gets enough sleep while traveling is to maintain a sense of consistency. Stick to your typical nap and bedtime routines as closely as possible, and don’t forget to bring along comforting items like a familiar stuffed animal or cozy blanket. If you can, consider booking accommodations that provide a separate sleeping area for your little one so that everyone can rest peacefully throughout the night.

How do I navigate cultural differences when travelling with a baby?

Travelling to a foreign country with your little one can be an exciting adventure, but it’s important to be mindful of the cultural differences you may encounter. To ensure a smooth trip, take some time to research the cultural norms and practices around parenting in your destination country. This can help you avoid any unintentional cultural faux pas and allow you to better appreciate and respect the local customs. For instance you might want to bring a lightweight blanket to cover yourself and your nursing baby in a country where modesty is a concern. Additionally, be sure to pack any necessary supplies, such as formula or baby food, as these may not be available in the country you’re visiting. Especially if your baby has very specific requirements. Remember, embracing new cultures and customs can be a wonderful learning experience for both you and your baby.

As I wrap up this ultimate guide on travelling abroad with a baby, I want to remind you that it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed or nervous about travelling with young babies. But, as I mentioned a couple of times above, with some planning and preparation, your trip can be a wonderful experience for both you and your little one.

Travelling with a baby can be challenging, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience. Seeing the world through your baby’s eyes is a joy and creates memories that will last a lifetime.

Always remember to prioritise your baby’s needs and plan ahead. But also think of your own wellbeing and don’t overwhelm yourself. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

By following the travel tips and tricks in this guide, you can make travelling abroad with your baby an enjoyable experience.

So go ahead and plan that trip you’ve been dreaming of with your little one. With the right mindset and preparation, you can both have an amazing time exploring new places, meeting new people, and making unforgettable memories together.

ABOUT KATHARINA

Katharina is the founder, editor, photographer and the main travel writer at A Life Beautifully Travelled. She created this British family travel blog in 2017 to document her adventures around the globe with her husband. Born in Munich, Germany she has since lived in Dusseldorf, Paris, Glasgow, and London. She currently resides in Yorkshire with her family.

Katharina started travelling in her early teens and has explored over 4 continents, 16 countries, and 87 cities. Growing up trilingual and having graduated from an international school, she has a strong interest in other cultures. When she isn’t gallivanting around the globe or busy in her 9-to-5 job as an architect, she can be found exploring the UK (the country she currently calls home). There isn’t much Katharina, her husband and their son Finn love more than a fun family weekend getaway.

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What to Pack When Traveling With Baby

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

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

Traveling Safely with Infants & Children

Cdc yellow book 2024.

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

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

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

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

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

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

☐ Assess all anticipated travel-related activities.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel-Associated Infections & Diseases

Arboviral infections.

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

Diarrhea & Vomiting

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

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

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

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

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

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

Antibiotics

Azithromycin.

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

Fluoroquinolones

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

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

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

Antiemetics & Antimotility Drugs

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

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

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

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

Fluid & Nutrition Management

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

Oral Rehydration Solution: Use & Availability

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

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

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

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

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

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

Diet Modification

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

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

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

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

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

Antimalarial Drugs

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

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

Personal Protective Measures & Repellent Use

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dress children in clothing that covers arms and legs.

Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.

Properly use insect repellent

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

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

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

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

Soil & Water Contact: Infections & Infestations

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

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

Noninfectious Hazards & Risks

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

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

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

Safety Restraints

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

Altitude Illness & Acute Mountain Sickness

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

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

Drinking Water Contaminants

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

Accommodations: Hotels & Other Lodgings

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

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

Motor Vehicles

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

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

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

Water-Related Injuries & Drowning

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

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

Sun Exposure

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

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

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

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

Other Considerations

Identification.

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

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

Travel Stress

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

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

Bibliography

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

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

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

So life changed, and so did travel.

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

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

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Why I travel with my baby

Because i have to, and so does he.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Because it's fun

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

How I make travel with my baby easier

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

I bring someone along to help

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

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

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

I pack as light as possible

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

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

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

Always bring these key items — especially when flying

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

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

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

Use points and miles for a more comfortable and affordable trip

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

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

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

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

I verbally prepare my baby for travel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I plan flights around bedtime and nap times whenever possible

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

I organize sightseeing and beach days around naps, too

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

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

Bottom line

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

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

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

June 1, 2020

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The Secrets of Traveling Around the World With a Baby

By Nadine Jolie Courtney

When I got pregnant, my husband and I weren’t worried about the effects on our social life, sex life, or sleep schedules (perhaps a little on the last front). Our main concern was how having a baby would affect our travels. Most frequent jet-setters have heard similar refrains while pregnant: “Get your travel done now, because one that baby comes . . .” bleary-eyed parents say ominously.

Ignore the naysayers—it is possible to enjoy a robust traveling life after having children. While, yes, it requires enough planning and recon to put a CIA operative to shame, so do basically all aspects of life post-baby. We threw ourselves into the deep end early and often, and now that our daughter is almost 2, she’s been on more than 20 flights to five countries, with trips to spots both exceedingly child-friendly (shout-out to the kids’ club at Round Hill in Jamaica) and . . . well . . . not. (You can take a baby wine tasting in Bordeaux, right?)

Half the stress of traveling with children is simply getting there. Once you’re at your final destination, it all seems to fall into place. (At least, until you have to do it all over again on the return flight.) Here are but a few hard-won pieces of advice about how to travel with a baby while keeping your sanity intact.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare A simple outing to the park with your baby requires 15 minutes of packing and planning, so a lengthy trip—especially to a foreign country—demands serious preparation. Make a list, check it twice—and then rip it to shreds, because parenting-on-the-go is all about flexibility.

Don’t Over Pack The understandable temptation will be to bring everything and the kitchen sink. Don’t. Figure out what baby gear you can temporarily do without, and have the rest shipped to you using a service such as Baby’s Away. Everything from high chairs to pack-and-plays to toys and beach tents can be waiting for you at your final destination, making the journey itself less stressful. “It makes packing a million times easier and ensures you’ll have everything you need,” says Rebecca Mall, head of industry, media, and entertainment at Google and mother of 19-month-old twins. “And your kids are excited to play with all the new toys, too. Best find ever.”

Schedule Flights During Nap Time Whether your flight is a long haul or a quick jaunt, schedule it during your child’s nap time. If you’re taking a red-eye, pick a departure time that coincides with bedtime. When your baby’s sleep schedule isn’t disrupted, it’ll be a more pleasant experience for everybody.

Ship Ahead If you’ll be gone longer than a few days, ship ahead items like diapers, wipes, and formula with Amazon or Diapers.com, and luggage with a shipment site specializing in travel, like Luggage Free. “You don't want to be in a strange place with weird diapers or not have access to the food your baby loves, but you don’t want to take up precious luggage space with that stuff, either,” says Kim-Marie Evans, mother of four and founder of the site Luxury Travel Mom.

Be Your Own Pharmacy Whatever might go wrong often will when traveling with kids. Whether it’s a cold, fever, stomach bug, or just a garden-variety headache, it helps to have your own medicine, prescriptions, and supplies at the ready. Otherwise, you might spend 20 minutes wandering the streets of Copenhagen looking for a pharmacy, only to discover that Aleve requires a prescription. (True story.) Do yourself a favor and bring, at minimum, baby Benadryl, baby Tylenol, a baby thermometer, and adult ibuprofen. Extra points for Xanax and Ambien for mom and dad.

Arrive Early—But Not Too Early Getting to the airport early both minimizes stress and allows your little ones time to run around beforehand and tire themselves out, if they’re already walking. However, excess airport time leads to bored children, which can lead to tears and tantrums. Half an hour earlier than you’d arrive if traveling child-free is usually the sweet spot.

Consider Your Final Destination If you’ll be hiking in New Zealand or strolling over miles of European cobblestones, forgo the convenience of a lightweight umbrella stroller for the mobility of your regular stroller. Keep in mind that standard baggage allowances make exceptions for baby gear: Most airlines will allow you to check a stroller and car seat for free.

But Gate Check the Stroller If You Can If you don’t need to bring your behemoth day-to-day stroller because of terrain, don’t—instead, gate-check a lightweight umbrella stroller. Some swear by the Babyzen Yoyo (which folds easily and can be stored in the overhead bin), others by the über-light UPPABaby G-Lite; my umbrella-of-choice is the Summer Infant 3D Lite, which reclines for naps-on-the-go—a critical feature.

By Marie Bladt

By Christian Allaire

By Alexandra Macon

Buy a Seat for Your Baby For a long-haul flight, having an extra seat for your child—even if they’re under 2, when they can ride in your lap for free—is a must. Flights are always smoother when your child has their own space, and even the crankiest child is more likely to fall asleep in his car seat. (And if you’re flying first or business class—yes, children are allowed, despite what the evil glares from cabinmates might have you think.)

Even If You’re Shipping Everything Else Ahead, Always Bring a Car Seat Domestic airlines allow you to bring a car seat on board if there’s an open space, meaning you might luck into a seat for your under-two’s even if you haven’t purchased one. (We’ve gotten lucky on international flights, too, although it’s rarer.) When you check-in, ask if the flight is full: if it’s not, bring the car seat through security to the gate. If the flight suddenly becomes full, you can gate-check it using a protective car seat bag like the JL Childress. It’s also worth investing in a lightweight and compact convertible car seat solely for your travels—two favorites are the Cosco Scenera Next, which weighs just 10 pounds, or the Graco ComfortSport, which weighs 12 pounds.

Be Seat Savvy If your baby is fewer than 20 pounds, reserve a bulkhead seat to take advantage of the bassinet, which can attach to the wall—plus, obviously, to enjoy extra legroom. If the bulkhead isn’t an option, try reserving an aisle and window seat in the back of the plane. It’s often the last row to get filled, and if you happen to have a stranger in between you and your partner, they’ll frequently swap. Many airlines are now reserving the last two rows for families, so that’s another reason to get to the airport early and claim those seats at the gate, especially if you have multiple kids.

Baby Wear Baby carriers can be lifesavers when traveling. Not only can you wear children through security—leaving you with two free hands for strollers, carry-ons, or boarding passes—but they’ll also come in handy when visiting museums, beaches, or other places where strollers either aren’t practical or aren’t permitted. They also allow for discreet breastfeeding, especially helpful during takeoff and landing.

Bonus: A baby strapped to your chest is a baby not crawling around, running down the aisles, or banging on the seat in front of you.

Prepare for the Worst on the Plane Think of the worst flight you ever took: the one where your flight was delayed, and you spent several hungry, cranky, miserable hours in the terminal or on the tarmac. Now imagine that with a baby. Even if you’re only flying a short distance, be prepared for the worst-case scenario, which means an iPad pre-loaded with kid-friendly content, a change of clothes for you and the baby, and enough diapers, formula, and snacks (if you’re not breastfeeding or your child is older) to last for up to 24 hours. Mother-of-three Stacey Bendet, CEO and Creative Director of Alice and Olivia, says, “iPads are an airplane mom’s best friend, I’m not opposed to travel bribes and keep an emergency Starburst stash, and I always have at least two outfit changes for everyone in case of spills and ills.”

Spring for VIP Services Whether it’s curbside check-in, expedited lines, or pre-boarding, VIP services at the airport will make the entire experience that much more enjoyable for you. Philanthropist Allison Weiss Brady, mother of two, swears by American Airlines Five Star Service, which starts at $250 per adult. “A representative from the airline greets you curbside, gets you right to the front of security, and then you have a mini-adventure on their golf cart en route to your gate, where they walk you right onto the plane,” she says. Delta and United offer VIP programs, too.

Get TSA PreCheck and Global Entry TSA understaffing means that airport security lines are expected to be especially long this summer, with travelers advised to get to the airport a mind-numbing three hours early. Skip the queue with TSA PreCheck. For only $85, TSA PreCheck provides you with five years of shorter lines, expedited screening, and the ability to leave your shoes on while going through security. If you travel internationally, Global Entry costs $100 and allows you to zip through customs when returning to the US, plus enrolls you in TSA PreCheck automatically.

Rent an Apartment House or apartment rental sites like VRBO, Airbnb, or Home Away help mimic a home environment, which can be especially helpful when traveling with babies and needing to frequently clean bottles, stock milk, or make special meals. Some cities have their own luxury rental sites, like Paris Perfect in the City of Lights, or One Fine Stay in London.

Family-Friendly Can Still Be Luxurious Sure, you could forgo the Four Seasons for the Hampton Inn—but why? “We've just done our most luxurious travel ever this year with our 13-month-old son, Henrik,” says Kathleen Porter Kristiansen, founder of the site Triple Passport. “Luxury travel is absolutely possible with kids—he’s been on 19 flights to eight countries.” Many five-star hotel chains have their own programs for the littles—Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt, Rosewood Collection, and St. Regis all offer kids programs with varying levels of activities, play structures, and even babysitting.

Request a Crib Ahead of Time Call the hotel in advance to request a pack-and-play, if you haven’t shipped one ahead, but remember to bring your child’s own sheets and loveys. The familiar scents of home will help them sleep better in a foreign environment. Telling a hotel you’re traveling with children also ensures a quieter room away from the elevators and with a tub.

Book An Extra Night Hotels often won’t let you check in until the afternoon, which can be problematic if you’re taking a red-eye and due to land at your final destination early in the morning. Brady recommends booking your hotel room from the night before. “That way, you can get into your room as soon as you arrive in the morning, have a good nap with the kids, and be fresh for an afternoon of sightseeing,” she says.

Out of Sight Whenever possible, book a suite or a room with a living room or two adjoining rooms so that your baby can sleep in the other room without seeing you. If a suite isn’t an option, get creative: The hallway or even bathroom can be excellent places to put the crib so you’re not in your baby’s line of sight at 6:00 a.m.

Stay On Your Own Time Zone The clock says 8:00 p.m. in your new destination, but to your child, it’s only 3:00 p.m. What to do? Consider keeping them on a schedule that’s as close to your original time zone as possible. If you’re traveling to Europe, this could mean wake-ups at noon and bedtime at midnight—confusing for nosy passers-by who see you out with your children at 9:30 p.m., but potentially easier for both you and the kids.

But Give it Three Days If You Can’t However, if staying on your own time zone isn’t practical—especially for trips longer than a week—babies are surprisingly flexible. (No, really.) After three days of crankiness and middle-of-the-night wake-ups, your little one will adjust to the new schedule.

Nap on the Go As schedule enthusiasts, my husband and I were terrified the first time our baby had to nap on the go. Turns out, kids are surprisingly malleable (when they’re young, at least). A little white noise on the iPhone, a swaddle or blanket over the stroller to block out light, and a long walk around town ensures museums or lunch for you while they’re zonked.

Babysitters are Your Friends If you feel comfortable leaving your children with a sitter, most five-star hotels have relationships with local babysitting agencies and can arrange a background-checked sitter for you. As weird as it might sound having a stranger in your hotel room, it’s a common request—although be forewarned that some agencies won’t allow hotel sitters to bathe children or perform certain duties. For children going through separation or stranger anxiety, book a late dinner and arrange for the sitter to come after they’re asleep.

Eat Early Just because you’re traveling with children doesn’t mean you’re condemned to a vacation involving kid’s menus and paper tablecloths. For nights when you don’t have a babysitter, figure out which restaurants you’re dying to try—and then book in for right when they open. Yes, this will occasionally mean 5:00 p.m. dinners, but you won’t have to endure nasty looks or rush out if the kids start acting up, and you’ll still be able to enjoy that hot new restaurant—no babysitter required.

Shiny and New While an iPad is a godsend for children as young as one year, they’re all but useless for infants—though great for you when your baby inevitably falls asleep in a weird position that means absolutely . . . no . . . moving. Babies can be distracted by shockingly pedestrian items: keys, tissues, even tape. “For on the plane activities, I usually bring a few small zippered bags filled with little toys to unwrap and play with,” says Marissa Hermer, restaurateur and mother of three. “Anything new, fun, and small makes the journey fly by.”

Tips & Tricks for International Travel with an Infant

• September 2, 2023
• Family Travel , Travel Tips + Planning , Travel with Baby
• Comments Off on Tips & Tricks for International Travel with an Infant

As Kaia passes the 7-month mark, she’s visited 10 countries, been on 15 flights (including 4 transatlantic), and stayed in nearly 20 hotels across the globe. She’s adjusted to time changes and had formula from a market purchased in the mountains of Oman. There’s no doubt that traveling with infants is different and requires flexibility, resourcefulness and a bit more pre-planning… not to mention more checked bags than you’re used to. Below, I’m sharing insight on international travel with an infant. I’m focusing largely on air travel with an infant, plus things to keep in mind, but also a few notes for prep for arriving and staying in a new country.

I should also note – in the vein of transparency – that international travel with an infant is not easy and does take a bit to adapt to. Many Instagram accounts paint a picture of glamorous travel with baby, easy moments sharing new cities with a little one, and tiny tots noshing on international cuisine like pros. That’s only part of the picture. Babies, like adults, have to adjust to time changes (more on that below) so that may mean a few difficult nights during the adjustment period. There are new realities to adapt to with dining time, some adults-only places you’ll have to tearfully pass on, and knowing baby’s needs (obviously) come before yours. There are lots of beautiful moments and memories to be made, but also the new realities of how travel has changed with a little one in tow. If you find the first few trips a bit difficult, just know you’re not alone! It gets easier with time as baby gets a bit older and as you get more used to your new travel companion.

In the Air with an Infant

First and foremost, I’m sharing details about air travel with an infant as this is probably where I get the most questions from first-time jet setters heading out with the baby. I get it and believe me, I get a bit of anxiety every time we’re heading to the airport with Kaia, but every trip does  get easier as you find your new rhythm. One thing to just keep in mind when planning is that it’s not  just  the flight to keep in mind — this isn’t to scare anyone, but just to remind and inform! For us, a 3-hour flight to London from Rome, for example, isn’t just a 3-hour flight to Rome. It’s a two-hour drive to the airport, 2+ hours at the airport, and then a 3-hour flight pending no delays (more on that below). The 3-hour flight ultimately ends up being a 7 – 8 hour journey, not counting landing, clearing immigration, etc. All that to say, when you’re mentally planning your day and air travel with your infant, you’ll want to keep the bigger picture in mind and pack accordingly. More details, tips and tricks below!

Booking Your Infant Seat – What’s Included

First and foremost, let’s talk about booking your infant’s seat. If you’re traveling internationally with an infant, you need a passport. That seems like a given, but I’ve seen the question asked. Your baby is a person with their own identity and you’ll want to be sure you have their passport prior to travel. There’s a lot of talk about lap infants traveling for ‘free’. To be accurate, infants don’t travel for free as they do have to pay for taxes and sometimes there’s a small infant fare. On international trips where we’ve flown Business Class (on points), we’ve had to pony up upwards of $300 – $400 for her despite the fact that she doesn’t have her own seat. Some smaller, budget carriers charge a fee for an infant (sometimes €25 or so on budget European carriers). A follow-up note to that: sometimes airlines don’t have an infant option when you’re booking. Or  perhaps you’re booking airfare for the future and your baby is still in utero at the moment. The best approach is to call and  add  the infant to your booking. They’ll assign the infant to the mother usually and this will appear on your booking. The infant receives their own ticket but will show as INF vs. showing a seat number.

All of that said, your infant is expected to sit on your lap and share a seat with you which means this approach does  not  guarantee that you’ll have a seat for your baby in any way. If luck is on your side and an adjacent seat is available then yay! You can ask the agent upon check-in or the attendants when boarding but it’s really a gamble. If you want your child to have a seat, you’ll have to book them a child’s fare. Now, your infant fare includes a carry-on for your child and gives you the ability to bring formula (more on this below); liquids that typically wouldn’t be allowed for a normal flyer. I’m sharing more insight on this below in terms of packing and prepping as this was one of my main concerns!

The Bassinet — The Inside Scoop

You’ve heard of the elusive bassinet. It’s like a unicorn add-on that every new mom is in awe of. These exist?! How did we never notice them before becoming pregnant or having a child?! It makes sense! We never needed them before and truth be told, they’re not available on every flight. Not to mention the fact that each bassinet is different. Here’s the inside scoop: bassinets are free and they’re first come, first served. Generally speaking, the agents I speak to over the phone when booking air cannot guarantee them.  If a flight has a bassinet, it’s set up at a bulkhead seat and you have to let your flight attendant know to allow it to be set up prior to take off. When you’re looking at a plane configuration online, you may notice a small drawing of an infant (in your previous pre-parent life you may have not noticed this or thought it was a bathroom symbol). These seats are designated bassinet seats. Again,  not all flights have them  and not all classes of service have them. I’ve been on flights where economy had bassinets but Business Class didn’t. Each bassinet is different but they’re generally very useful and allow you to be hands-free for a bit when your baby sleeps. On our earlier flights, when Kaia was 6 – 14 weeks old or so, we found these helpful as she slept frequently and was comfortable in the bassinet. Piece of advice: bring their favorite/go-to blanket from home! It gives them some comfort and allows them to cozy up faster.

Take Comfort – There’s White Noise on the Plane

It’s your first time traveling internationally with baby and you’re concerned about the long flight… I’m going to remind you of one fantastic truth:  there is so much white noise on planes.  You know the white noise machines moms swear by for helping baby fall asleep at night? The plane is basically a big white noise machine so babies are lulled easily by that! Add to that the fact that there’s a lot of ambient noise on a plane (more than you ever realized before) so if baby is whining, fussing or crying a bit, the likelihood is that you  notice it far more than anyone around you.

Take Off and Landing

One of the big conversations with babies is around take-off and landing. Every parent traveling by air with a baby for the first time is aware of this and fearful of it. The common sentiment/approach is to allow the baby to nurse or to provide them a pacifier upon take-off and landing to help with their ears and any pressure. If they’re sleeping,  let them sleep.  I wouldn’t advise waking a sleeping baby to have them nurse or provide them a pacifier. Another added comfort: I had a very difficult time nursing due to some issues during my birth experience and Kaia never took to a pacifier. She’s now been on 15 flights including 6  – 8 that were 7+ hours. We have never had an issue with her ears. Even if she isn’t having a bottle, nursing, etc. she’s never shown signs of pain or fussiness. I share that to just note that not  all  babies have issues. There’s a constant fear that your baby will be in pain, screaming for the flight due to pressure, but that’s not necessarily true. Of course if you can preempt the issue by nursing or providing a pacifier then go for it!

Prepping Your In-Flight Baby Bag

If you’ve followed my adventures in the past, you know that we’re generally light packers. We travel for a month in a carry-on and think nothing of it.

That’s past tense now (insert crying face).

Babies take a shocking amount of stuff — and it’s very difficult to pare down when they’re very young depending on your personal situation. You will have the ability to bring a carry-on on board for your infant. Pack wisely and thoughtfully. Big things to consider:

• Formula . If you’re like us and need to use formula or choose to use formula, bring enough (more details below).
• Diapers, Wipes and Changing Pad.  Bring plenty of diapers – plenty! – just in case. I brought a dozen on our first transatlantic flight from London to Miami and a friend scolded me about being ill-prepared. He had been in a similar situation and dealt with flight delays, a baby with a bad tummy and a whole host of issues and a dozen was barely enough to make it out unscathed. Generally speaking, I think a dozen is fine. Do what’s best or you but be generous. Also bring a changing mat (we bring disposable ones AND a padded one), along with wipes. I prepare what I call a ‘nappy changing kit’ before travel. I take the changing pad (the non-disposable, nicer, cushioned pad), insert a disposable changing pad, put in two diapers, and a package of wipes and then fold it up so it’s ready to go. When I need to use the lavatory to change her, I pull the changing table down, the pack is ready to go and I unfold. I bring the second diaper to use as a pad for her head just in case!
• Backup Outfits.  Always bring backup outfits for obvious reasons. If you don’t, Murphy’s Law dictates that you’ll deal with the world’s worst blowout and have no way to recover. Also, bring a backup outfit for yourself!
• Toys and Entertainment:  Bring toys your baby loves to entertain them. For us, that’s Sophie (the ever-present giraffe), our Sea Tails crinkle book, a few rattles, a flexible mirror, and a couple of other toys just to mix it up in case.
• A go-to blanket:  As i mentioned above, whether your baby is sleeping on you or in a bassinet, a blanket that their go-to is a piece of home and gives them some comfort in new settings.
• Any medications, specifics for baby:  Whether it’s Tylenol or something your baby needs more critically, obviously be sure to pack meds for baby in the carry-on.

Formula Packing and Options

This was my biggest worry! How would I bring formula on board and what was my best approach for traveling with a formula-fed baby internationally? People have different takes on this, but this is what works for us: I have 5 – 6 bottles that we travel with. Generally speaking, at 7 months old, our baby eats about 150ml/5 oz. 5 times per day. I usually have 3 bottles  filled, one with a ready-to-eat portion, then 1 – 2 empty. We have trained Kaia from her early early days to not expect warm formula. My mom gawked at this like it was some form of child abuse, but honestly — babies don’t need  formula to be warm, and if they accept it lukewarm or even slightly chilled – gasp! – your life will be easier for it. The filled bottles that we carry with us go in a cooler bag with ice (you can take the ice through security since you have an infant) which keeps them safe for consumption. I usually take a bottle out (it’ll be  freezing  when you remove it) and allow it to warm with my body heat or request hot water from a flight attendant (or get hot water in the airport lounge depending on where we’re at). Kaia doesn’t require formula heated to a particular temperature so as long as it’s not absolutely freezing, she’s happy enough to have it. Also, in the spirit of being prepared for any circumstance, the worst-case scenario is running out of food for your baby. If you’re a mom that is not nursing, this means you rely on formula. In addition to our prepared formula, we bring two 500mL ready-to-drink formulas that are shelf-stable. We’ve opened them before on planes when needed. They do need to be kept cold after opening so your cooler bag will come in handy again. Note that flight crew often cannot put your items in their fridge per FAA regs but they CAN provide ice, which they’ve kindly done for us in the past. In addition, I bring powder formula in my carry-on just in case we get stuck somewhere and I need to prepare more. That’s a super safety precaution but always makes us feel safer in case things change unexpectedly.

With younger babies, the biggest concern is sanitizing bottles so bring extra, pre-sanitized bottles with you so you’re ready to go. We have travel-friendly microwavable sanitizer bags but these aren’t useful on the plane. If you’re in a major bind at some point, boiling water run through bottles usually is fine as bottles don’t need to be sanitized after every  use though they do need to be cleaned properly shortly after use. I also bring a bottle brush when I can remember!

Is Business Class Appropriate?

We searched for answers to this ourselves before flying Business Class with her on a series of international flights. Is it appropriate to book Business Class with a baby? There are so many threads and so many personal anecdotes here, but let me just say that if you can  book Business Class, do it. Our Business Class flights with baby were so  much better than economy. I’m a petite person (5’1″) so I usually have plenty of room in a spacious Business seat which means I can happily share with baby. With full lay flat beds, I’ve sat with her to play, to cuddle, and to sleep. We shared a seat while she snoozed so while there wasn’t a bassinet available, we had plenty of space to be comfortable. I’ve been side-eyed when walking into Business Class with baby, but really? As someone on a forum noted (astutely, I might add), someone’s worried about my baby making noise during the flight… what about the guy next to me snoring? And reality check: there are usually good headphones in Business Class so they can cancel noise out pretty easily. Also note my comment above about white noise.

What if your baby cries for half the flight?

If you travel often, the reality is that this will probably happen at some point. Kaia fussed for at least 30% of our flight from Cancun to San Francisco (teething plus recovering from tummy issues). It was shitty. I felt terrible for the other passengers. I felt stressed in that moment. I did all that I could to comfort her. You know what? The flight is over now. We made it. We survived. It wasn’t our greatest flight experience but it was in no way indicative of future flights either. On the following flight we took with her from SFO > Rome (12 hours) she was fantastic. Other passengers fawned over how wonderful she was and complimented us on having a chill child. So, that is to say, if that does  happen, a friend reminded me: you won’t see these people again. Do your best and that’s all you can do. Infants are infants. You can’t ‘control’ them and there’s no behavioral issue (it’s not like they’re a 4-year-old screaming and running amok). They’re babies — and guess what? We were all babies once. I need to remind myself of that same advice a lot, but I think the most important thing is to not have PTSD after a flight like that. One bad flight doesn’t mean that your future flights will be bad. Sometimes babies (and adults, for that matter) have bad days.

What To Bring For Baby

Above I mentioned that we were such light packers once upon a time. With baby, things shifted quite dramatically, though admittedly, I do feel that the first six months of traveling with her were the most difficult in terms of her needs. As babies become stronger and more capable, the infant needs become less stressful. When they’re tiny (our first international flight with Kaia was at 6 weeks old) they’re fragile. Their immune systems are fragile and their bodies are delicate so you’re naturally more concerned about having their comforts -and yours – with you.

If you’re traveling to a country in the developed world, remember that babies exist EVERYWHERE. So, diapers, for example, are not something you need to pack en masse. We bring enough to get us through flights and a few days but usually stop at a pharmacy or similar to buy more in the destination. Formula can be trickier so I do try to pack enough to get us through a trip. We use Aptamil which has been universally pretty easy to procure. Travel anecdote: we were running out of formula while in Jabal al-Akhdar during our two weeks in Oman . As you can imagine, a mom is pretty quickly in a panic realizing she didn’t pack enough food for baby and that she’s also in the middle of a mountain town in Oman with about three restaurants, a gas station, and a minimart. Lo and behold, the minimart had Aptamil.  I quickly procured two containers, counted my blessings, and vowed not to risk that again. When Kaia was tiny (before she could sit on her own) we also traveled with her Baby Bjorn baby bouncer to give her a place to sit and play without having to always lay on her back. We no longer need that given she can sit independently. Blankets are a piece of home – bring baby’s favorite to put on the bottom of the crib and to put over baby as well. We travel with our portable baby monitor by Nanit (a must for us), along with a portable router for our Nanit, and a white noise machine. Depending on the destination, we may also bring things like swim diapers, floatation devices for infants, etc.

On the Ground with an Infant

You’ve made it to your destination – yay! There’s major comfort when the final 30-minute countdown is on and you’re more or less clear. You made it!

Be Prepared for International Arrival – TSA, Global Entry, etc.

Reminder to frequent fliers new to traveling internationally with an infant: just because you’ve been jet setting for years with Global Entry doesn’t mean that this is transmitted to your baby. I have found that TSA Pre-Check actually was assumed by the baby when traveling, but Global Entry is not. If you’re flying into a major US hub there’s often an option for an interview upon arrival but you must submit the application prior.  If you’ve submitted your app, you can go to a window where your infant will be ‘interviewed’ (formality, obviously) and then can finalize their own process.

Airport Arrival – Special Family Lines

Piggybacking on the above, one of the benefits of international travel with an infant is that you often have access to special family lines and stroller-friendly pathways. I used to feel bad zipping past lines of people, but they’re just as happy to get a baby moved through to avoid noisy infants and crying while waiting for passport control. Babies obviously still need to go through passport control (see above somewhat obvious – but apparently not-so-obvious – point that babies also need passports to travel internationally).

Hotel Bookings with an Infant

As a frequent traveler and as a hotelier, I can tell you that no request is too weird and where possible, hotels will do their best to honor your requests and needs. My common requests:

• A crib: Some people travel with a Pack n’ Play. I prefer to take as little as we can (which is still too much) so we request a crib when on the move. Kaia has slept in 20+ different cribs so is very flexible but my must  is taking a blanket that is familiar so there’s a sense of continuity for her.
• A Kettle:  We use formula so a kettle is important for preparing baby food (water must be boiled as formula isn’t sterile).  Some rooms are equipped with a kettle but many are not and can be delivered upon request.
• Microwave or Sterilizer:  If you’re traveling with a young infant and using bottles, you’re likely still sanitizing as well. I’m not strict about a ton, but I was very strict about sanitizing to avoid any tummy issues. You have three options here depending on what you have access to: 1) Sterilizer bags + microwave, 2) a sterilizer, or 3) pieces boiled in a kettle. With the first option, you’ll need a microwave to be accessible (though you can sometimes as hotel staff to microwave for you). The bags allow you to put in about 60mL of water, plus bottles, caps and nipples and microwave for 1.5 – 4 minutes (depending on microwave strength) to sterilize. With option 2, the hotel kindly provides a bottle sterilizer that gets plugged in and requires no microwave or special equipment from you (we do this at Borgo but it’s not a common amenity). With option 3, if you’re in a bind, you can boil some parts in the kettle to sterilize. It’s the less safe/secure/proper approach but in a bind, it’s the best solution. Bring your bottle brush if you can.

Luxury hotels will sometimes provide baby-friendly bath products, baby robes, baby amenities, etc. but I’ve found that true at very luxe properties like the Ritz in Dubai, the Ritz. in Muscat and the Belmond Maroma in Riviera Maya.

International Medical Needs

It’s every parent’s hope that their baby never gets sick and that they never need medical care internationally. We were 9 for 10 until we got to Mexico where Kaia got a virus (not bacterial/water-based). Babies touch everything and put their hands in their mouths constantly so it’s just a matter of time until they get a tummy bug. Obviously, make sure that you have medical insurance and that your baby is covered under your plan. If necessary, get travel insurance as well. Keep a scan of your baby’s vaccination records and of course know what medications they’re taking, if any, and bring extras if they’re on regular medications. In Kaia’s case, we had telemedicine included with our insurance. After speaking with a doctor over the phone, we were advised to find a pediatrician to look at her in person. If a pediatrician wasn’t available, we were to go to the ER to have her looked at. With infants, doctors are very conservative with their approach as babies can become easily dehydrated and affected since they’re so small. We found a local pediatrician, got in quickly, had her examined, and visited a pharmacy to collect prescribed medications. It’s frightening when babies get sick, especially when you’re away from home, but know that developed countries (and developing countries, for that matter) will likely have a nearby facility for medical care and babies exist around the world so there will more than likely be a pediatrician to assist. Our insurance includes airlift in case there is a major issue requiring us to seek medical care away from the country we’re visiting. It’s not a bad idea to travel with baby probiotics and infant Tylenol to help with stomach issues and for fever and pain regulation.

If we’ve learned anything since beginning our parenting journey it’s that it’s the most humbling learning experience, it’s an exercise in flexibility, resourcefulness, and selflessness that yields the most rewarding moments. When parents talk about the rewarding side of travel with baby, there’s no doubt that watching some of your little one’s firsts unfold overseas is one of the coolest and most rewarding things imaginable and it’s those little moments, hearing tiny laughs that make all the extra suitcases and missed rooftop bars somehow worth it. ✧

Have you begun your international travel with baby? Tips, tricks, or reassurances to add for other parents out there?

More about Shannon Kircher

Shannon Kircher is the founder and editor of The Wanderlust Effect. Founded in 2009, she has continued to document her international escapes as an expat in Europe and the Caribbean. Additionally, Shannon is the founder of Compass & Vine, a luxury boutique travel design firm, and is the Director of Marketing for the Frangipani Beach Resort. Shannon holds an MSc in Social Policy and Development from the London School of Economics and is a current candidate for WSET Level 3 in Wines & Spirits.

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Everything You Need to Know About Traveling With a Baby

Traveling with a baby? Here are expert tips to make your trip as safe and comfortable as possible.

Years ago, Kristiana Choquet was nervous about taking her then three-month-old, Olivia, on her first flight. It would be long — 11 hours from Johannesburg to Paris — and like many new parents, she wasn't sure what to bring. "I packed a backpack of her own, with diapers and wipes, a messenger bag with extra clothes, and a rolling suitcase and stroller," she said. "Our friends were like, 'You're never going to need all this stuff.'"

Since that momentous first trip — which Air France made easy with a complimentary bassinet — Choquet has gotten smarter about packing. "Now I only fly with just one backpack for both of us," she says, laughing.

We asked Kristiana Choquet, the associate director of leisure for Embark Beyond , a travel agency in New York, and other experts for their best advice on how to travel with a child under 2. Here's what they told us.

Before the Trip

Check With Your Pediatrician

"If the family is traveling internationally, it's always a good idea to check with the pediatrician at least two weeks before to see if the child would require any extra immunizations," says Dr. David Fagan, vice chairman of the Pediatric Ambulatory Administration at Northwell Health in Massapequa, New York. Depending on where you're going, your child may need to have certain vaccines earlier, like the measles vaccine , or take a particular medicine before or during travel. Your baby may also need a COVID-19 vaccine (if he or she is older than 6 months) or a negative test result before traveling. The Centers for Disease Control's online Traveler's Health information page is a great place to research.

In general, there is no enforced minimum age a newborn has to be before they fly, although rules may vary by airline. For example, Vueling and Delta will allow newborns as young as seven days old to fly. JetBlue will allow infants as young as 3 days old to fly, but between three and 14 days you will need a doctor's letter of approval. However, it is generally recommended that you wait a few months before traveling in order to let your baby's immune system more fully develop. If flying internationally, it takes about six weeks to obtain a passport for your baby .

On the Flight

Consider a Rear-Facing Car Seat

Yes, it's a hassle. But on a plane, a rear-facing car seat is still the safest place for an infant, insists Fagan. And if you're traveling by car, this piece of safety equipment is a must. Check with your airline to determine the specific policies for using a car seat on board, and keep in mind that you may need to spring for a separate ticket. Be sure to take the infant out of the seat every couple of hours. "This allows them to stretch out and move their legs," Fagan notes, and they'll probably need a diaper change anyway.

Bring a Collapsible Baby Stroller

Choquet swears by the popular Babyzen Yoyo2 stroller, which folds neatly and can be slung over the shoulder like a tote bag. It also meets most airlines' carry-on luggage requirements, making it easy to navigate airports and train stations before throwing it in the overhead bin once on board. The only downsides are the price (this stroller is over $400), and the fact that it's not recommended for travelers under 6 months old.

Choquet also likes the Ergobaby, a wearable, space-saving baby carrier. "A lot of times baby falls asleep on your chest," and if your baby's a lap child, or under the age of two, this carrier can alleviate the stress of toting a stroller around.

Ask for a Bassinet

Heading abroad? Choquet recommends calling ahead to see if the airline offers a bassinet on board. These specially-made bassinets are designed to fit in the extra space of bulkhead seating sections. These are typically complimentary on international flights, though they're subject to availability. Delta advises to check ahead, especially for domestic flights, while United Airlines provides a limited number of bassinets on international flights only, which also need to be reserved prior to boarding. No matter what carrier you travel with, bassinets may not be used during taxi, takeoff, or landing, or when the seatbelt sign is illuminated.

Keep Your Baby Entertained

Choquet advises keeping your little one busy with "snacks, puzzles, coloring books," or "anything you can stuff in your bag that's not bulky." Load the iPad with games and kid-friendly movies, and stock up on favorite snacks, so you're not at the mercy of the food cart. Backpack too heavy? Old-school hand-clapping games like Patty Cake are always a hit and don't require toting around extra toys.

Deal With Changes in Air Pressure

"Most children are usually okay with changes in air pressure during takeoffs and landings," explains Fagan, but since infants can't swallow, pop their ears, or yawn, their only alternative for clearing their ears is sucking. Breastfeeding, or sucking on a bottle or a pacifier works well, especially during the initial descent, when the biggest change in pressure occurs. Ask a flight attendant to let you know when the descent is about to begin.

At the Hotel

Check for Safety

Safety standards vary by country, so be sure to do a thorough inspection of the hotel room upon arrival. "Parents should be comfortable with railings and check that the child can't slip through," Fagan warns. Also, scan your accommodations for exposed electrical wires and peeling paint chips. Parents of toddlers who walk should be especially vigilant.

Ask for Baby Amenities

Why pack a bottle warmer or car seat when you can get them at the hotel? Every Rosewood property comes fully equipped with diaper pails, baby baths, and monitors. At St. Regis hotels , parents can borrow strollers and stock up on diapers. "I've never really had to travel with a stroller," says Choquet, who advises calling ahead. Just remember to thoroughly check cribs and strollers for safety — visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website for current rules — especially if you're staying abroad, urges Fagan. If the hotel you book is not up on the family amenity trend, Choquet advises buying diapers, wipes, formula, and bottles online, and then having them shipped to your U.S. destination.

Arm Against Mosquitoes

You shouldn't let your child drink tap water (Fagan advises opting for bottled water while traveling), so don't let them skip the mosquito repellent , either. In tropical climates especially, long-sleeved shirts and pants are best, but also consider lotions with no more than 30 percent DEET , recommended for children over two months. (Never spray an infant due to the risk of inhalation.) Fagan says that placing mosquito netting around a crib can be helpful, too, but check with your pediatrician and the CDC to hear your options.

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

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. FIND MORE INFO IN MY DISCLAIMER.

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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Appointments at Mayo Clinic

• Infant and toddler health

Is air travel safe for an infant?

Air travel is typically safe for most healthy, full-term infants after the first few weeks. Air travel may not be a good idea for babies born before their due date, called premature or pre-term.

Babies born early may still need time for their lungs to mature. So check with a healthcare professional before flying in a pressurized cabin or visiting high-altitude places.

And any infant with heart or lung problems should be cleared for air travel by a healthcare professional.

As you plan your trip, here are some things to keep in mind, such as the baby's age, your health and some basics of flying.

The baby's age, overall health

Experts caution against flying in the first seven days after a baby is born. Some healthcare professionals suggest not traveling for the first few months.

In general, babies and adults face the same risk of exposure to illness from travel. But a baby's immune system is still learning how to protect against germs. And in most cases, a baby's illness needs to be more closely watched by a healthcare professional.

Caregiver health and planning

It is important for caregivers to think about their own health too. Flying with a child can cause added sleep loss and stress. And adults are at risk for new germs and illness, as well.

Finding out what illnesses are spreading in your area and where you're going can help you prepare and take thoughtful action. And basic things like handwashing are even more important to prevent the spread of germs while traveling.

The baby's ears

Offering a baby something to suck on may help relieve the baby's ear discomfort. You can offer the baby a breast, bottle or pacifier to suck on during takeoff and the start of the landing process. It might help to try to time feedings so that your baby is hungry during these times.

Ask a healthcare professional when it's safe to fly with babies who have had ear surgery or an ear infection.

Also, airplane cabin noise levels are loud, mainly during takeoff. Cotton balls, noise-canceling headphones or small earplugs may limit your baby's exposure to this noise. This may help make it easier for your baby to sleep.

The baby's safety seat

Most infant car seats are certified for air travel. Airlines often allow infants to ride on a caregiver's lap during flight. But the Federal Aviation Administration recommends that infants ride in properly secured safety seats.

If you choose not to purchase a ticket for your infant, ask about open seats when you board the plane. It's possible an open seat could be assigned to your infant.

Don't be tempted to give your baby medicine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others), to help the baby sleep during the flight. The practice isn't recommended, and sometimes the medicine can have the opposite effect.

Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.

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• Jana LA, et al. Flying the family-friendly skies. In: Heading Home With Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality. 4th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2020. https://www.aap.org/en/shopaap. Accessed Oct. 30, 2023.
• Newborn-flying and mountain travel. Pediatric Patient Education. https://publications.aap.org/patiented. Accessed Oct. 30, 2023.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Traveling safely with infants & children. In: CDC Yellow Book 2024. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/family/infants-and-children. Accessed Oct. 30, 2023.
• AskMayoExpert. Infant Fever. Accessed Nov. 18, 2023.
• Schmitt BD. Pediatric Telephone Protocols: Office Version. 17th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2021.
• Child safety on airplanes. Federal Aviation Administration. https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children/. Accessed Nov. 18, 2023.

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22 Best Places in the World to Travel with a Baby (Under 2 Years Old)

Who said your traveling days are over once you have babies?

Honestly, babies are only as adaptable as you are, and if you’re feeling adventurous, bring your little one to any number of baby-friendly destinations that are sure to be an enjoyable trip for both you and the newest traveler of the family.

Best places to travel with a baby in the USA

Hawaii has fantastic weather and beautiful beaches .

What makes Hawaii such a fantastic travel destination is that they accommodate everyone, including your little ones.

When packing, be sure to include baby-safe sunscreen and all the basic beach essentials.

Also, car seats are required here and in all US destinations.

Strollers or infant carriers are equally fine in Hawaii, so feel free to bring either.

The best months to visit Hawaii are December through April because the summer months can get really hot.

O’ahu is a fantastic family-friendly island in Hawaii that has wonderful resorts on the island.

Recommended accommodations with babies in Hawaii

Turtle Bay Resort This is the only resort located on the North Shore, perfect for a laid back vacation in a fantastic secluded location. Remember the movie: Forgetting Sarah Marshall? This is the resort you’ve seen in the movie.

You can enjoy many activities nearby: snorkeling with turtles, Waimea Valley,  the Polynesian cultural center, and the Dole Plantation, where you can grab a dole pineapple whip.

The beach cottages are just a few feet from the ocean, so you can hear the sound of the waves all day long. You and your baby will love this!

If you want to get the true“Aloha Spirit,” go to this Hawaiian style hotel.

Located in the heart of Waikiki beach, very close to the beach, shops, grocery stores, and restaurants.

They provide a free shuttle to Ala Moana shopping mall and Ala Moana Beach Park, a beautiful and calm park next to a beach, perfect for babies.

Reasonable price hotel for those who want to stay near the famous Waikiki beach.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a famously family-friendly city in the US and is known for being “Minnesota Nice” to all visitors.

Some tips for visiting Minneapolis (especially in the colder seasons) bring lots of layers. Minnesota isn’t kidding around about the cold. Think coat, sweater, hat, scarf, mittens, boots, and even long underwear.

The best time of year to visit Minneapolis is honestly the wintertime. I know, it gets cold, but hear me out–Minnesota is known for making winter enjoyable. If you’re going to do Minnesota, do it in the winter.

Minneapolis has a beautiful ice palace, a bright and sparkling holidazzle marketplace in the heart of downtown, and lots of opportunities for ice skating and building snowmen. It truly is a magical winter wonderland.

When going with little ones, Minneapolis is very stroller friendly, and some Minnesotans even have treads on their stroller wheels for navigating in the snowy sidewalks in the winter.

If you’re not used to driving in the snow, we recommend using an uber with a driver who is local to the area or utilizing public transportation.

Recommended accommodation with babies in Minneapolis

The Westin Minneapolis

Lovely hotel, originally built in the 1940s as a bank. It’s located right in the heart of downtown, perfect for exploring the city. It’s connected to the skyway so you can access most of the city indoors.

It features an indoor pool, a nice hot tub, and a spacious gym.

Great choice for travelers with toddlers or kids.

Known for its coffee and high tech hubs , Seattle is a fantastic city to visit with little ones.

Public transportation is easily accessible in Seattle, and your little one will love the bus ride.

Seattle is beautiful year-round with mild winters. June to September is considered the busiest time to be there; however, it’s because the weather is so wonderful.

When packing, bring a stroller. The city is really stroller friendly, but there are lots of hills. It’s a matter of if you’d rather climb a hill pushing a stroller or carrying a baby.

Some great things to do with your little one in Seattle include visiting the century-old Pike Place Market, or the Children’s Museum, walking around Seward Park, riding the iconic Great Wheel, and reaching the top of the Space Needle to get the best views of Seattle.

Recommended accommodation with babies in Seattle

Fairmont Olimpic Hotel

The elegant Fairmont Olimpic hotel is conveniently located in the center of downtown, close to the Great Wheel, Seattle waterfront, the famous Pike Place Market, and Space Needle.

They provide cribs, high chairs, infant or child-sized bathrobes, infant toiletry kits, and children’s menus.

New York City

What makes New York City such a great travel spot is that there is so much to do, even with a baby.

When going to New York, know that, while busy, it’s very accommodating for little ones. Strollers are fine in New York; we recommend public transportation, so you don’t need to carry a car seat everywhere, and definitely bring your walking shoes.

The best time of year to visit New York in the fall because of the beautiful changing colors in the trees.

When in New York, especially in the fall, visit Central Park with your baby. There is so much to do just in the Park, including the Central Park Zoo, carousel, and 21 playgrounds.

You can also visit Manhattan Children’s Museum or hop on a boat tour to see the Statue of Liberty from the water.

Recommended accommodation with babies in NYC

Four Seasons Hotel New York

This is a five-star luxury hotel designed with an art deco style.

Located in Midtown East, near Central Park and Madison Avenue. It’s one of the best kid-friendly hotels in New York. No additional charge for children under 18 years old who stay in the same guest room with parents.

Kids will get a welcome amenity with coloring books and crayons or toys. And there are children’s toiletries and bathrobes, complimentary baby bottles, lotion, powder or strollers available.

Orlando is a popular travel destination specifically for families with kids, including babies.

When traveling to Orlando, consider March-May because the weather is still nice, and it’s not high tourist season. Families with school-aged kids tend to visit Orlando June-August, so capitalize on going with a little one who is not yet on an academic calendar schedule.

When packing for Orlando, especially if you’re going to Disney World, Sea World, or really any popular resort, most things have rental options. This includes strollers and car seats. Yes, it costs money, but it is one less bulky thing to pack.

I also recommend going to one of the many family-friendly resorts in Orlando. This area is famous for catering to families with kids, so know that your needs will be met.

Recommended accommodations with babies in Orlando

Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

Make your kid’s dreams come true with this resort!

Within minutes of Walt Disney World, they have buses running hourly to all the parks.

They have a couple of pools connected by a 3-acre lazy river and water slides. You will love it!

If you are a Hilton honor member, you will get a free complimentary upgrade to a pool and fireworks view room.

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

This place has it all for infants, kids, and adults!

It has a private lake, an outdoor lagoon pool with water slides, magnificent gardens, beach, hammocks, and children’s play area.

It’s a very family-oriented resort. Younger kids will love Merlot, the parrot in the reception, and the splash pad.

Best places to travel with a baby outside the USA

Barbados is a fantastic place to travel with kids of all ages; beaches and pleasant weather suit everyone.

What makes it so perfect for families with babies is that the island is small, safe and the locals are friendly . The people of Barbados are very kind to tourists and especially those with families.

When packing for your trip, be sure to include a child-appropriate car seat as seatbelt laws are enforced in Barbados.

You will also want to pack all the baby beach essentials like baby-friendly sunscreen, swim diapers, a beach towel, and beach toys.

Since beach weather is the main attraction for Barbados, it’s recommended to travel between mid-December and April because the air is less humid and the temperatures warm but not oppressive (think 30 °C/86 °F).

Some of the best family-friendly beaches are in Holetown that is famous for its wonderful boardwalk.

Barbados really does have everything that a family would want for the perfect beach vacation.

Recommended accommodation with babies in Barbados

Colony Club by Elegant Hotels

Located in the wonderful West coast, with easy access to many restaurants, a short taxi ride away.

An excellent choice for an enjoyable holiday with a baby! Housekeeping team provides a bottle steamer, gloves, bowls, detergent, and sponges to wash bottles.

Great facilities for kids of all ages, including the pools, the beach, and free watersports. Your kids will enjoy everything!

What makes Mexico such an ideal place to travel to with a baby, specifically if your goal is an international trip, is that it’s not difficult to travel to. Getting to Mexico from the US is a relatively easy journey. You will just have to fly with your baby for around 4 hours from the USA . Just enough time to entertain your kid during the flight before getting bored and tired.

Mexicans are a really inviting people who love children and especially families with babies, so your little one is sure to get lots of smiles from the locals. Although, full disclosure, locals are likely going to want to interact with your baby (pet, play with, touch) and while it is coming from a good place, you might not be comfortable with it. Or maybe you will be. Either way, be prepared for how you want to respond to this.

Some important travel tips for traveling with a baby, specifically those with formula-fed babies, use bottled water when preparing your formula.

Also, car seat laws are not enforced so; technically, you don’t need a car seat to get around by car.

The ideal season for traveling to Mexico is between November and March, especially if your goal is to hit the beaches. This time of year is well after hurricane season, so you won’t have any dangerous weather, and the climate is more agreeable.

For fun places in Mexico to visit, I highly recommend Cancun/Mayan Riviera because it has lots of family-friendly beaches and all-inclusive family resorts.

Recommended accommodations with babies in Mexico

Grand Palladium Kantenah

Grand Palladium Colonial

Grand Palladium White Sand

Grand Palladium is a huge hotel divided into Grand Palladium Kantenah, Grand Palladium Colonial, and Grand Palladium White Sand.

They are all five-star all-inclusive resorts, ideal for families.

There are water slides, baby pool, snorkel equipment, all sizes, play areas, x-box rooms, kids menu at the restaurants, and kids show in the theatre at nighttime, so plenty of activities for children.

And for the babies, we offer the baby club service that will take in little ones aged 1 to 3. Not many hotels give small children a dedicated service.

Aruba is one of those underrated travel destinations for families, but it is definitely worth your time.

There are family resorts, and more adult resorts for travelers, and this separation actually makes the experience more enjoyable for families because honeymooners are off in their own resort.

When packing for Aruba, know that car seats are not mandatory, but most car rental companies offer them so plan according to what works for your family.

January to March is seasonally the best time to visit Aruba ; however, the prices tend to jump as well. So families looking to save some money can still travel between April to August, and the weather is still enjoyable because Aruba is outside of the hurricane belt.

If you’re looking for a fun place to visit, there is a beach literally called Baby Beach in Aruba that is the perfect family-friendly beach. It’s great because it is a man-made lagoon with shallow water for wading that keeps kids very safe. It’s ideal for activities like snorkeling and feeding fish.

Recommended accommodation with babies in Aruba

I would recommend you to stay at the  Renaissance Aruba Resort .

This hotel has two parts: the Marina resort, for adults only, and the Ocean Suites, for families. The Ocean Suites has a small beach and a nice pool area, perfect for children, and its own private boat dock.

From there, you will be able to get a free ride to the famous Flamingo Beach and spend the day watching the beautiful flamingos and enjoying a private beach day.

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are beautiful, and the Grand Cayman Island is considered one of the safest in the Caribean.

People who travel to the Caymans say there are families with small children everywhere, so those with little ones are welcome and encouraged to visit.

It also has an excellent infrastructure meaning tap water is considered safe to drink, the roads are paved well, there are reliable hospitals should any kind of medical emergency come up. Car seats are required, so pack accordingly.

If you want to travel to the Cayman Islands as a family, go between March and June because the prices drop. Thankfully, the weather is pretty consistently warm and enjoyable year-round, so traveling when you can save some money is ideal.

Things to do : snorkel among corals, sponges, and hundreds of tropical fish, visit the turtle farm, where you will get the chance to hold and pet the turtles.

One of the best places to stay in the Cayman Islands is the 7 Miles Beach because it has a flawless view, it’s a pristine clean beach, and importantly family-friendly.

Recommended accommodation with babies in the Cayman Islands

The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort Spa

The beach here is exceptional: beautiful, warm, and calm, perfect for younger children.

They will love the floating platforms and making sandcastles (you can even borrow beach toys for them).

There are many activities for adults and kids of all ages.  Live music, cooking classes, kids movie night on the beach, bonfire, bingo, a great entertainment program for everyone.

When traveling to Italy with a baby, you’re sure to be welcomed by the Italians who love kids.

There is so much for babies to see in the hustle and bustle of cities like Rome. Stroll around Villa Borghese Gardens, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, or visit the Colosseum with your little ones.

When packing know that baby-wearing is the way to go here. Strollers are a personal choice, there are often lots of stairs, cobblestone walkways, and general crowdedness that make strollers a pain to bring, but it depends on your vacation plan and how active you want to be.

When traveling to Italy, consider visiting from April to June or the end of September to October because the weather is very not so hot as in summer but still very nice. And it’s more affordable.

Also, if you travel in winter, around Christmas time, there are more festivals and the famous Christmas Markets to visit (especially in Rome) that would be perfect to do with little ones.

Recommended accommodations with babies in Rome, Italy

Hotel Savoy (Rome)

This hotel is located in the historical center, close to everything: restaurants, and many attractions, in the best part of the city but out of the hustle and bustle.

You can walk anywhere from here or take the metro at Barberini or Spagna metro station. So super convenient for families with babies.

They also have babysitting services. Don’t miss out on a romantic dinner on the rooftop terrace!

Greece is a great place to travel with babies because the resorts are family-oriented and there are so many activities for them to enjoy–especially in the Greek Islands .

I would recommend traveling only during the summer (June to September) when visiting the islands because the beaches will be at best as far as the weather is concerned.

When traveling, don’t bother packing a stroller because it can be difficult to navigate the sidewalks. Car seats are encouraged and can be rented with most car rental spots in Greece.

The island of Crete is considered to be one of the best Greek Islands for families with young kids because there are more family-friendly beaches. Most notably, the Elafonisi beach of Crete has a famous pink color in the sand–so small children will love the color of such a unique beach.

Recommended accommodation with babies in Creta, Greece

Louis Creta Princess

Great family hotel located on the beach of Maleme.

There are lots of activities and facilities for big kids and toddlers, including supervised waterslides and pools, playgrounds, and water fountains, arcades, kids disco, and kids menu.

Once a week, they bring out popcorn and candy floss, and they have ice cream included many days.

A lovely all-inclusive resort for a perfect family holiday.

Going to France with a baby is wonderful.

There is so much for your little one to see and experience from arts and marketplaces to food and nature , France has a diverse range of activities for everyone, including your little one.

The public transportation system is extremely reliable, so I would recommend public transit to avoid lugging around the car seat.

April to June and September to early November are the most affordable times to visit France.

Since the weather in France varies so dramatically on when you visit and where in France you plan to visit, I recommend going based on price.

Paris is a classic and iconic travel spot in France, and that includes baby . Monuments like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum are considered child-friendly and worth your time. The Louvre Museum even offers baby carriers and strollers to rent for free. Just outside Paris, the Versailles Palace and its beautiful huge gardens are great for babies too.

Other places like the Loire Valley castles or the French Riviera are also totally baby-friendly. On the other hand, visiting the infamous Mont Saint Michel (steep and narrow alleys) or Dune du Pilat (lots of sand!) with a stroller might not be recommendable.

Recommended accommodation with babies in Paris, France

Hotel des 2 Continents

This hotel has free baby beds (cot or wooden bed), which they install in your room on the day of your arrival.

You will also find all the necessary equipment for your stay (no extra fee): changing mat, bottle warmer, high chair for breakfast.

To avoid carrying your stroller in your room, you can leave it in the luggage room at any time.

What people love about traveling to Spain is the wide variety of things to do: museums, football games, delicious food, flamenco music and dancing, fantastic beaches and lots of sunshine . All of these things can be enjoyed with a baby!

When traveling to Spain, utilize public transportation so that you can ditch the car seat. Renting a car can be a hassle because there is rarely ever any free parking in the cities. I’d recommend using the metro to travel. It’s fast, cheap, easy, and convenient.

If you’re looking to hit the beaches, going to Spain in June or September is ideal. July and August are very busy and expensive months. If you’re looking for affordability, consider April, May, or October , the weather is not bad and it’s cheaper than summer.

Personally, I think Barcelona is one of the best places to go with little ones because there is a lot to see and do: Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, Poble Espanyol, Montserrat Monastery (outside Barcelona) and the Montjuic Magic Fountain show.

If you are looking for a park, Parc de la Ciutadella is the biggest urban park and a popular place to walk, read or relax. You’ll find wide pathways, a playground area, a lake, a big fountain, and the entrance to the zoo.

Recommended accommodation with babies in Barcelona, Spain

Le Meridien Barcelona

The location of this hotel is the best, right in the center of the tourist district.

If you are traveling with a toddler, it can be very convenient as you can enjoy many attractions within walking distance during the day and make it back for nap time.

They offer spacious and comfortable family suites, an outdoor dining terrace that is toddler-friendly, and a personalized welcome kit for the kids.

This is an excellent choice for families interested in city walks and sightseeing.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is wonderful to travel to, and for any Americans considering this as a travel destination will appreciate that everyone speaks English . Having no language barriers to worry about can help ease any concerns for people traveling with little ones.

When traveling to the UK, know that there is plenty of public transportation, so no need for a car seat. Also, strollers can be used; however you may find it easier to travel without because of stairs and cobblestone roads. It really depends on what you plan to do.

London is a magnificent place to go with a baby. The London Transport Museum is great if your little one loves buses and trolleys or really anything that can go “vroom.”

There are plenty of things to do with babies: Watch the changing the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, stroll around Hyde Park, the most famous park in London, visit the Camden market, enjoy the breathtaking views from one of London Eye’s capsules, consider a Thames river cruise…

From June to September is usually the best season to go weatherwise.

Recommended accommodations with babies in London, UK

Park Plaza County Hall London

Situated in South Bank, very close to London’s Eye and St James Park, this hotel is perfect to stay in London with your little ones.

Kids get a welcome bag with vouchers for chocolates or ice cream in the hotel bar, and they also have other amenities like kids bathrobes. And there are many family activities included in the family package.

There are many types of family rooms available: Junior Suite, Studio double, Penthouse family, Executive Family Studio. And they all come with a kitchenette which is really handy for toddlers.

Mediterranean Cruise

What is so wonderful about a cruise with a baby is that cruises are often all-inclusive .

The swaying of the boat can be soothing for a baby, and there is always background sound so the baby may even sleep better.

What I like best about doing a Mediterranean Cruise is that there is so much to see between the ocean and various port cities that you’ll visit : experience la dolce vita in Italy, the ancient Greek or the French Riviera all in one trip.

The lower decks often have family-friendly pools, and there are activities and shows included on the boat.

Plus, as you travel between port cities, you will get to know the people on the cruise with you, and meeting new people is sometimes the best part of traveling.

Spring or Fall are the best times to do a Mediterranean Cruise because it’s more affordable and less crowded.

The Royal Caribbean Mediterranean Cruise is the best family-friendly cruise line in the Mediterranean. However, some lines won’t allow infants to travel who are under 6 months old.

Western Mediterranean Cruise

7 days itinerary: Barcelona (Spain), Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Provence (France), Florence/Pisa (Italy), Rome (Italy), Naples/Capri (Italy), Barcelona (Spain)

Few people realize how a place like Japan is to travel with little ones. The Japanese are very polite, welcoming, and the country is famously very, very safe.

There is also fantastic and reliable public transportation.

Strollers are widely used in Japan, so feel free to bring that as well.

Tokyo is a perfect place to visit because there are so many attractions that are toddler and kid-friendly: LEGOLand, the Tokyo Toy Museum, Sanrio Puroland (which is a Hello Kitty toddler-friendly amusement park), and of course Tokyo Disneyland.

Recommended accommodation with babies in Tokyo, Japan

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo

Very conveniently located hotel in Shinjuku’s business district. The bus stop to the airport stops in front of the hotel, and they offer free shuttle services to Disneyland

Also plenty of huge department stores with nice food options in the area.

They provide a welcome pack to the kids with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and kids’ size slippers.

Definitely a good choice for a family stay in Tokyo.

Bali is a fantastic place to travel to for just the weather alone.

April to October is considered the ideal time to travel to Bali because it’s considered the dry season (less rain).

Car seats are not required in Bali but available in rental cars upon request (sometimes for an additional fee).

What makes Bali a great place to go with little ones is all the water, either on the beach or at various resorts in kid-friendly splash pads with kiddy pools . There are lots of opportunities for kids to splash around. The Splash Waterpark Canguu is a fantastic kid-friendly waterpark that is worth visiting.

There are also plenty of other activities like family-friendly resorts throughout Bali.

Another great thing in Bali is that they cater to their tourist population, so there are lots of affordable touristy things to do.

Recommended accommodation with babies in Bali

Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa

A beachfront five-star hotel in a lovely location with a beautiful garden. A great choice for families with little kids.

They have four pools, including a toddler pool with a mini slide for the little ones, water volleyball, and floaters.

The kids club is excellent, and they do a lot of activities: trampoline, ball pit, slide, and PS4, mainly orientated for kids under 8 yo.

A relaxing, clean, and family-friendly hotel.

Most people dream of going to the Maldives, it’s definitely a dream destination; So why don’t you take your little ones with you?

The Maldives is a quiet and underrated place to visit, and that’s exactly why it’s perfect for people with babies.

Pack for all the beach essentials and also consider bringing a bug repellant you’re comfortable using with your baby; depending on the season and where you are, the mosquitos can be hard for the little ones.

Everything is laid back, and the vibe is down to earth , it makes relaxing the reason for the vacation.

There are beautiful beaches that you can simply enjoy with your baby, and for some people, that’s all you would ever need.

Admittedly there isn’t a lot in the way of sightseeing, but that frees up your vacation to be simply the resort, beach, great weather, local food, and of course the baby. Sometimes not having the pressure to see everything makes the trip more enjoyable.

The Maldives is best between November and April and to avoid from May to October because that is their monsoon season.

Recommended accommodation with babies in the Maldives

Niyama Private Islands Maldives

Niyama Private Islands is a luxurious resort located 40 minutes from Male airport offering overwater villas and family beach pool villas with private pool.

The hotel is divided into two islands: “Chill” and “Play.” So one is where all the fun takes place: kids club and water sports,  and the other is where the spa and over the water villas are.

The kids club is from 12 months to 12 yo, and it is extremely well organized. They always have plenty of activities to do including baby play areas.

Thailand is a spectacular country with so many exotic foods to try and places to visit . It’s also a very family-oriented country and welcoming to travelers with babies.

When packing, know there will be a lot of walking, and the country is hot, so babywearing might get your little one more overheated because of the shared body heat. I recommend a small umbrella stroller if the baby can sit upright in one; otherwise, a baby stroller is fine as well.

The cool/dry season is between November and April, which would be the best time of year to visit.

Some things to do while in Thailand include touring the Grand Palace and the Temple of Buddha.

Other unique experiences include taking a ride on an elephant.

With a baby, you can easily hit the beach. There are so many islands with beautiful beaches in Thailand that it’s hard to only name a few, but Ko Samui, Ko Chang, Krabi or Phuket are places you want to look at when traveling with a baby. I would avoid Ko Phi Phi, which is overcrowded and overrated, according to me.

Recommended accommodation with babies in Koh Samui, Thailand

Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort

This wonderful 5-star hotel is very well located in a quiet beach area, a 15-minute drive from the airport, and a 10-minute drive from Chaweng.

If you are looking for a pleasant evening stroll with your baby, you can walk down the beach, and you will end up in Fishermen’s Village, where you will find restaurants, shops, and a night market.

The kid’s club offers activities for kids of 4 and over, but younger kids can use it with a private nanny.

A great resort to enjoy family time together.

Columbia is a beautiful country, and Santa Marta is especially family-friendly. Santa Marta is an island with lots of great resorts that can accommodate you and your little one.

Car seats are not really used in Colombia, so pack at your own discretion.

The climate in Colombia has little variation, so really any time of year will get you some great weather. June, July, and December are high travel seasons, though, so avoid those months if you’re looking to keep costs low.

Things to do in Santa Marta with little ones include visiting their aquarium Mundo Marino, spending a day at Crystal Beach, and eating out with the locals at Parque de Los Novios.

Recommended accommodations with babies in Santa Marta, Colombia

Zuana Beach Resort Hotel

An excellent beachfront resort with great facilities and entertainment for the kids.

There is a mini pool with a slide for toddlers, all sorts of games available, including video games and a play area for kids. And both adults and kids can enjoy the awesome bowling alley.

Rodedero and Santa Marta are very easy to reach, cheap by taxi ($3 and $6 each way).

If you ever plan to visit Colombia, you should stay here.

Traveling to Seychelles with little ones is phenomenal because they have outstanding white-sand beaches, luxury resorts, and crystal clear water .

With a baby, everything can still be enjoyed because everyone loves clean beaches.

When visiting Seychelles April and May or October and November are the best months for cooler and breezier weather, Seychelles can get really hot in the thick of the summer.

Pack for warm weather and beach gear; know that car seats are not required in Seychelles, but you may choose to bring them at your own discretion.

Some great things to do while in Seychelles include going to breathtaking beaches like Anse Forbans on Mahé Island (ideal for babies, there’s no waves here), Anse Lazio on Praslin Island and Anse Cocos on La Digue Island.

Don’t miss out on Curieuse. On this island, you’ll find giant turtles in their habitat. There are many of them and are attracted by humans (well, food that humans hand to them). Surely a highlight for you and your baby!

Recommended accommodations with babies in Seychelles

I specifically recommend staying at the Constance Lemuria on Praslin Island.

It’s an outstanding hotel and has its own private beach protected from the waves, as well as a tennis court and even golf.

There is something to do for everyone, watersports, snorkeling, kids club activities, hiking, bicycles free of use, etc. And they have everything you need for babies: Plenty of games, toys, a mini pool for babies and a playground, baby cot in the room, and high chairs, etc.

The best time to travel to Mauritius is from May to December because the weather is dry and sunny.

Beaches like Belle mare, Flic en Flac, or Morne Brabant are perfect for babies. Plus, there are no waves there because the beaches are protected by a coral barrier.

When packing also know that hiking in Mauritius is gorgeous so a baby carrier specifically geared for hiking adventures would be lots of fun for the little one.

Other fun things to do in Mauritius include boating excursions, touring plantation houses, and trips up into the mountains.

Recommended accommodations with babies in Mauritius

Sugar Beach A Sun Resort

A kids-friendly 5-star hotel located on a stunning beach.

The kids club is for kids between the ages of 2 and 12, and they will organize age-appropriate activities and groups depending on their interests: movies on the beach, arts, and crafts, golf or stand up paddleboarding classes, educational excursions… It’s open the whole day from 09.30 to 22.00

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37 Best Travel Tips for Traveling With an Infant, Older Baby, or Toddler

Family travel is exciting for you and your kids and can create special memories that last a lifetime, whether you’re off on an adventure abroad or simply going to visit Grandma. But traveling with an infant, older baby, or toddler requires a little extra preparation to ensure a safe and comfortable trip. We’ve got the answers to common questions surrounding baby travel—short and long—plus a list of all the essentials and 37 tips for traveling with the little ones!

How Soon Can You Travel With a Newborn Baby?

When is it safe to travel with a newborn? It’s always wise to check with your healthcare provider before traveling with an infant. Your provider will likely offer specific guidance on whether you should or shouldn’t travel with your little newborn, depending on your little’s one's age and health status, as well as more general advice on when you can travel with a baby or older child. Whenever you do end up traveling with your little one, keep some safety precautions in mind. Your child is still developing their immune system, so it’s important to take protective measures, especially when flying or in crowded locations, such as

frequently washing hands

using hand sanitizer

avoiding visibly ill travelers.

Besides these basic safety precautions, keep reading for more tips on traveling with infants, plus older babies and toddlers, which include additional measures that will help keep your little one healthy, safe, and comfortable.

37 Tips for Traveling With an Infant, Older Baby, or Toddler

There are many ways you can help keep your infant, older baby, or toddler safe while traveling, and ensure that the trip is comfortable for all involved. It’s best to always consult with your child’s healthcare provider before traveling, especially with newborns or infants. Younger babies are more vulnerable than older babies and toddlers, so consider the provider’s advice and tips for traveling with an infant. Knowing how to travel with an infant isn’t much different from knowing how to travel with an older baby or toddler, but age can impact strategy. For example, traveling with a toddler opens up more opportunities for activities on your trip! You’ll probably notice that traveling with a 2-year-old is a lot more interactive than when your little one was just 3 or 6 months old. To cover all the bases, we’ve included 37 tips for traveling with babies of any age, but some apply more to younger babies, like infants and newborns, whereas others are more geared toward older babies and toddlers. However, all are worth considering when traveling with kids of any age and whether you’re flying to Paris or hopping in the car for a day trip.

1. Update Immunizations

Before you travel, including by car, on an airplane, or anywhere abroad, ensure your baby has had all the necessary immunizations. Following an immunization schedule is key to keeping your little one healthy throughout their life and, of course, when traveling. If you plan to travel abroad, be aware that some countries require additional vaccinations. You’ll want to consult your child’s healthcare provider for specific advice before planning any overseas trips, and you can contact the U.S. State Department for general information. As children will need immunizations and boosters throughout their early years, this tip also applies to travel with infants, older babies, and toddlers.

2. Consult Your Child’s Healthcare Provider

Remember that your baby’s healthcare provider is your ally and a great source of information. Don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have any questions about traveling with an infant or how to best travel with a baby of any age. If you’re thinking of traveling with a newborn, the provider may suggest waiting in some cases, such as if your little one has an underlying health condition or was born prematurely.

3. Collect Medications and Important Documents

Before setting off on your adventure, remember to pack any medication your child will need while away from home. You can also purchase a sturdy folder to keep any important documents, such as your baby’s vaccination record, copies of recent medical reports, passport, etc. When traveling with an infant, older baby, or toddler, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and bring everything you might need!

4. Do Some Research

One of the best tips for traveling with newborns or older babies and toddlers is to hunt for and gather relevant information ahead of time. Besides things like looking up vaccination requirements, you can also research details about accommodations and activities. Some hotels offer amenities that may come in handy when traveling. For example, if you’re breastfeeding your baby , you might want a refrigerator in your hotel room to store extra milk.

5. Allow Extra Time

Always remember that traveling with an infant or baby of any age means everything will take a little more time (or sometimes a lot more time!). Be sure to start early and allow extra time when packing the car or getting to the airport, going through security, checking into your accommodation, eating out, etc. This additional time makes for a smooth trip and also helps keep stress to a minimum.

6. Bring Those Baby Essentials

Although your research may reveal that hotels or accommodations offer some basic baby necessities, it’s best to bring as much as you can with you. For example, if a hotel offers cribs, unless you can guarantee that their baby cribs are up to date on safety requirements, it’s better to bring your own travel crib if you’re able to do so. Other travel essentials for your baby include bottles, bibs, diapers and wipes , pacifiers, etc. Keep these in a separate diaper bag for easy access! Our baby travel checklist below includes all these items and more.

7. Don’t Forget Favorite Toys or Blankets

Your little one is still getting used to the world around them, so bring some reminders of home to soothe any discomfort when in unfamiliar places. A favorite plush toy, a familiar rattle, or a blanket with home scents can do wonders in keeping your babies and toddlers comfortable when traveling, so be sure not to leave Mr. Rabbit (or any other "lovey") at home!

8. Double Check Car Seats

Whether traveling with your infant, older baby, or toddler by car or plane, double-check any car seats you use for safety . Look up the expiration date to make sure the seat hasn’t expired, and ensure that it’s properly installed.

9. Keep Feedings and Sleep Schedules Consistent

When traveling with babies, especially newborns and infants, it’s best to keep feeding and sleep schedules consistent, even when crossing into other time zones. It’s hard for children to adjust to new routines, and a little consistency will do wonders. If you’re moving across several time zones and it’s impossible to stick to the same feeding times, try to adjust your schedule gradually. However, what’s most important is feeding your baby when they’re hungry, regardless of the hour, and giving yourself some extra grace.

10. Bring a First-Aid Kit

In addition to all your essential must-have items, it’s also helpful to have your baby’s first-aid kit with you when traveling. You can keep one in the car, diaper bag, or your little baby’s overnight bag. Do you have all the baby necessities in your diaper bag? Take our quiz below to find out!

11. Wash Hands Frequently

Although briefly mentioned above, this is one of the most important tips for traveling with an infant or child of any age, and it deserves a friendly reminder! Because your little one is still building their body’s natural immune defenses, they’re more susceptible to catching colds, flu, or other infections. And because you’ll be carrying your newborn while traveling or holding your baby’s hand, it’s best for you to wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer.

12. Stay Hydrated

Traveling in general, but especially traveling by plane, is dehydrating to the body. Staying hydrated yourself means staying healthy and alert for your child. To keep your newborn hydrated, you’ll want to feed them more often (if needed), and older babies and toddlers will need sips of water throughout the day. Hydration is also very important if your little one has diarrhea while traveling, which is common.

13. Bring Disposable or Hybrid Diapers

When you’re traveling, nothing beats the convenience of disposable diapers. Another option is a hybrid system, like Pampers Pure Hybrid Starter Kit, which uses reusable covers and disposable inserts to cut down on waste.

14. Provide Entertainment

You may find that your newborn sleeps through much of the trip, but that probably won’t be the case for an active older baby or toddler! When traveling with a baby who’s a bit older and more alert, it helps to provide some form of entertainment, whether in the car, on the train, or on an airplane. A soft toy or a picture book work well.

15. Bring Food and Snacks

You don’t have to travel with a baby to know that meals and snacks are an important part of any outing! You’ll need to breastfeed or bring formula, of course, supplemented by solid foods once your little one has been introduced to solids at around 6 months. Good travel food for babies can be anything they regularly eat—the point is to keep their tummy happy!

16. Sing Songs

Singing is a wonderful way to bond and engage with your baby or toddler. It’s an entertaining way to pass the time on long car drives, for instance, and has the added bonus of helping to boost vocabulary as well as other important language skills and developmental milestones for babies . Before long your not so little one will be singing along and repeating their favorite songs, again and again.

17. Plan Car Games

In addition to singing songs, keep your little one entertained with some fun car games. Your toddler may enjoy the classic game I Spy or even counting things (with your help) they see out the window, like cows or red cars. Another idea is to build or purchase a travel tray, a simple tray that connects to the back of one of the front seats and provides lots of things to touch, look at, and listen to!

18. Pack Bedding From Home

When possible, pack bedding for your baby or toddler, which, of course, is easier when traveling by car or when you have extra space in your suitcase. Familiar feels and scents will help keep them at ease as they experience a disruption to their usual routine. If you’re flying far on a plane, just grab something small, like their favorite blanket or bedsheet, to help them feel “at home.”

19. Provide Extra Attention

Traveling with a baby or an older child often interrupts typical at-home routines, and your little one will probably need more attention from you. Some tips include extra hugs and snuggles during the day and at night, plus bringing interactive games and activities into the mix.

20. Maintain a Typical Meal Routine

Although traveling is a great time to try new foods or allow some “treats,” try to stick to your usual meal routines as much as possible. Let your older baby or toddler know that traveling can include trying new food while at the same time continuing to eat healthy foods and maintain normal mealtimes.

21. Look for Specials

Many accommodations and restaurants offer special prices or deals for families, which can help reduce costs. “Kids stay free” is a common feature; you can also see if a hotel provides complimentary meals or packaged discounts for kids and families. Consider working with a travel club or agency that can help you coordinate a trip with children in mind.

22. Ask for Assistance

With a baby, travel isn’t always an easy task to accomplish on your own. If your little one is feeling extra fussy on the plane or train and you’ve run out of ideas, ask an attendant if they have anything special for babies or young kids, such as a picture book or a pack of crayons. If you need a changing pad in your hotel room, call the front desk. It really does take a village, and many travel clubs, airlines, hotels, and more offer special assistance for kids and families!

23. Pack for the Weather

Take a look at the weather report before you leave and pack accordingly. Consider bringing some extra layers for cooler night temperatures or extra supplies in case of rain or snow. Socks, rain covers, a warm jacket, and a hat will all come in handy if the weather takes an unexpected turn.

24. Take Preventive Measures

It’s not unusual for an illness or another health-related issue to pop up when you’re on the go and away from home. Colds and sore throats, diarrhea, car sickness, mosquito bites or bedbug bites —all these scenarios are possible with any kind of travel, including travels with your baby. Although you might not be able to completely prevent all these issues, it helps to prepare. You can do so by

getting necessary vaccinations before traveling

checking hotel rooms, bus seats, or train cars for bedbugs

bringing your own food or eating only hot food that’s thoroughly cooked

eating only a light snack before traveling to lessen motion sickness

staying hydrated.

25. Remember Special Considerations When Flying

Don’t forget that flying with a child will require some extra steps. If you have any questions, consult your little one’s healthcare provider and contact the airline. For example, all equipment like car seats and strollers will need to be visibly inspected at the airport. Read more about air travel in our article about flying with babies .

26. Plan Age-Appropriate Trips

Of course, traveling with a 1-year-old is going to be a little different than traveling with a 2-month-old! It helps to plan a trip that works for your child’s specific age, so if you’re traveling with a 9-month-old baby, think of something to do that meshes well with their abilities and interests. A simple trip going to visit grandparents or where there are lots of playgrounds is all you really need! But, of course, kids love playing outdoors or at the beach, so see more suggestions on where to travel with a baby at the end of the article.

27. Plan Breaks

For travel of any kind, remember that kids need breaks, naps, and downtime. If you’re taking a road trip, for example, research your routes thoroughly and plan for pit stops and breaks. It’s not easy for wriggly little ones to sit for too long, and getting out of the car to stretch legs or enjoy an attraction along the way helps keep spirits and energy levels high. If you’re on a plane, get up and walk the aisle a few times for a little movement and stimulation. Or if you’re spending the day at a theme park, squeeze in some time in the shade with a blanket for a quick snooze or a calming activity, like reading.

28. Bring Craft Supplies

Your toddler may need something more interactive to keep them entertained while on a road trip, airplane, or in a hotel room. Basic arts and crafts for toddlers can keep your little one occupied. Even just some crayons and a coloring book will help.

29. Adjust Sleep Schedules 2 to 3 Days Before if Needed

As mentioned before, when traveling with infants and older babies, it’s better to try and stick to the same feeding and sleeping schedules. But when traveling with toddlers, you may have more wiggle room to adjust their routines. For short trips, you might not even need to consider this tip, but if you’re moving across multiple time zones, you can gradually adjust sleep and eating schedules to the new time zone a few days before departing on your trip.

30. Pack Books

Are you wondering what to pack when traveling with a baby or toddler? Put books at the top of your list! Any kind of books —picture books, storybooks, interactive books—will keep your little one entertained while traveling. And if you usually read before falling asleep, it’s important to maintain your bedtime routine while away from home.

31. Respect Boundaries

Traveling with babies and toddlers (or, really, kids of any age) is a lot of fun for everyone. But remember that a change in a routine can be difficult for children, so it’s important to respect any boundaries they put up. For example, if your child doesn’t want to give Grandma a hug this trip or go on a ride at a theme park, don’t force it. They might be feeling shy or nervous, and it’s best not to force interactions, even with family members or activities.

32. Allow Your Child to Make Decisions

One of the best tips for traveling with toddlers and older babies is letting them make some decisions as they start to dabble in independence. Ask them what they want to eat for dinner or what they’d like to wear. Keep decisions manageable for their little brains by offering two or three choices rather than asking open-ended questions. It will allow them to take ownership of the travel experience!

33. Try New Things

Make traveling with your baby or toddler even more memorable by encouraging new experiences. You’ll probably remember these trips forever, but to make them stick in your youngster’s mind, have some fun with unique activities that you can’t do at home. Plus, as your little one is growing and developing, they’ll naturally want to try new things and test newly developed skills!

34. Anticipate Big Feelings

Again, changes in routines can be difficult for kids to manage. Traveling means leaving home behind, sleeping in a strange bed, and being without the usual comforts. This may be stressful, confusing, or even a bit scary for your little one. If these emotions come out in the form of temper tantrums , crying, or resisting, give your child extra support and love.

35. Supervise Water Play

Baby travel or traveling with a toddler might include a little water play, like splashing around in the pool or at the beach. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in kids of any age, and it can happen in seconds, whether children are swimming , playing in a shallow pool, or simply taking a bath. Watch children closely when in the water or during bath time.

36. Take Photos and Videos

With cameras built into phones, you probably don’t need a reminder to take photos! Still, be sure to capture the memories when traveling with your kids, especially as they get older. It will be fun for them to look back and remember the trip!

37. Keep a Scrapbook

Take a blank scrapbook with you and let your toddler draw or color in it each day of the trip. For infants and newborns, press their hand or foot into the page with a bit of paint and add photos. When you return home, you can add more pictures or little trinkets like ticket stubs to the book, and your child can keep it to remember the experience. As your babies get older, traveling with them will get more and more fun, so let them be part of making the memories!

Baby Travel Checklist

We know this list of tips for traveling with an infant, older baby, or toddler is quite thorough, so to make it a bit easier for you, you’ll find a handy baby travel checklist below! We’ve included all the baby travel items that will help support a trip of any kind with any age group. Whether you’re wondering what to pack when traveling with a baby or hunting for those baby travel must-haves, we’ve included them all! This baby travel checklist works for kids of all ages, so you can use it when traveling with infants, older babies, toddlers, or even older children. It also works for short or long trips, by car, plane, or train. You can also download a version of the checklist and use it at home when preparing and packing for any upcoming family trips.

INSERT DOWNLOADABLE LINK

Baby Travel: Where to Go

Now that you have all of our travel tips, it’s time to think about where to travel with your baby. Not all destinations and activities are suitable for young children, so we’ve rounded up some of our best ideas for kid-friendly travel destinations!

Where to Vacation With an Infant, Older Baby, or Toddler in the United States

Luckily, the United States is a big country packed with various travel opportunities for babies and young children. Because there are so many choices, we’ve rounded up a few suggestions for each of the following themes: National Parks Among the best places to go when traveling with a newborn, older baby, or toddler are national and state parks. When you explore the great outdoors, you can avoid cramped environments and secure your sweet little one to your chest or carry older babies in backpacks while you enjoy fresh air and nature. Of course, toddlers will probably want a little independence as they toddle around! Some suggestions for kid-friendly national parks include the following:

All these parks offer a range of hiking suitable for carrying sleeping newborns or curious infants, plus interesting experiences for more mobile toddlers. Watch your child’s eyes light up at the scene of geysers erupting in Yellowstone, birds singing in the Everglades, or the sky-high trunks of the towering Redwoods! Vibrant Cities Although nature is ideal for traveling with babies or kids of any age, new cities also offer a lot of entertainment for the entire family (including you!). The United States is so diverse with different cultures, and your little one can enjoy various activities that can enrich their development. The list of kid-friendly cities in the United States is nearly endless, so if you’re simply looking for a bit of inspiration or a few suggestions for exciting cities, perhaps consider the following:

All these cities offer fun for you and your kids, even if your infant is simply watching the buzzy world around them. Take your little one to look for seals at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, explore adobe architecture in Santa Fe, New Mexico, or listen to street music in New Orleans. Theme Parks Although some theme parks aren’t suitable when traveling with newborns, infants, or young babies, many can be a lot of fun for toddlers and older kids! However, some of these classics cater to kids of all ages, rather than just focusing on thrilling roller coasters for the big kids. Again, you’ll find plenty of fun theme parks throughout the country, but for a few suggestions, you could consider the following:

These theme parks offer exciting scenes for even the youngest guests but can also entertain older children if you have a brood of various ages. Watch your baby delight at meeting their favorite Disney, Sesame Street, or fairy-tale characters! Beaches Although infants shouldn’t experience any direct sunlight until they are at least 6 months , beaches can offer a relaxing place to be with your little one, as long as they’re properly shaded. For older babies and toddlers, the beach is an exciting source of pure entertainment! The United States has a lot of coastlines to consider; here are just a few ideas:

A beach vacation with an infant, older baby, or toddler will expose your little one to an entirely new world. Plus, all the above suggestions offer complementary activities that your baby may love, such as visiting wildlife education centers, observing tide pools, or having fun at neighboring playgrounds. Road Trips Like national parks, road trips are also ideal for traveling with infants or children of any age, as you don’t have to interact too much with other travelers who can spread germs to your family. Plus, road trips can combine all the aforementioned ideas into one exciting adventure! A road trip doesn’t have to be long; you can simply pack snacks and head over to Grandma’s house or into the big city. But the United States is also known for its signature stretches of highway, and some of the most popular road-trip routes include the following:

Best Places to Travel With an Infant, Baby, or Toddler Abroad

A vacation abroad is a terrific way to open up the world to your little explorer! Although infants and young babies probably won’t remember much about a trip abroad, you can still use the opportunity to introduce them to new cultures and experiences. And, who knows, perhaps a trip at such a young age will spark an interest in travel as your adventurous baby grows up! A list of the best places to travel with an infant, baby, or toddler is endless, so we’ve included just a few popular family-friendly destinations in different parts of the world. Of course, use your imagination and go where you want!

The Bottom Line

Traveling with young infants, older babies, toddlers, or kids of any age can be a lot of fun, but it also requires a little extra prep! We hope this article helps you prepare for future family trips:

Use our suggestions on where to go to plan memorable experiences for the whole family.

Download our baby travel checklist to ensure you don’t forget any of the must-have items you’ll need.

Consider all our tips for traveling with newborns, babies, and toddlers to help your vacation go smoothly.

Remember that there is no age limit when it comes to travel, but it’s best to take extra precautions when traveling with infants, as they have yet to build up their body’s natural immunity. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider before planning any travel so you know what vaccinations your baby will need.

Family travel is a way to build wonderful memories that last a lifetime! Savor these exciting moments, whether you’re taking a simple trip to Grandma’s house, venturing out on an epic road trip to national parks, or enjoying an international vacation.

How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.

• Book: Caring for your baby and young child, birth to age 5, Sixth Edition Paperback – November 2, 2014 by American Academy of Pediatrics (Author)
• Medline Plus: Traveling With Children
• Zero to Three: Survival Strategies for Traveling With Your Baby or Toddler
• Medline Plus: Toddler Development
• Mayo Clinic: Infant and Toddler Health
• Healthy Children: Sun Safety
• Healthy Children: Travel Safety Tips
• Healthy Children: Car Safety
• CDC: Travel Recommendations for Nursing Families
• CDC: Drowning Facts
• CDC: Traveling With Children
• Healthy Children: Car Sickness
• La Leche League International: Travel

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International travel documents for children

See what documents a child needs to travel to or from the U.S. alone or with a parent or relative.

Children traveling to the U.S.

All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents such as a passport or document from a Trusted Traveler Program to enter the U.S. If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents:

• If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.
• Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.

U.S. citizen children traveling abroad

Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. 

If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian. If a minor is traveling abroad and is not accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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Baby and toddler travel: what you need to know before going ahead

Read time 6 minutes

While pre-baby journey prep involved chucking some things in a bag and a drink at the airport, travelling with a child can feel daunting. Here are some tips…

Travelling with a baby or toddler: the basics

If you want to stay put for a while when you have a newborn, that’s understandable and totally normal. But when you are ready to head off, you will have all kinds of fun and adventures. Here are some tips to help things go as smoothly as possible.

Baby and toddler travel essentials

Think about what you’ll need, particularly if the journey takes longer than planned. Stuff to tick off includes:

• drinks and snacks
• nappies, wipes and changing mat
• change of clothes.

(Which? 2018a, b)

Keep it all easily accessible and prep a few bags with one or two nappies, a small packet of wipes and some cream for easy dashes to the loo (Which? 2018a, b) .

Baby and toddler holiday essentials

Things you’ll probably need include:

• a lightweight buggy
• a baby carrier/ sling
• a travel cot
• a first-aid kit, medicines and sun protection
• travel blackout blinds.

If you're formula feeding, you'll also need to think about:

• a travel steriliser
• bottles and teats
• formula milk

(Which? 2018b)

See our guide  to sun safety for more tips. 

Travelling with a baby or toddler: top tips

• Try to organise your baby's passport in plenty of time (GOV.UK, 2018a) . NB: this will involve the most hilarious photoshoot of your life.
• If you are travelling to countries where you need a visa, you’ll need to sort that out too (GOV.UK, 2012) .
• Make sure you sort travel and health insurance before you go (annual family policies are often the best value) (GOV.UK, 2012) .
• Find out about required travel vaccinations (GOV.UK, 2012; Fit for travel, 2018)
• Try not to rush – this will make journeys way more stressful.
• It might be easier to go when your baby is young. Small babies are portable and often a lot more flexible than their toddler buddies. Usually infants must be at least two weeks old before they can travel although some airlines allow seven-day old infants on board. The booking policy differs from one airline to another, so it is important to check directly with the airlines (Which? c) . But three to seven months is a great window (The Guardian, 2005) .
• Book outside the school holidays if you can – way cheaper and less crowded. 
• You can make full use of the facilities: lots of airports have dedicated areas for entertaining children and have buggies you can use. Some airlines also let you keep your own pushchair with you right up to the boarding gate.
• Try to keep stuff you need for your baby or toddler in your hand luggage.
• It’s always good to check the weight limit for your airline before you travel.
• Children under two years old usually sit on your lap, so taking a cushion or blanket can help.
• On long-haul flights, you can request a bassinet for them to sleep in. Travelling at night can help them stick to their usual routines too.
• A baby carrier or sling  for very young children and a back/hip carrier for toddlers is great for walking babies up and down the aisles. It also keeps your hands free.
• It’s good to find out from the airport and your airline about the rules for fluids allowed through security and in cabin baggage.
• If you need transfers from the airport, check with your airline about taking your baby car seat, or arrange to hire one when you get there.
• If possible, sit in an easily accessible seat on the plane.
• Changing cabin pressure during take-off and landing can be uncomfortable for your children, you can ease the discomfort by feeding babies, giving toddlers a dummy and older children a sweet to suck on.
• You could attach a luggage label to your child’s clothing with their name and flight number on it.

(Baby Can Travel, 2018b; Which? 2018a, b)

By train or bus

• Try to avoid rush hour. This means the carriages and buses are less crowded and there will be extra seats.
• You’ll thank yourself for checking which train stations have lifts for pushchairs.
• Perhaps try to avoid quiet zones on trains – other passengers may not be sympathetic to a chatty toddler or crying baby.
• Try to use a sling or baby carrier rather than a buggy. It can be overwhelming arriving at a train station with a buggy, whereas using a sling will keep your hands free to find things like tickets.
• Sit near the toilets on trains as there’s often more space and flip-up seats for pushchair space. When you get off the train, watch gaps and get off backwards as it’s often safer.
• Plan the most direct route to avoid awkward train changes.
• Reserve a seat, choosing a window seat for older babies and toddlers to look out of.
• Pack a light bag with nappies, snacks and toys so you can stow other luggage in the rack. 
• Plan how you get from the train station to your final destination, e.g. whether you need to book a taxi with a baby seat. 

(My Train Ticket, 2018; TFL, 2018).

• Try to time your journey around nap times and stop for breaks if you need.
• If you need to, dispatch one parent to the back seat to keep your child company.
• Take window blinds for bright sunshine and music for bored children. Warning: be prepared for long stints of Twinkle Twinkle.
• Make sure you keep toys handy.
• Stock up on essentials like snacks, water, formula, extra bottles, extra soothers.
• Make sure your car seat meets all the safety criteria for your baby or toddler. Read our guidelines here  and how to fit it here.

(Baby Can Travel, 2018c)

This page was last reviewed in March 2019

Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

We also offer  antenatal courses   which are a great way to find out more about labour and life with a new baby. 

Baby Can Travel. (2018a) Airline perks for families with babies. Available at: https://www.babycantravel.com/2015/11/11/airline-perks-for-families-with-babies/ [Accessed 15th October 2018]

Baby Can Travel. (2018b) Inflight entertainment for babies and toddlers. Available at: https://www.babycantravel.com/2017/04/27/inflight-entertainment-for-babies-and-toddlers/ [Accessed 15th October 2018]

Baby Can Travel. (2018c) Road trip with a baby: 7 essential tips. Available at: https://www.babycantravel.com/2015/09/14/road-trip-with-a-baby-7-essential-tips/ [Accessed 15th October 2018]

Fit for travel. (2018) Travel health advice. Available at: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home Accessed 15th October 2018]

GOV.UK. (2012) Checklist for travelling abroad. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/checklist-for-travellers--2 [Accessed 15th October 2018]

GOV.UK. (2018a) HM Passport Office. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-passport-office [Accessed 15th October 2018]

GOV.UK. (2018b) Apply for a European Health Insurance Card. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/european-health-insurance-card [Accessed 15th October 2018]

My Train Ticket. (2018) Travelling by train with children. Available at: http://www.mytrainticket.co.uk/travelling-with-children [Accessed 15th October 2018]

TFL. (2018) Getting around with your buggy. Available at: https://tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/getting-around-with-your-buggy [Accessed 15th October 2018]

The Guardian. (2005) Have baby, won’t travel? Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2005/oct/22/familyholidays.family.guardiansaturdaytravelsection [Accessed 15th October 2018]

Which? (2018a) Top 10 baby and child travel tips. Available at: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/travelling-with-children/article/travelling-with-children/top-10-baby-and-child-travel-tips [Accessed 15th October 2018]

Which? (2018b) Baby products to take on holiday. Available at: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/travelling-with-children/article/travelling-with-children/baby-products-to-take-on-holiday [Accessed 15th October 2018]

Which? (2018c) What are my rights when flying with a baby? Available at: https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/what-are-my-rights-when-flying-with-a-baby [Accessed 15th October 2018]

Information you can trust from NCT

When it comes to content, our aim is simple: every parent should have access to information they can trust.

All of our articles have been thoroughly researched and are based on the latest evidence from reputable and robust sources. We create our articles with NCT antenatal teachers, postnatal leaders and breastfeeding counsellors, as well as academics and representatives from relevant organisations and charities.

Read more about our editorial review process .

Related articles

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Luggage and Living (English)

Baby On Board: 11 Tips For Traveling Internationally With a Toddler

Posted: June 2, 2024 | Last updated: June 7, 2024

Sometimes, traveling abroad is already challenging enough on our own. But with a toddler, it can be way more than that yet it's a truly rewarding experience. For a smooth and stress-free international trip with your little ones, it's essential to be well-prepared before, during, and after the flight—this sparked a couple's interest and made them ask for some tips in an online forum.

1. Snack Time

"Snacks and snacks and snacks and then some more snacks," as one user puts it. When traveling with little ones, they can become restless and fidgety, and it's so challenging to keep them entertained. The reason is that food not only serves as a distraction but also provides a sense of comfort for them (this is true even for us, adults!) during flights by creating a somewhat familiar and soothing environment for them. Just don't forget to consult their doctor about what to pack.

2. The Infamous Airplane Ear Pop

Talk to your child's doctor about any suggestions for decongestion on the plane. A decent decongestant will be highly effective if administered before you reach great altitudes; it is suitable for pain management, not just for when they are sick.

3. No Overnight Flights

With the other adult passengers in mind, many suggest avoiding overnight flights if you are flying with a toddler. Unfortunately, many make the mistake of assuming their little ones will sleep through the entire plane ride.

They don't; the plane is dark, so you are exhausted, and the baby won't stop crying. But, on the other hand, your kiddo won't remember anything before the age of six anyway, so don't worry if the plane ride is a nightmare.

4. Try Bulkhead Seating

Bulkhead seating is an excellent pleasure if you would like a little more legroom to maneuver in with you and your toddler. The Bulkhead is a fixed wall, meaning it lacks a row of seats directly in front of you. The only downside is there's no seat in front of you, so it lacks an under-seat storage area.

5. Prepare Them for the Flight

One parent offered the option of informing your child of the coming events. Yes, they are toddlers and may not show it, but they comprehend very well if you take your time and explain it to them. This user added they bought their toddler "a book about a kid flying on a plane.

We read it often and talked about each part of the trip, from packing to getting off and changing planes, then getting off and finding Grandma." And they also bought a big pack of earplugs for the passengers around them on the flight in case things didn't work out with the book.

6. Get Yourself Plenty of Mini-Books

A former traveling nanny noted it was a good idea to bring as many mini books as possible, as they only take up a little space. In addition, you can find a massive variety of mini-books on Amazon.

7. Murphy’s Law and a Toddler Go Hand-in-Hand

Toddlers fulfill Murphy's Law because they are pure chaos. Potty time is not convenient on a plane, so always keep some backup clothes and underwear in case they are ruined because of accidents. Be sure to keep a tight grip and a close eye on your child while moving through the airport, especially if you have an adventurous kid.

8. Anything You Don’t Want To Lose Should Be Attached

Most people would disagree with putting a leash on your child but are not opposed to attaching valuable items. If it is something you don't want them to lose, it should be attached to either yourself or your little one. For example, your daughter's favorite teddy bear should be tethered to her waist or your body in some fashion.

9. One Parent On, One Parent Off

Dual-parent flights should be done in shifts; one parent on, one parent off. It may not be fun for the parent on baby duty, but it's best for all parties involved. Someone has to "be aware and make smart decisions when traveling internationally with a family." On the return flight home, the parents alternate responsibilities.

10. If Accessible, Change Diapers in the Restroom

Most flights will have a changing table in the restroom to change your toddler's diaper. Understandably, all flights won't have this convenience, but please do not use the seat back trays. That's not sanitary, and the smell lingers throughout the airplane's pressurized cabin.

11. Exhaust Them Before the Flight

Get a bunch of paper bags, fill them with toys, crayons, coloring books, etc., and have them ready. The number of bags you pack depends on how long the flight may be. The final poster suggested "breaking one out every two-three hours. It was also a reward for behaving well."

Travel Treasures and Tourist Traps: Ranking Southeast Asia’s Must-See Places

Asia is the largest continent on the planet, with an unrivaled series of coastlines, landscapes that take your breath away, and an abundance of timeless treasures reminding tourists of paradise well-preserved. But in between the lush natural estate holding must-see destinations, tourist traps abound. A member of an online travel community asks which places are a must-see in Southeast Asia and what traps to avoid, and these are the most insightful responses.

11 Reasons Solo Travelers Ditch Family Resorts for Adults-Only

Traveling solo can be a daunting option, but it doesn’t have to be. Staying in an adults-only resort can be a great way to take a vacation and relax in a stress-free environment. Someone visiting the Dominican Republic just asked people online about going alone to a resort exclusively for adults. From the luxurious amenities to the peaceful solitude, the users’ responses show that adults-only resorts can be perfect for some well-deserved alone time.

Misled by Myths: The Truth About 13 Countries’ Misconceptions

It’s time to set the record straight. There are countless popular myths surrounding specific countries that, for better or worse, are taken as fact by millions of people. Recently, men and women met in an online discussion to debunk many widespread misconceptions about certain nations. Let’s let the facts speak for themselves!

15 Fascinating Travel Rules and Trends of Baby Boomers That We Can All Get Inspiration From

Baby boomers are often stereotyped as conservative and not particularly adventurous. But the truth is, this generation of retirees is taking on travel in a big way. Most of them are taking advantage of their newfound freedom, retirement savings, and the abundance of travel deals available to explore the world. Here are 15 interesting habits, rules, and trends that baby boomers today have adopted for their travels:

Mailing Clothes Instead of Checking Bags: The Bizarre Trend That’s Catching On

Airlines tend to lose luggage, and although they issue customers with handy security checking tags, luggage handlers are human and make mistakes. My friend once waited two weeks to reunite with her lost luggage, and staying in a foreign country stranded without your clothes is not a great feeling. To combat those instances, travelers mention why they mail their bags to their destinations instead of checking their luggage.

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This page provides information about photos if you are applying or renewing using a paper form. 

• Submit one color photo
• Submit a recent photo taken in last 6 months
• Use a clear image of your face 
• Do not change your photo using computer software, phone apps or filters, or artificial intelligence 
• Have someone else take your photo. No selfies.
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Use our  Photo Tool  to crop your photo so it's the right size.

• This photo tool does not check the quality of your image. 
• This tool is for cropping your photo only when you are applying or renewing using a paper form.
• Do not use this tool if you are renewing online.

After you apply, a U.S. Department of State employee will review your photo and decide if we can accept your photo.

Tips for Submitting your Photo

• Submit a high-resolution photo that is not blurry, grainy, or pixelated.
• 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) 
• Head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 - 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
• Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper.
• Do not change your photo using computer software, phone apps or filters, or artificial intelligence. 
• Do not submit photocopies or digitally-scanned photos.
• Do not submit a damaged photo with holes, creases, or smudges.
• Have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. 
• Face the camera directly with full face in view. 
• If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with application.
• You cannot wear a uniform, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage clothing. 
• If you wear one for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that says it is religious attire worn daily in public.
• If you wear one for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor's statement that says you wear it for medical purposes.
• Your full face must be visible and your hat or head covering cannot cast shadows or cover part of your face.
• You cannot wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices.
• You can wear jewelry and keep on your facial piercings as long as they do not hide your face. 
• Take off any face covering or medical mask so your full face is visible and the face covering or mask do not block portions of your face.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can i get my photo taken.

You can go to:

• An acceptance facility  that will take a photo when you apply for your passport
• Any company which offers photo services
• A friend or family member, and print your own photo on matte or glossy paper

Acceptance facilities and photo vendors charge different fees for taking your photo. 

Can I smile in my passport photo?

Yes. Make sure your eyes are open and your mouth is closed in your photo. 

Do I need a new passport if my appearance changed?

You only need to apply for a new passport if your appearance significantly changed. If you can still be identified from the photo in your current passport, do not apply for a new passport. 

Minor change - do not apply for a new passport

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Major change - apply for a new passport

• Significant facial surgery or trauma
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Do you have more tips to take a photo of a baby or toddler?

Yes. Some tips include:

• Lay your baby or toddler on a plain white or off-white sheet, or cover a car seat with a plain white or off-white sheet. 
• Make sure there are no shadows on your baby or toddler's face.
• It is okay if a baby's eyes are not entirely open. All other children must have their eyes open.

Picture Perfect Passport

Follow these steps so you have a great passport photo.

Tips for Taking a Good Photo

Learn about a few tips for taking a good photo if you are renewing by mail or applying in person.

Image Sizing Photo Tips

Photos that are taken too close or too far away will be rejected.

Low Quality Image or Paper Tips

Photo is blurry, grainy, pixelated, or printed on the wrong paper. Photos should be high resolution.

Photo Exposure Tips

Photos that are too bright or that show shadows on your face will also cause you problems. Your photo needs to be a clear image of your face. 

Previous Passport Book Photos

Your passport photo needs to have been taken within the last 6 months. We verify that the photo looks like you. 

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Does my health insurance cover international travel.

Private health insurance typically doesn't cover international travel expenses.

Can Health Insurance Cover Trips Abroad?

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Be prepared for unforeseen healthcare expenses when traveling abroad.

U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas. This means your health insurance won't pay for care if you need to visit a doctor for a prescription medicine, or if you need treatment for a condition that is not considered an emergency.

Most individual health insurance policies in the U.S. do not provide coverage for overseas emergency care, either. Without that coverage, if you break a leg or your travel companion has a heart attack during your trip, you will not have financial protection against the medical expenses that accrue. To know for sure what your plan entails, call your individual health insurance company to find out what is and isn't covered.

Does Medicare cover international travel?

If you have Medicare coverage, the lack of overseas protection you have is even more cut and dry. Medicare rarely pays for medical care you receive while traveling outside the United States, according to the U.S. Department of State. However, Medicare may pay for some inpatient hospital stays, doctor visits, ambulance services or dialysis care you receive in a foreign country "in rare cases." Possible scenarios include the following:

• You are in the U.S. when the emergency occurs, but a foreign hospital is the closest one that can treat you.
• You are traveling through Canada on a direct route to Alaska and a medical emergency takes place in a region that is closest to a hospital in Canada.
• The U.S. government also says you may get Medicare coverage overseas "if you live in the U.S. and the foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat you, regardless of whether you have a medical emergency."

In any of these scenarios, however, Medicare only pays for medical expenses Medicare would normally cover if you were in the U.S. Unfortunately, it may be difficult to know which services are and are not covered before you receive treatment, particularly if you are in an emergency medical situation where timing is critical.

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How to get health insurance for international travel

There are two main options when it comes to acquiring health coverage for international travel: travel insurance or a travel credit card with (limited) health insurance.

Consider an international travel insurance policy

To decide whether or not you should purchase health insurance for your trip abroad, take a look at the best international travel insurance policies and what they offer in the following categories:

Medical coverage: If you wind up needing medical treatment abroad, you'll be glad you have a travel medical insurance plan in place. With a medical insurance policy for overseas, you can get emergency medical treatment where and when you need it – and without arriving home from your trip to a mountain of overseas medical debt.

You will want to compare travel medical insurance plans to make sure you have adequate coverage limits for everyone on your trip. Either way, some of the best travel health plans come from companies like Allianz Travel Insurance, GeoBlue, Seven Corners, Trawick International and WorldTrips. As an example, a Travel Medical Plus plan from Seven Corners lets you secure international medical coverage in amounts up to $5 million.

Coverage for preexisting conditions: Some travel insurance companies provide coverage for preexisting conditions. In most cases, you must purchase your travel insurance within a specific amount of time after making your initial trip deposit for preexisting conditions coverage to apply. With the Allianz OneTrip Emergency Medical Plan, for example, you must purchase travel coverage within 14 days of making your first trip payment in order for preexisting conditions to be included.

Other conditions can apply when you're trying to get coverage for preexisting medical conditions as well, so be sure to read the fine print when comparing options.

Medical evacuation coverage: Be aware that, even if your own health insurance plan in the U.S. provides some coverage for emergency care overseas, you will not have emergency coverage for medical evacuation. The U.S. Department of State points out that medical evacuation can cost $50,000 or more in many countries depending on your location and the care you need.

Fortunately, most travel insurance companies with travel medical insurance also provide coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains. This coverage comes in varying amounts depending on the insurance company and plan you select.

Cancel for any reason coverage: Having overseas medical coverage is crucial when you're planning trips abroad, but you should know that a comprehensive travel insurance plan can give you even more peace of mind. Common coverages in these plans include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, flight delay or cancellation coverage, baggage insurance, personal liability insurance, and more.

You can even opt for a plan with "cancel for any reason" or CFAR coverage that lets you cancel your trip and get a percentage of your trip cost back for any reason at all – even if you just decide to stay home. In addition to single-trip plans, you can also find multitrip travel insurance policies and annual travel insurance plans .

Compare travel insurance plans and get a quote .

Consider a credit card with travel insurance

Some travel credit cards include health insurance, albeit limited and with restrictions. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve covers up to $100,000 in medical evacuation expenses, but only if your trip is booked using the card. This credit card comes with a premium annual fee of $550, however, so you'll have to weigh the benefits and drawbacks alongside the health coverages.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a veteran travel writer who has visited more than 50 countries in the world over the last decade. She covers a range of destinations and travel types, as well as travel insurance policies through major providers. Johnson purchases travel insurance for her own family and has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg – who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states – in their family media business.

You might also be interested in:

• Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
• The Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Options
• The Best Travel Insurance for Seniors and Retirees
• The Best Expat Travel Insurance Options
• How to Get Airport Wheelchair Assistance

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💡Travel benefits explained

🚄 db ticket euro 2024, 🌍 interrail pass euro 2024, 🚋 36 hour travel pass, uefa euro 2024: ticket holder travel benefits.

Monday, June 3, 2024

Article body

Did you know?

Travelling by train and public transport will be the most convenient and sustainable option to get around. Luckily, EURO 2024 ticket holders will have access to discounted national and international train tickets, as well as a 36 Hour Travel Pass for public transport!

• DB Ticket EURO 2024 – Train travel within Germany
• Interrail Pass EURO 2024 – Train travel across Europe
• 36 Hour Travel Pass – Public transport in the region

To make use of your travel benefits, you will need your Fan Pass . The Fan Pass is brand new for EURO 2024 and provides access to exclusive perks which will enhance your experience on-site. Your Fan Pass is free and now available for all ticket holders on the UEFA EURO 2024 app .

Plan your journey on the DB Website or DB Navigator App to see what services you’ll be travelling on.

• Purchase a DB Ticket EURO 2024 for single journeys between host cities that involve long-distance services such as IC (InterCity), ICE (InterCity Express), or EC (EuroCity) trains.

• Purchase a Interrail Pass EURO 2024 for international arrival to Germany and during your stay in Germany for journeys that involve long-distance services such as IC, ICE, or EC trains.

• Use your free 36 Hour Travel Pass on matchday and the day after to travel within the city and on slower services within the region ( see map below ). If you’re travelling between Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen, you can simply use your 36 Hour Travel Pass, as long as your journey doesn’t include ICE, IC or EC services.

4, 5 or 7-day passes: 17 January – 13 July

10 or 15-day passes: 17 January – 8 June

33 European countries

This includes the option to travel in your country of residence, but is limited to two journeys (one to leave and one to return).

Full list of railway operators

How it works

• Take as many trains as you like on each of your travel days.
• To use and activate your Interrail Pass, download Interrail’s Rail Planner App .
• Your Interrail Pass EURO 2024 is only valid in combination with your EURO 2024 Fan Pass . All ticket holders will have access to a Fan Pass for free. You will need to show your Fan Pass when travelling on the train – just like a railcard.
• For some trains, it is mandatory to book seat reservations . Be sure to make them early, as trains fill up quickly. Please check the reservation policy of each train you plan to take.
• Trains will be busy, so it’s strongly recommended to book a seat reservation even if it's not mandatory. Otherwise, you may need to stand.

❓ FAQs: Interrail Pass EURO 2024

Your Interrail Pass EURO 2024 can only be used to travel between 9 June and 21 July.

Depending on which option you choose, it is either valid for a month within this period (4, 5 and 7-day passes) or the full period (10 or 15-day passes).

The end of the travel period is 21 July for all passes , even if you activate your pass less than a month before this date. For example, if you choose to activate your pass on 13 July to travel to the final in Berlin, your Interrail Pass EURO 2024 will become invalid after 21 July.

No. It’s only available for European citizens (not German residents) and non-Europeans with an official residence in Europe. German residents can benefit from the DB Ticket EURO 2024 for train travel within Germany instead.

You can purchase one pass per EURO 2024 match ticket.

No, only match ticket holders are entitled to use the Interrail Pass EURO 2024 for travel. Your Interrail Pass EURO 2024 is only valid in combination with the EURO 2024 Fan Pass.

You can either travel together, or they can transfer their match ticket to you. Once you have a match ticket in your UEFA Mobile Ticket app , you can access your EURO 2024 Fan Pass in the UEFA EURO 2024 app . On board the train, simply show your Fan Pass together with your Interrail Pass.

You will need to show your free EURO 2024 Fan Pass on each train. The Fan Pass will allow you to prove that you have a match ticket, even when match tickets have not been sent to your mobile phone.

No, the Interrail Pass EURO 2024 is only available to match ticket holders. If you don't have a match ticket, you can purchase any other regular Interrail Pass.

The EURO 2024 Fan Pass is brand new and will provide you with access to exclusive perks for your tournament experience. The Fan Pass is available for free on the UEFA EURO 2024 app .

On the train, the Fan Pass works just like any other railcard or discount card. Show it to the conductor together with your valid Interrail Pass EURO 2024.

Yes, you can buy one pass per match ticket. However, if you’re going to multiple matches, purchasing a single Interrail Pass EURO 2024 with more travel days could be a better option.

No, the Interrail Pass EURO 2024 is non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

No, the Interrail Pass EURO 2024 is personalised.

Check out the full list of railway companies covered on the Interrail website.

The Interrail Pass EURO 2024 allows for up to two journeys in your home country: one to leave and one to return.

For all questions relating to the Interrail Pass EURO 2024, please contact Interrail:

For questions relating to your EURO 2024 match ticket, have a look at the Ticket FAQs .

Match ticket holders are entitled to a 36 Hour Travel Pass for the entire regional public transport network at no additional cost.

⏳ Validity period

From 06:00 on your matchday until 18:00 the following day.

🎫 How to get your pass

Your 36 Hour Travel Pass is included in your free Fan Pass .

• Download your Fan Pass on the EURO 2024 App .
• Simply hop on board and have your Fan Pass ready to show to inspection staff if requested
• No need to scan the Fan Pass before boarding the metro, train or bus.

🗺️ Travel area