Traveling with babies and young children can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Knowing the best and worst age to travel with a baby can help parents make the most of their early family trips. Here we will explore the pros and cons of traveling with a baby from birth on up through 18 years old. Helping you decide when the best age is to travel with kids on your family’s dream vacation. From the ease of packing to the gear required to their ability to remember and be involved in the vacation each age comes with its own unique advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before booking any trip. Be sure to read on for more information about the best age to travel with kids!
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What is the Best Age to Start Traveling with Kids
For all but perhaps the youngest children, the best time to start traveling is yesterday. And the next best time is now! Families will feel comfortable to start traveling with kids at different times. You may be waiting for the right time, but the right time is when you have the means and want to start doing it. I am a strong believer that by being armed with the right knowledge and skills everyone can travel with children, even young babies and toddlers. Regardless of what the so called best age to travel with kids is, it really it just takes a little practice.
No matter how old your kids are it is never too late to start traveling and seeing the world together.
Is Traveling with Children Difficult?
I can’t sugarcoat things and say there are no challenges at all to traveling with children. The challenges you face will vary by age. When considering the best age to travel with a baby there are new unique challenges every few months, but as they grow the changes slow down.
However, the difficulties of traveling with children can often be mitigated or managed with proper planning and understanding. Certain behaviors are normal at different developmental stages which means you can plan for them. For example, young toddlers are very energetic, have short attention spans, and love touching EVERYTHING. Planning a trip to France, filled solely with museums and fancy restaurants is a recipe for frustration. However, a beach vacation to the Philippines or Hawaii filled with time outside, messes, and hiking may be a much better option.
Top Tips for Family Travel with Young Children
Traveling with young children can be a wonderful and exciting experience. However, it is important to keep the following tips in mind:
Manage Expectations
One of the best tips for family travel with young children is to manage expectations for the vacation. Even the best-laid plans may not unfold the way you think they will when traveling with children. It’s important to know that the unexpected may happen! This is ok, as long as you are flexible and go into your trip with the expectation that plans may change or go differently than you envisioned. Sometimes you have to embrace the crazy.
Build in Extra Time
Be prepared to move at a slower pace than you would if the kids weren’t with you. Leave room for the unexpected and the accidents and unplanned stops that just look fun. It will take longer to get ready in the morning and longer to find the right subway line, heck it’ll probably take longer to eat your meals. Build extra time into your schedule and be careful not to overfill each day with too many things to do.
Snacks, Snacks, Snacks
Next, bringing plenty of snacks when traveling with young children is an absolute must. Travel snacks will provide the energy and nutrition the kids need during the trip. They can also help prevent meltdowns and keep the little ones occupied during long travel days. Having a variety of snacks on hand can make the difference between an enjoyable experience and an awful one. You can pack snacks with you, purchase some once you arrive at your destination, or simply make more frequent food stops. Either way, being well-fed will make a big difference.
Have Fun and Adapt
The last, and most important tip for family travel with young kids is to have fun and adapt as you go. When something unexpected happens, don’t stress too much about it for too long. Enjoy as many moments as you can, big and small. In my experience the best way to do this is to find ways to have fun together even when things go wrong.
The Best and Worst Ages to Travel with Children
The best, and worst, ages to travel with kids will vary by family. There may be some stages that are better for your child, for your family and for certain vacations. You don’t always get to choose when you are going to travel with kids. Holidays and family gatherings may dictate when your next trip is and how old your kids will be. This outline and generalizations of behaviors for young kids by age can help you know what to expect.
The most important thing to remember is that your child is constantly learning and growing. So even if one trip doesn’t go well, it is ok to take a break, regroup and try again a little later.
The Best Age to Travel with a Baby
The best age to travel with a baby may depend on when they hit certain milestones, but there are some constants. Babies can fly as a lap infant until two years of age which is a great way to save on travel costs or you can put them in their own seat. You might even be able to snag an extra seat for free if there are open seats on your flight. While kids are lap infants it is smart to travel with their birth certificate on domestic flights in case you are asked to prove their age. Baby travel is actually quite fun once you get to your destination.
Traveling with a Baby 0-3 Months Old
When planning a family vacation with a baby 0-3 months old, it is important to take the extra time needed to ensure the safety and comfort of your littlest one. While this may not be the best age for travel with a baby, the experience can still be very rewarding and enjoyable if the right precautions are taken.
For starters, there is the added stress of germs while traveling with a new baby whose immune system is still very weak. To reduce the risk of getting sick while on vacation, it’s important everyone adhere to good hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing. Also, avoiding contact with most individuals and surfaces as you travel can help. It’s also smart to consult with the pediatrician before leaving for the trip for the baby’s health and to see if any vaccines are necessary depending upon your destination country’s health regulations before arrival.
Babies 0-3 months old are too young to enjoy all the fun activities available at your destination like amusement parks or zoos. But they are very easy to bring along since young babies sleep a lot and do well in infant carriers. Any schedules you may have in place this early can also become more flexible on the go.
On top of all of these considerations it’s essential to have the right gear on hand. This includes baby travel essentials like a car seat, a baby carrier, a stroller, diapers, wipes, bottles and baby formula or breast milk, changing pad, and plenty of clothing. Babies this age will also require items such as burp cloths, bibs, and blankets to keep them warm during the journey. Additionally, you may want to bring along a few toys for the long car rides or any airport layovers that you may encounter.
Don’t forget to consider the mother’s recovery and well-being too when planning your first trip after giving birth. Despite all the extra planning required when traveling with a baby 0-3 months old, it can be done if proper care is taken so that the whole family can travel safely!
Traveling with a 3-6 Month-Old Baby
Traveling with a baby 3-6 months old is the best age to travel with a baby. At this age, the baby is not crawling or walking yet. This gives parents the freedom to explore their destinations freely as the baby will still be content in a stroller or baby carrier. Additionally, their immune systems have started building up a bit more which reduces the chance of catching colds or other illnesses while on the go.
When traveling with a baby at this age, it is still important to bring all the necessary gear such as diapers and wipes, clothing layers appropriate to the destinations climate, blankets, burp cloths, and bibs. I recommend that parents include a couple of small items like toys and books to help keep their little ones entertained during the journey.
The 3-6 month period is considered the ideal time for traveling with babies. They are still fairly immobile and stay happy while being carried by their parents but are old enough to take in the sights and sounds around them. During this time, babies tend to look around and take in their surroundings more than 0-3 month olds do. This makes it more fun for families to enjoy activities like sightseeing tours where parents can show their little ones different things around them. Nap times are still pretty easy to take on the go at this age as well which is very handy.
All in all, this age group offers an ideal timeframe for families with babies who wish to travel together. Not only do parents have greater flexibility in planning their trips you’ll still create beautiful memories together that will last you a lifetime!
Read More on Traveling with a Baby:
- 17+ Baby Travel Essentials to Simplify Family Travel
- New Travel Parents Guide to Changing Diapers on a Plane
- How to Travel with a Baby: Everything You Need to Know
Traveling with a Baby 6-9 Months Old
Traveling with a baby 6-9 months old can be both an exciting and daunting experience. At this age, the baby is starting to be mobile. Which means they’ll want to explore the world around them as they learn to move. Babies tend to be more fun to entertain now however, it is harder to entertain the child because they are much more wiggly.
Another challenge parents face when traveling with a 6-9 month old is the additional gear required for the trip. At this age, the baby is beginning to eat solids. Which means bringing more items such as baby food, utensils and silicone bibs as well as snacks for the journey. Plus parents will want extra wipes for cleaning up any messes the little one might make during the trip.
Overall, families with a 6-9 month old baby can travel safely and enjoyably. Parents should just remember that older babies at this age require extra attention due to their increased mobility and independence while eating.
It’s important to note that babies must be at least 6 months of age before going on cruises due to safety regulations. So families will have to wait until their baby has reached the proper age before embarking on such vacations.
Traveling with a Baby 9-12 Months Old
Traveling with a baby 9-12 months old is a great age to travel with the little ones. At this age, the baby is walking and becoming increasingly interactive. With the ability to walk, the baby can now explore the world around them. They’ll be excited and curious as they try to see the world around them so exposing them to new locations can be truly exciting!
That being said, parents must remember that increased mobility comes with more safety risks. So it is important for adults to practice careful supervision when exploring new places. It’s also a good idea for parents to plan for rest and downtime during the day as the baby will likely tire out from all the exploration.
Another challenge that arises when traveling with an older baby is packing enough snacks for the journey. By this time, babies have been eating solids for a while which often means packing along plenty of snacks to prevent meltdowns due to hunger. This can be especially challenging if the family is going on a long road trip or long-haul flights with a baby. Having enough food and drinks can make or break the entire experience!
Overall, traveling with a 9-12 month-old baby can be a rewarding yet challenging experience depending on how well-prepared families are beforehand. With a little planning and adjustment, families will no doubt have an unforgettable adventure!
Reminder:
All kids are very different and this is a generalization of what you can expect at certain ages given typical developmental milestones. You can expect crying when you travel with babies because that is how babies communicate. It is OK when it happens, you simply have to remain calm and run through the typical checklist of what could be causing the crying. Check hunger, temp, diaper, sleep, etc in the order best for your baby.
Every child is going to have different needs that arise. Travel brings along a lot of change, new things, and unexpected circumstances. Stay calm yourself so that you can help keep your infant calm. Remember, the discomfort will be temporary and soon you’ll be exploring a new and exciting destination.
How Soon Can You Travel with a Newborn Baby
As newborn infants have a very weak immune system, the best age to travel with a baby is after three months. Wait until the baby is about three months old before considering any kind of travel. This way the baby’s immune system has a chance to develop.
However, if you do need to travel earlier for any reason (life happens) then here are a few guidelines to know. Most airlines may allow infants as young as a few days old to a week old to fly (bhtp). Some airlines will require a doctor’s note and international travel still requires that babies have their own passport. You can find rules by individual airlines online or by calling customer support.
Cruises do not typically allow children under six months of age onboard for safety reasons.
There are no regulations on how early you can take your newborn on car travel for baby’s first road trip though.
Read More: 7 Essential Tips to Road Tripping with a Baby
The Best Age to Travel with a Toddler
Travel with a 12-18 Month Old Toddler
Traveling with a toddler 12-18 months old can be an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable experience! At this age, a toddler is full of curiosity and energy, eager to explore the world around them. While they are now most likely mobile, the risk of your toddler wandering off remains high; so parents need to watch them carefully.
That being said, there are plenty of fun activities for the family to enjoy together during their journeys. Before the trip begins, you should create an itinerary with the toddler in mind. Plan plenty of rest times along the way to give your kiddo time to nap and rest. Additionally, bringing along enough snacks and drinks will ensure the baby stays content throughout the journey regardless of any delays or mishaps.
When packing for the trip, the good news is that toddlers require slightly less gear than babies. They can eat more solid foods and do things on their own much better than before. That being said, you’ll still need to bring necessary items such as a water bottle, diapers, wipes, and other necessities to make sure your toddler is comfortable during the trip. Furthermore, some entertainment items could also come in handy when entertaining the little traveler such as books or toys!
Overall, traveling with a 12-18 month old toddler can be a great time!
Travel with an 18-24 Month Old
Traveling with a toddler between the ages of 18-24 months old can be rewarding and exhausting! At this age, a toddler is still eager to explore the world around them. This may involve the child touching and feeling everything within reach, so parents should always be careful, especially in areas like museums. Plus they are now better than ever at walking and running, so exploring is at an all-time high but so is the chasing.
When packing, 18-24 month olds will need similar gear as 12-18 month olds. Some travel entertainment items will be handy when occupying the little one during car rides or long flights. Items such as books or toys perhaps even a tablet. It is definitely still important to pack plenty of snacks to prevent meltdowns due to hunger.
Lastly, toddlers at this age are usually beginning to demonstrate strong emotions which can be difficult to handle while trying to travel with them. Try to remain patient and understand these moments will often pass quickly. All-in-all toddler travel with an 18-24 month old toddler requires patience but can be extremely rewarding.
Read More on Traveling with a Toddler:
- Top Tips to Help Your Toddler Sleep on a Plane
- 35 Best Airplane Snacks for Toddlers Who Travel
- Ultimate Guide for Bringing Car Seats on Airplanes
Travel with a Two Year Old
At two, you officially have to buy kids their own seat on flights which is an added cost, but also nice with a wiggly toddler. When traveling with two-year-old toddlers they are full of energy and can share in special moments. You can build up activities before they happen by talking about them and explaining what to expect. Try allowing your toddler some independence during your travel days or on vacation. Try letting them carry their own backpack filled with toys and snacks.
On the other hand, it is important to note that very young children this age have tantrums and strong emotions. All of which can be difficult to deal with while traveling. Additionally, two is a common time for potty training and potty training on the go could prove messy or difficult at times.
Honestly this may be the hardest age to travel with younger children. So, when considering a vacation for your two-year-old child some would say it is a bad time to travel with babies and toddlers. However, it can help to carefully take into account the type of trip you will be taking. This is a good age for an active trip such as a hiking or beach vacation where they can run around more freely is ideal!
Traveling with Small Children
What to Expect Traveling with a 3-5 Year Old
Traveling with a child in the 3-5 year old age range can be the perfect time to explore the world together. Many people say this is the best age to travel with young kids. They are able to follow directions and understand the experience more than if they were younger. Plus, they also can take on some independence, such as carrying their own backpack or packing snacks, which helps them feel empowered on the journey. However, it’s important to note that while these children may be able to focus for longer periods of time than toddlers, they still need breaks throughout the day and may get bored easily.
Best Time to Travel with Kids
Traveling with a 6-9 Year Old
Bringing young kids along while traveling is the perfect way to create memories that will last a lifetime. Kids between the ages of 6-9 are the ideal age for family trips. They are old enough to form lasting memories but still young enough to be excited by new experiences.
Involving them in the planning process can make the trip even more special. As your child will have ownership over their vacation and feel proud of their accomplishments. If they are interested, let them pick an activity that everyone will do. From trying new foods to exploring unfamiliar places, traveling with a 6-9 year old may just be the best age to travel with kids. It can bring you all closer together while creating amazing stories that you’ll remember forever.
Traveling with a 10-12 Year Old
Traveling with a 10-12 year old can be the perfect age for family vacations. These kids are still young enough to want to come along. While also old enough to have opinions on the itinerary and activities. It is helpful to plan ahead and share the plans with older children so they know what to expect each day. This will help them feel more secure in the adventure you’re embarking on together.
If kids have negative feelings about certain activities or the vacation as a whole. Discuss why and ask what they would enjoy seeing more of. It is also important to discuss that different activities may not appeal to everyone and the importance of having an open mind while traveling. Between planning ahead and being open-minded, your trip should be an enjoyable experience for all involved!
Read More on Family Travel:
- Customizable 1 Week Packing List (in a Carry-On)!
- Top Tips to Lower Family Vacation Costs
- 21 Best Summer Vacations in the US for Families
Travel with Teens
When deciding on the best age to travel with kids, Traveling with teenagers can be a great experience. They have the maturity to understand the world in ways that younger kids may not. However, it is important to remember that teens may undervalue the opportunities and experiences travel provides them. Odds are you’ll hear the dreaded “I’m bored!” more than you would like.
But don’t let this deter you from traveling with your teenager. There are still plenty of ways for the entire family to create good memories together. Consider letting your teen plan an activity or outing everyone does on the trip. This will give them some responsibility and a sense of pride in the vacation. The more involved they are in planning the family trip, hopefully, the more excited they’ll be.
If it’s safe and appropriate for the situation you could even give them some freedom by allowing them to go out with friends during certain parts of the vacation. With a little bit of forethought, you can make sure your next family getaway is enjoyable for all involved!
Deciding the Best Age to Travel with Kids
When it comes to deciding the best age to travel with kids, the great thing is there is no wrong answer. Every age offers unique challenges and opportunities for families looking to create lasting memories together. From toddlers who need constant supervision, to older kids and teenagers who may want more independence on their trips; every age requires careful planning ahead of time for everyone involved to have an enjoyable experience. With some thoughtful consideration, your can make sure that your next vacation is a trip you and your family members will never forget!
The Best Age to Travel with Kids
In the end, I’m not sure there is a single best age to travel with kids. Truly the best time is now and the important part is spending time together doing the things you enjoy and making memories. Each age may have a downside and some ages might be a little easier than others but why wait!
What do you think is the best age to travel with kids? What ages would you avoid traveling during again? Let me know in the comments!
