If you’re here then I’m guessing you love to travel. Maybe you’re thinking about having a kid, you’re already pregnant, heck, maybe you already had your sweet baby and you’re feeling ready to get back into traveling. I know it can be daunting to figure out how to travel with a baby, but the best way to feel comfortable is to just start.
I’m not going to lie, it will be harder than before. It takes extra planning, extra gear and a whole lot more patience at times. Try to be flexible and enjoy the journey no matter what stumbling blocks get in your way. It is all worth it in the end. There is nothing more special than exploring a new place and experiencing new things together.
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Preparing to Travel with a Baby
So where do you need to start? Here are important things to think about and prepare for before you start traveling with your baby. Preparation will be key to making things go as smoothly as possible. From a leaving home checklist to a packing list it helps to have a plan every step of the way.
How to Afford Travel with a Baby
Adding new additions to the family adds new expenses, there is no denying that. But the travel doesn’t have to stop, with some planning and budgeting you can save up for some amazing experiences. There are ways to lower family vacation costs to make it more affordable that everyone can use.
Can you save $10, $20 or $50 dollars a month? Can you find a way to earn an extra $100 a month? That money will add up in significant ways for big and little adventures to take with the family.
Finally, my favorite way to help mitigate the cost of a family vacation is to use credit card points help pay for things like flights and hotels. With travel reward cards like the Venture X card from Capital One or the Chase Sapphire Preferred from Chase you earn points on everyday spending. PLUS massive sign up bonus’s that can be put towards your next trip.
Does my baby need a passport to travel?
Yes, if you plan on doing any type of international travel you will need to get a passport for your baby no matter how young they are. The only exception is Canada, which does not require a passport for any kids under 18 when entering by land or sea. You can start applying as soon as you have a birth certificate.
In order to get your baby a passport you will have to take passport photos of your baby, gather the proper paperwork and apply in person. It takes time to get a passport even if you expedite the process so make sure you plan your trip accordingly. If you do need a passport sooner under special circumstances you can try getting in contact with your government representative.
Do I need their birth certificate when traveling?
If you are traveling by plane domestically, kids do not need any ID to fly at all so you do not need to bring their birth certificate. The only exception is for lap children, a gate agent may ask to see a birth certificate to prove that they are two or under. I have never been asked to show one before but I always travel with a copy of my son’s birth certificate when he flies on my lap.
What kind of vaccinations do kids need to travel?
If you are traveling domestically then you should not need any additional vaccinations to travel. I have never even been asked about vaccinations.
When you are traveling internationally though, there may be situations where you need additional vaccines just like adults do. A simple google search will tell you what vaccines are required or recommended when traveling to a specific country. Work with your child’s pediatrician and the local health department to do what is safe for your child. The country’s embassy should be able to answer any questions about exceptions and age specific requirements.
Certain places may carry more risks than others and you have to do what is safe for your family and what you feel comfortable risking. It’s ok to avoid one location over another for a couple years to avoid malaria.
How to Prepare for Baby Getting Sick on Vacation
Babies get sick, despite all our best efforts their little immune systems are still developing and germs slip through. Do your best to keep the baby in a clean environment even while traveling but remember that the older they get the more they can handle.
Now, this is where I live by the saying “hope for the best, prepare for the worst”. Bring the medicines you might need. Infant tylenol, infant benadryl, and a thermometer are a good place to start and have your bases covered. Remember, you will be able to find what you need in many destinations as well.
Do I need travel health insurance when I travel with a baby?
Traveling with travel health insurance is always a good idea and it is surprisingly affordable. I used World Nomads while in India and was impressed by how inexpensive it was for a whole month. Unexpected accidents can happen no matter where you are and illness can happen at any time. Having health insurance feels like a must at home, why should traveling be any different. Most US insurance planes do not include world wide coverage but some might, always check first.
As well as having insurance, look up emergency numbers for the country you are visiting, like 9-1-1 in the US. Know where local emergency services are for each place you are staying. This way if anything does go wrong, you can get the help you need as quickly as possible.
Should I worry about visa requirements?
You should always worry about visa requirements. As Americans it is be easy to become lax when dealing with travel visas. We enjoy the freedom to travel so many wonderful places without a visa just simply due to our US citizenship status. However there are countries that require a visa in advance in order to travel to them. It would be terribly inconvenient to have a trip booked, your bags packed only to be turned away at the airport because you don’t have the proper paperwork.
How to Plan a Trip with a Baby and Kids
The overall way you plan a trip with a baby is the same as without. The first step is to figure out where you want to go, then start researching specific things to do. You can even search for things to do with a baby and kids in order to cater a few of the day’s activities specifically to them. Remember to take into account hours of operation, drive time etc and plan activities around nap times and bedtime.
Read More: The Best Age to Travel with a Baby (and the Worst)!
Baby Supplies I’ll Need on a Trip
Our baby travel essentials when traveling with a baby are fairly minimal, but we are also minimal at home. We bring what we need to keep routines the same and make our baby feel as comfortable as possible. Remember, you can usually rent larger items if you need to.
- Sleep Sack
- Portable Sound Machine (or white noise downloaded to your phone)
- Small Books and Toys
- Travel Crib or Pack n’ Play
- Small Lightweight Blanket
- Diapers & Wipes
- Bib
- Water Bottle
- Reusable Pouch & Baby Food
- Snacks
- Baby Carrier
Packing for a Baby
Honestly, I pack for a baby the almost the same exact way I pack for myself. I make a list of outfits by day plus any activity specific items we may need. Then I usually pack it all in its own bag or packing cubes. I always use a packing list both so that I don’t forget thinks but also to avoid overpacking.
The biggest difference with a baby is that I always bring 2-3 extra outfits. I can trust myself to not get my clothes dirty to the point of needing extra outfits but that is not the case for a baby. Blowouts, spit up, food, and dirt are all stuff that could require an unexpected outfit change. Being able to do laundry at some point in your travels will allow you to pack significantly less overall. Try to book an Airbnb with a washing machine, a hotel with laundry services or plan in a few hours to spend at a laundry mat if possible.
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All about Flying with a Baby
How old does a baby have to be to fly?
Most airlines have rules allowing babies to start flying as early as 2 days with special permission from the doctor. Otherwise babies can start flying around 1-2 weeks. However due to immune concerns as well as the wellbeing of mom most doctors agree it is better to wait around 2 months.
I honestly cannot imagine being ready to fly much earlier than that but everyone is different. The younger the baby is when you travel the more stringent I recommend being about cleanliness. They are relying on their mothers milk for their immune system early on.
Do I have to pay for my baby to fly?
Kids under the age of two can fly for free, starting on their 2nd birthday however you will be required to purchase a seat. If you buy your child their own seat on a plane then you are paying full price for that seat in most cases. You can call and see if your airline offers a discount for young kids. In my experience that is not usually the case though.
If you are flying with a child under the age of two and they are flying as an infant-in-arms then it varies. For a domestic flight you do not usually have to pay anything. This is a great way to travel on a budget while they are young. Internationally however there is typically a fee. 10% of the fare is standard from what I have seen.
What is a bassinet seat? Is it worth it?
The bassinet seat on planes is usually in the bulkhead row and the plane has a bassinet that you can lay baby in. Some have harnesses, some don’t but they can be comfortable handy places to lay the baby down. The bassinets have different weight limits but they can usually hold babies around 20-30 lbs. This guide to bassinets by airlines is really helpful.
This is not something you can book online, and it is not a 100% guarantee that you’ll get one but it is worth trying to get one if you can. To increase your chances of getting one call ahead of time to request one. This way they can make a note on your account. The absolute best thing you can do though is show up early. The bassinets are given out on a first come first serve basis so as soon as you get to the checkin counter or gate, talk to the attendants about moving to the bulkhead row with a bassinet.
Bringing a Car Seat on a Flight
Whether or not you bring a car seat onto a flight is going to depend on several factors. If you need a car seat to use at your destination then to me it is a no brainer to go ahead and bring it on the plane too. According to the FAA a car seat is the safest way for a child to travel on a plane. You can only bring a car seat for a child that has a seat, not for a lap child. You can ask at the gate if there are empty seats on the plane, if there are they will usually do their best to put you next to it so you can bring the car seat on.
I recommend getting a car seat that clips onto your stroller. Infants seats are really nice because most of them clip in easily. When a child is bigger, the car seats get bulkier and less easy to travel with. Try to get one that is as light as possible. Traveling with a car seat can be done and there are many ways to make it easier.
However, you are not required to travel with a car seat on a plane and although it is the safest possible way to travel, the truth of it is, air travel is very safe. If you do not need a car seat at your destination then don’t bring one. If you are using trains and buses or perhaps your child is old enough for booster seats (fine for cars, not allowed on planes) that’s ok. You have to decide what risk level you are comfortable with.
Lugging around a carseat through all your travels to only use it on the plane is inconvenient and unnecessary in my opinion.
Do I have to pay to check a stroller or car seat?
The majority of airlines, especially in the US, will check one stroller and one car seat per child for free. Even for children flying as a lap child. Always double check with each airline that you will be flying on just to make sure though, you don’t want surprise fees to catch you off guard.
You can check the car seat and stroller at the front check in counter or at the gate. If you check it at the front then you don’t have to bring it through security and the airport. This is handy if you plan on baby wearing. However there are concerns that your belongings will not be treated well which could cause issues if the car seat arrives damaged at your destination.
The other option is to bring everything in and check it at the gate. This way you can push your child through the airport. This is the best option if you are flying with a lap child but you’re hoping for an empty seat to bring the car seat on board. Then if there are no empty seats you simply check it at the gate. You also get all your belongings back upon leaving the plane and don’t have to wait for baggage claim.
Tips for Bringing a Baby to the Airport
The best tip I can give for dealing with an airport with a baby is get to the airport with plenty of time. This will allow you to handle any situation, no matter how stinky, with ease and minimal stress. Then when the inevitable blow out, meltdown, or overweight luggage fiasco occurs you’ll have the time you need to fix the problem and still make your plane.
I’m not saying to spend tons of time you don’t need to at the airport. I know there is a fine line to walk in order to keep the babies happy. I try to time flights for nap times personally but any delays and that risks an overtired baby. 30 minutes extra in addition to the time you normally allot should be good.
The airport is a great place to get all the wiggles and energy out before being expected to sit still for several hours. I recommend letting the kids walk around while you’re waiting for your flight. Some airports even have play areas for kids to use.
Can I bring baby food and breast milk through security?
Yes you absolutely can, baby food and breast milk are exceptions to the TSA liquids 3-1-1 rule. They may be subject to additional screening and tests but it won’t take long. It can be helpful to know about all the different TSA rules and regulations to have a smooth trip.
If you have an older baby or toddler that is starting to eat solids here are our favorite travel snacks to bring on a trip.
What it’s Like Going Through Security with a Baby
Going through airport security in any situation can be unpleasant but add in a fussy baby and having one less free hand and it can be a nightmare. The key is going to be preparation.
Try to have as much ready as possible when you get into the security line. Have your laptop out, make sure your liquids are in a ziplock bag you can easily pull out and wear shoes you can easily pull on and off.
Baby wearing through security can be helpful because it leaves your hand free. Anything you bring through security like a car seat and stroller will have to go through the x-ray machine or be checked manually. Make sure you declare any liquids like breast milk or baby food to the TSA agent to avoid delays or complications.
And just take your time, ignore any rude looks from other passengers that are in a rush and just do what needs to be done to get yourself and your children through security in one piece. It is absolutely ok to take a little longer than the single business man who only has to think about himself.
Priority Boarding, Security and Customs
Many airlines allow families with young kids priority boarding so that they have plenty of time to get settled. If you are carrying a lot of stuff or have car seats to install, definitely take advantage of this time! You’ll have more room with less people on the plane and more time. If both parents are traveling together then I recommend tag teaming things, Have one parent board first with all the stuff and car seats. Then have the other parent stay with the kids as they continue to run around and get their energy out. Then the family can board last so that as little time as possible is spent cooped up on the plane.
Some countries even have family lines going through security or customs, these are often shorter and very handy. If the priority security line is empty, it never hurts to ask if you can take your kids through the priority line since it will be quicker. Some security agents may be understanding and let you.
Day or Night Flying with a Baby
I’ll be honest, I book the cheapest flight I can find and deal with the inconvenience 90% of the time! To me, being able to spend the money I save in other places is worth it. But sometimes I get to choose what time I would like to fly and you may get too as well. I like to time it so that our baby needs to fall asleep during the flight.
So, if they nap at 3 in the afternoon try to get a flight that takes off (not boards) at 2 – 2:30. If you are on an overnight flight try not to be on a flight that leaves right at babies bedtime. Chances are with the new environment, taking off announcements, people getting settled etc that the baby will not be ready to fall asleep instantly. Instead, get a flight that leaves an hour or two before bedtime so that you can get settled, do a night time routine on the plane and then your baby will be ready to sleep and it will be a good time for them to sleep.
I don’t really think a day or night flight makes much difference beyond that.
Read More: Top Tips to Help Your Baby or Toddler Sleep on a Plane
How to Survive a Flight with a Baby
Flights with a baby can either go really well or really badly in my experience. There never seems to be a middle ground. There are some things you can do to swing things in your favor and survive a flight with your baby, or several.
Bring plenty of food and snacks. Nobody is themselves when they’re hungry, including kids. Try to bring enough for any delays that may come up as well. Speaking of delays, make sure you bring enough diapers for your journey plus any delays that may come up.
Buy a couple of small, inexpensive toys for the plane ride that you can break out as they become bored with the previous toy. If you don’t want to buy new toys, try setting aside some of their favorites from home a few days before the trip. Then when you pull them out on the flight they will feel new all over again!
Sleeping is a great way to kill time and having your baby sleep during the flight means they’ll hopefully be in a good mood once you arrive at your destination.
Read More: New Travel Parent’s Guide to Changing Diapers on a Plane
Great Places to Travel with a Baby
- 3 Day Charleston, South Carolina Itinerary
- Classic Things to Do in Rome, Italy
- 29 Free Activities for Kids in Tampa
General Tips for Travel with a Baby
Breastfeeding while Traveling
When we started traveling with our son he was about four months old and still exclusively breastfeeding. This made things easy because we didn’t have to bring or think about food for him or worry about snacks on the go. If you can breastfeed while traveling it can be very helpful. There are less things to bring like bottles and pumps. You don’t have to worry about storing breast milk or bringing plenty of formula.
It is just fine if you aren’t breastfeeding and it absolutely can be done. However, there will be additional factors to take into account.
Bring as Little as Possible When You Travel with a Baby
This is actually a principle I live by in all travels, not just travel with a baby. Bringing everything and the kitchen sink is tempting to try and be prepared for everything but the truth of the matter is you can find most things you need at your destination in a pinch. Another truth is, you probably need much less than you think you do. So when deciding when to pack heavy or when to pack light, always try to pack less.
Babies really need less than we think they do. There are a few essentials for traveling with a baby and you can bring a few nonessentials but really try to travel minimally. Your back and arms will thank you as you’re running to your next flight or walking from the train to your hotel. Honestly, toys are mostly unnecessary. I have found that my child is more interested in what’s around him. Use everyday items from your bag as toys and bring a couple favorites to break out when needed.
Parents, you need to pack light for yourself too. Bring clothes that you can mix and match several different ways. Plan on doing laundry, especially if you are going to be at a destination longer than a week or two.
Diapers and Wipes
It can be tempting to bring all the diapers and wipes you could possibly need on vacation with you. But remember, you can buy more at your destination EVEN IF it is an international destination. Disposable goods like diapers take up a lot of space and can drive up luggage costs. Don’t bring a ridiculous amount and instead take the chance to visit a local store and try new brands. If your baby has special needs due to sensitive skin then take some time before hand to research baby brands in your destination.
Bring what you need for the travel time and at least a day or two once you arrive so that you can get settled and figure out where to buy more. You can put extra diapers around the car seat to pad it if you use a car seat protecting bag. This way they don’t take up room in your suitcase.
Travel Cribs
When you are figuring out arrangements for sleeping on your travels it is important to consider the baby’s travel crib. Before you decide to bring one (they are heavy and bulky!) ask for one from the hotels or airbnbs you are staying at. Many will have some that you can use for free or for a small charge. Don’t just assume they will have one though, always call and ask if you’re unsure and request one on your reservation.
If you are traveling to see family, consider borrowing one from family or family friend’s. This way you can save yourself the headache and the space. My parents bought one to keep at their house now that they have grandkids.
You may also want to weigh the cost of bringing your own against purchasing one at your destination or shipping it to your hotel. There are also rental options that may be more budget friendly.
Hotel vs Airbnb when Traveling with a Baby
A hotel offers great amenities like housekeeping, service desks and sometimes pools and childcare centers which can make them very appealing. I always try to stay at hotels that offer breakfast as well, this is a great way to save money while traveling as well as a good time saver while you are trying to get out the door.
Nowadays I often find that airbnb is a comparable price to a standard hotel but they still have other pros to consider. An airbnb tends to give you more space which can be nice especially when kids are ready to run and play. You also get a space with doors, this means that the baby can be sleeping in one room while the adults are still awake and talking. This is so handy!
Also since you are further away from other people it doesn’t feel as stressful when your baby wakes up in the middle of the night crying. You can patiently help them back to sleep without worrying about who else you’re waking up. Finally, an airbnb may offer baby gear that hotels don’t like pack n plays, highchairs, beach toys etc.
Childcare while Traveling
Sometimes the opportunity to get away from the kids on vacation can occur, or you can make it occur at least! Some resorts and hotels offer kid clubs or even babysitting services that you can take advantage of. There are also times where a hotel can recommend a babysitting agency to you that they have vetted. You can also look online for babysitting agencies to contact.
Another nice way to get childcare while traveling is by bringing people along with you to watch the kids at times. You could pay for an aunt or uncle to come along in exchange for childcare at certain times. You could also travel with grandparents and ask if they would be willing to watch the grand kids while you get a date in.
Travel with another family and swap off nights or days of watching the kids while the other couple gets to go out kid free. There are so many options.
You Can Change a Diaper Anywhere
When you’re traveling you’ll realize that not everybody thinks about families with young children. I have been to many, many restaurants that don’t have a changing table to use. I have also been to beaches and hiking trails where nature does not provide a nice place to change a diaper.
My favorite place to change a diaper is a car trunk if there is one available. It offers a decent amount of privacy, is clean (and I put a mat down) and it goes where I do. Honestly though, I have also changed diapers on park benches and beaches. I always keep a changing mat in the diaper bag for a clean surface and nobody ever seems bothered.
Can I bring my stroller? Baby wearing!
When you travel with a baby you can bring your stroller but the honest reality is, you may not want to bring your stroller on every vacation. As was mentioned above, most airlines will check a stroller for free. Some vacations like Disney World are going to be more stroller friendly and I would consider bringing it. There are even small strollers like the Baby Zen Yoyo or Uppababy Minu
that are small and fit into the overhead bin on planes.
In many cases however it just doesn’t make sense. I cannot imagine trying to push a stroller down the tiny cobblestoned streets of Italy. Or the dirt path on the side of the road in Thailand or any vacation where I planned on hiking and being outdoors a lot like in Oregon. For these (and many others) I would turn to baby wearing while traveling. These are the baby carriers I recommend for travel.
This way you will not have to worry about the road conditions or fitting into a tiny cafe or bringing the stroller on and off the subway or in a cab when you change locations.
Move Around Less
Before having a child we would move from city to city every couple days, sometimes even every day. Every trip was a whirlwind. Although not impossible, that kind of travel does get a little harder with a baby. It is easier to have a home base and make day trips out from a central location instead. Try to stay in 1-2 cities, not 5.
This won’t be possible in every case, and I say don’t let kids stop you from experiencing anything you want to, but it is something to keep in mind.
International Travel with an Infant
Restaurants and High Chairs
Eating out while traveling with kids may pose a few extra hurdles. While in the US (and Sweden) it is common practice for most restaurants to have high chairs that is not the case everywhere you go. And bringing a stroller into some of the teeny tiny restaurants is just not going to work. You may have to hold your small child in your lap for meals or consider using a travel high chair that you strap onto a regular chair.
To know what to expect in the country you are visiting, try reading blogs about that destination with kids or online forums to ask your questions.
Car Seat Usage at Your Destination and How to Safely Get Around with a Baby While Traveling.
Many places you visit will have robust public transportation systems that will allow you to travel around freely without needing a car seat. In other countries you visit you may encounter TukTuks, small open sided vehicles that don’t require car seats. This will make it easy to travel without a carseat and you won’t have to worry about bringing them along.
However, if you plan on riding in cabs frequently or renting a car then it is HIGHLY recommended that you bring a carseat, rent one or even buy one at your destination. If you decide to baby wear in a vehicle, which is not recommended, always remember that you should never put the seatbelt over you and the baby. If you get in a wreck then your weight will cause the baby more harm.
Reaction to Your Children’s Skin Color/Hair Color etc.
In some places you may choose to visit, people do not see other people that look differently than themselves very often. You and your children’s hair color, skin color, clothing etc can draw unwanted attention at times. In India having blonde hair drew a lot of attention while I was out sightseeing. This is often uncomfortable and can be more uncomfortable when you travel with a baby or young child. People may ask to hold your baby, touch their hair etc. You do not have to let them, firmly and calmly hold your ground saying NO. Get the attention of other tourists, police or employees if you have to.
I only tell you this so that you know what to expect in case it happens to you as well. People do not mean to make you uncomfortable and you should not need to feel afraid. Always leave any situation that makes you uncomfortable though.
Do babies get jet lag?
As unfair as it may seem, babies do in fact get jet lag. Jet lag occurs when you change time zones and try to switch your days and nights really quickly. The less time zones you travel through the less jet lag will affect everyone. It may take a day or two for your baby to fully adjust to the new time zone and re-establish routines.
There is nothing to worry about. Just be lenient with yourself and with them as things change. Be extra flexible with naps and slowly move sleeping times in the direction you want when you travel with a baby. It may take a few days for things to go back to normal at home as well.
You can even try keeping them on their regular schedule if it is a short vacation. I personally prefer not to do this because I don’t want to wake up at 3 am every day of vacation or worry about being back at the hotel before dinner time to keep the baby on their normal bedtime. Instead I simply allow them to take more small naps than normal and gently try to move their bedtime and morning wake times in a more convenient direction.
Maintaining a Regular Sleep Routine when Traveling with Babies
Sleep routines are so handy at home but so hard to maintain while you travel with a baby. At home, depending on your baby’s age, they are probably used to getting between 2-3 good naps plus a regular bedtime. When we travel I aim for at least one nap in a car seat or crib and we stick to his regular bedtime. The other nap may not be a good one but if he gets a cat nap in the carrier or during a short car ride he does well.
This means not staying out late but having a happy, well rested kid in tow is better than an overtired one prone to meltdowns. Kids are more flexible than we often give them credit for. They will be ok off their routine for a short while. Just pick it back up once you get back home.
Can my baby drink the tap water?
Your baby should not drink the tap water if it is not safe for adults. You can simply google “‘country name’ is the water safe to drink?” If it is safe then it should be safe for your baby as well.
If the tap water is not potable (safe to drink) then everyone should drink water only from a sealed water bottle. I would also recommend using bottled water to brush your teeth and avoiding ice cubes. Ice cubes are often made from unfiltered tap water even in restaurants.
Road Tripping with a Baby
Not all travel with a baby has to involve an airplane. Road tripping with a baby is very doable. Most kids are already used to being in the carseat and are comfortable there. Bring along toys and snacks to keep the baby entertained and try to time leaving around sleep. You will probably have to stop more often than before to nurse, change diapers and just let all the wiggles out but just remember to factor that into your planning.
Travel with a Baby
It is a wonderful experience travel with a baby and young kids. Getting to show them the world from a young age is so fun and they learn acceptance and understanding much earlier. I know this feels like a lot of information when you’re just starting out. You just have to take the first step and get started, a little practice and it will get easier every time. I hope I can help connect you with the right information and the right products to make it easier and faster!
