Baby-Friendly Travel: 25 Tips to Ease Your Trip

A first trip out on the road with a newborn We've got you covered if the thought of traveling with a baby gives you the willies. Taking your newborn on their first trip can be difficult, but it's possible. Everything you need to know to make it through your child's first flight or car trip and still feel like you got away is right here.

Whether you're taking a day trip down the street or flying halfway across the world, these baby travel tips will come in handy. All of them have been tried and true by the globetrotting moms at SheBuysTravels.

Find all of our best advice for traveling with kids in one convenient location, like what to bring on a road trip, how to handle naps in the middle of sightseeing, and why a baby carrier is your best bet for taking a trip with a newborn.

Taking a Baby on a Road Trip

Take two infants on the road Featured image by Krystle Pierson.

In most cases, this is the first step for new parents. With our 2-month-old son, that's where my husband and I began. To see his grandparents, we strapped him into his car seat and drove the 70 miles there.

1 Begin with a limited scope

Begin by taking your baby for short car rides to get her used to riding in her car seat.

As SheBuysTravel's Julie Bigboy found out, though, your baby may not enjoy car rides until you're stuck in rush-hour traffic on the highway. As they sat in traffic and the baby cried, the journey seemed to last forever.

For more, check out the 40 baby items that have been approved by SheBuysTravel to make your trip more comfortable.

2) Pack lightly

Don't bring most of this stuff with you on your trip with the baby; you won't need it. Image by Jennifer Acocella.

At the time, even the trip to see my parents seemed like a huge challenge. We brought the stroller, a diaper bag, and a bunch of baby toys. At least we wouldn't have to lug around the high chair and crib that my mom (a first-time grandma) had already purchased to keep at her place.

I really could have used TravelingDad Greg Stump's tip for getting by without a crib back then. And of course, I realize now that infants and toddlers don't require so much accoutrement.

Keep it simple by bringing along some extra diapers in addition to the ones you normally use. In particular if you're using cloth diapers for your infant. Expect diaper blowouts, so have at least two extra outfits on hand. One or two toys and the baby's lovey

Really And that's the end of it!

And the first time you go on a road trip with the baby, and maybe the second time as well, you can take as much as you can carry. Don't bring anything you haven't used on your previous two trips with you on the third.

Top-Rated Travel Strollers, According to SheBuysTravel.com

They can drive while they sleep

There is a chance (but not a guarantee) that your baby Photo by Julie Bigboy, used with permission

SheBuysTravel author Anuja DeSilva and her husband wanted to take a short weekend trip but still be close to home in Westchester, New York, so they looked for destinations within a two- or three-hour drive. The trip was scheduled around the baby's nap time.

Both she and her husband considered this trip a scouting mission for a potential visit when their child was a bit older.

During their trip to the Hamptons, they spent most of their time in the car while the baby napped. It wasn't as exciting as a vacation before the baby, but at least they weren't stuck at home staring at the same walls. And the infant was beginning to adapt to sleeping elsewhere. You've just taken the first, most important step toward producing a lifelong wanderluster.

Read our survival guide for road trips with a baby before you take your first trip with a newborn, courtesy of SheBuysTravel. It includes helpful advice on topics as diverse as nursing in the car and diaper changing on the go.

Traveling with a Newborn

Both you and your baby will have different opinions on this.

Large-wheeled jogging strollers that appear ready to take on the Baja Peninsula are a favorite of some parents. The only thing my husband liked to do with our infants was hold them in his arms. Umbrella strollers are my go-to for navigating Chicago's L stairwells because they're compact and simple to transport.

Justifications for using a baby sling

Carrying infants in slings or carriers allows their caregivers to keep their hands free while keeping them safe Nasreen Stump (in the photo)

Nasreen Stump, the owner of SheBuysTravel, has been traveling with her four children since they were infants. Why Possessing hands Putting the infant in a carrier is a great way to multitask while traveling with young children, whether at the airport, on the beach, or in line at Disney World.

Like jeans, carriers come in a wide variety of fits and styles. Finding a suitable match is essential. Although her youngest child is now a toddler, Nasreen still keeps a Tula soft structured carrier in her car in case of an unexpected up. Find a water carrier or sling to keep baby close and introduce them to water safely if you're planning on going to the beach.

SheBuysTravels Recommends: Carriers can double as makeshift highchairs in a pinch.

Take a trial run with all of your vacation gear before you leave.

It's important to bring everything (strollers, car seats, carriers, diaper bags, etc.) that will make your trip with baby easier and more pleasant. Neither you nor the baby wants to be a mile into a three-mile hike before realizing that the backpack you're using is uncomfortable for anyone.

Moreover, why do you feel the need to put the diaper bag through its paces? When traveling with a baby, it's important that you feel at ease with the bag you're using. Having a quick access plan in place for when the blowout occurs or the baby needs a binkie is also crucial.

Learn More About the Best Travel Strollers, from the Most Affordable to the Most Expensive, as Recommened by SheBuysTravel

Transporting a Young Child via Plane

When flying with a baby, it's best to get him his own seat. Tomsickova Tatyana provided the accompanying image for this post on Shutterstock.

Leaving from California, the flight to Florida was Julie and her baby's first flight. Alone She has more courage than I ever have. However, she is a fierce mother.

Here are her suggestions for making the two of you feel comfortable during your first flight.

6. Take Baby Steps

Starting with a short flight of less than two hours is recommended, just as it is for road trips. The experience will serve as a trial run for both you and the baby.

Were her thoughts more curious or anxious as she passed through TSA? When taking off and landing, did she enjoy the sensations or did she scream in pain? Was the baby comfortable in your lap, or do you wish you had gotten her a booster seat?

In most cases, it is preferable to book a nonstop flight.

Knowing you only have to go through the hassle of boarding and deplaning the plane once with a baby and a carry-on is a relief. When possible, skip the layover and go straight to your destination.

8. Reserve a good seat

Some people will choose to sit here by the window. Seats on the aisle are preferred by some, while That's not just a matter of taste The question is how high you hope to climb.

Is it necessary for you to walk your infant up and down the aisle every time the "fasten seat belt" sign is turned off? Is he content in his car seat or on your lap instead? Will there be a need for at least one diaper change in the restroom during the flight?

The next time you're planning a trip with a young child, be sure to read Nasreen's helpful tips for diaper changes in the air before you take off. Thank you very much

If you're taking a long flight, number nine is to book a red-eye.

Enjoy your flight more by wearing your baby. You can keep both hands free while carrying the baby through security. Nasreen Stump (in the photo)

Your infant will most likely spend most of the flight asleep.

Get on the plane right away!

Take advantage of early boarding for your family if offered by your airline. As the crowd thins out, you'll have time to put your bags in the overhead compartment and settle in with the infant.

Bulkhead rows on wide-body jets are configured to accommodate a bassinet, making them ideal for long-haul flights both internationally and within the country. Additionally, the increased space for legs makes it simpler to load and unload baby necessities.

Unfortunately, there is nowhere to put your baby gear under your seat, so you'll have to stow it in the overhead bin during takeoff and landing. (Remember how we recommended you seize the opportunity to board early?) )

Buy a car seat for your baby.

Even though it's not recommended, children under the age of two can still fly as a "lap child" on most airlines. A baby should always ride in a rear-facing, seat-belted car seat, even if it means spending a little more money. At the same time, you won't have to worry about holding on to anyone else's belongings.

If you don't want to shell out cash immediately, Julie suggests making friends with the flight attendant so they can move people around so you have an empty seat next to you. Every flight she took with her baby younger than a year, the same thing happened.

SheBuysTravels Recommends: Before boarding, double-check your car seat's dimensions against the airline's guidelines to ensure a snug fit.  

Thirteen, when earache strikes, reach for the pacifier.

Three rows up from me on a recent flight, a baby began to cry at the exact moment that I felt the pressure in the cabin increasing and my ears began to pop. Both of her new parents did their best to calm her down, but her cries only got louder. Everybody here felt bad for the little guy.

When all else failed, a man's voice rang out from the front of the plane: "Give that baby a bottle." ”

To which the father whispered, "She won't take a bottle." ”

And the first man said, "Then give her a boob. What a poor little infant. ”

The young ears can't take it. During takeoff and landing, you may want to have a pacifier handy. Try a bottle, or a boob, if that doesn't work. Babies' developing ears benefit from suckling because it helps regulate the pressure inside them.

Before boarding the plane, discuss your concerns with your child's pediatrician to get advice on how to make the flight more comfortable for everyone.

To learn more about what to consider before taking a baby on his or her first flight, check out these 8 questions.

Baby-friendly travel requires a plan that includes nap time.

In a strange environment, like a hotel or Airbnb, getting your baby or toddler to sleep can be challenging.

To help your infant get some rest while on vacation, consider the following:

Try to reserve a hotel or Airbnb with multiple rooms.

Don't bring the stroller or baby toys. Find a rental that provides all the amenities you'll need for a relaxing getaway. Breeze Leonard took this photo.

Don't book a standard hotel room when traveling with a baby. If possible, upgrade to a larger room with an attached bedroom so that the infant has a place to sleep in peace and quiet. Extra points if the rental you're considering has baby necessities like a crib and high chair.

Look for a hotel that offers rooms with balconies if you have to stay indoors. Once the infant is sound asleep, you can sneak off to the balcony for some romantic wine tasting with your better half. While you two enjoy some alone time, leave the door slightly ajar and keep an ear out for the baby.

15 - Use the methods that have proven successful at home

Whether it's putting him in a carrier and pacing the room, pushing him in a stroller up and down the hotel hallway, or using a white noise machine, whatever works to soothe your baby at home is likely to do the trick while you're away.

16 Attempt a variety of new places to rest your head

Again, you don't want to find out that your baby will only sleep in her own crib in her own room when you're at the beach house for a week.

Prepare her for the trip by having her sleep in different places in the weeks leading up to it. This could include napping at your best friend's house, spending the night at Grandma's, or even just sleeping in a different room in your own home.

Feeding and Nursing Your Infant

When traveling with a nursing infant, it's important to remember that you need rest and relaxation just as much as the baby does. Tong_stocker, via Shutterstock, is credited for this image.

Breastfeeding mothers have legal protections. Before you book your flight, make sure you read these breastfeeding-friendly travel tips.

Again, this highlights the significance of being familiar with your baby's personality and routine. It's easy to lose track of a feeding schedule when traveling across time zones. As a result of being overstimulated by everything going on around him, your baby may also be skipping feedings.

Be kind to yourself. 17.

Make sure you have a backup plan in case the baby isn't feeding well due to the potential shift in schedules and timing.

Although you may not regularly pump breast milk, bringing a small manual pump on vacation just in case baby leaves you engorged could be a lifesaver. Having mastitis anywhere is unpleasant, but it's especially unpleasant when you're not at home.

18 Always and anywhere breastfeed

The weeks leading up to your trip are a good time to switch up your baby's feeding routine if you typically do it in a rocker in a quiet room. It's best for mom and baby if they can get used to breastfeeding in a variety of settings.

19 - Log soiled diapers

Keep track of dirty diapers just like you would at home. This will help you detect if your infant is suffering from dehydration, which is especially important if you are taking a trip to a hot climate.

20. Simplify the Blending Formula

Bringing baby formula on a trip We also have a few techniques for that.

One can initially bring a water bottle through the security checkpoint. Take it out of your bag and tell TSA it's a baby's bottle. Nasreen claimed she always had bottled water at room temperature and empty water bottles on hand.

If you need to avoid having to measure while on the go, bring a formula holder that is divided up into sections.

Pack the powdered formula in a brand-new, securely sealed container. If you don't have a way to do that, you should at least try to protect the contents by wrapping the container in plastic before closing the lid, and then placing the whole thing in a plastic bag with a zip-top closure. Baby powder everywhere is the worst way to spend a vacation.

Finally, there are protein shaker bottles available. You can use them to make formula on the go. Additionally, they can be used to keep bottles warm. To warm the bottle, just fill the shaker with hot water and place it inside.

Specifics on Baby Diapers

If you're going on a trip with a baby, pack a few extra diapers in case the baby needs a change. Image via public domain image hosting service Pixabay.

Years ago, I had a coworker who was complaining about having to take his wife and newborn son on a trip to France. He was fuming because his wife was going to inconvenience him by bringing a dozen diapers.

Doesn't she realize that all babies defecate? The question was directed at nobody in particular, according to him.

Don't Overpack Your Bags

Yes, your coworker is right. Infants defecate and urinate in every country. In this way, you can get what you need from local merchants once you get there. Don't forget to pack twice as many diapers (and two extra outfits) for the trip in case of blowouts.

One can take a baby who is cloth-diapering on a trip.

Nasreen has completed it. In any case, I tip my cap to her. But if you follow these 3 simple steps, she says, it's a breeze.

• Prepare for the trip by washing clothes. Pack only as many diapers as necessary.
• Keep a stash of plastic bags or a travel pack of Handy Sacks on hand in case of leaks while you're on the go.
• Prepare a diaper changing area in your hotel room just as you would at home.

Information about her experience using cloth diapers is available here.

Embrace the simplicity of minimalism.

Keep in mind what we said at the outset It's easy to overpack for a baby's trip, thinking of everything you might need. Trust us, we get it. Similarly, we did this on the very first (okay, very first) two trips with our newborn. However, you won't need that much Really

Please feel free to pack everything you might possibly need at this time. Instead of worrying, it's better to play it safe. Keep track of what you brought but didn't end up using when you get back home.

Now that you're prepared, try these suggestions:

Repurpose a backpack as a diaper bag (tip number 23)

At Disney World, disconnect by stowing your phone in your bag. You can thank Pixabay for this picture.

A backpack is preferable to a diaper bag when transporting baby's necessities. Then, you can avoid using any of your other limbs at all by carrying the load on your back.

Pack only the essentials and leave the rest behind

We bring:

• A changing mat, diapers, and wet wipes.
• Bag to put wet or soiled clothes in.
• A baby needs at least two outfit changes per day, and possibly more if he or she is prone to vomiting or has frequent diaper leaks. Use gallon-sized Ziploc bags to store these ensembles, and keep some extra bags on hand in case of an emergency.
• Sunscreen designed for infants
• Headgear for safety
• Wrapping blankets and sun protection muslins
• Bottles, formula, baby food, and feeding utensils
• The use of a front-mounted carrier or a stroller equipped with a car seat is encouraged.

Twenty-fifth, don't discount Amazon's influence.

Concerned about supplies running out Just the first day of use used up half of your diaper supply.

Amazon has powerful healing properties. Click a few buttons and baby essentials like diapers, formula, extra bottles, clothing, and more will be delivered to your hotel or Airbnb.