20 Tips For First-Time Travelers with a Baby

When you’re a first-time parent, traveling with your baby can feel like hard work. There could be a hundred questions and thoughts buzzing in your head.

But know this: With the right prep, you can enjoy your trip and also ensure your little one is well-cared for, no matter how unfamiliar the place is.

In this blog, we break down expert tips and a list of travel essentials to make sure your first-time travel with your baby goes as smoothly as possible.

When Is It Okay to Travel with a Baby?

This might surprise you, but traveling with a baby who is only a few months old is relatively easier than traveling with a toddler. For starters, they aren’t as mobile and are pretty much sleeping most of the time.

However, according to the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP), it’s a good idea to wait till the baby is at least two to three months old for air travel. The same applies to traveling by train.

By then, most babies have completed their first set of immunizations and have settled into a routine.

As far as road trips go, cars are considered as a fairly convenient option for an infant as well as the caregiver.

However, a few factors must be kept in mind, such as properly installing a rear-facing infant car seat and making plenty of rest stops.

Travel Checklist for First-Time Parents Traveling with a Baby

1. Prepare a Packing List

If you’ve been packing light all your life, well, you’re in for a surprise. Because when it comes to traveling with a baby, you’ll need a lot of stuff. That’s why it’s important to make a packing list.

Start by jotting down everyday essentials that you and your baby can’t do without. Think about clothes, medications, bathing accessories, toys, travel gear, formula, and any other item that will be difficult to shop for on the go.

2. Choose Your Hotel Wisely

Try to find family-friendly hotels that are centrally located so you don’t have to travel long distances to visit places that are on your list.

Opt for a spacious room to fit all the baby paraphernalia (portable cot, stroller, etc) you’re carrying with you.

Check with the hotel in advance to see if the rooms have blackout blinds. Curtains that block out bright sunlight are a must to maintain your baby’s sleep routine.

Finally, avoid places with expensive, fragile decor or white rugs that can fall prey to spills and spit-ups.

3. Arrive at the Airport Early

It’s always good to arrive well ahead of the departure time to allow for wiggle room for bathroom runs and last-minute baby-related chores.

The security checks will also take a bit longer with the extra bags, baby feed, and stroller that you’ll be checking in.

The goal should be to have a stress-free airport experience and make it to your terminal in time.

4. Be Patient

Patience is a virtue, especially when you’re a first-time traveler with a baby. No matter how well you’re prepared, expect a few surprises and hiccups (think teething tantrums, diaper blowouts, and detours) along the way.

But instead of letting an unforeseen situation ruin things, accept it and find a solution that allows you to get on with the rest of your vacation as planned.

Don’t be too hard on yourself if things go awry. Remember, it’s not easy to travel with a baby, and you’re doing the best you can.

5. Pick the Plane Seats Carefully

If possible, swing for window seats up front that have plenty of legroom. You could also go for seats in the back of the plane to be closer to the bathroom and get quick assistance from the crew.

Check with your airline to see if they have seats with pull-out bassinets. If yes, book those seats for absolute travel bliss.

6. Make Sure The Immunizations Are Sorted

It’s best to fly with a baby when they’re through with their initial immunizations, typically by the 2-month mark. Your baby might need additional destination-specific vaccines to prevent picking up diseases endemic to the destination.

A bit of research on the visa requirements and the destination will help you get the immunizations in order. It’s always a good idea to check with the pediatrician before planning any travel with your infant, domestic or international.

7. Bring the Stroller

We don’t need to tell you just how important it is to bring along the stroller on your travels. Even if you don’t have one of those compact umbrella strollers that can fit in the overhead compartment, it’s perfectly alright.

Just take your baby’s full-sized stroller and gate-check it. You only need to make sure it folds in half (most strollers do!). A foldable stroller can also fit easily in most cars.

8. Invest in a Stroller Cover

Speaking of strollers, don’t forget to pack a good quality stroller cover. You’ll need it to prevent sunshine, dust, and bugs from disturbing your baby’s snoozes when you’re out and about. If you’re looking for recommendations, then don’t forget to check out our muslin car seat cover which can used as a stroller cover, nursing blanket, changing table cover, and more to keep your baby safe from bright lights and dust.

Organic Cotton Mart car seat cover is made from 100% pure and hypoallergenic cotton muslin and is generously sized to keep your baby cool and in the shade.

You’ll love how multi-functional this muslin cover is. Use the buttoned closure mechanism to attach it to strollers and car seats and watch your baby drift off to Zzzland.

9. Pack a Baby Blanket

Whether you’re at the airport, in a car, or in a hotel room, a feathery-soft muslin swaddle blanket can help boost your baby’s sleep comfort. If you’re traveling with a newborn, then a swaddle is a must-have sleep accessory to keep startling reflexes at bay.

A large muslin blanket can also double up as a clean surface for the baby to crawl, roll, or sleep on when you’re outdoors.

If you’re off to a colder destination, then you might want to pack a baby waffle blanket too to keep your traveling tot cozy and snug as they nod off.

10. Dress the Baby in Comfy Clothing

We think it’s best to dress your baby in onesies, rompers, or something ultra-comfy for the car ride or flight travel. The goal is to make them wear something easy to take off or put on.

While you’re at it, pack a few sets of extra clothes in your carry-on bag to change the baby into after a messy blowout or spit-up.

11. Time Feeding During Take Off to Reduce Ear Pain

If you’re flying with your baby for the first time, prepare to tackle ear pain. Like adults, babies, too, tend to suffer from ear discomfort from the change in cabin air pressure. It’s why many babies cry, especially during take-offs and landings.

Here’s a trick that seems to work well for most parents: nursing for formula feeding the baby. The goal is to give them something to suck on whenever there’s a sudden change in air pressure. Even a pacifier or a sippy cup will do.

12. Bring a Car Seat on the Plane

Yes, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows children under the age of two to sit on your lap. And no, it’s not a good idea. In fact, the AAP and FAA strongly recommend bringing an FAA-approved car seat or airplane harness device onboard. It helps keep your baby restrained and comfortable during air travel during turbulence.

You might not even have to pay anything extra, as most airlines do not consider car seat luggage. You would, however, be required to book a separate seat to install the car seat.

13. Keep the Baby Engaged and Entertained

Whether you’re road-tripping or flying, chances are your baby is restrained - something that they can’t stand for long stretches of time.

So, make sure you pack plenty of entertainment in the form of books, stuffed toys, teething rings, or any of their favorites. It’ll keep them busy and engaged when they’re not eating or sleeping.

You can also try walking them down the length of the aisle when the seat belt sign is off. Never mind the frowning passengers!

14. Invest in a Good Diaper Bag

As a parent of a newborn, you might already own a diaper bag. But if you don’t, buy one that has plenty of pockets to keep travel essentials organized. Stash the bag with things like baby food, diapers, an extra change of clothes, and travel-sized grooming staples.

Although most planes have bathrooms with changing tables, it’s wise to pack a small foldable changing mat in the bag for good measure.

15. Plan a Baby-Friendly Roadtrip Road

If a family road trip’s on your mind, you’ll need to do a bit of planning to make sure it goes smoothly. Identify gas stations and rest stops beforehand. According to AAP, people traveling with babies should plan a break every 2-3 hours during the day and every 4-6 hours at night.

Related Article: How to sleep train your baby?

You can use the breaks to stretch your legs, feed the baby, change them, and make them comfortable. Being in a car for too long can trigger outbursts and tantrums. If that happens, don’t hesitate to pull over and tackle it.

16. Install An Infant Car Seat

It’s a no-brainer and a matter of safety that if you’re traveling by car, it’s crucial to keep the baby secure in a car seat, starting with their first ride home from the hospital. For infants, AAP recommends a rear-facing car seat with a harness strapped at or below the baby’s shoulders.

Remember not to let the baby fall asleep in the car seat when you’re not on the move. If you take any breaks along the way way, take the baby with you and never leave them alone in the car, no matter how brief the stop is.

17. Travel in the Car’s Backseat With the Baby

It always helps to have someone accompany the baby in the backseat, especially on long road trips. This allows the caregiver to keep an eye on the baby and attend to their needs.

Traveling restrained in a rear-facing car seat can make the tiny ones restless. Having someone close to them can keep them entertained and engaged.

18. Pack Baby Food and Feeding Accessories

Before packing baby food and formula, don’t forget to check out the Transportation Security Administration(TSA)’s policies. You are generally allowed to carry breast milk, formula, and puree pouches in greater than 3.4 ounces quantities as carry-on baggage.

It’s also okay to carry premade formula and cooling accessories (ice packs and gel packs) or clean water to make the formula on the go. If your baby is on solids, carry enough food to get you through the flight and then some. Avoid messy situations by packing bibs and feeding accessories.

19. Keep Important Documents Ready

Some domestic or international airlines might ask you to furnish proof of age for babies. In that case, you might need to bring along the birth certificate, immunization record, or passport.

You’ll also be required to share your baby’s boarding pass even if you haven’t booked a separate seat for them.

20. Keep Medications and a First Aid Kit Handy

Keep your child’s health record handy, complete with the details of immunizations, allergies, or medications they are on, all in one place.

Create a first-aid travel kit with any prescription medicines, nasal aspirators, hand sanitizers, and medical supplies to treat minor medical hiccups.

Don’t forget to compile a list of good pediatricians in the destinations should you need to call on them.

Final Thoughts

Last but not least, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Don’t let the thoughts of annoying other passengers work you up. Remember you are doing the best you can to ensure the safety and comfort of your child.

If you ever get stuck and need a bit of help, reach out to the ground staff, flight crew, or TSA agents.