✈️ The Ultimate Guide to Traveling with a Baby
Here for you is A no-stress, actually-doable guide from a travel-loving parent + pro planner :
First things first: YES, you can travel with a baby.
If you’re wondering whether you’re totally crazy for booking that trip with a baby in tow, let me be the first to say: you’re not. Travel with a baby is totally possible—and even beautiful, bonding, and life-giving (yes, really)—with the right prep and mindset.
As a travel advisor and mom, I’ve tested every baby travel hack under the sun—from red-eyes to 12-hour flights, city breaks to barefoot beach days.
Here’s everything you need to know to make baby’s first adventures (and your sanity) last.
🧳 Packing Tips: Less chaos, more calm
✔️ What to pack in your carry-on:
Diapers: 1 per hour of travel, minimum (plus extras for delays)
Wipes: Not just for diaper changes—think hands, tray tables, and mystery airport goo
2 extra outfits (for baby and you)
Swaddle/blanket: For warmth, nursing cover, or makeshift sleep pod
Pacifiers, teething toys, or anything that soothes
Snacks + formula or breastmilk: TSA allows reasonable quantities—freeze packs are allowed, too
Sound machine + portable blackout cover: Game-changer for naps on the go
💡 Mom tip: Organize everything in large, labeled zip pouches so you’re not elbow-deep in a black hole diaper bag mid-flight.
✈️ At the Airport: Arrive early, breathe often
through security = hands-free and happy baby
Ask if the airline has a bassinet seat—most long-haul flights offer them (but they go fast). They are available at the bulkhead seats - so prebook these seats if possible. Some airlines will now let you prebook the bassinet seats as well - fyi!
Gate-check strollers + car seats for free on most airlines
Board last if baby is happy in the carrier or stroller. No need to spend extra time in a tight airplane seat if you don’t have to.
💤 In the Air: Sleep, snacks, and screen-free survival
Feed baby on takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure
Walk the aisles (a lot), bounce, sway, smile at strangers
If your baby sleeps, don’t move. I repeat: don’t move.
Accept that you may not watch a movie, read a book, or sip hot coffee—and that’s okay. You’re showing your baby the world.
🍼 Bonus Tip: Ask flight attendants to warm bottles—they’re usually more than happy to help.
🏨 At Your Destination: Settle in smart
Book a suite or villa if possible for separate sleeping space (you need it more than you think!). your travel agent (hi!) may also be able to recommend or confirm connecting rooms!
Request a crib/pack & play in advance
Bring familiar sleep cues from home: white noise, sleep sack, bedtime book
Stick to a flexible routine, but allow for adventure—you’re raising a tiny explorer, after all
🌍 Travel advisor tip: I always help families book accommodations that actually work for littles—think early check-ins, kitchenettes, and walkable neighborhoods. Also, i will request the crib, bottle warmer, whatever you need - my job is making your family travel experience smoother.
💡 Travel Hacks That Save Sanity
Use an app like BabyQuip to rent gear at your destination (think cribs, high chairs, even toys!)
Pack a foldable travel high chair
If you’re nursing, a hands-free pump and portable cooler are worth their weight in gold
Traveling internationally? Don’t forget to bring baby’s passport and check vaccination/entry requirements
🎒 Favorite Gear WE Actually Recommend:
you can view it all here on my amazon storefront (affiliate link)
SlumberPod – a blackout tent for hotel rooms (amazing for shared spaces) // we have also used a variation of this called snoozeshade!
Strollers – where to begin…we’ve tried them all.
UppaBaby vista - this was my holy grail stroller and i avoided traveling with it for years for fear of ‘ruining’ it! ha! our beloved double stroller broke last year and we’ve been traveling with this since and what was i thinking. it is the holy grail for a reason! we love this thing. currently, using it with a seat and the kickboard. the storage is amazing! we have never had an issue gate checking it but i have heard american air is strict on it for weight.
uppababy g’link : the side by side travel stroller. this was seriously great for a season!! our kids are 1.5yr apart so we needed two seats for a while. doesn’t have the greatest turning radius and it is wide so caution in cities but we have taken it all through europe and beyond.
gbpockit : this is a great travel stroller - tiny, lightweight, carry on approved. used this a lot when we traveled with one child and even when our second was worn around instead of stroller riding.
Hatch Rest Go – portable white noise + nightlight in one
Stokke JetKids BedBox – a ride-on suitcase that turns into an airplane bed (for older babies/toddlers)
blackout curtains : we didn’t always travel with these - truthfully sometimes they got cut for the weight but they are really great and if you aren’t in a hotel - you probably need to bring these
inflatable airplane cushion : fills the gap between the seat so kids can stretch legs out!
LAUNDRY DETERGENT SHEETS ; KID SHAMPOO IN SOAP FORM ; VITAMIN C LOLLIPOPS
ENTERTAINMENT WE ACTUALLY RECOMMEND :
HERE IS A LINK TO OUR AMAZON STOREFRONT WITH ALL OF THE ITEMS (AFFILIATE LINK)
ARTS + CRAFT ACTIVITIES ; PLAY DOH, WATER PAINT, MAGNATILES
LEARNING : BUSY BOARDS AND BOOKS, HIGHLIGHTS MAGAZINE MAKES AMAZING PUZZLE BOOKS, SUDUKO
GAMES : UNO, TRAVEL SIZE GAMES LIKE CONNECT 4
DOWNLOAD PODCASTS AND AUDIOBOOKS : WE LOVE PBS KIDS FOR THIS (ARTHUR, MOLLY OF DENALI, KEYSHAWN)
❤️ Final Thoughts:
Traveling with a baby isn’t always easy—but it’s always worth it.
You’ll remember the baby snuggles on the beach, their giggles on a tuk-tuk, their first taste of gelato in Rome—not the diaper blowout in row 18.
So go ahead. Take the trip.
Even with a baby. Especially with a baby.
