Travelling Tips with a Baby

Travelling with a baby can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you're travelling by plane, car, train or boat, it's important to plan ahead and be well-prepared to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for both you and your little one. In this blog, we'll share some tips for travelling with a baby that will help you to minimize stress and maximize fun.

Plan ahead before your travel

Make sure to do your research on where you are going and what there is to offer before you get there. This means that you’re able to pre plan out your days to make sure that you get to do all of the activities that you want to do as well as making your days easier.

Booking the plane trip

Try to book a bassinet seat when you book your plane tickets. If they don’t have any bassinet seats available try to call the airline a few days before you’re due to fly out to let them know that you are travelling with a baby and see if they have any special arrangements they can make to help you.

What to pack for the plane trip 

A lot of people don’t know that you can actually take snacks for your baby as well as any water/formula that you require to make up your baby’s bottles. This means you can bring an esky full of their favourite food – yoghurt, crisps, rice cakes, anything that your baby loves!! I always recommend taking foods that can occupy the baby for a long time such as yoghurt drops.

Next, pack activities for your baby. The type of activity will depend completely on your baby’s age. Amazon is one of the best places to go to for plane toys, you can get little sensory activity books, spinning toys that stick to the windows and teethers. Pack a few toys in your nappy bag so that you can bring them out one at a time to try and help baby stay occupied throughout the flight.

Boarding your plane

When you board your plane, if you’re travelling with a partner, family member or friend it is a good idea to let them board first with all of the baby items so that they can put it all in the overhead lockers. That way you can continue to hang out in the airport with the baby allowing them to burn off some more energy and avoid sitting in the plane for an extra 40 minutes.

When it is time for the plane to take off, feed your baby from the breast, bottle or solid food (depending on age). This will help to pressurise your baby’s ears thus reducing any discomfort throughout take off and landing.

Travel bags

Take your Bunnie Caddie packing cubes in your carry-on bag with all of the different baby items you’ll need. Have nappies and wipes in one of the packing cubes, toys in another and spare clothes in another. That way when you are on the plane you can just grab out one of the packing cubes and know that everything you need is in there.

Baby Carrier

Get a supportive baby carrier to put your baby into whilst you are at the airport as well as on the plane. This means that you can be hands free in the airport to carry your bags and check in. Sometimes if you can’t get your baby to settle on the plane you can put them into the baby carrier and walk up and down the isles to try and get them to settle.

Accommodation

When booking accommodation look for places that provide you with a baby cot or port-a-cot. This way you won’t have to take a port-a-cot with you, and thus that is one less thing that you will have to travel with. It can be handy to find accommodation that will provide a high chair as well. Find accommodation that is close to the attractions that you would like to visit, to minimise your travel time during the days with your baby.

Take care of yourself

Travelling with a baby can add an extra layer of complexity and exhaustion so it is important that you take the time to take care of yourself. Plan in a few days without activities to relax and recuperate. Make sure that you stay well hydrated, eat a well balanced diet and get as much rest as you can.

Remember…

Travelling with a baby can be challenging, but it can also be a wonderful experience for both you and your little one. By planning ahead, packing smart, choosing the right accommodation, and taking care of yourself, you can help ensure that your trip is enjoyable and stress-free. Don’t forget to take a million photos and videos that you can look back on and cherish forever! Happy travels!

Written by Lauren Brenton for Bunnie Caddie

Founder of One Mama Midwife Pty Ltd

Endorsed Midwife and childbirth educator

Want to learn more? Book a One Mama Midwife Childbirth Class Here