Want to know the secret to stress-free traveling with kids? Bring grandparents along!
Kidding, kidding! I understand that this isn’t an option for many parents, but if it is, I highly encourage you to take advantage of it.
You know I don’t keep secrets on this blog. I share everything I know and all the tips I’ve gathered. Now that the “big secret” is out of the way, let’s get to the real reason you’re here: how to travel with kids with minimal stress.
I think most people would agree that traveling with a toddler or a baby can be a challenge and often leads parents to avoid trips or vacations for years.
If you have a baby or toddler and are wondering whether you should embark on a vacation but feel overwhelmed by the logistics, then this article is for you.
There are so many things to consider, like the essentials you need to pack, which items will make your trip smoother, and how to ensure easy movement.
You might also be wondering what kind of accommodation to book, how to feed your baby or toddler on the go, and how to plan your routines so you can visit all the places you want without dealing with a tired, cranky baby for hours on end.
If you find yourself in this situation, then you’re definitely in the right place.
Our son is almost 3 years old now, and we’ve traveled several times with him, both as a baby and a toddler, gaining valuable experience and collecting a lot of tips to share with you.
If you’re interested in a particular aspect of traveling with a toddler, feel free to use the table of contents to skip directly to the topic that matters most to you. Honestly, I encourage you to jump to the parts that interest you because I have a habit of talking a lot.
I love writing and sharing my thoughts and experiences, but I know most people don’t have time to read about my personal journey. So, take what you need and want from this article.
Just to let you know… This post (probably) contains affiliate links, including Amazon Associates links, and I may receive a small commission when you click on the links. This is at no extra cost to you and allows me to keep running this website. How cool is that?! I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own.
Table of Contents
Traveling with a toddler or a baby - introduction
The joys and challenges of traveling with young children
Traveling with a toddler or baby can be difficult and tiring for parents. I know it was for us. Even though we’ve learned a lot and have picked up tricks and tips that helped us during our trips, traveling with David is still a challenge.
Of course, there’s so much joy in bringing young children on holiday. Even when I was pregnant, I dreamed of showing my son this beautiful and amazing world we live in. I, myself, didn’t start traveling until I was in university. When I was a kid, my parents only traveled within our country, and only to places relatively close to our hometown.
Back then, the idea of traveling the world was the most unrealistic dream a kid could have, but I still dreamed of exploring the places I read about in books.
You can understand why I find traveling the world with my child so important, and the joy I feel now that I can offer him this amazing life where we can travel and learn about history, geography, cultures, and religions firsthand. The joy I feel when I see that wonder and pure curiosity in David’s beautiful eyes every time we go to a new place is hard to put into words.
Of course, traveling with a toddler or a baby comes with a lot of challenges, which is why I created this article.
I know there are parents who are skeptical or fearful about getting on a plane or hitting the road with their young kids. But I’m here to tell you that traveling with a toddler or a baby is possible if you’re willing to adjust your mindset and expectations to some degree.
Even if you’ve already tried to travel with your kids and it was a total disaster, or the holiday didn’t go as planned, this article is for you too. Chances are, you’ll find information here that you didn’t consider before, or suggestions for items you can purchase to make things easier.
To give you more context, I should point out that David is a very energetic kid, doesn’t like sleeping much during the day, doesn’t listen when we tell him things, and refuses to hold our hand when walking. On top of that, he has multiple tantrums a day and is very vocal whenever he dislikes a place or situation.
So, I get it. I understand your fears and why you might feel like it’s better to wait until your child is older before traveling again. And that’s okay if that’s what you want to do. But alongside all the challenges, remember that there’s also a lot of joy in traveling with a toddler or even a baby.
There are so many things to do, laughs to enjoy, and curiosities to explore. I also believe that, in the long run, starting to travel with a young one will contribute to their development and understanding of how to handle different situations. They’ll also learn what we call a “travel routine,” which is different from the usual day-to-day one.
Another thing I find amazing about traveling with a toddler is that as a parent, you learn to adapt and enjoy your life in the present moment, rather than waiting until your child is all grown up.
To help you be prepared or know what to expect in terms of challenges, here are some things that you may find difficult during your travels (though some may not apply to you, since kids are different):
- Keeping your toddler or baby entertained during long flights or car rides;
- Packing your luggage with everything your child needs without overpacking;
- Snacking on the road and preventing your child from going hungry for too long;
- The sleeping arrangements at your accommodations;
- Getting around the city or place you’re visiting;
- Eating out and finding healthy or appropriate food for your child’s age;
- Managing naps and night routines.
The importance of planning and preparation
When it comes to traveling with a toddler or baby, planning is key. I understand that making a list, thinking ahead, and preparing for any situation can feel overwhelming and even scary.
I’ve felt that way many times, and I still do. I hate packing and unpacking, and I always have this nagging fear that I’m forgetting something important or essential for my child. Sometimes, I think it might be easier to just stay home. And yes, it is easier, but it’s not as satisfying, fulfilling, or fun.
What I’ve learned from my own journey in planning trips and traveling with a toddler or a baby is that you need to start small and make a list.
Below is a general guide or list on how to tackle this without going crazy. This is a list you can copy, paste, and adjust to fit your specific needs and preferences. It has helped me stay organized and significantly reduced the risk of forgetting something important. Each category will be detailed and discussed further in this article.
And if you want to build your own list, here’s a tip: to make your list easier to navigate, split it into categories, similar to the ones below.
Without further ado, here’s a general list with categories of things you need to include in your planning and preparation process:
- Clothes
- Changing essentials: diapers, wet wipes
- Essential cosmetics
- Medication
- Comfort snacks and toys
- Essentials for easy exploring
- Gadgets for routines, like a baby monitor
Make your list depending on your destination, the weather, and your travel goals. For example, if you’re going to an all-inclusive resort, the list will look different than if you’re planning to do a lot of walking, exploring a new city and visiting the main landmarks.
For example, if you’re unsure how many clothes to pack or are stressed about overpacking, consider that you can always wash clothes at your destination. Toddlers get dirty quickly and often, so dirty clothes are a given.
Traveling with a toddler isn’t about perfection—it’s about having fun.
Another important part of the planning process is preparing your child for the trip. Unpredictability can be scary for a child, and changes in routine can cause stress and lead to tantrums. To help with this, talk to your child about the trip. Explain the new routine, let them know that you’ll be flying or going on a road trip, and describe all the fun things you’ll do together.
Make sure your excitement and joy about the upcoming trip come through in your conversation. Don’t let your stress be felt by your child; instead, focus on the positive aspects of the adventure ahead.
Tip: include your child in the process of packing and preparing for the trip. Traveling with kids also means making them part of the journey and making them feel useful and part of the team. For example, you can let your kid choose the clothes and the toys that he wants to take. Also, you can buy cute luggage just for him and encourage him to pack it and carry it around.
Essential Packing List for Toddlers and Babies
The key to making the planning and packing process as easy as possible when traveling with a toddler is to split your list into categories and start with the essentials.
This way, you begin with the most important items for your family and build your list from there.
Must-Pack Items for Both Flights and Road Trips
Diapers, Wipes, and Changing Essentials
Packing diapers, wipes, and changing essentials can be tricky because they take up a lot of space in your luggage. My advice is to keep it simple. Don’t pack entire boxes of diapers; instead, estimate how many your toddler or baby uses per day and add an extra pack.
You might also consider buying diapers at your destination. If you’re traveling with a toddler or baby to another country, do a little research to see what alternatives are available.
In our case, David uses a specific type of diaper due to his sensitive skin, and we risk bad rashes if we change brands. So, we pack all the necessary wipes and diapers. We use only Bambo Nature, which we’ve found to be natural and highly absorbent.
Baby Clothes and Extra Outfits
Packing clothes has always been a struggle for me, whether it’s for myself or my toddler. The balance between overpacking and underpacking can be stressful.
Over time, I’ve learned how to improve my packing process. If you, like me, find packing to be a chore, check out my guide and ultimate travel checklist.
For traveling with a toddler, here are some tips that have worked well for us when packing for David:
- Pack 2 outfits per day for each travel day, plus a few extra just in case
- Don’t pack too many clothes, even though we know how quickly toddlers or babies can get dirty. You can always wash them.
- Check the weather and pack weather-appropriate things
- Don’t pack too many shoes. For us, one pair of comfortable shoes is usually enough.
- Roll the clothes to maximize space in your luggage, or use packing organizers.
After discovering packing organizers, my packing game improved dramatically. I was impressed by how much space I saved, and I love how organized everything is. Especially if you share luggage space with your partner or child, it’s easy to find items.
I highly recommend checking out packing organizers from Bagail. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, making your packing game not only efficient but also stylish.
Baby Carrier for Hands-Free Convenience
One item I will always recommend as essential when traveling with a toddler or baby is a baby carrier. This single item can significantly improve your travel experience and even your daily life.
A baby carrier is perfect for hands-free convenience, whether you want to eat, explore areas where strollers aren’t practical, or provide a comfortable place for your child to sleep.
The only challenge with a baby carrier is that it depends on your child’s age and weight, and how long you can comfortably carry them. However, up until about 2 years old or even older, you can rely on a baby carrier.
There are many models to choose from, so be sure to pick one that is age-appropriate and of good quality. The quality and design of the carrier will make it easier for you to carry your child without suffering from back pain.
Do some research to find the perfect baby carrier that suits your family’s needs.
Compact toddler stroller
When traveling with a toddler or baby by plane, a compact stroller can be a lifesaver, helping you get around and explore your destination. For us, our stroller allowed us to visit every place on our bucket list.
I recommend choosing a stroller that’s easy to fold and maneuver. In cities or areas where stroller access isn’t recommended, a lightweight stroller that folds and can be carried like luggage will save you energy and frustration.
We have two strollers: one for daily use and one for traveling. The travel stroller is lightweight, folds easily, and can be moved around like a trolley. It’s also handy during road trips because it takes up less space in the car than a regular stroller.
If you’re traveling by plane with a toddler stroller, keep the following tips in mind:
- Most airlines will transport your stroller in the luggage area for free. Simply inform the check-in staff, and they’ll put a special label on it. You can use the stroller until you board the plane.
- Check the airline’s policy before you fly to confirm their stroller guidelines.
- You can retrieve your stroller either as soon as you disembark or in the luggage area.
- Keep in mind that strollers are often placed in a special area for sensitive luggage. If your stroller doesn’t appear on the regular luggage carousel, ask the airport staff where it might be.
- You can bring a folding stroller onboard, whether it’s a one-piece or two-piece model. Just make sure to inform the check-in staff so they can label both pieces.
First Aid Kit and Medications
Before having a baby, I never prioritized packing a medication kit. In fact, I rarely packed any medication for our travels, except when visiting places like Thailand, where I was concerned about food-related illness.
After David arrived, we quickly realized that kids get sick all the time, especially when exploring new environments. This is why it’s so important to have a medication and first aid kit when traveling with a toddler or baby.
If you’re looking for a good medication bag, check out the one I use. It comes with both a small and large bag, so you can choose the size based on the length of your holiday.
Now that you have your bag, it’s time to decide what medications to include.
Focus on the basics: medication for common issues like colds, stomach problems, infections, and dehydration.
To ensure you have all the essentials, I highly recommend discussing your list with your pediatrician. That’s how we created our medication bag—our pediatrician provided a general list, and we bought everything we needed.
Picnic Blanket for Outdoor Breaks
While not a classic essential, I find a picnic blanket to be incredibly useful and fun to have on hand.
Of course, I don’t recommend packing it if you’re traveling by plane because it can take up a lot of space. But if you’re traveling by car, definitely bring one along.
For example, when David was 6 months old, we went on a road trip to the mountains, and our picnic blanket came in handy. We used it to relax and enjoy nature, and it gave David a chance to explore and play.
Favorite Snacks and Comfort Toys
Snacks are a big deal for toddlers, and having them on hand while traveling is a lifesaver. While exploring all day, David often gets hungry and wants his favorite snacks. That’s why I pack at least 2-3 bags of healthy options. Once those are gone, we opt for fresh fruits and peanuts.
The same goes for toys. Traveling with a toddler or baby can be tough because long road trips or flights can be boring or uninteresting for them. Having their favorite comfort toys can help prevent agitation.
We usually bring David’s favorite books and toys with us on trips.
Travel-Specific Items: Portable High Chairs, Feeding Supplies
Portable high chairs and feeding supplies are must-haves, though I know how challenging it can be to pack everything. In the beginning, I felt like I needed to pack our entire house for David, including our blender. I was very stressed about food because I wanted to ensure he ate healthy and age-appropriate meals.
But over time, I learned to relax, realizing that one trip wouldn’t ruin his overall nutrition. Especially after David turned 1.5 years old, it became easier to find suitable food during our travels.
Things are more challenging when your baby is still in the puree stage, where they eat without salt and sugar. During that period, I recommend packing healthy jarred purees and relying on fresh fruits.
You can also find restaurants that offer purees and steamed vegetables. If you’re traveling by car and have the space, you can pack a portable high chair. If that’s not an option, don’t worry—many restaurants have high chairs, or you can use the stroller at the table, which is what we did.
I think many mothers go into panic mode when it comes to packing for their baby or toddler, but over time, we learn to relax. For example, now that David is 2.5 years old, I don’t pack any food-related items except for snacks. With a little planning and research, we always find appropriate food for him on our travels.
Air Travel Tips for Toddlers and Babies
Choosing the Right Age for Flying
Choosing the right age for flying when traveling with a toddler or baby is very subjective. I can’t give you a specific time or age because it varies from family to family.
In our case, we had a colicky baby who cried a lot. Long car rides were out of the question because he didn’t like sitting in his car seat and would cry the entire time. Honestly, we didn’t feel confident about flying with David until he was 1.5 years old.
After that, it became easier to keep him occupied during flights, so for us, the toddler stage has been better, and I feel like it will only get easier with time.
But this doesn’t apply to all parents—I know some who find the baby stage easier for flying.
In conclusion, choosing the right age for flying depends on you and your child. My advice is to trust your instincts. You know your child better than anyone and understand how to adapt to the challenges of traveling with a toddler or baby. Keep in mind that long flights can be difficult for babies and toddlers, so it’s essential to have toys, snacks, and other items to keep them busy.
If you’re unsure, start small with short flights. Learn and adapt from those experiences before tackling longer flights.
Navigating the Airport and Security with a Toddler
Navigating the airport and security with a toddler is definitely a challenge. And if your flight is delayed, it can turn into a nightmare.
Been there, done that. When we traveled to Barcelona, our flight was delayed by 3 hours. Combine that with the 2.5 hours we spent at the airport before check-in, and you can imagine how tough that was.
Here are some tips that helped us navigate the airport with David:
- Walked around a lot with David in the stroller.
- Took him to the windows to watch the planes come and go (kids love planes, cars, etc.).
- Gave him snacks.
- Let him play age-appropriate games on a tablet.
- Used screen time to show some of his favorite cartoons, like Bluey and Titipo.
- When going through security, look for signs directing you to family-friendly security lanes. These allow you to take your time and make it easier to manage the stroller and other items.
Also, remember that you can keep the water and food you have for your toddler with you through security.
Managing Flight Comfort
Managing flight comfort is a common source of stress for parents traveling with a toddler or baby. Depending on your child’s age and the duration of the flight, I recommend including a special category in your packing list dedicated to managing flight comfort.
Here are some tips that worked for us:
- Use a small bag with different compartments to easily access comfort items.
- Snacks are a must, especially to help with ear pressure during takeoff and landing.
- Try to nurse or give your baby a bottle during takeoff.
- Bring entertaining toys and books.
- Make sure at least one toy is new; this often keeps them busy for longer.
- If possible, plan the flight around your child’s nap time, or adjust their routine so they can sleep during the flight.
When it comes to choosing toys to bring on the plane, here are some suggestions that might inspire you:
- Busy Board Montessori
- Haba Busy Board
- Farm Animal Busy Book
- Cupkin Animal Sticker Book Activity
- Reusable Sticker Book Farm
- Reusable Sticker Book with Vehicles (my son looooves cars at this moment)
Road Trip Essentials for Families with Young Children
Traveling with a toddler or a baby is a significant challenge for parents, and road trips can be a major source of concern. While road trips offer more control and freedom compared to other forms of travel, you still need to plan carefully and pack essentials that will make the experience smoother.
Packing Snacks, Drinks and Entertainment
Snacks, snacks, and more snacks!
Unlike air travel, where baggage restrictions limit what you can bring, road trips allow you to pack more snacks and toys for your toddler or baby. Having plenty of snacks and toys will help keep your child occupied for longer periods.
If you’re looking for toy recommendations, check out the previous section, where I provided a list of suggested items for travel entertainment.
In addition to packing snacks and toys, you can sing songs, play games, and talk about all the things you see along the way.
Here are some snack options that might inspire you:
- Homemade muffins, pancakes, biscuits
- Meatballs
- Puffs
Tip: I recommend investing in a small insulated cooler bag to keep your homemade food and snacks fresh for longer.
Planning Frequent Breaks
The importance of planning frequent breaks during a road trip wasn’t something I initially understood. When traveling with a toddler or baby by car, taking breaks is crucial, especially if your child is very young.
This is something to discuss with your pediatrician, as the recommended frequency of breaks can depend on your child’s age.
Long road trips without breaks can be hard on babies, regardless of the car seat you use. This is why it’s important to take breaks at least every two hours. For very young children, some doctors even recommend stopping every hour.
In addition to stretching, you’ll need to take breaks for feeding and diaper changes. I advise against feeding your baby while the car is moving.
Be cautious when giving your toddler snacks while the car is in motion. Make sure they’re not just starting with solid foods. Opt for easy-to-eat snacks like muffins and pancakes. Avoid foods that pose a choking hazard, such as peanuts, grapes, carrots, or apples. For a more detailed list of choking hazards, check out this CDC article.
Sleeping Arrangements During Travel
Sleeping arrangements during travel can be another major stressor for parents. After food and finding appropriate meals for your child, sleeping arrangements are often the next biggest concern.
You have two main options: either pack your own sleeping gear or book accommodations that provide the sleeping arrangements you need.
Safe Sleep Options
If you want to ensure that sleeping arrangements are similar to those at home, consider investing in portable cribs or travel bassinets.
For example, we have two portable cribs that we use at our parents’ house (they live in a different city) and also take with us when traveling within Romania.
Hotel-Provided Cribs and Safety Precautions
If you prefer not to stress about packing portable cribs and if your child doesn’t require special sleeping arrangements, you can opt for hotels that provide cribs or bassinets.
Many accommodations offer cribs for free, so be sure to check this information when booking. If they don’t, you can often request one for an additional fee.
You can also consider co-sleeping if that’s what you do at home, but be sure to take safety precautions.
For our family, traveling with a toddler means booking a room for three people. David sleeps with me in the bigger bed, and my husband takes the smaller one. We then request extra pillows or beds to create a barrier around the bed so David doesn’t fall out. While this setup may not sound ideal to everyone, it works well for our family.
Depending on your sleeping preferences and needs, you can adjust and request support from the hotel to make your stay more comfortable.
Feeding Strategies on the Go
Breastfeeding and Bottle-Feeding During Travel
When it comes to feeding strategies on the go, especially if your child isn’t eating solids yet, some planning is required. Since I breastfed, I’ll share my tips and experiences with you, but I don’t have personal insights on bottle-feeding.
I always aim to share my personal experiences and tips from my travels or life situations, and I don’t make recommendations about things I haven’t personally gone through. So, if you’re bottle-feeding and need advice, I suggest checking out this article from BabyCenter.
They provide a lot of detailed information about bottle-feeding during travel, covering both plane and car trips. I encourage you to take a look at their article.
Now, back to breastfeeding—honestly, I don’t have any special tips or recommendations beyond following your usual feeding routine. I know most babies have a specific schedule, like feeding every two or three hours, depending on their age.
You know your baby best, and what works for some might not work for others. Don’t stress too much about it; just feed your baby when necessary.
If you’re at a restaurant or in a public place and don’t feel comfortable breastfeeding (as I often did), you can ask the staff if there’s a private room available, use a scarf for discretion, or find a more secluded bench.
If you’re using a baby carrier, feeding can be more comfortable and stress-free for you, as the carrier provides some privacy and support.
Planning and Timing Feeding Breaks
If you’re bottle-feeding, again, check out the BabyCenter article I mentioned earlier. It offers helpful tips for planning and timing feeding breaks.
For breastfeeding, you can plan feeding according to your situation. If you’re traveling by plane, feed your baby whenever they’re hungry. I highly recommend breastfeeding during takeoff and landing to help ease any discomfort from air pressure changes.
If you’re traveling by car, make sure to take necessary breaks every two to three hours to stretch and feed your baby. For safety reasons, avoid feeding your baby while the car is moving.
Once you arrive at your destination, try to maintain the same feeding routine you follow at home. You can make slight adjustments to your schedule without disrupting your baby’s routine too much, and adapt your travel itinerary to make things easier or more enjoyable.
For example, you can feed your baby before heading to a restaurant. Chances are, after breastfeeding, your child might take a nap, allowing you to enjoy your meal in peace and quiet.
Enjoying a meal at a restaurant without having to soothe a fussy baby or rush through your meal is such a treat! The little things you learn to appreciate so much more after having a baby—am I right?!
Handling Routine Disruptions
Maintaining Familiar Routines and Adjusting To Time Zone Changes
One of the most important lessons we learned after having a baby is the value of maintaining a routine, no matter the situation.
By the way, if you’re interested in reading more about all the lessons I’ve learned since becoming a parent, check out my article here. It’s not just an article; it’s a piece of my heart. In this post, I’m more vulnerable than I’ve ever been on this blog, writing about difficult topics that many people tend to avoid. I hope you give it a read, and if you see yourself in my words, please leave a comment.
Now, let’s get back to maintaining familiar routines while traveling with a toddler or baby. A smoother holiday often comes down to keeping a schedule and routine that meet your family’s needs.
Kids are great at adapting to new situations, but significant changes in their routine or chaotic days can make them more fussy and difficult to soothe. While it’s nearly impossible to stick to the exact routine you have at home while traveling, you can implement what I call a “travel routine.”
The key is to build this travel routine based on the one you have at home and maintain it during every trip. Over time, your child will learn to distinguish between the two and will associate traveling with a specific routine. This will ultimately make your travel experiences more enjoyable and easier to manage.
Here are some tips I’ve used to create a travel routine that works for our family:
- Use the first day or so to adapt to the new time zone.
Don’t jump into travel mode the moment you arrive at your destination. Take a day or so to adjust to your new travel routine. Chances are your child’s sleep schedule will be disrupted by the flight and time zone changes. They may have missed a nap, napped too much, or napped too late, which could shift their bedtime earlier or later. - Respect and maintain nap times.
Napping is crucial for babies and toddlers, and depending on their age, they require a certain number of naps per day. If possible, try to return to your accommodation when it’s time for a nap. But if that’s not feasible—since it can be hard to be on the clock while exploring—let your child sleep in the stroller or baby carrier. For example, when our toddler falls asleep in the stroller, we take the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful lunch, sit on a bench and drink coffee, or just stroll around. - Keep a similar night routine to what you have at home.
Nighttime sleep goes smoother when we stick to the routine we follow at home. For us, this includes bathing, applying creams, brushing teeth, playing a little as a family, and then reading stories until he falls asleep. We respect his bedtime and take our time to follow each step of our night routine.
If you usually read books, sing songs, or listen to calming music before bed, keep this routine while traveling. Also, if your child has a favorite teddy bear or another comfort item, make sure to pack it every time you leave home. This will help your child feel calmer and more at ease in a new environment. - Don’t skip meals.
Before we had David, it was easy to skip meals and eat whatever we found on the road. But after traveling with a toddler, we quickly realized that skipping meals isn’t an option. Whether you’re exploring, relaxing at the beach, or visiting landmarks, be sure to include dedicated meal times in your travel plans. Also, always have healthy snacks like fruits on hand. - Don’t stress too much.
Easier said than done, right? But stressing won’t help your child or you. It will only make the experience more challenging. Keeping a routine doesn’t mean sticking to a strict schedule. Let your child sleep in the stroller when they need to, give them snacks on the go, and plan your meals together.
Entertainment and Distractions for Young Travelers
Age-Appropriate Toys and Activities
While traveling with a toddler or baby, having age-appropriate toys is crucial if you want to enjoy some peace and quiet. For instance, bringing a busy book can keep your toddler occupied while you wait for the waiter to bring your food. During long road trips and flights, interactive toys will keep your child engaged in something other than crying or fussing.
Here’s a list of age-appropriate toys for your toddler or baby:
- Busy Board Montessori
- Haba Busy Board
- Farm Animal Busy Book
- Cupkin Animal Sticker Book Activity
- Reusable Sticker Book Farm
- Reusable Sticker Book with Vehicles
Tip: You don’t need a large number of toys; just keep a small bag with all the toys and entertainment items that is easy to carry and access.
When planning activities for your child to enjoy during your trips, here are my tips:
- Include activities or places that are fun for kids, like visiting the zoo, aquarium, parks, and so on.
- Play outdoors—run, dance, and let your child explore.
- Have days or moments when you let your child choose the route or the activities they want to do.
- Plan delicious snack breaks.
Health and Safety Precautions
Essential Health and Safety Items
There are several items that I consider essential when traveling with a toddler or baby:
- Sun protection: This is crucial, especially if you’re visiting a sunny destination.
- Insect repellent: Important if you’re going on nature walks.
- Hydration: Always have a refillable bottle for your child.
When it comes to safety precautions, I always recommend buying travel insurance, especially if you’re traveling with a child. We’ve always purchased travel insurance, but now that we travel with David, we’re extra cautious.
To be honest, we’ve never had to use it, and it may seem like a waste of money. But this is something we can’t risk going without. Better safe than sorry, believe me. You never know what might happen, and having insurance will give you one less thing to worry about.
Make sure you thoroughly read the terms and conditions of the travel insurance and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Consulting with a Pediatrician
Depending on your destination, it’s a good idea to consult with your pediatrician to see if pre-travel health checks are needed. Also, research whether there are any required vaccinations and if your child is eligible to receive them before you plan your trip.
If your child gets sick before your departure, I recommend visiting your pediatrician to ensure it’s safe to travel and that they don’t have anything contagious.
For example, David got sick a week before our flight to Crete last year. He had a fever for a few days and felt really bad. So, we visited our doctor to check if he had anything that required isolation and to get the right medication to help him recover quickly. Fortunately, it was just a common flu.
Tip: At least one week before your trip, try to keep your child away from crowded playgrounds and any places where they might catch something contagious.
Choosing the Right Baby Gear
Lightweight Strollers and Carriers
Choosing the right gear for traveling with a toddler or baby can be a challenge, especially with so many options available. It seems like businesses focused on kids are thriving, largely because parents often buy every device or item that promises to make parenting easier.
This is particularly true when it comes to searching for travel gear. There are countless strollers, carriers, and other devices to choose from. Based on our family’s experience, I recommend sticking to the basics to stay stress-free.
Here’s a list of the most important gear to consider for traveling:
No matter what stroller you use at home, I recommend investing in a lightweight stroller for your travels. Our everyday stroller is heavy, difficult to maneuver, and takes up a lot of space in the car. It’s also cumbersome to carry around the airport, especially since it has two components. That’s why we purchased a lightweight, foldable stroller that we use whenever we travel or visit our parents.
It’s easy to pack, fold, and carry in areas where you can’t use a stroller. It’s simple and doesn’t have many extra features, but it gets the job done—and it was much cheaper than our regular stroller.
When looking for a travel stroller, focus on usability rather than perks. You need one that’s foldable and can be rolled around like your luggage, lightweight, and easy to maneuver. Don’t be swayed by the most expensive models; instead, look for one that will make your life easier while traveling with a toddler or baby.
Especially if you’re traveling with a baby, a carrier can make your travels much more enjoyable. I suggest choosing one that’s adjustable so you and your partner can take turns carrying the baby.
A carrier is a great place for your baby to eat and sleep while enjoying the comfort of being close to you. It also frees up your hands so you can eat, shop, or take photos.
I understand that using a carrier becomes more challenging as your child gets older, due to their weight and desire to explore. But you know your child best and can gauge how long a carrier will be useful.
When choosing the right carrier, opt for one that’s adjustable and, importantly, easy to put on, even when you’re on the go. Also, consult your pediatrician to choose an age-appropriate carrier. Many companies claim their models are suitable from birth, but pediatricians may recommend specific models for babies younger than four months.
Baby Camera
Chances are your baby or toddler will have different sleeping times than you. This is where a baby camera comes in handy. After you put your baby to sleep, you can enjoy the rest of the evening with your partner—whether at the pool, on the balcony, or just relaxing with a glass of wine and your favorite series.
I recommend buying a baby camera that’s easy to travel with, quick to set up, and simple to install. Look for one that’s small and easy to pack in any luggage. If you’re interested, we use the Tapo camera. We’ve had it for almost three years and are very happy with it—we even have two: one for travel and one for home.
Final Tips and Encouragement
Embracing Flexibility and Enjoying the Journey
Final thoughts? The main takeaway from this article should be that while traveling with a toddler or a baby, it’s essential to embrace flexibility and enjoy the journey.
No matter how much planning you do, what gadgets and devices you buy, or how many tips and tricks you try, there will always be things beyond your control.
Kids are unpredictable—on one trip, they may be easygoing, while on another, they might have tantrums and resist at every turn.
The key is to control what you can and let the rest unfold naturally. Adapt as you go. If you run out of diapers, buy some more. If your child is having a tough day and crying a lot, change your plans and do a kid-friendly activity instead. You get the idea.
Capturing and Cherishing Travel Memories
If you leave the stress behind, you’ll discover that traveling with a toddler or baby is a beautiful adventure. As parents, we learn so much from our children and our interactions with them. So, don’t forget to live in the moment and capture as many memories as you can. Take lots of photos and cherish all your travel moments.
Snap random photos of your child and your family, and focus on the beautiful memories you’re creating together, not on the problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Best Age to Travel with a Baby?
The best age to travel with a baby depends on your expectations, travel goals, your child’s temperament, and your ability and willingness to adapt and change your usual travel style.
For our family, we’ve found that traveling with a toddler is easier than traveling with a baby. Don’t get me wrong—we still deal with tantrums, can’t always enjoy a meal for very long, and some visits involve a lot of crying. However, it’s easier to find food options, there are places we can visit that he enjoys, and our routine is more relaxed.
Remember, what works for one family may not be comfortable for another. Every family dynamic is unique, and there’s no need to compare your experience to others.
No matter what you read online, trust your instincts and travel with your child when it feels right and natural for you. Don’t feel pressured to travel immediately after giving birth. On the other hand, don’t buy into the outdated notion that your life is over after having a baby. You don’t need to wait until your child is older to travel again.
How Do I Keep My Toddler Entertained on a Long Flight?
Keeping a toddler entertained on a long flight is definitely challenging, but depending on your child’s age and interests, here are some tips:
- Activity books
- A new toy that will capture their interest
- Drawing board
- Reading books together
- A tablet with interactive and educational games
- Their favorite cartoons
What Are Some Essential Items to Bring When Traveling with a Baby?
I’ve already provided a detailed answer to this question earlier in the article, where I explain why I consider each item essential when traveling with a toddler or baby.
However, here’s a short version of that list:
- Foldable stroller
- Baby carrier
- Comfort toy or item
How Can I Manage a Toddler's Schedule While Traveling?
Yes, you can manage a toddler’s schedule while traveling, but you’ll need to adjust your approach and expectations. The routine you have at home will inevitably change during travel due to different itineraries, foods, and activities.
Everything will be different for your child, and even small changes, like a new sleeping arrangement, can affect their behavior.
That’s why it’s important to adjust your expectations about keeping your child’s exact schedule. Instead, try to implement a “travel routine” that you follow on every trip. A travel routine isn’t entirely different from your usual schedule, but it accommodates the change in environment.
While implementing this travel routine, try to keep key elements unchanged from your daily routine, such as feeding times, sleep schedule, and the number of naps your child takes each day. With this foundation in place, you can then plan your travel itinerary and activities. For example, if returning to the hotel for your child’s nap isn’t possible, let them nap in the stroller or carrier while you take a break, enjoy lunch, or walk around.
I really hope you find this article useful. My goal with this extensive blog post was to share every lesson and tip I’ve learned from traveling with a toddler or a baby.
I wanted to create a detailed guide that covers every aspect of traveling with young children and addresses the most common concerns and questions parents have.
Now, I’m very curious to know: What aspect of traveling with kids scares you the most? For me, it was—and still is—keeping my toddler occupied during long road trips or flights.