40 tips for traveling with your baby or toddler
Before traveling with a baby or toddler, you’ll want to be prepared. Here’s how to pack efficiently and entertain your little one on a flight or road trip.
When can you travel with a baby?
It depends! There’s no standard age when you can or can’t travel with a baby, and most airlines allow newborns to fly after the first few days or weeks of life. (Policies vary from airline to airline.)
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But because traveling with newborns is risky from an infectious disease standpoint, the American Academy of PediatricsOpens a new window (AAP) strongly discourages parents from traveling with very young babies. Most experts suggest waiting until around the 2-month mark.
At this point, “babies are outside the age range for the highest risk of a serious bacterial infection, and hopefully the 2-month vaccines have been given to further provide immunity” says Chandani DeZure, M.D., FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician and a member of the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board.
Sticking close to home lowers the risk that your newborn will catch an unpleasant virus. Plus, traveling soon after birth would probably be exhausting for you. It’s hard enough dealing with constant feedings, diaper changes, and sleep deprivation when you’re at home, much less in an unfamiliar place. Also, waiting a few months before traveling may help you and your baby get into a better routine.
Still, infants aren’t as fragile as parents sometimes fear. And by 2 months old, babies are pretty good candidates for travel, as long as the trip is low-key. They feel at home as long as they’re close to you. Plus, they can’t run around and get into trouble yet!
25 tips for traveling with a baby
1. Prep your packing list
Think about the items you use to care for your baby at home, then decide which are truly essential to have with you during your trip. “Before your first or any flight with a baby, you need to think like a Boy Scout and be prepared,” says Corinne McDermott, an authorized independent travel consultant, family travel specialist, and founder of the website Have Baby Will TravelOpens a new window.
“Since some baby items are difficult to come by while en route, ensure you have everything you need and enough of it to cover any delays, which are unpredictable and very likely to occur,” says McDermott. (Here’s a handy baby packing list that will cover your bases.)
2. Assemble a first-aid kit
Include all the first aid supplies you might need to deal with minor medical problems while on the road. Don’t forget prescription medications, even if your baby only needs them on occasion.
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3. Fill out an emergency contact sheet
Include your child’s health information, contact names and numbers of healthcare providers, and a list of any allergies your child has or medications they take. That way, everything is in one place if you need it.
4. Bring lots of diapers
Whether you’re traveling by car, train, or plane, you want at least enough diapers to last until you reach your destination and can buy more. It’s a good idea to pack a few extras in case of travel delays. Also, bring diaper rash cream and plastic bags for dirty diapers.
5. Don’t forget a change of clothes
Don’t pack all your clothes in checked luggage! Have at least one extra shirt for yourself and a few outfits for your baby close at hand. Store them someplace that’s easily accessible, like in your carry-on bag, diaper bag, or an easy-to-grab spot in your car. You never know when a diaper leak, spit up, or another mess might occur.
6. Make sure your child’s immunizations are up to date
Check with the pediatrician prior to departure. Following an immunization schedule is critical to protect your baby from serious illnesses they might encounter during your travels.
7. Think about your stroller options
A lightweight stroller is your best bet if you’re bringing it on an airplane. Some models are compact enough to fit in the overhead compartment when folded. If you don’t have a stroller small enough to bring on board, you can either check it at the ticket counter or gate-check it.
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For road trips, your main concern will likely be what you can fit in your car. An umbrella stroller is always easiest to pack, but a full-size or jogging stroller might be better if you’ll be walking a lot at your destination.
8. Invest in a good diaper bag
Look for one with enough pockets to keep you organized but not so many that you can’t find anything, says McDermott. “Double-check you have everything you’ll need in terms of food, formula, diapers, and changing supplies,” she says. (Here’s a full list of what to put in your diaper bag for reference.)
9. Consider a carrier
Baby carriers are great for carting around younger babies and keeping your hands free while you navigate the airport.
10. Dress your baby in comfy clothes
There’s a time and a place for elaborate baby outfits, but a trip isn’t one of them. Many parents find that it’s simplest to put their baby in onesies or sleepers for a flight or car ride.
11. See if you’ll need any documents
Although the Transportation Security AdministrationOpens a new window (TSA) doesn’t require children under 18 to provide identification for domestic flights, it’s still a good idea to check your airline’s requirements before flying with a baby.
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Some carriers ask for an infant’s proof of age for domestic flights, which could be a birth certificate, passport, or immunization record. Others might not ask for proof of age but may require a boarding verification document (printed for your infant from the ticket counter) even if they aren’t occupying their own seat. And if you’re flying internationally, your baby will need a passport.
12. Bring a car seat
If you’ve purchased an airplane seat for your baby, bring an FAA-approved car seat for your child. This is the safest way for kids under 2 to fly. If you didn’t buy a ticket for your baby, you might get lucky and be able to use your car seat on the plane if there are empty seats on board.
13. Prep formula
If you’re not breastfeeding, bring ready-to-use formula or make a few bottles of formula at home to bring along. (When traveling with formula, you can bring premade bottles in a soft cooler bag, or bring bottles of clean water and a separate container of powdered formula.)
If you’re traveling by plane, review the policies for bringing formula on board and hand the formula to security officers when you go through screening. You don’t need to put bottles of formula into the standard quart-size zip-top bag, and you aren’t limited to 3.4-ounce bottles. Security officers may ask to test the formula, however.
14. Pack baby food
If your baby has started solids, bring as much baby food as you’ll need for the trip. You can always buy more once you reach your destination. (Exception: If you’re traveling internationally or to a place where it might be tough to find what you need, it may be easier to pack a bigger supply.) The TSA saysOpens a new window that baby or toddler food in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces, including puree pouches, is allowed in carry-on baggage.
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15. Don’t forget feeding accessories
If your baby is eating solids, bring bibs that are large enough to cover most of their outfit, can be easily wiped off, and can be folded or rolled for easy packing. A few baby spoons and forks are helpful, too.
16. Bring your breastfeeding gear
If you’re breastfeeding, pack everything you’d typically need to nurse in your carry-on, such as nursing pads. If you’re pumping, don’t forget to pack all your pump parts, and if you’re traveling internationally, check whether you need any adapters.
17. Anticipate ear pain
If your baby’s ears seem to hurt from air pressure changes during takeoff and landing, encourage them to breastfeed or suck on a bottle, pacifier, or sippy cup.
“I recommend feeding or nursing your baby during this time because swallowing helps relieve the pressure,” says Dr. DeZure. “It can be very painful for babies, so expect them to be fussy and cry, but their ears will adjust once the pressure levels off in the sky or on the ground.”
18. Adjust their schedule ahead of time
If you’re crossing time zones, take steps to fight jet lag. Try shifting your baby’s sleep schedule over a few days leading up to your departure and exposing them to sunlight once you reach your destination. Alternatively, you may want to keep to the same schedule in the new time zone if that works best for you.
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19. Bring a blanket
Travel with a blanket so when you’re in the airport or at a rest stop, you can offer your baby a nice spot to lie down, crawl, roll, or stretch their little limbs. A blanket can also be a helpful layer on chilly airplanes.
20. Pack entertainment
Generally speaking, the older the baby, the more entertainment you’ll need to bring. Pack a goody bag containing a few of your baby’s favorite toys, plus some surprises. Possibilities include nesting toys, baby-proof mirrors, rattles, musical toys, soft animals, pop-up toys, plastic keys, and teething rings.
21. Prepare for diaper changes
Changing a diaper on a plane is stressful, but a little preparation can help. Make a small bag with a few clean diapers, wipes, a small (or disposable) changing mat, and a plastic bag to store dirty diapers and wipes. Ideally, there will be a changing table in the airplane bathroom, but if there isn’t you’ll have to use the closed toilet seat – or your plane seat if you’re desperate. Changing your baby’s diaper right before you board can help limit the number of changes you need to do on the plane.
22. Check the car seat
If you’re traveling by car, make sure your car seat is properly installed and fits your baby as well as possible. Check that the harness straps aren’t twisted, and they’re at or below your baby’s shoulders (not above). The top of the buckled chest clip should be at armpit level after the straps are tightened.
When you try to jiggle the car seat base, it shouldn’t budge more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationOpens a new window. In the car, your baby should always ride in the back seat, in a rear-facing car seat.
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23. Babyproof
If your baby is mobile, find out whether your accommodations can be babyproofed before you arrive. If not, bring your own childproofing kit with the essentials. If you need to travel light, masking tape or duct tape provides a quick fix for most danger zones.
24. Don’t try to pack too much in
Whatever you do, try not to overschedule the first few days of your trip – you can’t predict how disrupted your baby’s rhythms might be.
25. Decide where your baby will sleep
If you’re staying in a hotel or vacation rental, ask if they have a crib or play yard when you make your room reservation. Another option: Rent equipment (just make sure it meets the AAP’s safe sleep recommendationsOpens a new window) or bring along your own play yard or portable bassinet.
15 tips for traveling with a toddler or kid
Many of the above tips still apply when traveling with toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged kids – you’ll want to pack a first-aid kit and entertainment, for example – but there are also some specific strategies to keep in mind.
1. Pack plenty of toys and games
Good options include paperback books, stickers, small animal figurines, small trucks, water-coloring books, Slinkys, small fidget toys, and “I Spy” books.
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2. Preload their tablets
Make sure your child’s tablet has plenty of downloaded videos, favorite movies, audio books, music, and apps that don’t require Wi-Fi – and make sure they’ve actually finished downloading before you leave the house! (Although the AAP discourages screen usage for children under 2, they also say that “desperate times can sometimes call for desperate measures.”)
3. Don’t forget the car seat
If you’re driving, make sure your child’s car seat still fits them well – if they’ve grown recently, you may need to make adjustments. If you’re flying, bringing a car seat onboard is still the safest option for toddlers or preschoolers weighing less than 40 pounds. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends an approved forward-facing car seat for children weighing between 20 and 40 pounds or a CARES harness for children weighing between 22 to 44 pounds.
4. Consider sleeping arrangements
Before you leave, plan ahead for where your child will sleep at your destination. While preschoolers and older kids are usually comfortable in twin beds or pull-out couches, a toddler who still sleeps in a crib at home will need a play yard or portable cot. Many hotels and rental homes supply these, but check that any gear provided meets the AAP’s safe sleep guidelines and hasn’t been recalled.
5. Get dropped off
The time it takes to park your car in the airport parking lot and schlep to the terminal adds up, and you haven’t even gotten through security yet. If it’s an option, many families find that it’s most time-efficient to get dropped off at the terminal, or divide and conquer – one parent parks the car while the other waits inside the terminal with the kids and luggage.
6. Consider wrapping new (or newish) toys
Giving your child a few small wrapped items from the dollar store to open can make the trip feel a little more thrilling. For toddlers, even old toys they haven’t played with in a while might be fun again. Plus, the simple act of unwrapping something provides a few minutes of entertainment.
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7. Don’t forget chargers
Make sure you pack charging cords for all your child’s gear and have them within easy reach, as well as any necessary adapters if you’re traveling internationally. Portable chargers can be a lifesaver, especially if your child’s tablet runs out of battery at a crucial moment (like a super-long security or customs line).
8. Plan for bathroom breaks
Traveling with a child who’s in the potty-training process or still uses a potty seat can require a little forethought. Portable potty seats (some fold up, so you can easily fit them in a carry-on!) ensure you have options while on the go.
And even if your child has nearly graduated from diapers or pull-ups, having a few on hand for emergencies is smart – especially if you’re traveling overnight. Spare clothes in case of accidents are crucial, too.
9. Pack more snacks than you think you’ll need
To keep kids’ energy levels up and prevent meltdowns, aim for a mix of fresh fruit, protein, and carbs. A few ideas: Berries, cubes of firm tofu, little packs of nut butter, crackers, pre-wrapped cheese, yogurt pouches, small sandwiches, steamed veggies, pretzels, cereal bars, dried fruit, cucumber sticks, dry cereal like Cheerios, mini muffins, homemade banana bread slices, and puffed snacks.
While nutritious snacks are best, a few small treats that will be exciting to your child can help them cope with a long travel day. If there’s a particular snack they always ask for, consider bringing one or two to dole out during moments when everyone needs a pick-me-up.
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10. Bring along cups and water bottles
Thankfully, toddlers and older kids require fewer on-the-go feeding supplies than babies. But some basics, such as sippy cups, water bottles, and snack containers are still helpful. You never know what kind of drinking cups will be available at your hotel or rental home, for example, and it’s always better to be prepared with items your child is comfortable using.
11. Don’t forget comfort items
Tried-and-true favorites that give your child comfort, such as a lovey or blanket that’s precious to them, can help them feel more settled when you get to your destination.
12. Anticipate meltdowns
“By this time, you know your kid and their triggers for outbursts, so it’s a little easier to both prepare for them and avoid them,” says McDermott. Leading up to the trip, she recommends talking about how exciting it is to travel and giving your child a rough outline of events. “Also, let them know the kind of behavior that’s expected during your journey and model it yourself,” she adds.
13. Just keep driving
While it’s smart to map out plenty of rest stops along your route, many frequent-traveler families find that sometimes it’s better to keep driving than stop unnecessarily. “The best piece of advice on road trips with children is to keep driving if they’re happy or quiet,” says McDermott. “Even if you’ve completely mapped out the best rest stops or roadside cafes, unless you’ll run out of gas or your bladder will literally burst, if the kids are comfortable and not complaining, keep going for as long as you can.”
14. Bookmark fun car games
Road trips are hectic, yes, but they’re also great opportunities to connect with your kids. You’re trapped in a car together, after all! These fun car games for kids will keep everyone entertained.
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15. Watch out for motion sickness
Some kids are more susceptible to motion sickness than others, and it can happen during plane turbulence, too. If you notice signs of motion sickness – a cold sweat and loss of appetite – encourage your child to look up from screens and, if possible, gaze ahead at a spot in the horizon. If your child is prone to vomiting, pack an emergency kit with spare clothes, paper towels, bags for soiled clothes, and wipes, and keep it within easy reach.
What should you pack when traveling with a baby?
When you’re traveling with a baby, you’ll want to bring plenty of spare clothes (including pajamas, hats, socks, sweaters, onesies, and bibs) in addition to diapering supplies, like a changing pad, diapers, wipes, and plastic bags (to store messy items like dirty diapers, clothes, and bibs). A first aid kid, including a thermometer and infant pain reliever, and personal care items, such as sunscreen and diaper rash cream, are essentials
You’ll also need a baby carrier or sling; an infant car seat, if they have their own seat on the airplane; a travel crib or portable play yard; a crib or bassinet sheets; and a larger blanket to play on.
Depending on where your baby is in their feeding journey, you should bring: spare bottles; formula; a breast pump and all its components; other breastfeeding accessories (like nursing pads); snacks; and a sippy cup.
Don’t forget about comfort items like: extra pacifiers or teethers; waddle blankets or sleep sacks; small loveys, toys, and soft books.
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What should you pack when traveling with a toddler?
You can skip the diapering supplies when you’re traveling with a potty trained toddler, but don’t forget underwear and a portable potty seat. Plastic bags for storing messy items are still a great idea.
Keep your tot entertained with small toys, books, and electronics (plus the charging cables and portable chargers) and fed with snacks as well as a water bottle or sippy cup.
In terms of gear, consider bringing a travel crib or portable play yard as well as a car seat. Last but not least, pack those personal care essentials (such as sunscreen, diaper rash cream, toothpaste, and their toothbrush) and a first aid kit. Don’t forget about your child’s favorite lovey!
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