tips to travel with babies

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40 tips for traveling with your baby or toddler

Take heart – babies and toddlers can be good travelers! Use these travel tips to keep your little one safe, healthy, happy, and well-rested.

When can you travel with a baby?

•  25 tips for traveling with a baby

15 tips for traveling with a toddler or kid

What should you pack when traveling with a baby, what should you pack when traveling with a 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.

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.)

But because traveling with newborns is risky from an infectious disease standpoint, the  American Academy of Pediatrics Opens 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 Travel Opens 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.

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. 

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 Administration Opens 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.

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 says Opens a new window that baby or toddler food in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces, including puree pouches, is allowed in carry-on baggage.

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.

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 Administration Opens a new window . In the car, your baby should always ride in the back seat, in a rear-facing car seat.

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 recommendations Opens a new window ) or bring along your own play yard or portable bassinet.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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The ultimate packing list for traveling with a baby

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BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies .

American Academy of Pediatrics. 2023. Flying with baby: Parent FAQs. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Flying-with-Baby.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

American Academy of Pediatrics. 2023. Sun safety: Information for parents about sunburn and sunscreen. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Sun-Safety.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

American Academy of Pediatrics. 2023. How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

American Academy of Pediatrics. 2023. Car Seats: Information for Families. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Car-Safety-Seats-Information-for-Families.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

American Academy of Pediatrics. 2022. Beyond Screen Time: Help Your Kids Build Healthy Media Use Habits. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/healthy-digital-media-use-habits-for-babies-toddlers-preschoolers.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Federal Aviation Administration. 2023. Flying with Children. https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Mayo Clinic. 2021. Airplane ear. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/airplane-ear/symptoms-causes/syc-20351701 Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Transportation Security Administration. Undated. Traveling with children. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures/traveling-children Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Chandani DeZure , M.D., FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician and a member of the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board.

Corinne McDermott, an authorized independent travel consultant, family travel specialist and founder of the website Have Baby Will Travel Opens a new window .

Kathleen Felton is a freelance writer and editor. She was previously the executive editor of editorial strategy and growth at BabyCenter, the world's number one parenting resource. She is originally from Farmington, Connecticut, and now lives in Sydney, Australia, with her husband and two sons.

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Everything You Need to Know About Traveling With a Baby

Traveling with a baby? Here are expert tips to make your trip as safe and comfortable as possible.

Years ago, Kristiana Choquet was nervous about taking her then three-month-old, Olivia, on her first flight. It would be long — 11 hours from Johannesburg to Paris — and like many new parents, she wasn't sure what to bring. "I packed a backpack of her own, with diapers and wipes, a messenger bag with extra clothes, and a rolling suitcase and stroller," she said. "Our friends were like, 'You're never going to need all this stuff.'"

Since that momentous first trip — which Air France made easy with a complimentary bassinet — Choquet has gotten smarter about packing. "Now I only fly with just one backpack for both of us," she says, laughing.

We asked Kristiana Choquet, the associate director of leisure for Embark Beyond , a travel agency in New York, and other experts for their best advice on how to travel with a child under 2. Here's what they told us.

This Is Exactly How Many Minutes It Will Take Your Kid to Get Bored on a Trip

Before the trip.

Check With Your Pediatrician

"If the family is traveling internationally, it's always a good idea to check with the pediatrician at least two weeks before to see if the child would require any extra immunizations," says Dr. David Fagan, vice chairman of the Pediatric Ambulatory Administration at Northwell Health in Massapequa, New York. Depending on where you're going, your child may need to have certain vaccines earlier, like the measles vaccine , or take a particular medicine before or during travel. Your baby may also need a COVID-19 vaccine (if he or she is older than 6 months) or a negative test result before traveling. The Centers for Disease Control's online Traveler's Health information page is a great place to research.

In general, there is no enforced minimum age a newborn has to be before they fly, although rules may vary by airline. For example, Vueling and Delta will allow newborns as young as seven days old to fly. JetBlue will allow infants as young as 3 days old to fly, but between three and 14 days you will need a doctor's letter of approval. However, it is generally recommended that you wait a few months before traveling in order to let your baby's immune system more fully develop. If flying internationally, it takes about six weeks to obtain a passport for your baby .

On the Flight

Consider a Rear-Facing Car Seat

Yes, it's a hassle. But on a plane, a rear-facing car seat is still the safest place for an infant, insists Fagan. And if you're traveling by car, this piece of safety equipment is a must. Check with your airline to determine the specific policies for using a car seat on board, and keep in mind that you may need to spring for a separate ticket. Be sure to take the infant out of the seat every couple of hours. "This allows them to stretch out and move their legs," Fagan notes, and they'll probably need a diaper change anyway.

Bring a Collapsible Baby Stroller

Choquet swears by the popular Babyzen Yoyo2 stroller, which folds neatly and can be slung over the shoulder like a tote bag. It also meets most airlines' carry-on luggage requirements, making it easy to navigate airports and train stations before throwing it in the overhead bin once on board. The only downsides are the price (this stroller is over $400), and the fact that it's not recommended for travelers under 6 months old.

Choquet also likes the Ergobaby, a wearable, space-saving baby carrier. "A lot of times baby falls asleep on your chest," and if your baby's a lap child, or under the age of two, this carrier can alleviate the stress of toting a stroller around.

Ask for a Bassinet

Heading abroad? Choquet recommends calling ahead to see if the airline offers a bassinet on board. These specially-made bassinets are designed to fit in the extra space of bulkhead seating sections. These are typically complimentary on international flights, though they're subject to availability. Delta advises to check ahead, especially for domestic flights, while United Airlines provides a limited number of bassinets on international flights only, which also need to be reserved prior to boarding. No matter what carrier you travel with, bassinets may not be used during taxi, takeoff, or landing, or when the seatbelt sign is illuminated.

Keep Your Baby Entertained

Choquet advises keeping your little one busy with "snacks, puzzles, coloring books," or "anything you can stuff in your bag that's not bulky." Load the iPad with games and kid-friendly movies, and stock up on favorite snacks, so you're not at the mercy of the food cart. Backpack too heavy? Old-school hand-clapping games like Patty Cake are always a hit and don't require toting around extra toys.

Deal With Changes in Air Pressure

"Most children are usually okay with changes in air pressure during takeoffs and landings," explains Fagan, but since infants can't swallow, pop their ears, or yawn, their only alternative for clearing their ears is sucking. Breastfeeding, or sucking on a bottle or a pacifier works well, especially during the initial descent, when the biggest change in pressure occurs. Ask a flight attendant to let you know when the descent is about to begin.

At the Hotel

Check for Safety

Safety standards vary by country, so be sure to do a thorough inspection of the hotel room upon arrival. "Parents should be comfortable with railings and check that the child can't slip through," Fagan warns. Also, scan your accommodations for exposed electrical wires and peeling paint chips. Parents of toddlers who walk should be especially vigilant.

Ask for Baby Amenities

Why pack a bottle warmer or car seat when you can get them at the hotel? Every Rosewood property comes fully equipped with diaper pails, baby baths, and monitors. At St. Regis hotels , parents can borrow strollers and stock up on diapers. "I've never really had to travel with a stroller," says Choquet, who advises calling ahead. Just remember to thoroughly check cribs and strollers for safety — visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website for current rules — especially if you're staying abroad, urges Fagan. If the hotel you book is not up on the family amenity trend, Choquet advises buying diapers, wipes, formula, and bottles online, and then having them shipped to your U.S. destination. If you're also traveling with a toddler, it's not a bad idea to invest in a toddler's travel bed , preferably one that you can easily pack in a carry-on.

Arm Against Mosquitoes

You shouldn't let your child drink tap water (Fagan advises opting for bottled water while traveling), so don't let them skip the mosquito repellent , either. In tropical climates especially, long-sleeved shirts and pants are best, but also consider lotions with no more than 30 percent DEET , recommended for children over two months. (Never spray an infant due to the risk of inhalation.) Fagan says that placing mosquito netting around a crib can be helpful, too, but check with your pediatrician and the CDC to hear your options.

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We have literally hundreds of pages of information and resources about every aspect of traveling with a baby or toddler. Plus, there are first-hand travel stories from families just like yours. Here are our most recent and most recently updated family travel blog posts and articles…

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37 best travel tips for traveling with an infant, older baby, or toddler.

Family travel is exciting for you and your kids and can create special memories that last a lifetime, whether you’re off on an adventure abroad or simply going to visit Grandma. But traveling with an infant, older baby, or toddler requires a little extra preparation to ensure a safe and comfortable trip. We’ve got the answers to common questions surrounding baby travel—short and long—plus a list of all the essentials and 37 tips for traveling with the little ones!

How Soon Can You Travel With a Newborn Baby?

When is it safe to travel with a newborn? It’s always wise to check with your healthcare provider before traveling with an infant. Your provider will likely offer specific guidance on whether you should or shouldn’t travel with your little newborn, depending on your little’s one's age and health status, as well as more general advice on when you can travel with a baby or older child. Whenever you do end up traveling with your little one, keep some safety precautions in mind. Your child is still developing their immune system, so it’s important to take protective measures, especially when flying or in crowded locations, such as

frequently washing hands

using hand sanitizer

avoiding visibly ill travelers.

Besides these basic safety precautions, keep reading for more tips on traveling with infants, plus older babies and toddlers, which include additional measures that will help keep your little one healthy, safe, and comfortable.

37 Tips for Traveling With an Infant, Older Baby, or Toddler

There are many ways you can help keep your infant, older baby, or toddler safe while traveling, and ensure that the trip is comfortable for all involved. It’s best to always consult with your child’s healthcare provider before traveling, especially with newborns or infants. Younger babies are more vulnerable than older babies and toddlers, so consider the provider’s advice and tips for traveling with an infant. Knowing how to travel with an infant isn’t much different from knowing how to travel with an older baby or toddler, but age can impact strategy. For example, traveling with a toddler opens up more opportunities for activities on your trip! You’ll probably notice that traveling with a 2-year-old is a lot more interactive than when your little one was just 3 or 6 months old. To cover all the bases, we’ve included 37 tips for traveling with babies of any age, but some apply more to younger babies, like infants and newborns, whereas others are more geared toward older babies and toddlers. However, all are worth considering when traveling with kids of any age and whether you’re flying to Paris or hopping in the car for a day trip.

1. Update Immunizations

Before you travel, including by car, on an airplane, or anywhere abroad, ensure your baby has had all the necessary immunizations. Following an immunization schedule is key to keeping your little one healthy throughout their life and, of course, when traveling. If you plan to travel abroad, be aware that some countries require additional vaccinations. You’ll want to consult your child’s healthcare provider for specific advice before planning any overseas trips, and you can contact the U.S. State Department for general information. As children will need immunizations and boosters throughout their early years, this tip also applies to travel with infants, older babies, and toddlers.

2. Consult Your Child’s Healthcare Provider

Remember that your baby’s healthcare provider is your ally and a great source of information. Don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have any questions about traveling with an infant or how to best travel with a baby of any age. If you’re thinking of traveling with a newborn, the provider may suggest waiting in some cases, such as if your little one has an underlying health condition or was born prematurely.

3. Collect Medications and Important Documents

Before setting off on your adventure, remember to pack any medication your child will need while away from home. You can also purchase a sturdy folder to keep any important documents, such as your baby’s vaccination record, copies of recent medical reports, passport, etc. When traveling with an infant, older baby, or toddler, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and bring everything you might need!

4. Do Some Research

One of the best tips for traveling with newborns or older babies and toddlers is to hunt for and gather relevant information ahead of time. Besides things like looking up vaccination requirements, you can also research details about accommodations and activities. Some hotels offer amenities that may come in handy when traveling. For example, if you’re breastfeeding your baby , you might want a refrigerator in your hotel room to store extra milk.

5. Allow Extra Time

Always remember that traveling with an infant or baby of any age means everything will take a little more time (or sometimes a lot more time!). Be sure to start early and allow extra time when packing the car or getting to the airport, going through security, checking into your accommodation, eating out, etc. This additional time makes for a smooth trip and also helps keep stress to a minimum.

6. Bring Those Baby Essentials

Although your research may reveal that hotels or accommodations offer some basic baby necessities, it’s best to bring as much as you can with you. For example, if a hotel offers cribs, unless you can guarantee that their baby cribs are up to date on safety requirements, it’s better to bring your own travel crib if you’re able to do so. Other travel essentials for your baby include bottles, bibs, diapers and wipes , pacifiers, etc. Keep these in a separate diaper bag for easy access! Our baby travel checklist below includes all these items and more.

7. Don’t Forget Favorite Toys or Blankets

Your little one is still getting used to the world around them, so bring some reminders of home to soothe any discomfort when in unfamiliar places. A favorite plush toy, a familiar rattle, or a blanket with home scents can do wonders in keeping your babies and toddlers comfortable when traveling, so be sure not to leave Mr. Rabbit (or any other "lovey") at home!

8. Double Check Car Seats

Whether traveling with your infant, older baby, or toddler by car or plane, double-check any car seats you use for safety . Look up the expiration date to make sure the seat hasn’t expired, and ensure that it’s properly installed.

9. Keep Feedings and Sleep Schedules Consistent

When traveling with babies, especially newborns and infants, it’s best to keep feeding and sleep schedules consistent, even when crossing into other time zones. It’s hard for children to adjust to new routines, and a little consistency will do wonders. If you’re moving across several time zones and it’s impossible to stick to the same feeding times, try to adjust your schedule gradually. However, what’s most important is feeding your baby when they’re hungry, regardless of the hour, and giving yourself some extra grace.

10. Bring a First-Aid Kit

In addition to all your essential must-have items, it’s also helpful to have your baby’s first-aid kit with you when traveling. You can keep one in the car, diaper bag, or your little baby’s overnight bag. Do you have all the baby necessities in your diaper bag? Take our quiz below to find out!

11. Wash Hands Frequently

Although briefly mentioned above, this is one of the most important tips for traveling with an infant or child of any age, and it deserves a friendly reminder! Because your little one is still building their body’s natural immune defenses, they’re more susceptible to catching colds, flu, or other infections. And because you’ll be carrying your newborn while traveling or holding your baby’s hand, it’s best for you to wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer.

12. Stay Hydrated

Traveling in general, but especially traveling by plane, is dehydrating to the body. Staying hydrated yourself means staying healthy and alert for your child. To keep your newborn hydrated, you’ll want to feed them more often (if needed), and older babies and toddlers will need sips of water throughout the day. Hydration is also very important if your little one has diarrhea while traveling, which is common.

13. Bring Disposable or Hybrid Diapers

When you’re traveling, nothing beats the convenience of disposable diapers. Another option is a hybrid system, like Pampers Pure Hybrid Starter Kit, which uses reusable covers and disposable inserts to cut down on waste.

14. Provide Entertainment

You may find that your newborn sleeps through much of the trip, but that probably won’t be the case for an active older baby or toddler! When traveling with a baby who’s a bit older and more alert, it helps to provide some form of entertainment, whether in the car, on the train, or on an airplane. A soft toy or a picture book work well.

15. Bring Food and Snacks

You don’t have to travel with a baby to know that meals and snacks are an important part of any outing! You’ll need to breastfeed or bring formula, of course, supplemented by solid foods once your little one has been introduced to solids at around 6 months. Good travel food for babies can be anything they regularly eat—the point is to keep their tummy happy!

16. Sing Songs

Singing is a wonderful way to bond and engage with your baby or toddler. It’s an entertaining way to pass the time on long car drives, for instance, and has the added bonus of helping to boost vocabulary as well as other important language skills and developmental milestones for babies . Before long your not so little one will be singing along and repeating their favorite songs, again and again.

17. Plan Car Games

In addition to singing songs, keep your little one entertained with some fun car games. Your toddler may enjoy the classic game I Spy or even counting things (with your help) they see out the window, like cows or red cars. Another idea is to build or purchase a travel tray, a simple tray that connects to the back of one of the front seats and provides lots of things to touch, look at, and listen to!

18. Pack Bedding From Home

When possible, pack bedding for your baby or toddler, which, of course, is easier when traveling by car or when you have extra space in your suitcase. Familiar feels and scents will help keep them at ease as they experience a disruption to their usual routine. If you’re flying far on a plane, just grab something small, like their favorite blanket or bedsheet, to help them feel “at home.”

19. Provide Extra Attention

Traveling with a baby or an older child often interrupts typical at-home routines, and your little one will probably need more attention from you. Some tips include extra hugs and snuggles during the day and at night, plus bringing interactive games and activities into the mix.

20. Maintain a Typical Meal Routine

Although traveling is a great time to try new foods or allow some “treats,” try to stick to your usual meal routines as much as possible. Let your older baby or toddler know that traveling can include trying new food while at the same time continuing to eat healthy foods and maintain normal mealtimes.

21. Look for Specials

Many accommodations and restaurants offer special prices or deals for families, which can help reduce costs. “Kids stay free” is a common feature; you can also see if a hotel provides complimentary meals or packaged discounts for kids and families. Consider working with a travel club or agency that can help you coordinate a trip with children in mind.

22. Ask for Assistance

With a baby, travel isn’t always an easy task to accomplish on your own. If your little one is feeling extra fussy on the plane or train and you’ve run out of ideas, ask an attendant if they have anything special for babies or young kids, such as a picture book or a pack of crayons. If you need a changing pad in your hotel room, call the front desk. It really does take a village, and many travel clubs, airlines, hotels, and more offer special assistance for kids and families!

23. Pack for the Weather

Take a look at the weather report before you leave and pack accordingly. Consider bringing some extra layers for cooler night temperatures or extra supplies in case of rain or snow. Socks, rain covers, a warm jacket, and a hat will all come in handy if the weather takes an unexpected turn.

24. Take Preventive Measures

It’s not unusual for an illness or another health-related issue to pop up when you’re on the go and away from home. Colds and sore throats, diarrhea, car sickness, mosquito bites or bedbug bites —all these scenarios are possible with any kind of travel, including travels with your baby. Although you might not be able to completely prevent all these issues, it helps to prepare. You can do so by

getting necessary vaccinations before traveling

checking hotel rooms, bus seats, or train cars for bedbugs

bringing your own food or eating only hot food that’s thoroughly cooked

eating only a light snack before traveling to lessen motion sickness

staying hydrated.

25. Remember Special Considerations When Flying

Don’t forget that flying with a child will require some extra steps. If you have any questions, consult your little one’s healthcare provider and contact the airline. For example, all equipment like car seats and strollers will need to be visibly inspected at the airport. Read more about air travel in our article about flying with babies .

26. Plan Age-Appropriate Trips

Of course, traveling with a 1-year-old is going to be a little different than traveling with a 2-month-old! It helps to plan a trip that works for your child’s specific age, so if you’re traveling with a 9-month-old baby, think of something to do that meshes well with their abilities and interests. A simple trip going to visit grandparents or where there are lots of playgrounds is all you really need! But, of course, kids love playing outdoors or at the beach, so see more suggestions on where to travel with a baby at the end of the article.

27. Plan Breaks

For travel of any kind, remember that kids need breaks, naps, and downtime. If you’re taking a road trip, for example, research your routes thoroughly and plan for pit stops and breaks. It’s not easy for wriggly little ones to sit for too long, and getting out of the car to stretch legs or enjoy an attraction along the way helps keep spirits and energy levels high. If you’re on a plane, get up and walk the aisle a few times for a little movement and stimulation. Or if you’re spending the day at a theme park, squeeze in some time in the shade with a blanket for a quick snooze or a calming activity, like reading.

28. Bring Craft Supplies

Your toddler may need something more interactive to keep them entertained while on a road trip, airplane, or in a hotel room. Basic arts and crafts for toddlers can keep your little one occupied. Even just some crayons and a coloring book will help.

29. Adjust Sleep Schedules 2 to 3 Days Before if Needed

As mentioned before, when traveling with infants and older babies, it’s better to try and stick to the same feeding and sleeping schedules. But when traveling with toddlers, you may have more wiggle room to adjust their routines. For short trips, you might not even need to consider this tip, but if you’re moving across multiple time zones, you can gradually adjust sleep and eating schedules to the new time zone a few days before departing on your trip.

30. Pack Books

Are you wondering what to pack when traveling with a baby or toddler? Put books at the top of your list! Any kind of books —picture books, storybooks, interactive books—will keep your little one entertained while traveling. And if you usually read before falling asleep, it’s important to maintain your bedtime routine while away from home.

31. Respect Boundaries

Traveling with babies and toddlers (or, really, kids of any age) is a lot of fun for everyone. But remember that a change in a routine can be difficult for children, so it’s important to respect any boundaries they put up. For example, if your child doesn’t want to give Grandma a hug this trip or go on a ride at a theme park, don’t force it. They might be feeling shy or nervous, and it’s best not to force interactions, even with family members or activities.

32. Allow Your Child to Make Decisions

One of the best tips for traveling with toddlers and older babies is letting them make some decisions as they start to dabble in independence. Ask them what they want to eat for dinner or what they’d like to wear. Keep decisions manageable for their little brains by offering two or three choices rather than asking open-ended questions. It will allow them to take ownership of the travel experience!

33. Try New Things

Make traveling with your baby or toddler even more memorable by encouraging new experiences. You’ll probably remember these trips forever, but to make them stick in your youngster’s mind, have some fun with unique activities that you can’t do at home. Plus, as your little one is growing and developing, they’ll naturally want to try new things and test newly developed skills!

34. Anticipate Big Feelings

Again, changes in routines can be difficult for kids to manage. Traveling means leaving home behind, sleeping in a strange bed, and being without the usual comforts. This may be stressful, confusing, or even a bit scary for your little one. If these emotions come out in the form of temper tantrums , crying, or resisting, give your child extra support and love.

35. Supervise Water Play

Baby travel or traveling with a toddler might include a little water play, like splashing around in the pool or at the beach. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in kids of any age, and it can happen in seconds, whether children are swimming , playing in a shallow pool, or simply taking a bath. Watch children closely when in the water or during bath time.

36. Take Photos and Videos

With cameras built into phones, you probably don’t need a reminder to take photos! Still, be sure to capture the memories when traveling with your kids, especially as they get older. It will be fun for them to look back and remember the trip!

37. Keep a Scrapbook

Take a blank scrapbook with you and let your toddler draw or color in it each day of the trip. For infants and newborns, press their hand or foot into the page with a bit of paint and add photos. When you return home, you can add more pictures or little trinkets like ticket stubs to the book, and your child can keep it to remember the experience. As your babies get older, traveling with them will get more and more fun, so let them be part of making the memories!

Baby Travel Checklist

We know this list of tips for traveling with an infant, older baby, or toddler is quite thorough, so to make it a bit easier for you, you’ll find a handy baby travel checklist below! We’ve included all the baby travel items that will help support a trip of any kind with any age group. Whether you’re wondering what to pack when traveling with a baby or hunting for those baby travel must-haves, we’ve included them all! This baby travel checklist works for kids of all ages, so you can use it when traveling with infants, older babies, toddlers, or even older children. It also works for short or long trips, by car, plane, or train. You can also download a version of the checklist and use it at home when preparing and packing for any upcoming family trips.

Baby Travel: Where to Go

Now that you have all of our travel tips, it’s time to think about where to travel with your baby. Not all destinations and activities are suitable for young children, so we’ve rounded up some of our best ideas for kid-friendly travel destinations!

Where to Vacation With an Infant, Older Baby, or Toddler in the United States

Luckily, the United States is a big country packed with various travel opportunities for babies and young children. Because there are so many choices, we’ve rounded up a few suggestions for each of the following themes: National Parks Among the best places to go when traveling with a newborn, older baby, or toddler are national and state parks. When you explore the great outdoors, you can avoid cramped environments and secure your sweet little one to your chest or carry older babies in backpacks while you enjoy fresh air and nature. Of course, toddlers will probably want a little independence as they toddle around! Some suggestions for kid-friendly national parks include the following:

All these parks offer a range of hiking suitable for carrying sleeping newborns or curious infants, plus interesting experiences for more mobile toddlers. Watch your child’s eyes light up at the scene of geysers erupting in Yellowstone, birds singing in the Everglades, or the sky-high trunks of the towering Redwoods! Vibrant Cities Although nature is ideal for traveling with babies or kids of any age, new cities also offer a lot of entertainment for the entire family (including you!). The United States is so diverse with different cultures, and your little one can enjoy various activities that can enrich their development. The list of kid-friendly cities in the United States is nearly endless, so if you’re simply looking for a bit of inspiration or a few suggestions for exciting cities, perhaps consider the following:

All these cities offer fun for you and your kids, even if your infant is simply watching the buzzy world around them. Take your little one to look for seals at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, explore adobe architecture in Santa Fe, New Mexico, or listen to street music in New Orleans. Theme Parks Although some theme parks aren’t suitable when traveling with newborns, infants, or young babies, many can be a lot of fun for toddlers and older kids! However, some of these classics cater to kids of all ages, rather than just focusing on thrilling roller coasters for the big kids. Again, you’ll find plenty of fun theme parks throughout the country, but for a few suggestions, you could consider the following:

These theme parks offer exciting scenes for even the youngest guests but can also entertain older children if you have a brood of various ages. Watch your baby delight at meeting their favorite Disney, Sesame Street, or fairy-tale characters! Beaches Although infants shouldn’t experience any direct sunlight until they are at least 6 months , beaches can offer a relaxing place to be with your little one, as long as they’re properly shaded. For older babies and toddlers, the beach is an exciting source of pure entertainment! The United States has a lot of coastlines to consider; here are just a few ideas:

A beach vacation with an infant, older baby, or toddler will expose your little one to an entirely new world. Plus, all the above suggestions offer complementary activities that your baby may love, such as visiting wildlife education centers, observing tide pools, or having fun at neighboring playgrounds. Road Trips Like national parks, road trips are also ideal for traveling with infants or children of any age, as you don’t have to interact too much with other travelers who can spread germs to your family. Plus, road trips can combine all the aforementioned ideas into one exciting adventure! A road trip doesn’t have to be long; you can simply pack snacks and head over to Grandma’s house or into the big city. But the United States is also known for its signature stretches of highway, and some of the most popular road-trip routes include the following:

Best Places to Travel With an Infant, Baby, or Toddler Abroad

A vacation abroad is a terrific way to open up the world to your little explorer! Although infants and young babies probably won’t remember much about a trip abroad, you can still use the opportunity to introduce them to new cultures and experiences. And, who knows, perhaps a trip at such a young age will spark an interest in travel as your adventurous baby grows up! A list of the best places to travel with an infant, baby, or toddler is endless, so we’ve included just a few popular family-friendly destinations in different parts of the world. Of course, use your imagination and go where you want!

The Bottom Line

Traveling with young infants, older babies, toddlers, or kids of any age can be a lot of fun, but it also requires a little extra prep! We hope this article helps you prepare for future family trips:

Use our suggestions on where to go to plan memorable experiences for the whole family.

Download our baby travel checklist to ensure you don’t forget any of the must-have items you’ll need.

Consider all our tips for traveling with newborns, babies, and toddlers to help your vacation go smoothly.

Remember that there is no age limit when it comes to travel, but it’s best to take extra precautions when traveling with infants, as they have yet to build up their body’s natural immunity. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider before planning any travel so you know what vaccinations your baby will need.

Family travel is a way to build wonderful memories that last a lifetime! Savor these exciting moments, whether you’re taking a simple trip to Grandma’s house, venturing out on an epic road trip to national parks, or enjoying an international vacation.

How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.

• Book: Caring for your baby and young child, birth to age 5, Sixth Edition Paperback – November 2, 2014 by American Academy of Pediatrics (Author)
• Medline Plus: Traveling With Children
• Zero to Three: Survival Strategies for Traveling With Your Baby or Toddler
• Medline Plus: Toddler Development
• Mayo Clinic: Infant and Toddler Health
• Healthy Children: Sun Safety
• Healthy Children: Travel Safety Tips
• Healthy Children: Car Safety
• CDC: Travel Recommendations for Nursing Families
• CDC: Drowning Facts
• CDC: Traveling With Children
• Healthy Children: Car Sickness
• La Leche League International: Travel

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We asked, you answered: Parent-approved tips on traveling with kids under 2

Becky Harlan

Last month, Life Kit asked parents to share their go-to advice for traveling with babies and toddlers under age 2 as part of an episode we did on the subject. Over 200 folks responded with tips they wish they'd known before taking a big trip with a little one.

Reading through these responses, it became clear there's no magic hack that works for every kid. Some parents swore by sticking to their kid's sleep schedule on a trip, others said their vacation was smoother when they let the usual routine go. Some sang the praises of the overnight flight (so their child would sleep on the plane), others said their child has never slept more than 10 minutes on a plane no matter the timing.

I flew to Japan with my baby. Here's the travel advice that helped me survive the trip

A few pieces of advice held true throughout. A hungry kid is an unpleasant kid, and children are messy. So packing lots of snacks, extra diapers and a change of clothes ranked high on the list of must-dos. Almost 40 of over 200 responses suggested packing extra outfits in your carry-on for your kid and for you. (If your charge spits up, throws up, blows out or spills it will also get on you!)

So here's a non-exhaustive, impossible-to-be-comprehensive, but-hopefully-still-helpful round-up of your top advice for traveling with little kids. These responses have been edited for length and clarity.

What to pack

A stroller that can be stored in the overhead bin. It's a game changer to not have to check clunky strollers at the gate or check-in counters. —Amy P.

A change of clothes for yourself. If the baby spits up or has a blowout, there's a high likelihood that the mess will end up on you too, especially if you're holding them. Also, be sure to bring a bag to put messy clothes in. Reusable waterproof bags are great and they keep the smell in! —Jenna Yount

Extra diapers. You think you will be fine but if something comes up it's not a good situation to be in. —Jeanna Limtiaco

Overnight diapers. Fewer diaper changes in transit makes everyone happier. —Samantha Warren

Snacks. Remember, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration allows for any size baby food [and baby or toddler beverage], so pack those pouches! —Clara W.

Meds you and your kids might need in flight. That includes chewable Tylenol, Imodium, Dramamine, Zofran, ginger chews, Band-Aids and alcohol wipes. —Paige Ellis

A dark-colored bath towel. It's a blanket, it's for tidying up, it's a tablecloth, it's a sun cover, it shields bottoms from hot slides, it dries off swings. It's a multi-tasking powerhouse. —Judith Heise

Consider what may make sense to buy, rent or borrow upon arrival. You don't need to stuff everything into your suitcase. Buy some of your diapers and snacks at your destination. See if you can borrow or rent large, bulky items like car seats or travel cribs from Facebook Marketplace or your hotel or Airbnb. —Jocelyn Newman

How to get through the flight

Get to your gate an hour before boarding. It gives you time to feed your child, change their diapers, have a cup of coffee and fill your water bottle. It can also help your kid let out their energy before they have to sit on the plane. —Shelly C.

Check the airport for family friendly spaces. Use nursing spaces or pods and family restrooms to reset as needed. Check lounges for nursing and play rooms. —Sara Conger

Take an early morning flight. Those are least likely to get delayed, which is important when traveling with kids. —Carina Ochoa

Parenthood Is A Shock To The System. These Tips Can Help You With The Transition

Board with your partner separately. If you're traveling with two caregivers, have one go on the plane first with all the stuff and do the gate-checking of the stroller while the other hangs back with the kids until the last minute. It gives kids more time to run around! —Andrea De Francesca

Get a plane seat for your kid. Even though many airlines allow kids under 2 to fly for free as a lap baby, if you can afford to get them their own seat, it is worth it. It is recommended for safety to have them in a car seat, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, and the extra space for them to move around is nice. —Nicole Shelledy

Be ready for motion sickness. We were not prepared for how easily some little ones get motion sickness on an airplane. Have throw-up bags handy at all times. —Tiff Bankhurst

Prevent ear discomfort. Sucking during take off and landing may help relieve ear discomfort. My babies have flown with me from 4 weeks onward and never had a problem as long as they had a bottle or sippy cup or straw to suck on. —Shelly Ransom

Don't plan on them sleeping on the plane. It's great if they do, but if it doesn't happen, you'll be frustrated. —Colleen Mayerhoff

Don't worry too much about your kid "bothering" other people. The vast majority of people don't care, and many have been in the same situation you've been in and feel nothing but empathy for you. As for those who do care, they are not guaranteed a child-free existence in public. Kids are part of society too, and they are also allowed to take up space. —Jenna Yount

Make friends with the flight crew. They're going to help, they've got more experience than you, and they also want the flight to be pleasant. —April Graham

Save the screens for the flight. If you're using a screen, wait until you're on the plane. While you're waiting in the terminal, let them move as much as possible. Find an empty gate and play Simon Says, see who can jump in one place the longest, do animal charades. Let them go wild. —Paige Ellis

Download age-appropriate shows for your child on an iPad. (But know that if your kid is under age 2 they'll mostly just want to push the buttons.) —Chantel Dockstader

Travel hacks

Find a lodging close to a grocery store and a park. It makes it easy to buy last-minute things and burn off their energy easily at a park. —Gillian Molina

Dress your young kids in bright, matching shirts. I once traveled alone when my kids were 2, 4 and 6. We all wore matching yellow shirts so people could see we were together. —Emily Hernandez

If you want to let your little one crawl around , bring a pair of socks that you can put over their hands. Then you don't have to worry about dirty hands afterward. —Shannon Geraghty

Hire a photographer. You'll have photos with everyone in them, maybe get to see some scenic parts of the city you hadn't seen before. Dress up, wear matching outfits, be extra! They're only little once. —Tina Doyle

Helpful mindsets

It's not a vacation. It's a trip. You're just parenting in a new place. Set your expectations accordingly. —Laura Henriquez

The airport/train/bus/car is not the time to enforce the normal at-home rules. Do you want Doritos at 7 a.m. at the airport? OK. Do you want to watch 20 episodes of Blippi on the plane? No problem. There are no rules when traveling. This also makes traveling fun for kids because they get to do something different. —Meg Houston

Build in extra time to do things. It will decrease the chances of you and your child getting into stressful situations. —Cori DeLano

You're not going to get as much done as you think with a kiddo in tow. Think about things like nap schedule, traveling with a stroller, meltdowns, diaper changes. On my most "successful" trip with my kiddo, we planned one big activity a day and left the rest of the day open with some general ideas and left room for flexibility. —Whitney Winters

They might not remember, but you will. —Nina Hartman

The digital story was edited by Malaka Gharib. The visual editor is Beck Harlan. We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or email us at [email protected].

Listen to Life Kit on Apple Podcasts and Spotify , and sign up for our newsletter .

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• Ask the Expert /

Travel Experts Answer All Your Questions About Traveling with a Baby

This advice from a flight attendant and a pediatric physical therapist will keep your trip with baby moving smoothly., by kara mulder and kailee noland pt, dpt.

Welcome to Ask the Expert, a series in which real experts answer questions from real Babylist parents. For this installment, we asked Babylist parents to submit all their questions about traveling with a baby or toddler (no small task no matter how far you’re going). Here to give expert advice on all things travel are Kara Mulder, a flight attendant for 14+ years and the voice behind Flight Attendant Life , and Kailee Noland, a pediatric physical therapist and the owner of The Movement Mama .

Traveling with a little one can be such a rewarding experience full of family bonding—at the same time, it can also be such an exhausting experience. Whether you’re flying, road tripping or taking another form of transportation, there’s a lot to think about with a baby or toddler in tow. From how much time they can spend in their car seat to keeping a fussy kiddo placated on a cross-country or even an international flight, here’s advice from two travel experts to keep your trip moving smoothly.

In This Article

Flying with a baby or toddler, road trips and car seat comfort for babies and toddlers.

Taking to the skies? With over 14 years of experience as a flight attendant, Kara Mulder answers all your questions.

How old should a baby be before air travel?

Airlines generally suggest that a baby should be at least two weeks old before flying, but a physician can provide a more personalized answer. Some airlines may require a doctor’s letter for newborns under two weeks old. Many parents and pediatricians recommend waiting until baby is around six weeks old and has started their vaccinations to better handle potential germ exposure.

How important is getting my baby his own seat? Is it dangerous if I just have him in my lap on a flight?

Although airlines allow children under two to sit on a parent’s lap during the flight, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) states that purchasing a seat for your baby and using an approved child safety seat is the safer option.

When booking flights, consider your child’s age, the duration of the flight, the type of aircraft and whether you’re traveling alone. This will help you make an informed decision regarding purchasing a separate seat for your toddler. Air travel can be exhausting, and providing your child with their own seat can offer invaluable peace of mind.

One final recommendation is to understand the aircraft configuration anytime you travel with infants or toddlers. If possible, reserve a bulkhead row (the row with no seats in front of it, usually at the front of economy/coach class) with the attachable bassinet . If you have any questions about how to reserve the best seats on an aircraft when traveling with young children, airline customer service representatives can assist you.

How many baby items (and which ones) can you take through security and check at the plane gate?

The TSA allows parents to bring baby essentials such as bottles (including breast milk and formula), baby food (including puree pouches) and medication through security, even if they’re over 3.4 fluid ounces—and they don’t need to be in a quart-sized bag with the rest of your liquids, they just need to be in your carry-on.

To keep breast milk, formula and baby food cool, freeze some juice and use it as an ice pack. Frozen liquids are allowed in your carry-on luggage, and once they’re done keeping things cool, they can double as a snack for you or your little one. Note: when traveling with frozen juices, remove the containers before security screening and communicate to TSA that the contents are frozen. And they have to be completely frozen; if there’s any partial melting or liquid at the bottom, they have to meet the regulation for 3.4 fluid ounces.

As far as other baby items, diaper bags, strollers and car seats are also allowed, and many airlines allow travelers to check strollers and car seats at the gate for free .

For international travel, each country has its own rules regarding what items are allowed through airport security. So depending on where you depart, be sure to look at customs, security and border guidelines. For example, in other countries, you won’t be able to bring frozen liquids. However, items for your baby fall under medical exemption and are allowed to travel in reasonable quantities.

Should I check the car seat before security if I’m not using it on the airplane? Or is it best to check at the gate? Is there a cost for checking car seats and strollers?

Most airlines allow you to check a car seat and stroller for free, either at the ticket counter or at the gate. If you’re not using the car seat on the plane, I would suggest gate-checking. That way, you can use your car seat or stroller right up until you board the plane, making managing a baby and luggage easier—just hand it over at the boarding gate. (Editor’s note: If your baby still fits within their infant car seat’s height and weight limits, those are much easier to travel with than heavy, bulky convertible car seats. Check out our roundup of top rated infant car seats to find some travel-friendly options for babies under 1 year old.)

Gate-checking also minimizes the risk of damage by reducing some of the handling associated with checked luggage. Just remember to ask for a gate-check tag at the boarding gate.

What are some tips to keep a baby or toddler entertained on a flight?

There are several strategies to keep a little one entertained during a flight. First, consider bringing some new, small toys or books that your child hasn’t seen before—novelty can be a powerful distraction. Baby’s favorite comfort item, whether it’s a blanket, stuffed animal or pacifier, can also be incredibly useful during your trip.

While some parents prefer to limit screen time, a flight can be considered a “special occasion.” A digital tablet loaded with some toddler-friendly apps or shows can be a lifesaver.

For long-haul flights, international trips or ones lasting more than six hours, consider taking your baby for a short walk around the cabin when the seatbelt sign is off. Feel free to greet the flight attendants, but be aware, your baby might become their favorite passenger!

How can I pop baby’s ears during/after a flight?

Changes in air pressure can cause discomfort to a baby, but there are strategies to help. Consider breastfeeding or offering a bottle during takeoff and landing, as the swallowing action helps clear your baby’s ears. A pacifier can also stimulate swallowing and provide the same benefit.

For toddlers, a drink from a sippy cup or a small snack might do the trick. Chewing and swallowing can help adjust their ear pressure.

If you’re nervous about your baby’s ear health for an upcoming trip, it’s always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician before the flight for additional recommendations.

Where is the best place to breastfeed on the plane?

Where to breastfeed on a plane will largely depend on your comfort level and the type of aircraft. On wide-bodied aircraft with two aisles, some lavatories are larger and might offer more privacy. However, you’re more than welcome to breastfeed at your seat with a nursing cover.

Additionally, breastfeeding can help clear baby’s ears, so nursing during takeoff or landing may help alleviate any discomfort your baby might experience due to air pressure changes.

Where can I use a breast pump while flying? Is it rude to pump in the bathroom on a plane? And how/where can I clean all the bottles and pump parts, especially on long-haul flights?

You are absolutely allowed to use a breast pump while flying. Some parents feel more comfortable pumping in their seat with a nursing cover, while others prefer the privacy of the lavatory. Larger lavatories on wide-bodied aircrafts may offer a more comfortable space.

Cleaning pump parts can be challenging on a plane, as limited bottled water is stocked onboard. Using potable water from lavatory sinks or galley faucets is not recommended. Ideally, bring enough parts to last the flight without needing to clean anything. However, for lengthy flights or if packing additional items isn’t feasible on your trip, consider cleaning breast pump parts with bottled water and disinfectant wipes. As a flight attendant, I’d encourage you to ask the working crew for bottled water if needed. The crew is there to help.

No matter how you travel or how long it takes, it’s important to know how traveling impacts your little one’s body and behavior. Pediatric physical therapist Kailee Noland answers all your questions about keeping kiddo safe and happy during the long haul.

What is the longest a baby should be in a car seat on a road trip without getting out?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies (12 months old and younger) should only spend two to three hours in a car seat at a time, including on long road trips. This is because of how babies are positioned in a car seat, which can cause physical strain and restricted breathing after more than a couple of hours. It’s a statistic that many parents aren’t aware of and one that we definitely need to spread the word on, so be sure to send this article to a friend! (Editor’s note: Even though baby should only be in their car seat for two to three hours at a time, you can still make sure those couple of hours are nice and comfy. Check out our picks for the best car seats to see the absolute comfiest.)

Taking breaks during travel allows baby to stretch and move, plus it reduces the risk of plagiocephaly (or flat head syndrome). Remember, too, that car seats aren’t recommended as safe sleep devices. So while it may be tempting, when you reach your destination or a pit stop, please get baby up and out, even if it means having to wake them from their sweet slumber.

It’s not forever, though. Most experts agree that once a baby has the upright head and neck control to sit independently, you can begin driving longer stretches. While I know the two-hour rule may seem restricting, this is a great excuse to hunker down and stay home in those first few months to adjust, as your life has now changed, and family and friends can begin to make the effort to come to you!

If longer travel is unavoidable, here are some tips:

• Plan for your trip to take twice as long as normal. With all the stops and time allowing babe to stretch out, it’s wise to just plan this into the schedule.
• Do some gas station tummy time .
• Babywear while you take a quick walk around a park on your route. If you’re nearing the two hour limit, just check the next town en route and google “[Town Name] Park” or “[Town Name] Trail”; you’ll likely find a lovely spot for some fresh air and stretching your legs.
• When the adults need to stop to eat, be sure to take baby out of the carseat. You could babywear here, too.
• Have one parent sit in the back with baby to monitor temperature, breathing and overall comfort level. If this isn’t possible, use a travel-safe mirror or car camera to check on babe.

Keep in mind: If your child is premature or has any other medical conditions, always consult your pediatrician regarding their specific travel recommendations.

At what age is it okay to use a tablet for long trips?

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , screen time should be limited by age as follows:

• Prior to 18 months old, the only screen time should be video phone calls, which provide an active and involved experience for your child.
• Between 18 and 24 months, it’s recommended to only provide educational programming for less than one hour per day that you view with your child.
• Between two and five years old, limits are capped at one hour per day and three hours per weekend day.

These guidelines were created not only to protect your child from potentially harmful content, but also to promote optimal brain and body development. All that to say, my recommendation for independent tablet use in the car would be no sooner than two years of age. I also invite you to consider utilizing a device that isn’t actively connected to the internet or data during usage to prevent your child from accidentally stumbling onto something they shouldn’t.

For our family, we’ve always had fun utilizing a portable DVD player and headrest mount with DVDs we own or check out from the library. This ensures we’re able to control exactly what’s being viewed and the toddler/child isn’t in control of the buttons, causing potential driving distractions.

Of course, we all understand needing to entertain them in the car so you’re not stuck with a screaming toddler, but try the ideas mentioned here before resorting to screen time. Some of our favorites include:

• Activity books and sticker books
• Listening to music
• Listening to children’s stories on audiobook or podcast
• Pop-its or other car-safe toys

We also personally find that if our children have too much screen time on road trips, particularly near nap or bedtime, the blue light their eyes are taking in may reduce their sleep quality and make it difficult to get to sleep. You might consider investing in some child-sized blue light blockers to assist with combatting this issue.

How can I keep my toddler entertained in his car seat without using technological devices? Car rides often become screaming sessions!

Trust me. Been there. And it’s no fun. While I can’t guarantee a tantrum-free trip (because toddlers love to move , after all), I can give you lots of ideas that have helped make traveling with toddlers as smooth as possible!

Here are some of our favorite travel solutions:

• A portable audio player like the Yoto Mini
• Storytime podcasts
• Coloring books + Clickup markers (no more missing lids or lids that are choking hazards)
• Water painting books + reusable brushes you can fill with water
• Bubbles + the car vent
• Foam activity boards
• Playing “I spy”
• Suction spinning toys
• Car-safe non-projectile books (soft-cover only)
• Car-safe toys

Keep in mind: All items offered in the car shouldn’t be considered projectiles. This means the item should be lightweight and soft, so that in the case you got into a collision, it wouldn’t cause harm if thrown around the vehicle.

My toddler is good for about two hours of driving in a day (plus naptime), but then he screams at the very sight of his carseat, and it doesn’t really get better. I know this is normal, but when will things get better? Our family lives seven hours away, and it’s very hard to get there!

This is so tough—but our children have an innate desire to move! Think about how much we adjust in our car seats. Because of the restraints of child car seats, they’re often unable to wiggle and readjust as we are, leading them to feeling uncomfortable and fussy!

To help minimize the fuss:

• First, ensure that your kiddo’s car seat is installed properly for their weight and height and it’s at an appropriate incline angle. This eliminates whether or not significant discomfort might be what’s bothering them.
• We love to do playground pit stops to get out some energy. Often we’ll pack some snacks or grab food at a drive-through and instead of stopping at a gas station each time, we google “[Next Town] Playground” or use the Playground Buddy app . If it’s bad weather, consider exploring a nearby department store or wandering a grocery store for road trip snacks. If there’s more than one adult, you could also try having one adult take the child to the playground while the other packs the car. This already starts your little one off on a positive note with some of their movement needs fulfilled.
• Novelty is key. I often try to pack most of the activities I listed above in our travel caddy. I try to only offer one activity at a time and use “first, then” statements, like “First we’re going to color, and then we can watch a show.” Break up your screen time so you always have something fun and enticing to offer. Give them something to look forward to—maybe a special snack they get to have at your next stop.
• Consider breaking up your trip into two parts. We’ve enjoyed staying halfway in AirBnBs to make our trips more enjoyable for everyone!
• Some families also like to leave close to bedtime or very early in the morning to get a few “sleepy” hours for the kiddos in the car. Always be sure you’re not driving when you are too tired, though.
• Try playing a game of “I Spy,” but make it simpler by encouraging them to tell you when they see animals on the side of the road (we love to look for cows in the Midwest) or something that you know they might see often, like big trucks or billboards. Encourage them to look for shapes in the clouds or find things that are a certain color along your trip!
• Finally, know that it’ll improve with time! But it’s completely normal for your mover and shaker to not want to be confined to a seat for hours on end. And soon you will be at your destination and having fun!

How do you make a baby more comfortable in a car seat, especially for babies that find it hard to self-soothe in order to sleep in the car?

First, know that it’s completely normal for separation anxiety to increase in the car. While you can easily see them in the mirror, they may not be able to understand at a very young age that you’re right there with them. As mentioned previously, consider having one caregiver sit in the back next to them to ease their little minds.

And as always, make sure your car seat is installed properly for your baby’s age and size so they’re as comfortable as possible.

Something to note with car seats, too, is that traditional infant seats create a C-curve to the spine, which can be particularly uncomfortable for babies with reflux or for prolonged time spent in the car seat. Consider transitioning to a convertible car seat for improved comfort—just be sure the seat’s harness and weight limits accommodate your baby’s size safely!

Making the car environment as soothing as possible can help a lot, too. Maybe this means turning on white noise or their favorite lullabies. Try using a pacifier clip to prevent them losing their means of orally soothing.

Be sure to also offer stretch breaks at minimum every two hours to improve their physical comfort in the seat.

Be mindful of their body temperature and check to ensure they’re not too hot or too cold.

There are also many car-safe toys that you can offer if they’re at the age where they’re able to manipulate toys!

I hope these tips have been helpful and given you some ideas to try out on your next trip!

Kara Mulder

Flight attendant.

Kara Mulder, the aviation pro behind Flight Attendant Life , parlayed curiosity and an affinity for travel into careers as a private jet flight attendant and writer. Now based in Sydney, Australia, she’s crafting her debut memoir that draws from her rich life experiences. More about Kara and her work can be found at KJWattsAuthor.com .

Kailee Noland

Pediatric physical therapist, pt, dpt.

Dr. Kailee Noland, PT, DPT is a pediatric physical therapist and mama of two (soon to be three). She is a self-proclaimed baby & toddler enthusiast and is passionate about helping families incorporate developmental play into everyday routines and rhythms. She has also helped countless families feel empowered to choose the right shoes for their children. You can find support and encouragement in all things motherhood and motor milestones within The Movement Mama community.

What to Pack When Traveling With Baby

Fact-checking standards, when can you travel with your baby, read this next, what to pack for your baby in a carry-on bag, what to pack in your baby's suitcase.

Happy travels!

What to Expect the First Year , 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, Flying With a Baby? Here's What to Know Before You Go , September 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Do Babies Need Passports? , October 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Best Travel Toys for Babies , February 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Baby Products You Can Take on a Plane , September 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Flying with Baby: Parent FAQs , November 2019. American Academy of Pediatrics, Is It Safe for Families to Travel Now? , August 2021. American Academy of Pediatrics, Travel Safety Tips , August 2018.  American Academy of Pediatrics, Is It Safe for My Baby to Travel in a Car Seat a Few Hours at a Time? , August 2021. Transportation Security Administration, Traveling with Children . Federal Aviation Administration, Flying with Children , March 2021. Mayo Clinic, Is Air Travel Safe for an Infant? , October 2019.

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Baby Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know About Traveling with an Infant

Traveling with an infant isn't for the faint of heart.

Getty Images | Blend Images

If you plan ahead, traveling with an infant can be a smooth ride after all.

Flying with a baby for the first time can be daunting. New parents are not only worried about their family's own experience with a little one in the air, but they're also worried how their baby's behavior will affect those around them. Plus, once you're on the ground, there are other issues to consider. Car travel with an infant isn't always fun, nor is the idea of staying with your baby in a small hotel room.

If you plan your travel strategy in advance, however, your trip can be considerably smoother. U.S. News consulted various family travel experts to get the scoop on the best strategies for traveling with an infant. Read on to learn all the tips and tricks on how to make traveling with your baby as trouble-free as possible.

Plan Travel Around Your Infant's Natural Sleep Cycle

While not always possible, Beth Santos, founder of ShesWanderful.com , says it makes sense to plan your travel around the times your child would normally sleep. This may not work on a long-haul flight, but if you are only flying a few hours and have some flexibility, it makes sense to give this strategy a try. And if you're driving, you should plan your drive to maximize your baby's sleep.

"It's great to sync with a time baby is naturally sleeping, so they don't get too restless on the plane, train or car," she says.

Book a Rental Condo Instead Of a Hotel

If your trip allows you to be flexible with lodging, consider a booking a rental condo with a separate sleeping area for your baby. Santos says having a separate space for your baby will make it easier for him or her to nap – and for you to get a break.

Home rentals also typically offer another benefit: a kitchen. Having a kitchen is helpful since you'll be able to heat up formula or milk and sanitize bottles.

Bring The Right Napping Gear

Your baby will likely have different napping needs as he or she grows, and you should be mindful of this when you travel. A baby carrier is perfect if the infant is small enough to use one, says Santos, but babies a bit larger might need to nap in a stroller. If that's the case, make sure you have a stroller that reclines and provides shade for your sleeping infant.

"That way, you can continue your adventures during the day while baby naps," she says.

[Read: 30 Travel Accessories That Make Vacationing Easier .]

Think Through Your Transportation

Santos says you may not need a car seat depending on where you're traveling.

"If you're traveling to a city with public transit or trains, and never plan to take a taxi, you might save yourself some energy by skipping on bringing a car seat," she says.

If you do plan to use cars as a mode of transportation and travel with a car seat, it might help to bring a model that connects to a stroller. That way, you can bring the entire unit and make it easier for your baby to travel along wherever you go.

Splurge for an Extra Plane Seat

Most airlines let infants ages 2 and younger fly as a lap child, saving you the money for a second seat. However, you could live to regret it if you skimp on a seat and wind up with a fussy child who is itching for more space.

Eghe Lenze, founder of TheExpectingMamasNetwork.com , says that extra seat can be a lifesaver since it means more room for you and the family.

Fly in the Middle of the Week

It may be worth it to fly during off-peak travel season or on days where air traffic is less substantial, says Lenze. Fewer flights can mean shorter lines at the airport and less travel stress overall.

"Fly on Tuesday or Wednesday as they are the least busy days to fly and you may be able to get the extra seat without paying extra," she says.

Be Smart About Feeding in the Air

If you're breastfeeding, Lenze also says it can be smart to feed your baby during takeoff and landing because it helps relieve ear pressure.

But that's not the only way to be prepared about feeding in the air: Other tips include making sure you have a few extra sets of clothing in case of a spill or diaper mishap. Also, check to see if the airline you're flying offers family boarding so you can hop on the plane ahead of other passengers, settle in and get comfortable.

[Read: 14 Tips to Survive Travel Anxiety and Enjoy Your Trip .]

Upgrade to Business Class

While paying extra for business class isn't always an option for travelers, travel expert Hilary Stockton of TravelSort.com says this is one area where you should try to splurge if you can.

"Consider using miles or points to fly business or first class rather than economy," she says. "You'll have more space around the seat to keep snacks, comfort items and toys within easy reach, and more privacy to nurse or feed your baby."

Premium cabin bathrooms are also more likely to have a changing table in the lavatory, making your job a little easier.

Check for Hotel Perks

Stockton says to check in advance whether your hotel offers useful items such as strollers, highchairs, diaper pails and objects to babyproof rooms.

"Luxury resorts such as Four Seasons often can provide these items for use during your stay, in addition to a crib," she says.

Remember, any items your hotel or resort has on-site means fewer things you have to haul around during your travels.

Protect Your Baby's Sleep

If you're staying in a hotel, make sure you utilize a "do not disturb" sign during your baby's naps. That way, your child won't wake up if someone knocks on the door. If you don't have a sign to display, ask for one.

Stockton also says it helps if your hotel has effective blackout blinds. Since you may not know this ahead of time, it never hurts to call ahead and ask when you're researching places to stay.

Pack Your Baby's Favorite Things

Susete Pinto, who works as a pediatric sleep consultant for Night Night Baby Consulting , says bringing familiar items from home may make your baby feel more comfortable. A favorite blanket, books, foods or bath toys may even make an infant forget he or she is in unfamiliar territory.

Plus, these items can especially come in handy when you're in the air and your baby wakes up, says Pinto. In this situation, you're in "survival mode," where anything goes.

"Giving in to whatever they need during a flight does not make you a bad parent ... it simply makes you a parent," she says.

Sign Up for TSA Precheck or Global Entry

Signing up for TSA Precheck and/or Global Entry can be a lifesaver at the airport since both can save you from standing in long lines when going through security before your flight, or when re-entering the country when you've been abroad.

If you don't have either of these benefits yet, keep in mind that many major travel credit cards cover the application fees for Global Entry or TSA Precheck .

Book a Hotel or Condo with On-site Laundry Facilities

It can be difficult to pack for your baby when you're spending time away from home, but it always helps to have access to a washer and dryer. Even if you're on a quick trip, baby messes can start to stink fast and you don't want to lug dirty or wet clothing, or cloth diapers around all vacation.

What's more, booking lodging with an on-site washer and dryer means you'll also be able to pack less.

[Read: The Best Family Hotels in the USA .]

Hire a Babysitter

Traveling with an infant can be absolutely exhausting, which is why it makes sense to set up a sitter ahead of time. Some hotels have on-site babysitters you can book for a fee, or you can always organize your own care through a website called Care.com .

If you're traveling to see family, ask them ahead of time if they're willing to watch the baby to give you a break for a few hours. Even a short nap or some quiet reading time can work wonders when you're stressed out from around-the-clock childcare, so take advantage if you can.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

There's a lot of pressure on parents to ensure their baby is on his or her best behavior in the air and on the ground. However, babies can and do cry from time to time, and there's nothing parents can do to prevent or stop it. Pack everything you can to make your baby more comfortable, but don't bring so much baby gear along that you're miserable maneuvering it. Do your best and cut yourself some slack, and you and your baby will no doubt enjoy your trip.

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My Top 5 Sleep Tips for Traveling With a Baby

Last updated August 7th, 2024 .

Article by:

Cara Dumaplin

RN, BSN, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant

Just so you know, I do review everything I recommend. When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission. Learn more about affiliate links

Traveling with your baby can be such an exciting adventure. My goal is to ease some of the worries you may have so you can focus on making wonderful memories with your family. 

A mom of a 9-month-old told me, “Cara, I’m thinking of canceling our trip. We were so sleep deprived for the first 7 months of my daughter’s life. The last 2 months of her sleeping have been so great that I just don’t want to mess it up.”

Want to hear my advice?

Please, please, please do NOT cancel your trip. Do NOT let your fear of sleepless nights rob you of priceless memories with family and friends. Please, GO!

Let me share some of my tried and true sleep tips for traveling with a baby.

Planning to fly? My interactive guide, Flying with a Baby or Toddler , is here for you!  Let me help you take the guesswork out of flying. I cover everything you need to know from booking your trip, getting through the airport, handling sleep and entertainment on the plane, navigating time zone changes, and more. 

How do I get my baby or toddler to sleep while traveling on vacation? # anchor

1. start with a well-rested baby or toddler. # anchor.

The days leading up to travel can be hectic. We have loose ends to tie up, errands to run, and packing to do. This can interfere with your little one’s sleep. Do your best to protect your little one’s sleep time before your trip so that you don’t start your travels with a sleep deficit. Starting a trip overtired can make sleep harder during travel.

2. Plan accommodations carefully. # anchor

If your baby or toddler is accustomed to sleeping in their own space at home, you will want to TRY to continue this while traveling. 

If you’re staying at a hotel, try to book a room with a separate living area or attached room. I know this is not always feasible, so in a pinch, the bathroom of your hotel room works just fine too, as long as it has adequate circulation!

If you’re staying with friends or family, talk to them in advance about the possibility of separate room accommodations for you and your little one. (An office or well-ventilated bathroom can work great as a makeshift nursery!)

If a separate sleeping space simply isn’t an option, try to provide a barrier – or at least a considerable distance – between your bed and the baby. Check out the Slumberpod too (Code Cara).

 3. Pack the essentials to recrate the baby or toddler’s bedroom. # anchor

Try to replicate your baby or toddler’s normal nighttime surroundings as closely as possible. Bring your:

Sound machine 

Lots of pacifiers

Sleep sack/swaddle

Portable blackout curtains 

Bedtime routine essentials

If you’re staying at a hotel, check to see if you can request an actual crib. For some babies, this can work much better than a portable crib. Also, check out rents4baby (code Cara for 10% off) or Baby’s Away for renting any baby equipment if you are staying in a rental home or with family.

4. Maintain your bedtime routine while away. # anchor

A familiar bedtime routine cues your baby or toddler’s brain that it’s time to sleep. If you typically do a bath, give a mini massage, dress in jammies, feed, and then read a book, continue to do that while you travel. This predictable series of events reminds your little one that bedtime is coming, even if the surroundings are slightly different or if bedtime is later than normal. Consistency in this routine is key!

5. Try to get one good nap a day. # anchor

During trips, we often try to pack in as many activities as possible. Unfortunately, your carefully planned fun can turn into a disaster with a cranky, overtired baby. If your little one is taking more than one nap a day, aim for one nap to be at the hotel (or wherever you’re staying) most days of your trip. 

I recommend attempting to get a solid morning nap at the hotel (or at the home where you are staying). Send someone out for a coffee run, plan out your day, or just enjoy some relaxing quiet time, all while allowing your baby to get that restful nap. Starting the day rested can allow future naps to happen in the car seat, in grandma’s arms, or in the stroller.

Remember, traveling can be tiring!  You’ll need to be flexible when it comes to how your plans fit into your baby’s nap schedule . If your baby is under 5 months, sleepy cues are important to keep your baby from becoming overtired. If one of your baby’s naps is short or on the go, you may need to make bedtime 30-60 minutes earlier than usual.

Our travel includes a time change, how do we help our baby adjust to a new time zone? # anchor

If the time zone difference is 1-3 hours or if your trip is only a couple of days, I typically recommend keeping your baby on your home time zone. But, if the time change is too big, you’ll be away for several days, or this simply isn’t possible, here’s my advice: 

Make sure to use light to your advantage! During your baby’s awake time, be active and expose them to as much daylight or even bright indoor light as possible to adjust to the local time. On the other hand, keeping your baby’s sleep space as dark as possible during the early morning hours and sleep times will also be helpful for adjusting to the new time zone. It will also help minimize distractions during wakings in an unfamiliar environment. (Here are some fabulous travel blackout shades (use code Cara for 10% off.)

If you’re traveling east to west and need to adjust to the new time zone, you can try adding in an extra catnap in the late afternoon to help your little one make it to bedtime. If a catnap isn’t an option, you can try to shift bedtime later by keeping your baby awake a little longer (think 10-30 minutes.). Keep an eye out for those sleepy cues to try to avoid pushing your baby into a completely overtired state. 

If you’re traveling west to east, the time difference can actually make your life easier. The few hours you get traveling east will allow you to put your baby down for a “late” bedtime, even though it may feel like the same bedtime to your baby. So if your baby’s bedtime is typically 7 pm, maybe it gets “moved” to 9 pm. And the added bonus is you won’t have to leave your fun evening plans in the middle of dinner!

Keep in mind, shifting times can be difficult—even for adults! As your baby adjusts to a new time zone, you may see some wakings during the night and nap struggles. Try not to let this ruin your vacation. I promise you- you can get back on track when you get home. If you need a plan, I have classes to help. 

Help! My baby won’t sleep on vacation, what should I do? # anchor

First, take a deep breath. Vacations can be tricky for baby sleep. Read through my tips above and see if there are any tweaks you can make. 

If you have been consistent at home with your baby’s sleep and you’re having a bit of trouble, now is the time to let go a bit. Relax and have fun; enjoy your family time. You have a great sleeper, so don’t stress over how much (or how little) sleep your baby is getting. This is a short-lived time with your family and friends. Your baby will get back on track when you return home.

If you need to provide extra sleep support while you’re traveling, it’s okay to do that. This might look like holding or rocking them to sleep (even if they are typically able to fall asleep independently). Just remember, vacations are temporary. If you need a plan to help you when you get back, check out my 5–24 Month Collection .

Please Note: If you took my newborn class, you don’t have to stop implementing your newborn tips during your travels! The same techniques can certainly still be applied on your trip. Remember—you can even let your sweet little one nap in your mom’s arms most of the day without ruining the night sleep you’ve established.

Where should my baby sleep while on vacation? # anchor

My general recommendation is to have your baby sleep like they do at home. If they share a room with you at home, they should also share one with you on vacation. If they have their own sleeping space at home, try to give them their own sleep space on vacation – as much as this is possible ( Take a look back at tip #2 for more ). Just keep in mind that even on vacation all of our same safe sleep rules apply.

How do I help my baby sleep on a plane?  # anchor

Bring anything you might need to make your baby’s sleep on the plane successful: sound machine, sleep sack/ swaddle, books, pacifiers, bottle.

Whenever you expect your little one to sleep, take your baby through a mini version of their normal sleep routine. Keep in mind, it’s okay to provide rocking or extra support to help with sleep. You may also find it helpful to babywear them for sleep on the plane. 

At the end of the day, all you can do is try your best. It’s your job to offer the nap, and it’s your baby’s job to take it, so don’t stress about it. You can offer a cat nap later or move bedtime earlier to try to avoid overtiredness. Remember, what happens on vacation stays on vacation. 

Did you know I have an interactive guide all about Flying with a Baby or Toddler ? It has all of my best tips for flying with your little one. It covers everything from booking your trip, packing lists, entertaining your baby at the airport and on the plane, sleep while traveling, and so much more.

What do I do when I get home from traveling with a baby? # anchor

Once you get back from vacation, return to your normal routine and leave any tricky vacation sleep behind. If your nights are tough before traveling, all of my tips above can still help make your travels smoother. When you return home, if you need a plan for getting restful nights, my 5-24 Month Collection is here for you. It’s a customizable, step-by-step plan that will help you achieve consistent days and nights- it will also give you peace of mind knowing that your baby can quickly recover from an exciting vacation. 

If you already own my 5-24 Month Collection , you can get right back to your sleep plan. Be 110% consistent. Typically within 3-5 nights, you’ll have your great little sleeper back. If you need a refresh, the section “Getting Back on Track” is also there for you. 

If you're overwhelmed, exhausted, or just not sure where to start. I was there too. Let me show you everything you need to confidently handle sleep so your whole family can thrive!

Select your child's age to get started:

Are you ready to have a great little sleeper?

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How to Take a Flight with a Baby (32 Tips)

Written by Becca

Updated on July 28th, 2024

How should you take your first flight with an infant? These important tips and tricks will get you through flying on a plane with your baby so that everything goes to plan.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

How to Fly with a Baby

• Set your expectations right.
• Bring noise-cancelling headphones for your baby.
• Bring a travel sound machine.
• Check a bag.
• Have a blanket handy.
• Consider going to an airport lounge.
• Bring extra snacks.
• Bring an extra set of clothes for each parent.
• Bring a pared-down diaper bag into the bathroom.
• Use a baby carrier through security and while boarding.
• For older babies, consider screens.
• Bring toys!
• Buy a separate seat, if you can afford it.
• Try to replicate a regular bedtime routine on long flights.
• For international flights, request the bassinet.
• Be aware of what happens during security with liquids.
• Let your baby sleep in a wrap carrier on your chest.
• Don’t forget your stroller, upon arrival!
• If you check your car seat travel bag, fill it with stuff like diapers.
• Hold your child TIGHT during landing.
• Change your baby’s diaper before the flight.
• Consolidate your personal item into your diaper bag.
• Bring a mobile travel breast pump.
• Gate check your car seat and/or stroller.
• Use a luggage cart for all your stuff in the airport.
• Have one adult board first with your carry-ons and “stuff.”
• Take an UberXL to the airport.
• Bring on the diaper bag (as a medical item).
• Get a compact travel crib if you need to bring one.
• Feed the baby during takeoff and landing.
• Try double-diapering your baby.
• Fly as often as possible with your baby or kids.

Overwhelmed about traveling with your baby on an airplane for the first time? I think every parent who needs to fly on a plane with their little one for the first time is feeling this way. It feels like there are so many things that can go wrong, and the logistics of all the baby stuff is more daunting than having the baby on the flight itself!

Flying with your infant is probably going to be different than taking a road trip with your baby . There’s a lot more limitation on what you can bring, how to pack it and the fact that you’ll be in an airplane seat, not in a car that can stop every few hours.

Here are some pretty popular tips that will help you plan out your first flight with your newborn, infant, older baby. Of course, not all these tips work for everyone, but I’ve made them as all-encompassing as I can in order to help you out with the most seamless flight experience for the family!

Tips for flying with a baby

Check out our list of important tips to keep you sane during your next flight with your little one! I’ve added comments about my personal experience in flying with my baby, and I point out which items are the best baby travel accessories for traveling .

And make sure to check out all of our posts about traveling with a baby to get a full sense of what it’s like and you might pick up some tips and tricks along the way.

Set your expectations right.

Many of my friends have noted that going into a flight with a baby for the first time should involve no expectations: none at all.

If you have a fussy baby or an unpredictable baby, there may be chaos. If you’re used to getting on a flight, plugging in noise-cancelling headphones, turning on some in-flight entertainment and sipping a beer or a piping hot coffee, reset your assumptions. Flying with a baby will not be relaxing, but you will eventually get where you’re going!

Bring noise-cancelling headphones for your baby.

Noise-cancelling headphones for babies have become a product that parents can use at concerts, loud events and on airplanes as well. I think that as adults, especially adults who travel and fly often, we forget just how loud the roar of the airplane engine is.

By helping protect your baby’s ears, you can help them hopefully be less fussy as the airplane is going up and as you are landing (and/or going through turbulence). They also might help the baby to sleep on the flight by drowning out the excess sounds and turning it into white noise.

Bring a travel sound machine.

We have the Yogasleep travel sound machine (you can also get it on Amazon ) for weekends away with our little one, and this travel sound machine is surely small enough to come on the plane with you. It fits in a diaper bag, and can help lull your baby to sleep with the familiar sound machine hum from home.

In all honesty in regard to our most recent flight with our child, the plane itself acts as a giant sound machine, so that was convenient! The travel sound machine from Yogasleep is good if you have to get your baby into a nap while you’re in the airport, on a layover or (hopefully not) delayed for a while. We also use it in all hotel rooms for the night, and we detail that in our tips for a hotel stay with a baby .

Check a bag.

This tip is a big painful for me, as I was a carry-on-only style traveler before having kid(s). I’m pretty much petrified of checking bags, for a (somewhat irrational) fear that they will get lost and not make it to my vacation destination with me. Anyone feel this way?

Most families I know have opted for checking their suitcases, instead of taking them as carry-ons. Traveling through the airport with all the baby equipment will be plenty, and you may not want to deal with dragging your suitcases in addition to your diaper bag, car seat, stroller and more.

By checking bags, you’ll free up at least one parent, as between the two of you, there’s likely a carry-on (or two), the diaper bag, stroller, car seat, your child’s milk or formula, food and even more. Many friends of mine have noted that checking a bag is the way to go when you travel with a baby.

My good friends have tried to help ease my fears of checking luggage and have noted that bags getting lost is way less common if you’re flying nonstop with no transfers. Second, to get over fears of lost luggage, try getting some Apple Airtags to track your most valuable belongings (laptop, wallet, carry-on, etc.) from your phone!

Have a blanket handy.

Bring a lightweight blanket to drape over the stroller, to help your baby nap while you’re waiting in the terminal.

Another thing a blanket can do is create a little dark canopy over your baby if he or she is sleeping while in-flight! Planes can be really bright at some less-convenient times.

Consider going to an airport lounge.

For extra comfort and space, and to avoid potentially uncomfortable (or lack of) seating at your gate, opt for an airport lounge. If you have Priority Pass or another membership that will get you into a lounge, then bingo! Enjoy free WiFi, snacks, the bar and potentially a family room or mother’s room in a lounge.

Check out our guide to how to know what airport lounges are like . We went to the United Lounge at EWR during our most recent flight experience with our baby and not only was it a great place to try to feed her some solid food, but it let us relax for 45 minutes while we enjoyed the lunch buffet and WiFi.

Bring extra snacks.

If you have a baby at the 6+ month age, you will potentially be bringing food in tote! For babies between 9-12 months, they’ll want to snack all the time. Having handy snacks (and also being able to eliminate messes) is incredibly important!

Try ideas like infant baby food pouches or DIY pouches full of food from home like these from Babybrezza . Another good idea is snack puffs that are not too messy.

On top of bringing a regular amount of snacks, be prepared with extras! If your child is bored, or just decides he or she is extra hungry during the hours you’re on that airplane, you’ll be glad you took more rather than less.

Bring an extra set of clothes for each parent.

I think a “worst case scenario” in my mind would be if I were flying with a baby who had a #2 accident all over my clothes. While it’s more common for babies between 0-3 or so months to let another #2 out in those moments when you’re doing the diaper change, it can happen to any unlucky parent!

Bring an extra set of flight clothes that are also weather-appropriate for your destination, for both parents or caretakers. This is also handy not only for bathroom accidents, but for unfortunate and unexpected situations of vomit, food or drink spills and anything else you can think of.

AND , as a bonus, having an extra pair of clothes in your carry-on (or if you have a giant diaper bag) can be useful if your checked luggage gets lost for a day. Bingo!

Bring a pared-down diaper bag into the bathroom.

This tip came from a friend of mine, who phrased it as, “NEVER bring your entire diaper bag into the airplane bathroom!” There are a few reasons for this.

First, airplane bathrooms are tiny. Once you and a baby are in there together, there is not very much room to move around. On our Air Canada flight when our child was 8 months old, the bathroom was so small that I didn’t even know how someone bigger or taller than my size would’ve fit.

Second, airplane bathrooms can be wet, if someone messy was in there before you. The last thing you want is for your diaper bag to be soaked from someone else’s bathroom mess — ew.

And third, all you really need for a diaper change is a diaper, some diaper cream, a few wipes and a changing pad. In a rare case of a blowout, you’ll need a spare outfit. The good news is that I have a hack for this: grab a Kibou diaper waist bag . It is the ONLY item I’ll bring with me for a diaper change on a flight .

For a limited time: Join the list for 15% off your first order + get free shipping on orders $75+!

Shop the deal

The Kibou is a “diaper bag fanny pack for travel” and you can also use it for essentials like your phone, wallet keys and passport. Taking something this minimal into an airplane bathroom will be ideal! Plus, it’s unisex, for both moms and dads. I love showing it off to other parents who say, “Wow, that is brilliant.” It works like a charm when you need to dash into a bathroom for a diaper change. In my review of the Kibou you can see more photos and details!

Use a baby carrier through security and while boarding.

Using a travel-friendly baby carrier to carry your child leaves you with two hands to get organized while getting to your seat! You’ll find this to ease up the whole process of boarding, as well as getting through security.

My favorite baby carrier for travel is the Baby Tula Carrier Lite , which I reviewed in this detailed review . Consider that it folds up into a fanny pack for when you aren’t using it, and that saves a ton of space.

Get 15% off with our exclusive code HALFHALF15 when you check out.

As I was walking off the plane during our last flight with our baby, I considered that I didn’t know how I would’ve survived without a baby carrier, with all the carry-ons and personal items we already had. You need to be hands-free with that baby!

When we flew from Halifax , Nova Scotia, I think we set a record with how many bins we used and how we had to manage everything with an infant. We both had laptops, a camera, wallets, various fanny packs, diaper bag contents and liquid toiletries.

It’s something to consider for packing so that you’re not holding up security when you’re out of the country when TSA PreCheck is not available.

Luckily, there wasn’t anyone behind us, so it didn’t matter. In a crowded and busy situation, security can be pretty chaotic and a baby carrier may help.

For older babies, consider screens.

As a disclaimer, this tip is only for those who are comfortable with screen time for their little ones! Personally, we rarely put our baby in front of a screen to entertain her at her current age, but, we understand that this will change with our second child and will also change as she gets older.

For babies who are accustomed to screen time, have some downloaded videos available on either an iPad or a phone. Personally, we try to hold out as long as possible with screens, and here’s why we’re raising a screen-free child , even for flights.

Bring toys!

For older babies, bring toys that suction cup to the tray table like these amusing suction cup spinners .

If you have the space, a food-grade silicone busy toy might help pass the time for children 6-12 months.

Buy a separate seat, if you can afford it.

For longer flights when having a lap infant may not be so comfortable, consider buying a separate seat for your child. Use a travel car seat on the plane to strap it in. We’ve realized pretty quickly that traveling with a baby makes you forget all the ways you used to try to save money while traveling .

Know what to expect with having a car seat on a plane.

If you have booked the aisle seats on the flight, you’ll need to put the car seat in the window seat, as passengers have to be able to walk out of the row in the case of an emergency.

If your seats are in the middle section of the row (think a large plane with 3-4-3 seating), it has to be placed in the middle seat so the two aisle seats allow passengers to get out in an emergency.

From a friend who has flown often with an older baby, she noted to me that about one in eight times of flying with her child, the flight attendant asked to see the car seat to make sure that it was plane-compliant. There’s a marking on the side of the car seat that denotes that it can be used for a flight. She uses this Cosco Scenera NEXT convertible car seat for travel and takes it on planes.

Helpful tip here: when we checked our car seat in the US, we checked it regularly at the counter and it came out with regular baggage at baggage claim. However, in Canada, we had to check it as Oversized Baggage, and when we landed in Newark, it was not with the regular checked luggage on the baggage carousel. We had to go to Oversized Baggage and retrieve it!

Try to replicate a regular bedtime routine on long flights.

This tip is a LOT easier said than done. For us, bedtime involves a bottle, a story book (or three), changing into pajamas, a diaper change, a song while we put on our child’s sleep sack, and a kiss before going into bed.

If you’re traveling and have the plane’s bassinet or a child’s car seat, this is probably going to be more worth it than if your child is going to sleep in your lap for a little while, only to be awoken when the plane lands. So, this tip is most applicable to overnight flights or international ones that are long.

If you are flying at night time (or even during a red eye flight ), the good news is that the lights will be dimmed, so you likely don’t have to worry about having blackout shades or a blackout cover. If your child sleeps in complete darkness, consider seeking out a blackout cover for a car seat (this one also doubles as a nursing cover — very handy!) that fits. Make sure you can still peek in to check your child’s safety while sleeping.

For international flights, request the bassinet.

“Get the bassinet” is what anyone will say to you if you’re flying long-haul with a baby. Even if your baby is close to not fitting anymore (think “baby who is large for his/her age”), the seats for the parents are better in the bulkhead row! It does have to be requested, though.

One nice thing about the bassinet option is that parents can check the car seat. This keeps the amount of things you’ll be hauling through security and on the plane to a minimum. Hopefully you’ll wind up with only backpacks and stroller by the time you get to the gate.

To arrange moving to the bulkhead row, you will probably have to call your airline and “speak to a human.” It may be possible to avoid up-charges this way, depending on the airline.

It’s definitely cheaper to go the “bassinet route” over your baby having own seat on the plane with a car seat. The only catch is that you don’t get the bassinet until full altitude, so the baby would be in your lap for a bit first.

Most parents are fine with this because you can feed your baby during take-off and landing for ear popping reasons. My friend who did this recently said that when she booked the bassinet/bulkhead seats, there was no questioning about her baby’s age or size. This may vary by airline, once again.

Be aware of what happens during security with liquids.

You can go through security with formula and milk or liquids for a baby. They will be searched separately.

Note that formula nor breast milk is subject to the 3 oz. rule for TSA-approved liquids, as both are “medically-necessary liquids.” My friend flew with a two-day-old baby and had no problem with this, and when I brought liquid milk through security, I had both a 5-oz. frozen bag of milk, as well as 2 oz. in a Spectra bottle. The containers of milk were checked by a TSA agent, and then I was free to go (they did not sample the milk nor open it).

Let your baby sleep in a wrap carrier on your chest.

My friend Liz flew to Ireland , and then to Portugal , with a baby only six months old. She didn’t book her child a seat, so her baby was a lap infant. To get her to sleep during those flights from the US to Europe, she had her daughter sleep in a wrap carrier like the Boba Baby Wrap or the KeaBabies Wrap Carrier .

What I will note here is that I was told most recently by a flight attendant on Air Canada that a “snuggly” (or baby carrier) cannot be used during takeoff nor landing. You could, however, get the baby right into it after the seat belt light turns off.

Don’t forget your stroller, upon arrival!

This one seems simple, but when you arrive and deplane, if you’re caught up in the bustle of taking down your carry-ons and dashing to passport control or baggage claim, don’t forget your gate-checked stroller or car seat!

If you check your car seat travel bag, fill it with stuff like diapers.

This is a very popular tip from parents: if you are using a car seat travel bag to check at check-in, or gate check, “fill it with stuff.” No one will care how much it weighs (probably!).

One of the most widespread tips is to fill that car seat bag with diapers, and lots of them! If you have any other soft things that could go in there (maybe wipes, or if it’s winter, some things like a baby snowsuit), that works, too.

Using a universal car seat bag with shoulder straps may do the trick. Of course, if your car seat brand makes its own car seat bag like the UPPAbaby one and if it includes a warranty, you can opt for that (see below about the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat travel bag ).

Put your family’s laundry bag in the car seat on the flight home! By that point, you’re probably already playing a really hard game of tetris with all your packing cubes in the suitcase anyway. We did this and it made packing some gifts we got much easier in our checked bag.

Hold your child TIGHT during landing.

When that plane hits the ground, you could have a smooth landing or a really rough and crazy one. After flying once, I was lucky that Dan signaled to me it was time to hold our baby tight as our plane was about to touch down on the runway. Things can get unexpected really fast during landings that swerve or feel bumpy, so keep your best grip on your child for safety.

Change your baby’s diaper before the flight.

Yes: change your child’s diaper before the flight — right before, if you aren’t too pressed for time. This helps eliminate the risk of in-flight blowouts due to diapers that were already at capacity from having been on a baby for a few hours already.

Consolidate your personal item into your diaper bag.

I asked a LOT of my friends if their airline had included their diaper bag as a personal item for their lap infant (if your infant has a ticketed seat, they get their own personal item and carry-on without question), or not. It was about a 50/50 split. Some airlines will consider the diaper bag to be the lap infant’s personal item, whereas some will not. I use the personal item-sized 25L diaper backpack from Nike.

You can see more about it at my Nike Diaper Bag review .

If you are aware ahead of time that your airline does NOT consider your diaper bag to be a medical bag, aside from your (as an adult) “personal item”, then throw in your wallet, phone, keys and passport, or even better, use a fanny pack for travel day .

Better yet, take that fanny pack idea and travel with a fanny pack baby carrier or a fanny pack diaper bag like the Kibou to get more use out of every item you choose to bring along. Even BETTER, have one adult use a fanny pack diaper bag, and have one adult use a fanny pack baby carrier! This is what I did.

Bring a mobile travel breast pump.

If you are a breastfeeding mama and your space is limited, you may notice that your Spectra pump (the same one I’ve taken on road trips with a small baby ) is really pretty big and tall, all things considered.

What you can do is opt for a travel pump or mobile pump. I have the Elvie Stride hands-free wearable pump , and friends also recommend the wearable Willow Go pump . These have smaller footprints in your luggage, and they operate with apps!

Gate check your car seat and/or stroller.

Gate checking is great for your travel stroller (like our UPPAbaby Minu ) and travel car seat. The tip here is to make sure to have the special “travel bags” for both large items, and the even bigger tip is to check in at the desk at the gate for tags ahead of time.

Make sure your airline allows two gate-checked items if you plan to gate-check both a stroller and car seat. What we did was check the car seat with baggage upon arrival, and gate check the stroller.

Use a luggage cart for all your stuff in the airport.

I never could’ve foreseen just how much “stuff” we had. Among the car seat in its bag, our rollaboard suitcase, both our personal items (one was my backpack with a pump in it), the diaper bag and the stroller, our arms got tied up fast.

If there are free luggage carts at the airport, get one ! Even if they cost money to use them for an hour, they may give you a spare hand or peace of mind.

If the airplane has your baby freaking out, my friend Kate suggests keeping blinders up and not worrying about other people. The moment will pass and you won’t see any of those people again (unless you’re with a lot of friends or family on your flight, but then, they’ll understand).

Have one adult board first with your carry-ons and “stuff.”

I have a friend whose favorite tip for flying with a baby (if you’re traveling with your partner) is for one of you go on first with all the things you’ll be taking on the plane, while the other adult waits outside the gate with the baby.

This is particularly helpful if you have gotten your baby a ticketed seat and you are bringing a car seat on the plane. It’s a lot to carry and we’re all just human! What we did was board together in priority boarding. That worked, too.

Take an UberXL to the airport.

When traveling to the airport, opt for an Uber XL. Between our suitcases and the stroller, you will want to ensure that you have enough trunk space.

Bring on the diaper bag (as a medical item).

On many (but not all!) airlines, your diaper bag counts as a “medical bag,” and it does not count as your personal item on the plane. Each adult is therefore allowed to bring one personal item in addition!

Also, this is in regard to if you bring on your baby as a lap infant. If your baby is a ticketed passenger with his or her own seat (and a car seat for sitting in), then he or she is also entitled to a carry-on and/or checked bag, depending on the airline and ticket class.

Get a compact travel crib if you need to bring one.

For your “flying trip” with a baby, if you’re going to visit family, or you’ll be staying at an Airbnb that does not offer a crib or travel crib, you’ll be bringing your own. My biggest suggestion is to NOT bring something giant like the Graco Pack ‘n Play. This will be a burden at the airport and upon landing. Instead, invest in a minimalist compact travel crib! This will spare you a headache.

As for choices, I’ll recommend the BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light or the Guava Lotus Travel Crib. Both pack down to infinitely better sizes and shapes for travel than a traditional Pack ‘n Play. The Guava Crib can even be worn as a handy backpack as you go through the airport. To make your choice, check out BabyBjorn Travel Crib review and our Guava Lotus Travel Crib review . Both will probably need to be checked as luggage, although depending on the size of the overhead bins, it’s possible they could fit and be carried on.

Feed the baby during takeoff and landing.

Many friends recommended feeding babies during takeoff and landing. There are a few reasons to consider it: first, if you think about the first time you flew, as a kid maybe, did anyone tell you to either keep swallowing, or maybe to chew gum during takeoff and landing to help with popping ears? I used to always take gum with me in my early years of flying for that reason! Now I just drink water.

With babies, they don’t know what to do, so if you offer a feed, the swallowing will help the baby’s ears and avoid the discomfort from popping. Take note: a pacfiifer may have the same effect, to encourage the swallowing reflex.

Second, offer a feed in case you are tied up waiting for baggage or delayed in a passport control line after deplaning. You may not be able to feed your baby for an hour or two, especially if you immediately get in a taxi to your hotel and hit traffic, or any of the other delays life throws at you.

As an update, on my most recent flight with our baby, we flew Air Canada and the flight attendants told us that during the ascent and descent, the baby had to be sitting facing one of us and held with the head into our chests. Feeding was not allowed until the seat belt light was turned off. So, be sure you speak with a flight attendant about a safe policy!

For all travel-related product ideas that will get you through the flight, check out my guide to feeding your baby during a trip .

Try double-diapering your baby.

Some babies tend to go to the bathroom (#2) due to changes in cabin pressure (or maybe it’s an urban legend), but I’ve heard from multiple parents that “double-diapering” can help with unwanted diaper accidents while in the air.

Probably the last thing you want is to be messy with a diaper accident while the plane is landing if you’re already cramped in your seat, and let’s face it, airplane bathrooms are NOT spacious.

Fly as often as possible with your baby or kids.

Traveling and flying often with babies and kids will get them used to it, so that they’ll know what to expect each time. And, even though babies change all the time, flying routinely will keep them familiar with what to expect when they’re at the airport, on the plane and traveling in a new destination.

Common questions about flying with a baby for the first time

My sister flew with her husband and 5.5-month baby from Philadelphia to Florida, and I interviewed her about how she got it all done. My sister Lily did a LOT of research leading up to her trip, and has shared her experience with me so that it can help you out! Thank you, Lily! You are a pro.

Does my baby need a passport?

If you plan to fly internationally, then YES: your baby needs a passport to leave your home country and enter another one, if they are even one day old.

Infant passports are the same as child passports and have validity of five years (whereas adult passports are valid for ten years before expiring).

Daunted by applying for your baby’s passport? Don’t worry — Becca and Dan made a guide for how to get your baby a passport .

If you plan to fly only domestically with your baby, then no worries, as they do not need a passport.

If visas are required for your destination, your baby will need a travel visa too. Learn how to know if you need a visa for international travel .

Do I need to bring a car seat?

Yes, you will likely need a car seat when you get to your destination!

At the very least, you need your car seat when you take a taxi to and from the airport. The car seat I have (and that Becca has as well) is the UPPAbaby Mesa Car Seat for infants .

Should I bring my main stroller or should I buy a travel stroller?

This was the topic that I researched most.

In the end, I decided to use our car seat, attached to our UPPAbaby Vista stroller body . I learned that the UPPAbaby stroller warranty only covers airplane damage if you have the UPPAbaby stroller travel bag with TravelSafe, which we ended up buying for $200.

I had considered buying an umbrella stroller/collapsible travel stroller; however, most of the umbrella strollers are designed for babies 6 months+ who have more sitting abilities than my daughter had at the time.

Many of my friends recommended the BabyZen Yoyo travel stroller , which folds small enough to put in the overhead compartment on a plane. This stroller seat is for babies 6 months+. Something nice about this stroller is that you can attach many car seats with adapters, and if you attach your infant car seat, then you can use it for your younger baby. However, the BabyZen Yoyo is not compatible with our car seat, the UPPAbaby Mesa.

Becca and Dan also have the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat, and they bought the UPPAbaby Minu as their travel stroller. It is compatible with the Mesa car seat, with adapters. They like it a lot, and it folds up small.

Can I gate-check my stroller when flying?

We strolled through the terminal with the UPPAbaby Vista and then gate-checked the stroller and car seat (which was free of charge on American Airlines). We lucked out!

What about travel strollers for bigger babies?

When my daughter was a few months older (around 7-8 months) we bought the Baby Jogger City Tour collapsible stroller . (It is not actually a jogging stroller, but rather, just the brand name.)

We are very happy with it, and we like the way it folds up for travel. The wheels are surprisingly good on bumpy sidewalks.

Can I gate-check my car seat?

Yes, we gate-checked the car seat before our flights.

If your baby has his/her own seat on the plane, then you’ll bring the car seat on the plane. We gate-checked our car seat in a cheap travel bag, gambling that our car seat looked sturdy and could sustain being tossed around. If you want to go the extra mile and avoid possible damages, opt for the car seat travel bag that comes from the car seat brand and has warranty protection.

There are plenty of higher-quality, cushioned car seat travel bags out there as well. Like the UPPAbaby stroller, the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat also requires the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat travel bag in order to be under warranty with TravelSafe.

Should I book a seat for my child or should I bring my child as a lap-infant?

This is a tough decision because flights can be so expensive these days.

If your baby is under 2 years old, he/she is allowed to fly for free on a parent’s lap. This is a great travel hack, and some parents take advantage of it, to take as many flights as possible before their child turns 2 and they have to pay for another seat!

For our trip to Florida, our 5.5-month daughter sat on our laps. She sleeps best when she is in her crib or car seat, so it was a little bit challenging to get her to nap on our laps.

We decided that taking her on our laps (airlines call it a “lap infant”) was okay for a trip to Florida, but if we are flying further, we’d want to get a separate seat for her.

My advice is: You want your baby to be able to nap on the plane. If your baby is good at napping in mom’s or dad’s lap, then maybe going the “lap” route is good for you (and will be cost-effective).

If your baby will nap better in the car seat, then I’d suggest getting a separate seat for the baby, especially if it is a long flight.

And of course, airplane seats are tight as it is, so having your baby on your lap will make it tighter. If you have long legs and you already feel squished in an airplane seat, keep that in mind.

Should I select a window or aisle seat?

My short answer for this is that I recommend booking a window seat.

Once you get situated with your baby, you’ll want to stay put. You don’t want to have to stand up to let your neighbor out to the bathroom, especially if the baby is napping in your arms already.

Am I allowed to bring a bottle of breastmilk/formula through security?

Yes, to my surprise, security let us through with a bottle of milk. They inspected it, and approved it.

However, when my friend traveled with a bottle of breastmilk, security spilled some of her milk, so be prepared with extra milk. We travel with this baby formula dispenser by Munchkin .

I have TSA PreCheck. Can my child come on the TSA PreCheck line with me?

Yes! As a parent, if you have TSA PreCheck , children up to age 12 can travel in the TSA PreCheck line with you. This is also a great travel hack to know about when you travel with babies and kids!

(I always like fact-checking what I hear from others, so if you’d like to fact-check me, here is the source I used on the TSA.gov website.)

What about Global Entry ? Yes — babies have to have a Global Entry account if you’d like to take them through Global Entry upon returning to the US from abroad. You may get a hard time from Global Entry staff if your child does not have an account, because they will not be able to use the face scanner. Visit my tips on how to get Global Entry for your child to learn more.

Can I change my baby’s diaper while I’m on the plane?

Yes, you can! You can use the small fold-out changing table that’s above the toilet in the plane restroom. If there is no fold-out changing table, or if you prefer to simply close the seat of the toilet and use that as a surface, you can do that.

Unless the airplane restroom fits two adults, consider that you’ll probably be on your own for the diaper change, because space is incredibly limited in an airplane restroom.

One useful thing to have along with you is a Kibou waistpack diaper bag because taking along your entire diaper bag or diaper backpack might be too much fuss. You also might not want to put it down on the grimy floor of an airplane bathroom!

My Kibou fanny pack-diaper bag helps me stay miimalist during travel so that I can do a diaper change in a bathroom during travel with just the essentials: a diaper, diaper cream, the fold-out changing pad and a few wipes in the waterproof zipper pocket on the back!

Should I bring a baby carrier for using in the airport?

YES! A thousand times yes. Bring a baby carrier as a way of keeping your baby close while walking through the airport. I recommend the Baby Tula Lite Carrier as the perfect compact baby carrier for travel. If you want to walk around the aisles of the plane with the baby in a carrier, this one is good because it doubles as a fanny pack you can just sling over your body and use as a crossbody pouch.

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33 Best Tips for Family Travel (Have Less Stress and More Fun!)

Jeff Brownson

Former Content Contributor

24 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 40 U.S. States Visited:

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

41 Published Articles 3371 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 50 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

General family travel tips, safety and security, entertainment for family travel, traveling with babies and toddlers, flying with kids, at your destination, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Traveling with your whole family can be overwhelming. Even though it gets easier the more you do it, you’ll run into challenges any time you travel with kids.

Being prepared is one of the best things you can do to make family travel go smoothly. But there are lots of little things you can do to save you some time, money, or stress on your next trip.

Here are the tips we think are the most useful and easiest to implement when traveling with kids.

1. Take It Slow

Planning for extra time is the opposite of what many solo travelers do. But it’s exactly what you need to do if you are traveling with kids.

When traveling with your family, everything will take longer than you expect , including:

• Checking in at the airport
• Getting through security
• Buying snacks and drinks
• Boarding the plane

Be sure to get to the airport early and leave plenty of time for things to go wrong. You don’t want to miss your flight because it took an extra 10 minutes to get your stroller and bottles through security. Then you are stuck at the airport waiting to be rescheduled with unhappy children — not fun!

And leaving extra time applies to all parts of your trip.

When you’re traveling with kids, you may not be able to squeeze 4 museums, 3 restaurants, a walking tour, and a bike ride all in the same day. It’s ok to slow down and do less.

Bottom Line: Keep your schedule loose and leave plenty of room for adjustment. A flexible schedule will create less stress for you and your family and lead to a happier trip overall.

2. Don’t Overpack

Parents have a tendency to pack everything kids use at home. You might think bringing familiar items will keep your routines consistent and you’ll be sure to have everything you need. At the end of a long day, though, there is a good chance you will end up carrying at least 1 kid. And you don’t want to be carrying 100 pounds of luggage, too.

Instead, pack as little as possible . The act of traveling itself will mess with your home routines, so trying to preserve all of them isn’t going to work anyway. It will just lead to frustration and a sore neck.

If you find you’re missing something you need, you can always buy it at your destination. It may be a bit more difficult in less-developed countries, but most places you would take your kids will probably have the essentials you need to care for them.

Bottom Line: The less you bring, the easier it is to pack, the less you have to carry, and the more room you have for souvenirs.

3. Prebook Everything You Can

You might be used to showing up at a destination, getting a feel for the town, and picking a place to stay. This doesn’t work with kids.

When you arrive in a new place, you’ll want to go straight to your lodging, drop off bags, and give the kids a chance to rest. This is especially true if it’s been a long travel day. So prebooking your accommodations is important.

If you want a bit of flexibility in location, book the first night or 2 ahead of time and decide where to stay for the rest of the trip once you’re settled.

Anything you can book ahead of time is one less thing you have to worry about while trying to keep your whole family fed, amused, and happy on your trip.

And don’t forget to use the right credit card for your prebooked flights, hotels, and activities. To help you out, we created this great list of the best credit cards to use to help you maximize your family travels .

Hot Tip: In addition to lodging and flights, items you can book ahead of time include private and public transportation, sightseeing tours, private guides, and tickets for museums, theme parks , and other attractions. Prebooking gives you more time to relax and enjoy your destination when you get there.

4. Outline the Trip for Your Kids

Introducing kids to the trip plan ahead of time is especially important for first-time travelers.

When kids are uncomfortable, they aren’t happy , which can happen if there are too many new things going on.

In reviewing the trip plans, your kids will know what to expect, and as a result, will be more comfortable with what’s going on around them. This can include telling them what they can expect at the airport, on the plane, and once they arrive at the destination. You can even go over your expectations for their behavior throughout the trip.

Bottom Line: Once your children understand what’s going on, they are less likely to ask questions while you’re trying to take care of travel logistics. They will be happier, more comfortable, and excited about what’s coming next.

5. Snacks, Snacks, Snacks

Hangry kids can take a fun family trip to miserable in a matter of minutes. Always have snacks available for your kids!

You never know how long you might have to wait between meals. There could be a delayed flight, unexpected traffic getting to your hotel, or a tour that takes a bit longer than you thought it would.

In addition, the food at your destination may be different than what your kids usually eat. They may happily order lunch and only eat 2 bites because it wasn’t what they were expecting … and then be ravenous an hour or so later.

And don’t forget adult snacks, too! Adults can get just as hangry as kids.

Bottom Line: Having a stash of snacks with you at all times can keep everyone happy until you can refuel.

6. Pay Extra for Good Gear

Investing in good gear doesn’t mean you need to have Tumi bags for your whole family. You don’t need to have the best and most expensive version of everything.

Buying quality gear means investing a little bit more for a great travel stroller that’s lightweight, folds up, and will hold up while pushing your child all over the city. The same goes for a travel car seat. If you can spend a few dollars extra for a seat that weighs 2 pounds instead of 5, you should.

Look at the items you’ll be purchasing for your trip and figure out which features will make your life easier while you’re traveling. Also, take into account how many times you’ll be using that item.

If it will make things easier and you’ll use it a lot, it’s worth a greater investment. You’ll be thankful for quality gear when you aren’t fighting to get a super-heavy bag in and out of a taxi at the end of a long day.

Hot Tip:  Looking for great gear recommendations? Check out the Family Friendly section of our travel product reviews page.  

7. Ask for Discounts

Asking for child discounts can really save you a lot of money every time you travel.

You’ll be shocked when you realize how many places offer discounts for children. 

Ask for discounts on:

• Transportation, including buses and trains
• Private guides
• Attraction entrance fees
• Restaurants (some have kids eat free promotions)

Sometimes, you can find child pricing on the company’s website, but just as often, there is no mention of a discount. Even when there’s nothing written, be sure to ask. A quick email ahead of time or a simple question when you’re buying tickets can save you as much as half of the cost when traveling.

Bottom Line: You never know unless you ask. We’ve found that businesses are often willing to give discounts to kids. 

8. Accept That Things Will Go Wrong

This point can’t be overstated, so we’ll address it again.

When you travel with kids, THINGS. WILL. GO. WRONG. 

Maybe your little one has to go to the bathroom and you end up missing a bus. Maybe your teenager will leave his iPhone in a taxi in Barcelona with no way to get it back. Maybe you find a great restaurant for kids at your destination, only to arrive and find it closed for renovations.

There’s really nothing you can do to avoid these situations. The sooner you accept the inevitable, the less stressed you’ll be when it happens.

Bottom Line: Remember, travel is an adventure. Even if it has a few speed bumps, the experience you’re giving your kids is irreplaceable.

Hot Tip: We’ve created a fun infographic of 30+ ways to stay safe while traveling . You’re bound to pick up a tip or 2 from it!

9. Keep Track of Your Child

Keeping track of your child seems obvious, but it’s important enough to mention. No matter what you’re doing, whether things are going smoothly or you’re having a logistical nightmare, kids will be kids.

You may be surprised how easy it is to get wrapped up in something and next thing you know, your child has wandered to the shop in the train station to check out candy bars.

If you’re traveling with another parent or adult, share duties. One person buys the tickets and the other watches the kids. If you’re traveling alone with the kids, hold their hands or have them sit in your line of sight while you take care of business.

Even the most vigilant parent can lose track of children. If your children are prone to wandering off, consider using a small GPS tracker that you can attach to their shoes or belt. The tracker will alert you if your child gets too far away and will let you track them to see exactly where they went. And it will give you peace of mind.

10. Give Kids Your Contact Information

If a child gets lost despite your best efforts, you’ll want them to have your contact information.

Your contact information should include the following items:

• Phone number
• Email address
• Local address

For young children, the best way to share contact information is with a note in one of their pockets. If they don’t have pockets, tie a little card to their belt loop or stick it in their shoe. Don’t be afraid to get creative, but make sure your child knows where to find it.

Help older kids memorize your phone number and email address. If they need the local address where you are staying, write it down for them or have them put the information on their phones. We all know a teenager isn’t going to go very far without their phone.

11. Travel With Basic Medicines

One of the easiest ways to ruin a day of travel (or possibly an entire trip) is to have a sick family member. It can be even worse if the whole family gets sick.

Whether your child has an upset stomach from the bumpy bus ride or you discover you’re allergic to a certain type of tree pollen, you want to be prepared.

It’s always a good idea to take a few over-the-counter medications with you. Consider things like:

• Headache medicines
• Allergy medicines
• Medicine for upset stomachs
• Motion sickness prevention medication

If anyone in your family takes prescription medication, be sure to bring that along, too.

Whenever possible, take your medications in their original packaging, especially prescription medications. If you can’t take the original package, take a copy of the prescription so you can show exactly what your prescription is and why you have it. This can come in handy at border crossings and if your luggage is searched.

Before your trip, check regulations for your destination and confirm you’re allowed to enter the country with your medications without filling out additional paperwork or getting special permission.

12. Special Needs in Local Languages

Special needs might be straightforward for you to talk about and explain at home, but can be tricky if you’re traveling to another country and don’t speak the local language.

If anyone in your family has special needs, be prepared to talk about them while you’re traveling. Things you should be able to explain include allergies, special diets (such as vegan, vegetarian, soy-free, or gluten-free), and special physical or mental needs.

Aside from learning the local language, the best thing you can do is use an online translation tool to print out explanations of your family’s needs in your destination’s local language.

You can make cards in both English and the local language. These cards will be easy for you to hand to hotel staff, your waiter at a restaurant, or anyone else who needs to understand your special situation. This way, you can ensure your family gets the treatment you need and no one has to experience the discomfort of trying to explain a problem with hand motions or funny faces.

Hot Tip: If you are traveling to several countries with different languages, you may need a few sets of cards. Make a set for each language. 

13. Identification Documentation

Always check the countries you are traveling to so you know if there’s any additional paperwork you need to cross borders with children.

Often, but not always, passports are all you need to travel with kids. However, some countries require you to carry each child’s original birth certificate to prove that you are the child’s parents and have the right to leave or enter the country with them.

Hot Tip:  Don’t have your little one’s passport yet? Check out our detailed piece: How to Get a U.S. Passport for Your Baby [Step-By-Step] .

Having the proper paperwork is especially crucial if you’re traveling without your child’s other parent or if you’re traveling with children who are not your own. In either of these cases, some countries may require that you have documentation, like copies of birth certificates or notes from the child’s non-present parents, to prove you have permission to travel with the child.

Sometimes the documents will need to be notarized and available in both English and the language of your destination.

That said, there’s a good chance you’ll never need to show additional documentation, even if it’s listed as required.

Bottom Line: It’s always best to be prepared. If you have any issues during your trip and need an identification form, you certainly want to have it ready to hand over. Before you go, be sure to check out our post about what ID and documentation your child needs to fly .

14. Bring a Car Seat

It’s no safer for your child to ride in a car without a car seat when you’re away from home than it is when you’re at home.

If you plan to rent a car and don’t know that you can get a car seat there, take a car seat with you. Most car rental companies have car seats, but you should confirm before your trip that there’s one available for your use.

If you can’t rent a car seat at your destination, buy a car seat that’s made for travel — one that’s light and easy to transport. It’s best if it can be used on the airplane , too.

15. Bring Electronic Devices

When traveling with kids, keeping them entertained can make the difference between a great trip and a miserable one. And one way to keep kids entertained is to let them use personal electronics during downtimes.

Appropriate times to use electronics could be on flights, car rides, in long lines, or while waiting for performances. Whether you use a tablet, a phone, or a video game system, your kids are sure to be amused.

Even if your home is typically electronics-free or you limit electronics, traveling is a time when you may want to let those rules slide for the kids. Having a personal electronic device can keep kids quiet and happy for long periods of time, especially if they are a novelty.

Hot Tip: Before you travel, make sure that you have plenty of apps, movies, or TV shows downloaded and ready to use. You never know when you’ll be without Wi-Fi and it’s almost guaranteed your kids will desperately need a new app or episode when that happens.

16. Bring New Toys and Books

Brand new toys they haven’t seen before or books that they haven’t read can captivate a kid’s attention. A vacation doesn’t have to be like Christmas, but a few small items can make a difference.

If you’re on an extended trip, think about buying small souvenirs at each stop. Your kids will get new toys and other items that they will love and be excited about for the rest of the trip.

To avoid lugging heavy books around, load some on electronic devices so if your kids have had enough game or movie time, they can read for a bit instead.

17. Pack a Special Toy

As cool as it is to get a new toy when traveling, too much new all at once can be overwhelming for some kids.

If your child is a bit of an anxious traveler, be sure to bring along something comforting from home to help them relax. A comfort item can be a favorite stuffed animal, small blanket, or favorite storybook.

If your child has an item they take everywhere with them when they’re at home, you don’t want to forget to pack it for your trip.

Bottom Line: You don’t want to spend your whole vacation answering questions and dealing with complaints about why Tommy the stuffed turtle didn’t come along for the trip. Bring their absolute favorite with you!

18. Give Kids a Camera

As soon as your kids are responsible enough, get them a small camera to use on trips.

Your kid’s camera doesn’t have to be fancy. You can get them a durable point-and-shoot camera, or even let them use the camera on an old phone of yours. If they’re too young for their own camera, you can still let them take pictures with your help using your phone or a bigger camera that you hold while they snap photos.

Having a camera can help your kids see the beauty in the landscape, the amazing features in the architecture, or the details of the crowds and bustle of the city.

They’ll enjoy showing friends and family the photos they took and photos help them remember the trip for years to come.

19. Bring a Travel Journal

A great way to get older kids to think more deeply about their trips is to get them a travel journal. Give them a journal and time each night to reflect on the day. Have them write down what they did that day, what they liked, and what they didn’t enjoy along with any general thoughts about the trip.

Keeping a journal will help them remember the trip in more detail and will also help them start to get a better idea of what types of things they like to do when traveling. This knowledge can help with planning future trips.

The journal itself can be anything. It can be a small notebook or a binder. If your child prefers, it can be electronic, recorded on a phone or laptop that they brought along. If you can find a cool journal early in your trip, it’ll also be a neat souvenir.

20. Bring Plenty of Diapers and Wipes

When traveling with kids who aren’t yet potty trained, you should always bring more diapers, Pull-Ups, and wipes than you think you’ll need. Because if you only bring 1 diaper, you will need 2. And if you bring 2, you will need 3.

We suggest you bring 2 or 3 times more than what you think you will need and a full pack of wipes. It doesn’t hurt to have a few extra diapers at the end of the flight home, but it is awful to have too few.

The same thing goes for extra outfits. It’s wise to have an extra outfit for your child and a plastic bag (Ziploc preferably, to contain smells) to put the first outfit in until you can find a place to wash it.

21. Bring a Spare Outfit (For You!)

When you’re traveling with babies, always make sure you have an extra outfit packed and accessible, not just for your baby, but for yourself. There are plenty of opportunities for a baby to ruin your outfit.

It’s great if you can get your child into a clean diaper and new outfit. But the rest of that flight will be unpleasant for you if you have a wet or dirty shirt.

22. Pop Ears With Gum or Bottles

Babies and toddlers can have a hard time equalizing their ears on their own. Popping your ears can be necessary when taking off or landing on a plane, or even when changing elevation quickly on the ground.

Feeding your baby during these times can help relieve the pressure. The sucking motion will help their ears equalize naturally. Feeding will also distract them from mild discomfort if their ears take a little extra time to equalize.

Gum can be a big help as soon as your kids are old enough to chew it without swallowing. The chewing motion can help their ears pop naturally as you change altitude.

Hot Tip: Ear pain due to elevation change is one of the main reasons babies cry on planes, so try out a bottle on your next flight to minimize the issue.

23. Bring a Stroller and/or Sling

The debate between traveling with a stroller or a sling depends on your personal preferences and those of your baby, but here are a couple of guidelines to help you decide.

Think about the weather. If you’re going to a cold destination, keeping your baby close in a sling may help keep both you and your child warm. But if you’re traveling to a warm location, having your baby pressed up against you may lead to a sweaty, uncomfortable mess.

Consider the ground surfaces at your destination. A weekend tour in an old, historic town might be lovely, but pushing a stroller over cobbled streets won’t be. So a sling or backpack might be a better choice. If you plan to stay in a major city where the streets and sidewalks are in good shape, a stroller can be a great way to move your baby around as you explore.

In reality, there is no perfect answer to this question. Take a look at your plans and your destination and pick what you think will work best.

Bottom Line:  Have the best of both worlds available by bringing a sling and a stroller on your next trip. Slings can be slipped in with your clothes and add almost no weight, and a travel stroller can fold down and be super light. 

24. Strategically Plan Flight Times

For most destinations, there are several flight times throughout the day. Even if you need to make a connection, you probably still have a couple of options to choose from.

The pricing differences on those flights could dictate which flight you choose, but if prices are close, you should look at the flight times and compare them to your kids’ sleep schedules — including naps.

Young kids may have a set bedtime, for example. How do you think it will go if you keep them up 3 hours later? On the other hand, if you take an overnight flight right around their bedtime, they might sleep for the whole flight.

Letting your children sleep when their bodies want to relax will make them cheerier when it’s time to fly and will make it easier for you to get them on and off the plane.

Hot Tip: If you can’t pick times that work with your kids’ sleep schedules, don’t fret. Just try to get them as much rest before or after the flights or try to adjust their schedules as you get closer to the trip. 

25. Schedule Longer Layovers

When you’re traveling with children, you don’t want to cut your connections too close. Leaving plenty of time for your layovers means you can take care of everything your family needs and still have enough time to casually walk to the gate for your next flight.

If somebody is hungry, you have time to sit down and eat. If the kids need to use the bathroom 3 different times, you have time for that too.

Bottom Line: Long layovers mean a little bit more waiting, but they can also mean a lot less stress. Nobody is rushing, nothing gets left behind, and everyone in your family is ready to settle in for the ride to your next destination.

26. Fly in a Premium Class if Possible

Nobody likes lines, especially when they are long and slow-moving.

Long airport lines are typically at check-in/baggage drop, security, boarding, and border control. But flying in first, business, or even premium economy can help minimize your wait times.

Premium passengers get their own line at check-in and baggage drop. Depending on the airport you’re flying out of, you may have an expedited security line as well. When it comes time to board, you’ll get to board first, giving you plenty of time to get settled and comfortable in your premium seats.

Flying in premium classes with your family is a great way to use your miles to make sure your travel is more comfortable, and you have a better chance of sleeping on long overnight flights than you would flying economy.

Hot Tip: Even better than reducing the check-in/baggage drop line is skipping it altogether. You can do this by taking care of your check-in online the day before.  Travel with only carry-on bags , especially for short trips.

27.  Enroll in a Trusted Traveler Program

To speed through security, get everyone 13 and up signed up for TSA PreCheck . TSA PreCheck will usually save you time, as you won’t need to remove laptops, liquids, shoes, or light jackets.

Children 12 and under can use TSA PreCheck lanes with registered adults, so they don’t need registration for family travel. Children ages 13 to 17 may accompany a TSA PreCheck-approved parent when they are on the same reservation and have the TSA PreCheck designation on their boarding pass.

If you travel internationally often, enroll your family in Global Entry  for border control when you return to the U.S. You can skip the long lines, use a kiosk, and quickly be on your way home. Global Entry membership covers TSA PreCheck, too.

Kids including infants need their own registration to use Global Entry.

No PreCheck or Global Entry? Review our guide to getting through security a bit easier and quicker — it’s got lots of helpful tips!

Hot Tip: Many premium credit cards offer a statement credit for the Global Entry application fee . When approved, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck . If you’re a family of 4 and you and your spouse each have 2 of these cards, you can get your whole family signed up for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck for no out-of-pocket cost.

27. Have Your Kids Carry Their Bags

If you’re traveling with a baby or a very young child, they won’t be much help in hauling your family’s bags. But once your kids are walking well and a little bit older, they should be able to pull a rolling bag or carry a small backpack .

Travel with your family gets a lot easier as soon as you can get your kids carrying their luggage.

Don’t let your kids get used to you being their luggage service. Get them carrying what they can as soon as possible. Your kids will gain a bit of responsibility for your trip, and your back will thank you.

Hot Tip: Traveling only with carry-on luggage makes it easy to get through the airport, quick to get out at your destination, and keeps everyone in the family from overpacking.

28. Pack Comfortable Headphones

Some airlines provide passengers with cheap headphones to enjoy the personal entertainment offered onboard. They’re usually free on mainline carriers and typically cost a few dollars on low-cost airlines.

It’s likely, though, that they won’t work for your child. They will be uncomfortable, too loud, too quiet, or won’t stay in their ears.

Finding a pair of headphones that’s comfortable and fit well is important. Whether they’re watching inflight movies, playing games on their electronics, or listening to music as they try to fall asleep, a comfortable set of headphones will make your kids (and other passengers!) happier.

And they’ll come in handy after you’re off the plane. Bus rides, train rides, or even quiet time at your hotel are great times for your child to listen to music with their headphones.

29. Schedule Downtime

Infants and young toddlers probably need daily naps. Older kids may be able to power through a long day, but may not be able to do that for several days in a row.

If your days are packed with activities, even the adults can get tired. Scheduling downtime helps keep your family refreshed and ready to explore, and it keeps everyone happier throughout the trip.

Downtime doesn’t have to be a nap. It doesn’t even have to be back at your hotel or apartment. Your family’s downtime could be:

• A few minutes of laying in the grass at a park
• A slow stroll along the river that runs through the city
• A movie at the local theater
• An hour reading books at the library

30. Take Public Transit

Public transit is fun for kids. Trains, subways, buses, trams, monorails, funiculars, tuk-tuks, rideshares, and public bikes can be thrilling. Every type of public transit provides a whole new type of travel.

It’s a great experience for your kids, especially when trying out a new type of transportation that they haven’t been on before. From what they see out of the windows to the people they see riding along with them, your kids will be able to experience the town just like the locals do.

Bottom Line: Using public transit in major cities is often quicker and cheaper than taking taxis or private cars from place to place. You save some money and a bit of time, and your kids get to experience something new.

31. Let Kids Pick Activities

As your kids get older, they will probably want to have more of a say in what you do when you are on vacation.  Let them!

Remember, this trip isn’t just for you. This trip is for your kids, too, and if there are things they’re interested in, you should make an extra effort to include them in your plans. Consider giving your kids a list of 5 or 6 possibilities and tell them a bit about each one. If you give them some choices of places to see, they will often be happy to pick.

That way, everyone in the family gets a little bit of what’s perfect for them.

Your children will be more invested in the trip and excited about what you’re doing. Plus, it’s a great way to get them involved in planning at an early age.

32. Don’t Hotel Hop

For those of us who maximize loyalty programs, there are many reasons for switching hotels, like limited award availability, a promotion, or even just exploring the different hotels a city has to offer.

But when you’re traveling with your family, it’s best  not to switch your lodging any more than you have to . If you’re staying in the same general area for your whole trip, you will be much happier if you stay at the same place for the entire time.

There’s a whole lot more to pack and unpack every time you move with kids. And you don’t want to have to bring your family back to the hotel every day to switch to a different place.

Your time with your family is much better spent exploring your destination.

Finally, there is a certain level of comfort that your kids will develop with each place they stay. The longer they are there, the easier it will be to relax, fall asleep, or be content lounging in their favorite spot.

33. Be Flexible

Lastly, but maybe most importantly, no matter how much time you’ve invested planning your trip, always remember to be flexible!

Things will go wrong, people will get cranky, places will be closed, and things will take more time than expected. If you spend your trip stressed out, that stress will work its way into every member of the family.

Instead, relax. Be flexible in your schedule. Keeping your family happy is the most essential part of any trip.

Bottom Line: Be flexible, go with the flow, and have a great trip with your family.

The biggest tip we can give for traveling with kids is to not put it off. Get out there and travel. Everything might not go according to plan, but your family will love seeing the world, and you’ll be planning your next trip before you know it.

Nothing opens children’s minds like new experiences, and you’ll get plenty of those through travel. From food to transportation, architecture, and landscape, everything you do will be exciting and new for your little ones.

Happy Family Travels!

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How to travel with a baby or toddler according to an expert

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It’s only once you have mastered the various potholes of travelling with children that they cruelly switch up. Your newborn is suddenly an alert baby, a toddler, a little person carrying their own backpack and strong opinions. I hesitantly solicit tot-friendly travel advice as the variables are just too great, the isms and routines too diverse. Though, having carted my daughter around with me on many travel writing escapades, from Milan to the Maldives , my many mistakes and a handful of victories can hopefully help smooth out just a few of those potholes.

From long haul baby sleeping tips to hotel booking strategies with sprog-in-tow, these are my top insider tips for travelling with babies and toddlers. For more, here’s what our editors recommend taking on holiday with a baby or toddler .

Choose your hotel wisely

First things first. While it may be relatively unknown, undesirable territory, a baby or child-friendly hotel will make for a genuine holiday. Treading on egg-shells in grown-up restaurants or ferociously scrubbing spilt milk off expensive velvet sofas is not. As a travel writer, I have taken my daughter into adult-only, cream carpet and silent restaurant territory on more occasions than I’d care to admit. It was work, it was not fun and young children have a talent for sensing when you are on edge and at your most vulnerable. So opt for a serviced villa (if you can) or a family-friendly hotel that specifically ‘gets’ the baby and toddler minefield or sterilisers and blackout blinds. Some terrific examples include Sani Resorts in Greece, Ikos Andalusia (all-inclusives are an appealing notion for weary parents), Calcot Spa in the Cotswolds, Carlisle Bay in Antigua, Four Seasons Maldives , Moonfleet Manor in Dorset and Verdura Golf & Spa in Italy. Previous peripatetic impulses will soon fade with broods in tow – island hopping or road trips with babies or toddlers involves hours of packing up clobber and preparing on-the-road meals, so staying put for at least four days makes for a bona fide holiday.

Invest in a travel pram

Unbeknownst to many new parents, prams that fail to fold to a precise measurement will be summoned to the hold by most airlines. This can make boarding and exiting the plane a warmed up nightmare. Babyzen Yoyo are two magic words passed around parent networks like heirlooms. Designed by Parisians for narrow staircases and old labyrinthine European cities , this pram easily rises to the challenges of travel. It folds down into a flat, hold bag shape that is flung over your shoulder, then bursts out with a flick of a wrist into a fully-formed pram. It’s also the password at check in, in nearly all countries. ‘Yoyo?’ was a question followed by smug nods, then a hand gesturing towards departures – the platform 9 and three quarters of parenthood. Not only is the pram light enough for single parents to do the bus-train-coach-plane dance, the same brand’s car seat can clip onto the pram , ensuring sleeping babies are left undisturbed from the car to the airport, while ensuring that taxis or coaches without baby seats are not a problem.

Book a bassinet in advance for long flights

This is mettle testing territory. Once several hours of film-and-food joy with the odd flight sock concern, long haul flights now require days of preparation and military-grade strategy with babies and young children. The most pressing task at hand is securing a bassinet – often something you can only reserve over the phone once you have booked your tickets, and depending on how busy the flight is, is not always guaranteed. I also recommend checking the bassinet measurements as they tend to differ between airlines and larger babies may be too long (ours was at 11 months) and will need to upgrade to a toddler bassinet.

Pack your hand luggage with military precision

With flight times increasingly unreliable, it is prudent to choose the right flight bag and pack as much food, milk powder, nappies and clothing as possible. I was once caught out after landing at an airport, where we were asked to wait on the plane. The milk formula had run out and two bottles were dirty. I had a changing episode on the Eurostar with spare clothes wedged in a case behind several others and a gruelling three hours of standstill traffic on the A303 with no dummies to hand and a screaming, hungry baby. I always travel with at least six Little Freddie baby food pouches , five piccolo fruit pouches and clean spoons, as well as Organix snacks and enough formula for two days. The French often use Evian instead of sterilising water for their babies, which can be a good back up if there’s no kettle in sight, or time for boiling water to cool, and you’re desperate. If you use dummies with your baby, they are an excellent mute button and even help with air pressure on their sore ears when flying. After learning the hard way, I now fly with 5 packs of two, sterilised and ready to roll.

Time feedings to take off and landing when flying

One of the best pieces of advice I was given came from a Maltese mother who flies regularly between London and Valletta. “Put them on at take off and landing, or give them a bottle.” While breastfeeding is a little fiddly with the infant seatbelt airlines provide, this or bottle feeding works magic on fragile ears, preventing them from popping with the air pressure. While on the topic, it’s worth investing in zip-up bottle insulators, if you like a particular temperature for milk and take-off may be a little delayed. The Tommee Tippee ones’ Velcro onto a pram or a bag and reduce the stress involved in milk temperature.

The Elvie breastpump is ideal for when you’re on the go

Every mother finds herself in different feeding situations, none of which are right or wrong. If they choose to (or need to) pump, different models work for different sizes, levels and lifestyles. I had the conundrum of deciding to travel and work again shortly after my daughter was born, while still wanting to breastfeed. I found the Medela pump powerful but restrictive (you have to bed in and hold them against you unless you buy the bra they spout out of). The Elvie , however, was one of the best investments I’ve ever made (I bought two). These clever pumps charge up and slip into your bra, hooking on without the need to hold them and collecting milk in plastic containers underneath. It freed me up to write, drive, fly and walk while this magic piece of tech pumped away, incognito. I’d pump and freeze, pump and freeze, which bought me time to travel for work and prevented my milk flow from drying up. I’ll never forget a few odd looks on a flight to Antigua, when battery lights flashed in bright red through a thin top, Austin Powers style. For those travelling for pleasure (or work), they can sit on a plane, train or car and pump, handsfree, making good use of dead time.

Portable blackout blinds are the key to getting a good night’s sleep

It’s the ultimate, unsightly classic that instantly ruins luxury hotels’ considered interiors, though its absence threatens to ruin the entire affair: the blackout blind. Babies and young children’s sleep patterns can make or break a holiday. And while there is a raft of elements to consider when preparing for different snooze settings and time zones, the blackout blind is a trusted, tried-and-tested friend whose plastic suction cups leave little-to-no trace on plush hotel windows. Buy several, as you never know how many windows you’re working with. For sleeping on a long flight, another useful tip is the Cozigo. Even the best little sleepers will struggle with the plane’s constant light disco. What’s more, there’s a lot going on – someone queuing for the loo, a trolley rattling past – it’s all overstimulating. Cozigo’s are tent-like structures that clip onto baby bassinets and toddler sleeping chairs, cocooning them in darkness with zips for parents to peer in and take them out to change them. They also double up as pram shades for most models, which are great for snoozes in hot countries.

Consider a portable option if your hotel doesn’t have a bath

Some hotels don’t have baths, especially in Europe where trips to Madrid, Milan and Sicily finally compelled us to buy a portable baby bath (babies are slippery and holding mine in the shower or a small sink felt deeply uncomfortable and dangerous). We tried both the inflatable bath and the portable bath – the latter proved more efficient and the former, while an effort, decidedly more comfortable. Inflatables can be easily squashed into suitcases (don’t forget the pump), whereas the fold-flat sorts are often a bit large and heavy for flying and best suited for staycation-filled car boots. If liquids are an issue for short haul flights, Childs Farm does mini travel sets for babies – a brand we have personally found to work gently with sensitive eyes and skin.

Take a foldable highchair if your little one is eating solids

Without doubt one of the smartest inventions, the fold-up travel high chair has seen me through many airports, restaurants and hotels. More a booster seat than a high chair, it fixes onto most chairs (arty, fat-backed chairs sadly don’t qualify). Polar Gear ’s is affordable, easy to pack and light to carry. From Hotel Byblos’ balcony to smart Spanish restaurants shrugging awkwardly when I’ve asked for a highchair, this has been a lifesaver and is never left behind on our adventures. It’s greatest selling point, from my experience, is allowing you to get the messy affair of feeding a baby over with on a terrace, before heading out to a restaurant with milk, some games or books and a good hour for parents to enjoy each other’s company without a child lobbing spaghetti bolognese at expensive art.

Swap waterproof nappies for smart swimwear

Save space in your suitcase otherwise taken up by a bulk of waterproof nappies (which are notoriously terrible for the environment) and buy a few ‘ Happy Nappie s’. These sit snugly on babies' and toddlers' thighs and tummies, preventing any unwanted accidents. Long-armed, UV swimsuits are brilliant for protecting delicate skin from the sun and with ties, in my experience, are the only sort that stay on for longer than three seconds.

Take a Snoozeshade on summer holidays

Unless you’re taking turns sunbathing while someone looks after the baby, those long afternoons of oil-lathered skin and book pages baked in the sun are well and truly over. Sunbathing is out, shadebathing is in – small tots can’t hack the hot weather and it takes them a lot longer to cool down than adults (we also learned this the hard way, spending more time in air conditioning than the Indian Ocean on a recent trip). Snoozeshade are a stellar invention for keeping babies cool and in the shade in warmer climes. They Velcro onto prams, allowing cool air in and keeping unwanted insects and harmful rays out. In my experience, they help babies drift into an afternoon nap when they’d otherwise struggle with light, and are the ultimate alfresco restaurant accessory if you think they’re about to nod off.

42 real-world family travel tips that actually work

Editor's Note

Family travel is a whole other ballgame.

The strategy, gear, planning, expectations and number of times you may answer "Are we there yet?" make it an entirely different sport than solo or adults-only trips.

While traveling with kids is quite different from traveling without a child, it doesn't have to be intimidating. In fact, there are countless ways to experience memorable moments and make lifelong memories with your kids, whether you hike the mountains of Machu Picchu or ride the newest coaster at Disney World .

Related: TPG's top family vacation destinations

We've compiled our 42 favorite family travel tips to make the journey a little easier. These tried-and-true tips are bound to ease travel headaches and ensure your family travels are as fun and carefree as possible.

Travel tips for infants and toddlers

Having a baby may cause you to temporarily pause your adventures, and it will certainly change how you travel. But traveling with a baby is still worth the effort.

While it's true that your baby may not remember vacations that happened during their first few years, quality time together is invaluable, and you will always remember their first big vacation.

Some kinds of travel are often easier with a small, snuggly baby than a growing, active toddler, so don't be afraid to plan something while your little one is still young.

Use the right travel stroller

If you plan on traveling with a stroller, you want one that is lightweight, easily foldable and can smoothly maneuver through the airport or on rough terrain once you reach your destination.

Several strollers fold up small enough to fit in the overhead bin on most major airlines, but foldability isn't as important if you choose to gate-check your stroller.

Related: These are the best travel strollers for your next trip

Instead, prioritize protecting it from dirt and damage by investing in a stroller bag. For long layovers, you can request to have your gate-checked stroller delivered to you between flights so that your baby has a safe and comfortable place to rest while you navigate the airport. Just ask the gate agent when you check your stroller.

Practice babywearing

To keep your hands free and your baby snuggled, you may choose to practice babywearing through the airport or on a flight (though most airlines don't allow it during takeoff and landing).

Transportation Security Administration rules state that infants may be carried in a sling or carrier while going through the walk-through metal detector, so you shouldn't have to remove them for security.

If it's not too hot, baby carriers and slings also come in handy at theme parks, which allow babywearing on many family-friendly attractions. Just be sure you ask about safety restrictions before you ride.

Breastfeeding mamas should consider carriers that allow easy access for on-the-go nursing, such as those in sling or wrap styles.

Consider a Doona

If you don't want to lug both a car seat and a stroller and your baby weighs between 4 and 35 pounds, you're in luck: The Doona can serve the function of both. It easily transforms from a stroller to a car seat and back again, all while your baby is strapped in.

Because of their convenience, Doonas are great for flights, cab rides, Uber rides and, frankly, any part of your busy life with a baby.

Think twice about flying with a lap infant

Most airlines allow children younger than 2 years of age to fly as lap infants .

The cost savings can be hard to pass up, and during those early months when the little one is nursing or sleeping a lot, it can be the easiest way to go. If they can sleep through anything or you have someone you can split baby-care duties with, you may have success flying with a lap infant. However, if your baby is fussy or you are flying solo, you may feel more comfortable keeping them in their car seat.

Related: Childproof your next trip with these must-have baby travel gear items

If you do purchase a seat for your baby, there are dozens of portable car seats out there that are much easier to travel with than the bulky car seat you may have at home.

Get a car seat just for travel

Every kid is different, but if your child sleeps well in a car seat in the car, they may do the same on a plane. If your kids are generally comfortable in car seats and have their own seat assignments on the plane, consider bringing the car seat on board for a secure flight experience. You may also want to bring your own car seat if you plan to rent a car or use a ride-hailing service once you reach your destination.

Related: Car seats that are airline approved

The Cosco Onlook is a perennial favorite for travel car seats. Weighing around 10 pounds, this car seat is a winner for situations where you need something easy and affordable. It's rated for rear-facing little ones weighing between 5 and 40 pounds or forward-facing kiddos weighing 22 to 40 pounds.

Another model to consider is the WAYB Pico portable car seat, which was recommended by several TPG readers.

Bring a Boppy pillow if you're holding an infant

A Boppy nursing pillow can be a lifesaver on long flights with an infant. In addition to being handy for nursing, it gives your baby a comfortable place to rest while giving your arms a break. To save space, you can stash your Boppy in a vacuum-seal bag when you're not using it.

Sign your kids up for frequent flyer programs

Once you transition to buying your child a seat — either because they turn 2 or because you think having a separate seat will work best for your family — sign them up for a frequent flyer account and let the miles start rolling in.

No minimum age requirements exist for kids, so enroll them while they're young to maximize their earnings. Several airlines allow families to pool their miles if you want to manage your family's points in one account.

Most airlines let families with young children board early, but as long as your family has assigned seats, you don't need to worry about rushing to board before others.

Instead, have one parent get all the gear ready and board first while the other waits as long as possible before bringing the baby on board. This will help minimize the time you have your little one in tight quarters, reducing the likelihood of a meltdown or further disrupting their schedule.

Pack your carry-on strategically

Think about everything you need easy access to for yourself and your baby before organizing your carry-on. That way, you won't forget your must-have items or struggle to find them on board.

Pack food, diapers and extra outfits for at least twice as long as you think you'll need them for your little one while in transit. Don't forget to also bring clothes, snacks and drinks for yourself so you have everything you need.

As a general rule of thumb, it's a good idea to have enough essentials on board to survive for at least 24 hours, as you never know what will happen.

Bring large Ziploc bags and black trash sacks

When you're packing for a trip, never travel without a few Ziploc bags, grocery bags or trash bags. They can be used to store wet or dirty clothing. In a pinch, black garbage bags can also work as blackout shades for your hotel room.

Related: The best family beach vacation destinations to kick off summer

Find a space in your hotel for the baby to sleep

In the best-case scenario, you'll have accommodations with at least two bedrooms so your baby has a dark, quiet place to sleep while you relax without disturbing them. However, there are times when having multiple rooms isn't possible.

If you only have one bedroom, try putting a crib in a hotel closet or bathroom to achieve the same result.

Travel with gear that will help your baby sleep in the hotel

When it's time for the baby to sleep, there are numerous sleep tents, shades and white-noise machines to choose from. Here are a few of our most trusted options:

• SnoozeShade for portable cribs
• BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light
• White Noise Lite app for iOS and Android
• Hatch Rest night-light and sound machine
• Portable Travel Window Blackout Curtain

You don't always need to buy new gear for a successful trip, though. One reader suggested using painters tape to cover outlets as a quick, cost-effective way to baby-proof your hotel room.

Related: These are the best New York City hotels for families to check out

Have diapers and essentials shipped to your final destination

While you need plenty on hand for that first day or two, you can purchase what you need from Amazon or use a service like Shipt, Target Circle 360 or Instacart to deliver essentials to your hotel or home rental after you arrive.

Pack the snacks

This is true for all ages but especially applies when traveling with infants.

Never assume anything baby-appropriate will be available while you are in transit. The last thing you want is the stress of scrambling to find what you need at the last minute.

Related: How to pack — and prepare — for travel with a baby

To avoid any potential headaches, pack enough formula, snacks and more so you have whatever your child may need to stay happy and content.

Travel tips for preschoolers

The good news is that when kids are old enough for preschool, they don't need quite as much sleep and transportation gear.

With preschoolers, you'll want to pay particular attention to toys and activities that will keep them entertained, night-lights that will help keep the "scaries" away and a few other important travel essentials.

Bring mess-free toys

When choosing toys to pack for a flight or road trip, keep in mind that you don't want anything that will create a mess or get lost easily, such as slime or Legos.

For mess-free coloring, we love Crayola Color Wonder Markers and coloring pages. If you're taking a long flight or road trip, consider suction toys that can stick to a car or airplane window.

Related: Mistakes parents make when traveling with kids

Pack hidden toys to reveal during your trip

A surefire way to keep your child content for extended periods of time is to wait to give them some new toys until your travel day arrives, so they feel fresh and exciting. You can even wrap them up or dole them out periodically throughout your trip.

Related: Your guide to flying with kids of every age

If you don't want to splash out too much cash, visit a dollar store or the bargain aisle in a grocery store — you may be surprised at what you find. Trust us, the $5 investment will pay off in spades.

Consider an inflatable booster seat

If your child has graduated to a booster seat (congrats!), inflatable and fold-flat booster seats are much easier to haul around when traveling by car. While several options are currently on the market, the BubbleBum inflatable booster seat is a TPG reader favorite.

Use a stroller

If you plan to cover many miles with your kid during your vacation, having a stroller can be handy, even if you don't always use one at home.

For example, at a large theme park like Disney World , you may find yourself needing a stroller until your kid is 6, 7 or even 8 years old — it helps you move quickly, allows them to keep up easily and gives them a place to sleep if they get drowsy before you are ready to call it a night. You could rent one once you reach your destination, or you may prefer to have your own.

Get stroller straps

Because it isn't socially acceptable to AirTag children (though they do come in handy for finding lost luggage ), we suggest getting stroller straps that bigger kids can hold on to while you push younger children in the stroller. We're particularly fond of the Tagalong Stroller Accessory .

Preschedule car service from the airport

If you need car seats or want to be sure you have a ride waiting for you when you land, Uber and Lyft now both have options for prescheduling a ride if you need one. Blacklane is another high-end option. If you're traveling with a lot of gear, consider having your driver meet you inside baggage claim.

Pack a night-light

Night-lights are useful for kids who are afraid of the dark. This affordable night-light is small, sleek and easy to pack.

If you are going on a cruise and don't have access to traditional power outlets, TPG Managing Editor Erica Silverstein suggests bringing battery-operated tea lights instead.

Travel somewhere with a kids club

A magical milestone in travel is when your child turns 3 and is potty trained, as this unlocks access to various kids clubs at resorts and on cruise ships (some of which are free to use).

Whether you're on a Disney cruise or at a resort with a kids club , these areas are great for preschoolers. By going somewhere that caters to younger children, you can get a well-deserved break while the kids are taken care of.

Plan down days and afternoon rest

Even if your preschooler has dropped daily naps at home, building some downtime into your vacation schedule is still smart. Their sleep schedule will likely be a little off while traveling and the vacation will be more action-packed than what they're used to at home, so it's important to set aside time for rest.

To help your overtired kid adjust, plan a relaxing pool day or take an afternoon break in your hotel room to keep crankiness at bay.

Travel tips for elementary-age kids

As kids get older, they can do more while on vacation with less help, but the tried-and-true tricks for keeping them entertained may no longer work.

Because their brains are developing and becoming more complex, elementary-age kids will need access to more activities while away from home. As a result, you'll need to adjust your trip strategy so they continue to have a good time.

Use packing cubes for the family

This tip applies to all age groups but can be especially helpful when your child starts taking more interest in choosing their own clothes. By relying on packing cubes , you can keep clothing for every member of your family organized while saving space.

If you decide to use packing cubes, there are a couple of good methods to choose from. You can have a packing cube for each day of your trip and put your family's clothing in one cube. This works well if you will be making multiple stops and don't want to pack and unpack everything.

You could also pack each family member's clothing in a separate packing cube, which is helpful when encouraging kids to choose their own outfits and get dressed independently.

Leave 1 day free in the schedule

We've already covered the importance of leaving some flex time in the afternoons, but if you are traveling for more than a long weekend, we highly recommend leaving an entire day unscheduled. That way, the kids can rest, and you will have the ability to say yes to a spontaneous activity that they'd like to do.

Depending on your child's interests, you may want to use your free day for activities like splashing around at a water park, exploring the great outdoors, enjoying an epic ice cream-tasting adventure or spending more time at the kids club.

The key is to leave this day flexible so you can cater some activities to what your kid enjoys most.

Take advantage of your hotel's club lounge

Club access can be invaluable when traveling with kids.

If you stay in a club-level room at a hotel , you'll often have daily access to breakfast, snacks and drinks. An added bonus is that the club can serve as a gathering spot for enjoying more time (and often gorgeous views) with them.

Related: Guide to World of Hyatt club lounge access awards, including how to use them for someone else

Plan trips with another family

At a certain age, having other kids around really starts to matter.

If possible, try planning the trip to at least overlap with time spent with cousins or friends. Doing so will virtually guarantee the kids will have a better time, which means you will, too.

For these types of trips, you may want to look into finding a good vacation home rental .

Travel tips for tweens and teens

Traveling with tweens and teens is completely different from traveling with younger kids — something you probably know all too well if you are currently living with them.

At this age, kids are well on their way toward becoming full-fledged adults. As a result, they deserve a taste of the space, privacy and independence that comes with adulthood.

Build an activity bag

It's easy to assume a phone will do the trick, but activity bags can keep kids (including older ones) occupied on long trips.

For your activity bag, consider anything from snacks and quiet toys to new games for their gaming console and art supplies — whatever will keep them entertained while you reach your final destination.

Double-check downloaded content

Wi-Fi on airplanes can be quite finicky. Even if you pay for it, there's never a guarantee it'll work for the entirety of your flight. Because of this, it's a good idea to download movies, music, games and more to your device (or your child's) before your trip.

When downloading movies or TV shows, use multiple sources like Netflix, Disney+ and Apple. That way, if you run into issues with one provider, you still have content from the others. Also, remember that messaging others is free on many flights, so be sure your teen has the airline app downloaded if you want them to be able to keep using services such as iMessage while in the air.

Enroll your child in TSA PreCheck

Until they turn 13, kids traveling with a parent or guardian enrolled in TSA PreCheck will be allowed to go through the expedited security line even if they themselves don't have TSA PreCheck.

Even after they turn 13, kids 17 and younger can typically use the TSA PreCheck lines with their parent or guardian as long as the teen has the indicator on their boarding pass.

If you have a credit card that reimburses fees for TSA PreCheck , you can recoup the cost of your child's application. Note that Clear continues to work to bring kids through until they turn 18.

Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both

Consider connecting rooms

Once they reach their teenage years, the days of squeezing two or three kids into one queen-size bed are long gone. Trying to have the whole family use one bathroom is an ordeal you won't want to go through, either.

To keep the peace, consider reserving connecting hotel rooms .

With connecting rooms, you'll have double the beds, bathrooms and storage space. Plus, teens and tweens will have the space and privacy they need without you being too far away to keep an eye on them.

Let kids choose a few activities (or plan the whole day)

At this age, kids are not just along for the ride. Give them some input (and independence) by allowing them to help plan your trip. Odds are they'll be more engaged by being involved in the planning.

Bring a friend

While planning trips with other families is a good strategy with elementary-age kids, by the time kids are teens, just bringing one of their friends could be sufficient.

To keep the costs down, consider using an airline companion certificate to bring along a friend without spending extra.

Go somewhere with a teen club

If you are visiting a resort or destination where you may be going light on activities, lean into places that have a space just for teens.

Cruise ships are fantastic at this, as they often have kid-focused spaces divided into pretty distinct age ranges. For example, Disney Cruise Line has a club for kids ages 3 to 12, another for those between 11 and 14, and another for teens ages 14 to 17.

By taking advantage of clubs broken up into designated age groups, your teen can have plenty of fun without the annoyance of hanging out with younger kids.

Related: Child turning 18? Here's everything you need to know before the next time they travel

General family travel tips

Some family travel tips transcend age groups.

Regardless of how old your kids are, where you're traveling or how you're getting to your vacation destination, there are a few tips you'll always want to keep top of mind.

Utilize airport lounges

Airport lounges are becoming increasingly kid-friendly, as they offer dedicated family rooms with toys and kids shows on TV, plus food that will please picky eaters. Additionally, if you have a long layover or are dealing with flight delays or cancellations , you'll be much more comfortable waiting in a lounge instead of at your gate.

You can purchase a day pass to many lounges, but you may be able to get yourself and your family in for free with certain credit cards or airline status. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express grants the cardmember and one guest complimentary access to Priority Pass lounges and access to Centurion and Escape lounges, though complimentary guest access depends on how much you spend annually.

Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access

Upgrade to a suite

Like springing for connecting rooms, upgrading to a suite will buy you additional space and, sometimes, a pullout sofa bed that adds another sleeping option.

You'll also have more room for your family's belongings and areas for relaxing and dining so your kids don't spend all their time jumping, eating and lounging on the beds.

Check for reciprocal zoo and museum memberships

If you have a membership to your local zoo or museum, you may be able to use reciprocal benefits for free or discounted entry to other zoos and museums that you can visit on vacation.

This information is usually available on your zoo's or museum's website, but you can also check the lists on the Association of Zoos & Aquariums' page about reciprocal admissions or on the North American Reciprocal Museum Association website .

Get a travel tracker that doubles as a memento

You can get many unique travel souvenirs that also serve as keepsakes for remembering your child's travel "firsts."

These Junior Frequent Flyer flight logbooks allow you to record your child's flights while teaching them about aviation.

If a national park visit is in your future, order a standard or junior National Parks Passport and collect stamps every time you visit a new park.

Don't forget important medicines

You must be prepared for anything when you are away from home. That includes unexpected sicknesses and accidents.

Pack kid-safe and grown-up medicines, Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment and other first-aid necessities in your carry-on bag so you won't be without them if your checked luggage is delayed or lost.

Bring an extra bag

If you are traveling between a cold and a hot climate, pack a lightweight tote bag that folds into your carry-on so you can easily gather everyone's coats once on the plane. By keeping this tote tucked away until you're boarding the aircraft, you'll enjoy an extra allowed bag, saving you the headache of determining where to put bulky coats.

Get Global Entry for each family member

Unlike TSA PreCheck, which allows kids to travel with an eligible adult until they turn 18 (in most cases), anyone wishing to use Global Entry to expedite reentry into the U.S. needs to apply for the program.

Global Entry can save valuable time spent waiting in line. However, you'll need to apply well before your trip so you have time to submit your application, complete an in-person interview and await approval.

As with TSA PreCheck, you can use a credit card and be reimbursed for your child's Global Entry application fee. Or, if you wait to apply until Oct. 1, kids under 18 will be exempt from the application fee .

Try out the games built into many spaces

It's easy to miss, but many resorts, theme parks and cruise ships have a hidden layer of fun that ranges from traditional scavenger hunts to interactive activities you can unlock with an iPhone or similar device.

While the youngest travelers won't benefit from these types of experiences, they can be fun for other age ranges, especially elementary-age kids and tweens.

Related: Disney World rolls out all-new MagicBand+: Here's what this wristband can do for your trip

Bottom line

Family travel has its unique challenges, but it also comes with immense rewards.

By being armed with a few tips and tricks, having the right gear with you, mapping out a game plan, and having the right attitude and realistic expectations, you can have a memorable vacation that every member of the family will enjoy.

You may not get to do everything you want, and sometimes, it will feel like more of a hassle than your prekid vacations. However, if you're willing to be flexible — even if the end result isn't quite what you had hoped for — you'll find yourself eager to book your next family trip before you have the bags unpacked and put away.

Related reading:

• Best all-inclusive resorts for families
• The best travel credit cards
• Must-have items the TPG team can't travel without
• Quirky US theme parks you have to see to believe
• The best Disney World hotels for your 2024 stay

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Family Travel Tips For Hassle-Free Holidays

Do we even need family travel tips? Well, yes, especially when you’re travelling with kids. Because, let’s face it, it can be a wee bit…scary. Afterall, it’s a very different scenario from your usual holidaying alone or with a friend or two.

Apart from trying to keep your kids entertained and well, you also have to factor in how not to bother others around you and how to keep every member on the same page. 

With so many things to prepare for (even mentally!), you need a good collection of tips and advice to keep your family trip as fun, memorable, and happy as you’ve always wanted. 

A family holiday is a perfect time to bond and make lasting memories. Credit: Celie DEBUIRE

Family Travel Tips: What To Expect?

Before diving into the much needed family travel tips, let’s buckle up to go over what sort of things will likely happen when travelling with your family.

By having a clear picture of what to expect, you are better mentally prepared. It can also help you avoid disappointment and burnouts when things don’t go according to plan.

• So many men, so many minds : family members may disagree on what a fun destination may be.
• Budget constraint : catering to individual needs can be pretty expensive.
• Childcare responsibilities : children need constant care, which can be a challenge on a trip since you have to make sure that you’re not sacrificing your own comfort and fun.
• Health and safety concerns , especially with the elders and young kids, may require extra precautions and attention. 
• Packing may get overwhelming when travelling with young children.
• Stay calm . Don’t lose your head, or worse, get into fights with your partner. Laugh, have fun; you’ll pull through.

In the end, young kids might not remember that lavish, exotic meal or the breathtaking scenery. But they will remember every time you sit down and talk to/play with them—or even when you step aside to take a work call.

They will remember sitting at the terminal, wishing they were at home right now but can’t due to a delayed flight. They will remember a simple burger at a roadside diner. 

It’s these small, heartfelt moments that truly stick with them. And you are there, with them during those times. So be there for them . 

After getting the right mindset, here comes the best part - the tips and tricks to take care of all these challenges.

Family Travel Tips For Easy-Breezy Itinerary Planning

There are plenty of kid-friendly destinations to pick. Photo by travnikovstudio - stock.adobe.com

It’s hard enough to make an itinerary for yourself; now you have to consider your family members. But with the right strategies, the process can be much more streamlined and enjoyable. 

Research For Family-Friendly Destinations

The first part, choosing where to go, requires more planning if you are travelling with kids. Countries with high safety indexes are a no-brainer. But if you want to go somewhere like, say Cancun, you’ll need to have a second thought. For more examples, Cape Town is a better family-friendly destination than Johannesburg if you want to visit South Africa. Sit down with your partner and plan carefully down to the last details.

Some family-friendly countries to get started : Norway, Japan, Iceland, Austria, Switzerland.

Fun For The Whole Family

Make sure everyone has their share of fun by including one or two activities that each member prefers. The key is to let everyone know each of them will get to do an activity/visit a place they love, and it should be fair for all members. Find destinations that fit everyone’s age, health, and preferences. It sounds difficult, but there are plenty of options:

• The beach is a great place to start: the elders can relax on the sand; the kids can have fun in the sun with a ball game and lots of snacks. Then your whole family can join each other for a joyful lunch in a nearby restaurant or at a local market. 
• National parks are also full of family-friendly activities, such as camping, hiking and sightseeing. There are so many things you can do in one that can easily fill up a day.  A place like Costa Rica is great for family hiking or anything outdoor.
• If you’re in a big city like London or Manchester , museums and art galleries are perfect. They are cheap (sometimes even free) and great for all ages.

Book Ahead (And In Bundle If You Can)

Make reservations for accommodations, attractions, and transportation, especially during high season. This can give you a peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of and you have time to focus on having fun. Besides, booking ahead and in a package may also land you those early bird deals.

Include (Lots Of) Nap Time And Breaks

The little balls of energy need their nappy time to recharge after an adventure. Photo by famveldman - stock.adobe.com

If you’re travelling with your little ones, take into consideration that even though they’re hyper, their energy also runs out pretty quickly compared to adults. Make plans that include their nap time and snack breaks as well. 

For example, start the day with a visit to a theme park or the zoo. This will be followed by lunch, then a quick break back at the hotel or on the train to another city (if the kids are good on-the-go nappers). 

Leave Some Room For Backups

Travelling with your family might not be as flexible as travelling alone or with friends. Not everyone in the family may be on board with sudden changes; sometimes, it’s not even possible with small children. When you plan, consider some alternatives everyone can agree with in case of last-minute surprises. Lower the bar and expect more downtime for everyone (public playgrounds and libraries are our favourites).

Packing Tips For Lightweight Family Travel

Travelling with kids and trying not to bring everything is harder than it sounds. To begin, ask yourself questions like these:

• Where am I going, and what’s the weather like?
• How long is my trip going to be?
• What am I doing there?
• Are there any activities that require a specific item?
• Who am I packing for besides myself?

How To Pack Right

If you’re travelling with young kids, the last question is very important. To keep things clear and simple, the trick is to think in categories and stick to a formula . 

The categories for virtually any kind of trip are:

• Important travel documents
• Personal items (such as money and medication
• Activity-related items, and
• Emergency essentials.

Once you’ve worked out a checklist for each category, you can get even more lightweight by working out how many items you need to use in a day. For example, 2 outfits a day, which means 2 tops and 2 bottoms. But a pair of jeans can be reworn for more than 1 day, then you’ll only need 2 tops and 1 bottom for 1 travelling day. 

Get A Backpack That Is Good For Playing And Travelling

The key to a lightweight family trip is a nice backpack.

To save even more space and keep things flexible for your family holiday, consider a backpack with great duality . Think something you can pack to the brim to be on the move, then unpack to carry only essentials while you explore your dream destination. Check our range of CabinZero travel backpacks here .

Essentials For Travelling With Children

Besides the regular travel essentials, here are some items you might need for a kid-friendly holiday.

• Pack plenty of snacks and drinks for kids during long journeys
• Bring a variety of entertainment, such as books and toys
• For better sleep in new places, bring their favourite stuffed toys or blanket
• Don’t forget the necessary medications
• Extra clothes and/or diapers
• Consider bringing a baby stroller or carrier
• Remember to bring necessary child travel documents .

Learn Packing Techniques For Family Travel

Rolling clothes can save a lot of space, and there are fewer chances of wrinkles, too. Small items like socks, ties, and scarves can be stored in pockets of jackets and jeans. 

Packing cubes are better for categorising items. If you’re packing baby formula and bottles, a waterproof and secure packing cube can save you from that possible spillage.

How Will You Prepare Children For A Trip?

When planning a family holiday with kids, it’s important to understand that you’re planning for them and yourself at the same time. 

While it may be a bit overwhelming for first-timers, preparing the kids for the dream family trip may be some of the most precious memories you can make with them.

Let Them In On The Plan

Involving the kids is one of the best family travel tips. They can share their preferences, which can make the whole itinerary planning step easier. Also, it can create a sense of anticipation and excitement. 

Prep Their Taste Buds

One of the best parts of travelling is getting to experience a new cuisine. Though, it can be quite a struggle for the little ones to adapt to new flavours. Getting them familiar with the cuisine of your destination a week or so ahead, either by cooking for them or ordering.

Even something as simple as french fries may taste different aboard. Photo by famveldman - stock.adobe.com

Adjust Their Sleep Habits

Let them go to sleep or wake up at a different time some days before the trip to get them used to the new time zone. Usually, three to five days is a good length to create a sense of habit. At the same time, try to slowly get them to sleep without their comfort toys, especially ones that are too big to bring on a trip.

Motivate them

The young one may find the chaotic world of the airport overwhelming (even we grown-ups struggle sometimes ). But you’d be amazed at how kids stay patient through long walks to the gate and keep their spirits up as the immigration line inches forward with a chocolate bar or a few snacks. Sometimes, it’s the small comforts that make all the difference.

Transportation Options For Toddlers - Flying Or Driving?

All children behave differently on flight and in a car. Photo by Friends Stock - stock.adobe.com

To drive or fly with a toddler on a long trip has never been an easy question. It boils down to one thing - your child’s tolerance. Some kids enjoy car rides; some don’t.

Both have their ups and downs.

Car rides may seem less of a hassle because of the privacy and freedom of stops, but it’s harder to keep them occupied and entertained. There’s not much you can do in a car. You can’t reach over, can’t hold them comfortably, or play with them. And there is a lot more space for them to move around, too. 

Flying, on the other hand, may make some parents’ worst nightmare come true - bothering other passengers with noise. Acquiring the right documents can also be a hassle, and that’s not to mention the luggage. But, travel time is shorter, and kids have more access to entertainment.

Bottom line is : It depends on the child. If your little one is usually not fussy and can behave well in crowded places, consider flying to save time. If you prefer car rides, look for ways to keep kids entertained and avoid foods that can give them the energy spike.

How To Keep Kids Entertained On A Long Journey?

It’s never 1 solution. Keeping kids entertained during a long family trip is all about mixing up a lot of things. So, as a heads up, you are going to have to pack a separate bag of stuff your child can use/play with and prepare a day or two before the trip.

Pack Their Favorite Toys, Games, Books, And Snacks

For an excited toddler, there are not many things that can hold their attention for long. But even just 15 minutes of them having something to do is better than nothing except the constant “are we there yet?”. 

If physical games don’t work, try mixing in verbal games. For example, ask them to count how many churches or restaurants you drive by. While this may not be the most fun, it may be able to get them to fall asleep easier. 

CabinZero’s tip : don’t give them everything to play with all at once. It helps build excitement and curiosity. 

Plan Plenty Of Stops

A short change of scenery can help kids in long car rides. Photo by vitaliymateha - stock.adobe.com

Even adults get bored of sitting in one place for too long. If you’re travelling with a car, it’s better to stop either for food or just getting some fresh air once every 2-3 hours. You can also look for playgrounds or parks along the way. 

For those who are flying, we know this might not be possible for everyone, but if budget is not a concern, you can consider a trip with a connecting flight. That is, if you feel comfortable, and the layover is in an enjoyable destination. Then you can plan a mini layover-trip for you and your family. 

Choose The Right Seat

Some airlines allow your family to sit together for free, while some don’t. If possible, you can pay for seat selection to choose the best seats for everyone. Either way, you should inform the airlines and crew that you’re travelling with children and request assistance.

• Window vs. Aisle Seats : Younger kids might enjoy sitting by the window to watch the clouds, while older kids might prefer an aisle seat for easier access to the restroom.
• Front or Back of the Plane : The front of the plane usually deboards first, which can be a time-saver if you have a connecting flight or simply want to get off quickly. The back of the plane, however, is often quieter and may have more open seats.
• Bulkhead Seats : These seats often provide extra legroom and are ideal for families with small children who might need more space. However, they may not have under-seat storage, so be prepared to stow your belongings in the overhead bin.

Download Content Beforehand

In-flight entertainment can be hit or miss, and not all airlines offer Wi-Fi on board —especially on shorter or budget flights. It’s wise to download everything for offline viewing before you take off (streaming platforms may require an internet connection for account verification, even to access your downloaded content). Don’t forget to bring portable chargers and a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones. 

Family Travel Tips For A Safe Trip

Family trave tips to stay safe and worry-free. Photo by MNStudio - stock.adobe.com

When you’re travelling with younger members, it should be a top priority to take precautions and learn safety travel tips. Here are some you will need before going on your next dream family holiday.

Someone Will Get Sick

Travelling, while fun, can get rough on the body. It’s inevitable that someone will get sick. Thus, the first thing to do is to pack an emergency kit . Or two and three if your family is large. It should have essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, and any necessary medications. Last but not least, but somehow usually overlooked, note emergency and local medical services contacts in case of an accident or illness.

Mind What You Eat And Drink

Remember to. Trying a new cuisine is always fun, but if you’re not used to a certain herb or spice, your tummy may protest. Tap water in various countries is not safe for drinking. Carry a refillable water bottle and drink regularly throughout the day. However, make sure the water is safe to drink—if in doubt, stick to bottled or filtered water. 

Stay Informed

Take precautions and get any medication/vaccination required upon entering for both you and your family members. It’s important to read the news about the place you’re planning to go. And even if you think it’s safe, always trust your gut instincts and listen to the locals.

Buy Travel Insurance

Unexpected events can happen, and that’s where travel insurance comes in. If your family plans to participate in activities like skiing, scuba diving, or hiking, make sure your travel insurance covers these adventures. No matter what you choose, always read over all the policies to make sure you are covered when the unthinkable happens.

Use Your Common Sense

It’s a top priority to keep your family safe during travel. Photo by Lsantilli - stock.adobe.com

Research your destination and use travel common senses . Even the safest place is not 100% free of crimes. Especially for tourists, there are always going to be petty crimes, like pick-pocketing and scams, to watch out for. Don’t go to secluded areas late at night, and do not leave your belongings unattended.

CabinZero’s tip : keep precious belongings like money and phones in a hip bag/bum bag . When you’re in a crowded place, wear it underneath your shirt.

Also, stick together and have a communication plan in mind. Some members may want to wander off on their own, so what you can do is to make sure everyone knows each other’s whereabouts at all times and know who to call in case of an emergency. 

TO SAFELY TRAVEL WITH CHILDREN , be sure to:

• Teach them basic safety rules and to use emergency contacts
• Keep a close eye on them at all times
• Dress children appropriately for the culture and the weather

Got Your Family Travel Tips? Now The Fun Awaits!

Alongside a wonder-filled itinerary, these family travel tips are what you need for a trip full of memories. Remember that the magic starts with planning. Let the kids in on it, and be flexible and patient. 

If you find this article useful, don’t forget to leave a comment and reach out to us via social media! We’re always more than thrilled to hear your travel stories.

Nguyen Tran Gia Khanh

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TSA readies for busiest Labor Day travel period on record, provides top travel tips to help airline passengers prepare

WASHINGTON — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared to screen more than 17 million people during what is expected to be the busiest Labor Day travel period on record, which will run Thursday, August 29 through Wednesday, September 4. The peak travel day is projected to be August 30, when TSA expects to screen 2.86 million people.

Air travel volumes this summer are the highest the agency has seen in its history. The agency expects passenger volumes to be 8.5 percent higher than last year during this time, and has already screened 239.8 million people since Memorial Day weekend, which is an average of  2.7 million per day. The top ten busiest travel days in the agency’s history have all occurred this year since May 2024. The agency reached a new milestone on July 7, when Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) screened more than 3 million people in a single day.

“People are traveling more than ever this summer and TSA along with our airline and airport partners stand ready to close the busiest summer travel period on record during this upcoming Labor Day weekend,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “I commend our vigilant workforce, from our TSOs on the front lines at airport security checkpoints across the country to those behind the scenes, working hard to keep the transportation system secure—especially as we continue to roll out new checkpoint technology that improves security effectiveness, efficiency, and the passenger experience.”

TSA is staffed to meet its wait time standards, which are 10 minutes and under in TSA PreCheck® lanes and 30 minutes and under in standard screening lanes. With this increase in travel volumes, TSA recommends airline passengers travel with ease by enrolling in the TSA PreCheck Trusted Traveler Program , where members do not need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, food items, and light jackets at the checkpoint. TSA PreCheck members are reminded to make sure their Known Traveler Number (KTN) is in their airline reservation so it appears on their boarding pass.

REAL ID will go into effect in less than nine months, starting May 7, 2025. Airline passengers will soon need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification when flying. If the driver’s license is not REAL ID-compliant, they must have another form of acceptable identification, such as a U.S. passport. REAL ID driver’s licenses and identification cards have a small star in the upper right corner indicating they meet federal regulations that establish minimum security standards.

Check out TSA’s top travel tips for an efficient and successful trip through security.

Ages & Stages

10 Tips for Parents of Picky Eaters

Picky eating is often the norm for toddlers . After the rapid growth of infancy, when babies usually triple in weight, a toddler’s growth rate – and appetite – tends to slow down.

Toddlers also are beginning to develop food preferences , a fickle process. A toddler’s favorite food one day may hit the floor the next, or a snubbed food might suddenly become the one he or she can’t get enough of. For weeks, they may eat 1 or 2 preferred foods – and nothing else.

Try not to get frustrated by this typical toddler behavior. Just make healthy food choices available and know that, with time, your child's appetite and eating behaviors will level out. In the meantime, here are some tips that can help you get through the picky eater stage.

1. Family style . Share a meal together as a family as often as you can. This means no  media distractions like TV or cell phones at mealtime. Use this time to model healthy eating. Serve one meal for the whole family and resist the urge to make another meal if your child refuses what you've served. This only encourages picky eating. Try to include at least one food your child likes with each meal and continue to provide a balanced meal, whether she eats it or not.

2. Food fights . If your toddler refuses a meal, avoid fussing over it. It’s good for children to learn to listen to their bodies and use hunger as a guide. If they ate a big breakfast or lunch , for example, they may not be interested in eating much the rest of the day. It's a parent's responsibility to provide food, and the child’s decision to eat it. Pressuring kids to eat, or punishing them if they don't, can make them actively dislike foods they may otherwise like.

3. Break from bribes . Tempting as it may be, try not to bribe your children with treats for eating other foods. This can make the "prize" food even more exciting, and the food you want them to try an unpleasant chore. It also can lead to nightly battles at the dinner table.

4. Try, try again . Just because a child refuses a food once, don't give up. Keep offering new foods and those your child didn't like before. It can take as many as 10 or more times tasting a food before a toddler’s taste buds accept it. Scheduled meals and limiting snacks can help ensure your child is hungry when a new food is introduced.

5. Variety: the spice . Offer a variety of healthy foods, especially vegetables and fruits, and include higher protein foods like meat and deboned fish at least 2 times per week. Help your child explore new flavors and textures in food. Try adding different herbs and spices to simple meals to make them tastier. To minimize waste, offer new foods in small amounts and wait at least a week or two before reintroducing the same food.

6. Make food fun . Toddlers are especially open to trying foods arranged in eye-catching, creative ways. Make foods look irresistible by arranging them in fun, colorful shapes kids can recognize. Kids this age also tend to enjoy any food involving a dip. Finger foods are also usually a hit with toddlers. Cut solid foods into bite size pieces they can easily eat themselves, making sure the pieces are small enough to avoid the risk of choking .

7. Involve kids in meal planning . Put your toddler's growing interest in exercising control to good use. Let you child pick which  fruit and vegetable to make for dinner or during visits to the grocery store or farmer's market. Read kid-friendly cookbooks together and let your child pick out new recipes to try.

8. Tiny chefs . Some cooking tasks are perfect for toddlers (with lots of supervision, of course): sifting, stirring, counting ingredients, picking fresh herbs from a garden or windowsill, and “painting” on cooking oil with a pastry brush, to name a few.

9. Crossing bridges .  Once a food is accepted, use what nutritionists call "food bridges" to introduce others with similar color, flavor and texture to help expand variety in what your child will eat. If your child likes pumpkin pie, for example, try mashed sweet potatoes and then mashed carrots. 

10. A fine pair . Try serving unfamiliar foods, or flavors young children tend to dislike at first (sour and bitter), with familiar foods toddlers naturally prefer (sweet and salty). Pairing broccoli (bitter) with grated cheese (salty), for example, is a great combination for toddler taste buds. 

If you are concerned about your child’s diet, talk with your pediatrician, who can help troubleshoot and make sure your child is getting all the necessary nutrients to grow and develop. Also keep in mind that picky eating usually is a normal developmental stage for toddlers. Do your best to patiently guide them on their path toward healthy eating.

Additional Information:

• Winning the Food Fights
• The Picky Eater Project: 6 Weeks to Happier, Healthier Family Mealtimes
• AAP Voices Blog: Kids Nutrition and the Power of Packaging