travel hacks with baby

57 hacks for traveling with a baby/toddler on long-haul flights

You want to travel on a long haul flight of about 6.5hr for business or to go see some relatives.

Hey! By the way… any links on this page that lead to products on Amazon are affiliate links and I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Thanks in advance – I really appreciate it! .

You have a baby or a toddler you need to take along.

You are worried. You don’t know how your little one will behave on the flight.

You’ve witnessed some scenarios where kids cried on planes and the embarrassment and dirty looks moms of such kids received.

You just don’t want to be in that situation.

I understand your fears.

Traveling with a baby/toddler on long-haul flights can be a daunting task. Just thinking about the journey can make your heart race. This is because it is difficult to control babies and toddlers on a flight. But if your family is international, it means flying is a large part of keeping in touch with family members or if your job involves a lot of traveling, you may need to go with your baby. But you don’t have to panic, especially when some people are not warm to screaming kids on a plane.

Whether you are planning to take your 10-month-old baby, a 1 year or two-year-old toddler on long-haul flights, you can make it enjoyable and memorable. Below are 100 hacks for traveling with a baby to help you out.

But before then, let’s take a look at “ when can babies fly long-distances “. Because a lot of parents are not sure when to take their babies on a long haul flight.

How soon can you travel with a newborn?

Many people want to know when the right time to travel with a newborn child is. The truth is, if the baby is healthy, you can travel at two days old. However, some airlines stipulate two weeks old, which is also good, especially for first time moms.  So check with your doctor and your airline to make sure you can travel with your baby.

If your baby is born prematurely, count from the date the baby was supposed to be born to know when to travel. For instance, if you gave birth to the baby at 8 months old. Ensure that the baby is at least 1 month+ before you travel.

If you deliver your baby through the caesarian section, it will take you about a month and two weeks to travel. You can also check with your doctor to ensure everything is okay before you travel.

It is good to wait for a few weeks before flying to ensure that you understand your baby before you fly together.

Can a 2-month-old baby travel on a plane?

Like it is discussed above, you can fly with your babies, however, it is not fun. Especially for a 2-month-old on a plane. But some parents have cogent reasons to travel. This stage of their lives is laden with unpredictable sleeping and nap schedules. They can be fussy or colic at any time and it is hard on parents and other passengers alike, especially if it a long haul flight.

If you are a first time mom, it is likely that you become stressed and you may still be recovering from childbirth. But not to worry, the hacks below will help to make the trip less tiring, endurable and enjoyable. Lol.

Flying with a newborn before vaccinations

You need to take precautions while flying with a newborn before vaccinations. In fact, you may need to avoid going to the part of the world where they can be exposed to diseases they are too young to get vaccinations for. For instance, babies younger than 2 months cannot take anti-malaria tablets and babies less than 6 months cannot receive vaccination against yellow fever.

So if you are concerned with traveling with a newborn before vaccinations, it is better you delay your trip after the first round of vaccines the baby will take when it is two months old. The baby will be vaccinated against diseases such as Tetanus, Pertussis, diphtheria, Pneumococcus, Polio, etc.

After you take the first round of the vaccines for your baby at two months old, it will take about 2 weeks for the baby’s body to produce all the antibodies in response to the vaccinations to create the protection.

So, ideally, you would want to wait until the baby is around 3 months before you can fly if you are concerned about the baby’s vaccinations and health.

Let’ get started with the hacks for traveling with a baby. I will start with the things you need to pack for the long haul flight for you and the baby.

What to pack for a long haul flight with baby

Now you know what to pack for long-haul flights. Let’s look at the things you need to do before the flight.

• Pack some bottles of freshly pumped breast milk or formula
• Pack two shirts for yourself, you will need it.
• Take along a copy of your baby’s birth certificate. Some airlines request for it to prove your infant is yours.
• Pack your baby carrier. It is easy to walk through the security wearing your baby. It will help you skip most security checks like the x-ray machine, metal detector and the rest of it.
• Get a luggage dolly. It will help you get your car seat through the airport.
• Get a wine bag to help you organize the stuff you want to easily access on the plane.
• Get spill -proof travel mugs for drinks on the flight. Because of the baby, your drinks may spill during the flight, you don’t want that to happen.
• Get a pacifier for your child. It will be useful during the flight.
• Get a separate diaper purse to make it easy to change your baby’s diaper on the plane.
• Get a travel bassinet to use on the airplane or check with the airport if there is one available for kids.
• Get a car seat like the CARES harness because it is easy to carry and your baby can settle easily in it and even sleep through the flight.
• Get a Snap and go strollers for travel lightweight if your child is not old enough to sit still with you.
• Get a kid iPad to keep your toddler busy loaded with educational apps and movies your kids enjoy
• Pack a diaper bag filled with diapers, disinfectant wipes, diaper cream, breast milk, a change of dress for the baby, socks, baby bottle, disposable baby bottle liners,
• Pack a few children’s books to entertain your toddler through the flight
• Get a personal handbag where you can put your belongings like mobile chargers, passports, tickets, pens, etc.
• Pack a Ziploc with crackers and chips for the baby.
• Load your mobile phone or tablet with your baby’s favorite rhymes, videos, and apps.
• If your child is under the age of 2, take two changes of clothing for you and the baby, and a few towels.
• Get a new toy that will fascinate your baby. Also, pick one or two old toys along.
• Get a flashlight to help in overnight/late flights
• Take earplugs for yourself and an extra for the next passenger in case your child is screaming.
• Get extra Ziploc bags for used disposable diapers and soiled clothing for later laundry.
• Pack band-aids
• Get a disposable changing pad you can lie on any surface in the bathroom to change your baby diaper.
• Get a blanket or duvet. The airplane air conditioner can be cold on the long-haul flights.

Hacks for traveling with a baby: Things to do before the flight

• Call and check with the airport to know what you can check for free and what items will be charged.
• Book an airplane seat by the window if you are nursing a newborn, but the aisle if you have an active infant. You can choose the bulkhead which is the most forward part of the plane. It is much more private for breastfeeding and quieter with a lot of legroom.
• If your baby is close to 2 years, buy a seat for them. It will help the baby in case of rough turbulence in the air.
• Before leaving for the airport, dress your baby in a simple onesie that will make it easy to change the diaper . Add baby leg warmers and a layer of a sleeveless dress.
• Pack twice the number of diapers and wipes you use at home for the time between leaving the home to the airport, flying and arriving at your destination.
• Take children’s Tylenol or Motrin or whatever drugs you use for fevers, gas pills, a thermometer, etc.
• Buy travel insurance
• Pack snacks for yourself to eat during the flight.
• If you have an active toddler who wouldn’t like to sleep during the day, it is better to take a day flight when everyone is awake. But if your child loves to sleep well at night even in a strange environment, it is better to take a night flight.
• Don’t let the baby sleep for a few hours before flying. It will be easy to sleep on the flight.

Next is the list of things you need to do when you get to the airport.

Hacks for traveling with a baby: Things to do at the airport

• Arrive at the airport very early to get through the processes
• Ask for help if you need it. The TSA agents can help with your stuff while you juggle with your baby as you pass through the security.
• Search for the family bathroom in the airport to help you change your baby’s diaper as you get set for the flight.
• Use early boarding, it takes time to get everyone situated
• Use a baby carrier during the security checks to keep your hands free to carry luggage and keep the baby in control
• Most airports have a play area for children. Ask for it so your child can play and expend some energy before flying.

Next is the list of things to do during the long haul flight.

Hacks for traveling with a baby: Things to do during the flight

• Nurse during take-off and landing to relieve pressure in the baby’s ears. Flight pressure causes earache. If you are not breastfeeding, encourage your toddler to keep eating and drinking to release the pressure.        
• Take a nap when your baby is sleeping on the plane
• Be prepared for a throw up during the fight. Many parents have experienced this. So you need to keep towels handy
• Be prepared for diaper blowouts, get disposable gloves and Ziploc bags.
• Get your pacifiers handy during the ascent and descent of flight to avoid ear pain for the baby
• Order a special meal if you are flying along with your baby. You will eat while everyone else is yet to eat so that if you need your neighbor to help hold the baby, they can help.
• Be prepared to change the baby on your lap because not all planes have a diaper changing table in the bathroom.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Most people understand what it means to be a parent.
• If you are breastfeeding your baby , wear a nursing top, bra, and scarf for easy feeding on the plane. If you are not, prepare the baby’s in-flight bottle as much as you need before you board the flight.
• Don’t sweat the small stuff. If your kid is yelling, don’t be alarmed. Most people will understand.
• Take the baby for a walk along the aisle and say hi to people. Talk to flight attendants and show the baby the window to lookout.
• Don’t change the diapers in your seat, use the bathroom to do it.
• Follow the normal schedule for feeding and sleeping during the flight.
• If your baby is eating porridge or baby food – take along a bib, spoon, baby food, wipes, a thermos with hot water, and fruits.

Lastly, you made it through. Below is the last thing to do after the long haul flight.

Hacks for traveling with a baby: Things to do after the flight

• Don’t rush to disembark unless you want to join a connecting flight. Take your time.

Toddler airplane activities and how to entertain them on a flight

• You can keep your toddler busy with activities such as giving them an empty notebook and pen to write or draw.
• Some airlines have a kid’s park. Check with your airline to find out if they have activity pack on board for children
• Entertain your kids with new toys or most loved toys. Useful travel toy ideas include My Busy books, Buckle toy whale, farm in a Tin, Imaginetics magnet board, etc
• Use toddler travel games such as i-spy.scavenger hunt printable game.
• Download fun apps such as Peekaboo Barn, ACN Toddler, Mouse Maze on your tablet to keep them busy.

Download the Baby Travel checklist

• Registry checklist
• Must have baby items
• Hospital bag checklist
• Baby travel checklists

The truth about traveling with Babies

Traveling with a baby is hard work. There’s no doubt about that.

But you can make it harder when you travel with no prior preparations as enumerated above.

Prepare by getting the needful baby essentials that will make the journey easier for you and the baby.

Imagine you follow all the tips above.

You boarded the flight and your baby behave perfectly well.

Sure, you will love it.

Traveling with kids can be fun when you have the right things at hand.

It is time to enjoy long haul flights with your baby using the hacks for traveling with a baby.

Click here to download the Baby Travel Checkist in PDF

About The Author

Hephzy Asaolu

15 Hotel Hacks for Families Traveling with Babies & Toddlers

By: Author Leslie Harvey

Posted on Published: May 19, 2023

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My family spends a lot of time in hotels on our travels. For more than a decade, our family of four has regularly piled into a standard hotel room to save money in destinations as different as Hawaii, Paris, and America’s National Parks. Things can get a little tight and we don’t always have all the supplies we’d want in the most ideal of circumstances, but we’ve learned to make do.

We’ve discovered there are a lot of creative solutions to common problems when traveling with kids. MacGyver doesn’t have anything on us! Here’s are all the best travel hacks for your next family vacation so you can hack your hotel room stay, even with babies, toddlers, or young kids in tow.

(Trips With Tykes uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through links in this post. See our full disclosure policy linked in the menu at the bottom of this site.)

Baby & Toddler Hotel Room Hacks

1. deal with dirty diapers with the ice bucket liner or plastic laundry bag..

A soiled diaper can really stink up a hotel room quickly sitting in the trash can. While I always try to travel with diaper disposal bags , sometimes they are forgotten or used up.

For the same smell-containing effect, take out the little plastic liner you can find in the hotel’s ice bucket. You can use it to dispose of a diaper tied up in the trash! The plastic laundry bags that are often in a hotel room closet can work too.

2. Pack just one roll of tape for a multitude of childproofing needs.

Hotel rooms can be quite hazardous for babies on the move. A simple roll of blue painters tape can cover a lot of dangers like outlets or sharp coffee table corners. Tape can even be used to secure a toilet seat or dresser drawers. Best of all – you can be pretty certain that the tape won’t cause damage to nearly every surface in a hotel room like some other products might.

Forget the painters tape? A bandaid can work as an outlet cover in a pinch too.

3. No bedrail? No problem.

If you have a toddler too big for a hotel crib but not yet really ready for a full sized hotel bed, a bedrail is a must-have. There are a lot of ways to hack this problem – pillows being the most obvious solution. Ask for a few extra from housekeeping if you need them. You can also use pillows to separate siblings who will be sharing a bed so they are less likely to roll over on each other in the night.

You can also often use a desk chair or arm chair as a bedrail if you turn it so the back is against the side of the bed. At a beach resort? A pool noodle , believe it or not, stuffed under the fitted sheet near the edge of the bed works too. Another option is a rolled up bath towel or two in the same spot.

4. No crib? Ask for a rollaway.

Hotels can and do sometimes run out of cribs or Pack N Plays (and a few don’t even offer them – boo!). Although not really a solution for infants, if you have a toddler, there are some additional solutions. Ask for a rollaway that you can wedge in a corner and use as a makeshift sleeping solution.

Although there are often fees associated with rollaways, ask politely if the hotel will waive the fees if the reason you need it is because no crib is available.

5. Set up a makeshift changing table.

Still have a little one in diapers? Set up a makeshift changing table you can use for the duration of your stay so you aren’t running all over the hotel room looking for the right supplies every time you need to change your child.

Related: Tips for Travel During the Diaper Years

I use a bath towel or two folded on an open part of a desk or table. This setup gives a little cushion for the baby to lie on, keeps things clean, and also means I’m not taking a changing pad in and out of my diaper bag all trip long. Be sure to stock a few extra diapers and travel-sized wipes  nearby in the space so you have everything ready to go.

6. Got milk? Keep it cold. (Or don’t!)

Need to refrigerate milk overnight? Many hotels will deliver a refrigerators for free for anyone who has a medical need even if there isn’t a mini-fridge in the room. Often, babies and toddlers who need formula or milk will qualify. So never be afraid to ask!

But if that isn’t an option available to you, there are other hacks if you hit the hotel’s ice machine. Fill up your room’s ice bucket or even the sink with ice and stick a small milk carton in. This setup should keep it safe and cold overnight. You can even travel with a fold flat insulated cooler bag that can fit in the front pocket of a suitcase.

Or simply opt for my fail-proof milk travel hack: shelf-stable individual cartons. I swear by these things! Horizon makes 1% milk boxes you can usually find in most grocery stores, but you can even order a whole milk variety online for younger toddlers who really have a whole milk preference.

7. Close those curtain gaps.

Why do hotel curtains always seem to have a huge gap in them, letting sunlight beam through when you are trying to recover from jet lag and keep your little one asleep? Close them!

Use a chip clip , binder clip , or even a closet skirt hanger to keep those drapes closed. I sometimes even pile pillows along the bottom edge of the curtain for an even closer fit to seal up additional gaps.

8. Block the noise.

Noisy hotels with thin walls and even thinner doors can also mean an early morning or middle of the night wakeup for your baby or toddler. While a lot of this can’t be prevented, you can take some steps to mitigate the damage. If you are hearing hallway noise or seeing light under the room door, roll up a towel and stuff it near any gaps along the floor to help block light and sound.

Some parents travel with a white noise machine. But if you don’t have space for that, there are now apps for that on your phone! So download one before your trip.

One related insider tip from hundreds of hotel stays: you are most likely to have troubles with noise from a neighbor when you stay in a room with a connecting door. Unless your family is booking multiple rooms and using that connection yourself, request a a room at check in that does NOT have a connecting door with others.

9. Nobody puts baby in a corner. But maybe a bathroom or closet?

The challenge of sharing a hotel room with a baby or toddler is that they often have early bedtimes but won’t go to sleep with light and distraction from other occupants. My firstborn child needed a dark, quiet spot to sleep. But we couldn’t often pay the extra price of a suite to enable that.

What did we do? We put her in her crib or Pack N Play in the closet or bathroom! Obviously make sure there is adequate ventilation wherever your baby is going to be and make sure he or she can’t reach other hazards like hangers. But otherwise, no shame.

10. Need hot water for bottles or food? Don’t forget the coffee maker.

Need hot water to mix or warm a bottle for your baby? Run the coffeemaker without the coffee and you will have plenty. The coffeemaker is also great for a variety of snack hacks – making hot cocoa, instant oatmeal , and much more. Just make sure you clean it out first – often running it once to flush out coffee grounds from previous guests is smart.

11. Learn how to dry clothes in a pinch.

Babies and toddlers mean messes, spills, and diaper explosions. And that means you may find yourself needing to rinse out some dirty clothes on a trip. While you can always put wet clothes in a ziptop plastic bag in your suitcase, that can be a recipe for moldy smells if the clothes have to stay in the bag for a day or more. So put them away dry if you can!

Three tricks work for me so we aren’t transporting wet items for very long in our travels:

First, wring wet clothes first by laying them flat on a clean hotel towel. Roll the towel up tightly. That squeezes excess water out of the item to get the drying started.

Next, look for a well ventilated space to hang clothes to air dry. The clothesline that goes across the bathtub in some hotels can work, but not if the bathroom is humid. I often like to put clothes on a hanger near a running A/C unit or heater in the room.

Finally, I’ve found it’s pretty easy to finish drying a smaller item like a baby onesie in a few minutes using a hotel hairdryer, especially if it’s mostly dry already because it’s been hanging up overnight.

12. Turn an ironing board into a table or extra counter space.

A lot of older hotels and hotels in destinations like Europe don’t have much counter space. There may be little room to get organized in the bathroom or no table in the room for eating a snack or on-the-go breakfast.

But most hotels have an ironing board in the closet! Set it up wherever you could use a little more surface space to keep your family’s show on the road.

13. Rent – instead of bring – baby gear.

Don’t lug everything and the kitchen sink with you on vacation just because you have a baby or toddler – at least not if you don’t have to! Paying to check larger and bulkier items on airplanes can be cost-prohibitive – and you still have to lug it yourself most of the trip anyway.

Related: Comparing US Airline Checked Bag Fees

While plenty of hotels will have a crib available for guests, other baby and toddler gear like high chairs, bouncy seats or swings are rarely available. But you don’t have to go without – simply rent items you need at your destination instead.

One site that is sure to have baby gear rentals available nearly everywhere families vacation in the United States is Baby Quip . Think of it as the Airbnb of baby gear – individual owners (who often run their operations as a small business) list a variety of items and then will deliver one or more to your hotel on a set schedule on your arrival day.

14. Set up a family charging station.

It’s nearly impossible to live life – much less travel – without a variety of electronic devices. A lot of hotel rooms don’t have many plugs to charge all that our wired lifestyles now require. We have found it’s essential to set up a single charging area for the family to share in our hotel rooms. We always know there will be cords available there and we always check the area as we leave the room and (most importantly!) check out to make sure no one is leaving a device behind.

This mini 6 USB-A port Anker charging station goes with us on every single trip and has now become one of our absolute must haves for family trips. It’s dual voltage so we don’t need a converter for it when traveling in destinations like Europe (just an adapter). We can get a phone or iPad for everyone in the family charging on it at one time, plus a couple of extras when needed! We always keep a variety of short lightning connectors , mini-USB , and USB-C cords stored with and connected to it so all types of devices are covered.

15. Have a dirty clothes system.

It’s easy for a hotel room to get messy with multiple people changing clothes a few times daily. We like to have one spot that is designated for dirty clothes for the entire family to keep our hotel room tidy.

Often we simply set one family member’s suitcase in the corner of the room or the closet. Everyone uses it as a hamper. We sometimes even just pack that suitcase up with the whole family’s dirty clothes when we head home (helping immensely with unpacking after a vacation ).

For longer trips, we bring along a popup clothes hamper that can also be used to carry dirty clothes to a hotel or cruise ship laundry room for mid-trip laundry.

What other hotel hacks have worked for your family? Leave your tips in the comments!

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Wednesday 30th of August 2023

Saturday 31st of December 2022

We’re constantly traveling to hotels and one thing that gets to me the most is the duvets!! They keep unraveling (I’m used to duvet covers at home) I always travel with safety pins and pin together the sheet corners and sides to the comforter inside so they don’t become undone in middle of the night.

Friday 6th of August 2021

yuck. I will never use an ice bucket in a hotel again

Countryside Kumu

Saturday 16th of March 2019

When I worked as an emergency care worker for CFS I learned that infants sleep really well in a dresser drawer placed on the floor or beside you on the bed. I have also strapped them to a coffee table. But a drawer with a blanket works really well every time. And bandaids also work well for child proofing things like plugins.

Friday 12th of October 2018

Thanks for the tips. I recently travelled to Turkey with 3 kids (8,3,2yr old) also 6months pregnant! Now looking back, i truely had guts to go on a holiday like that + the summer heat in Turkey. Im definitely going keep ur hacks saved for my nxt travel overseas ☺️ Thanks

Baby Travel Hacks: Tips on How to Travel Around the World with a Baby Like a Pro

The Best Expert Tips and Baby Travel Hacks on Traveling Around the World with a Baby – from someone who does it for a living!

After exploring the world with our baby boy, I can’t recommend traveling in the first year highly enough. But traveling with a baby can be intimidating, which is why I’m here to make it easier.  I recently shared a post on Instagram about how important it is to travel with your little one , and I cannot believe how overwhelmingly positive the response was!!! But so many of you still had questions – what really were the hacks to make traveling with a baby easier? What were the MOST important things you need to know when traveling in the first year of a baby’s life? Well, here goes – the ultimate list of BABY TRAVEL HACKS!!!

Learn to nap on the go! 

Rigid nap schedules are great… for parents who never travel! We’ve found that teaching Harrison to nap on-the-go has been a life-saver when it comes to traveling with a baby . Even when you’re used to a rigid schedule, don’t worry! You’ll find your babies are surprisingly adaptable (when they’re young, at least). A little white noise on the iPhone, an aerated wrap or blanket over the stroller to block out some light, and a slightly bumpy walk around town is usually all you need to zonk out your little one for an hour or so while you’re out and about. 

JETSET TIP: Make sure your travel stroller reclines for optimal naps on the go! Check out my ranking of all the top travel strollers – and here’s the link to our travel stroller , that does! 

Time Zones,  Schmime Zones

Navigating time zone changes with a baby is one of the most common questions I receive  on instagram . Trust me, it’s less scary than you think!!! We went all the way from  the US to Bali with an 8 month old , and then all the way from  the Maldives to the US with a 9-month old , and, now, I feel like we can do anything! 

When I hear people get super anxious about traveling with babies or considering NOT traveling as a family just because they’re nervous sleep will be hard, or they don’t want to mess up their child’s sleep, I have A LOT of feelings. For one – I get it, sleep is important for everyone and the idea of not getting good sleep can be scary and intimidating enough to make you want to just climb in your own bed at home and not go anywhere. 

But, I also feel so, so sad for those people! You’re not supposed to feel like prisoners to your children or their sleep schedules! Yes, sleep is important and they need to sleep – but so is learning FLEXIBILITY!!!! For you, for them, and for raising an adaptable, flexible child. Challenging your everyday routine and traveling out of your comfort zone is so fun and good for all of you! And I can’t even begin to tell you the magical memories you will miss out on if you don’t at least give it a shot!!!

If you’re going far away, it will take at least a couple of days to adjust to a new schedule with your baby. But remember, that’s about how long it takes you, as well! So give yourselves and your baby grace when it comes to adjusting. Your sleep may not be perfect those first couple nights – but wouldn’t you rather have a worse night’s sleep in paradise than a perfect night’s sleep at home? I know I would.

Although your baby’s internal clock may tell him or her that it’s evening, try to keep baby busy during the day and spend as much time as possible outside in the light during the day. Your baby should only take a day or two to adjust to any changes when traveling.

Also, if you want to prepare before the trip, you can try ‘time zone training’ and moving baby’s eating, napping, and sleeping schedule up a half hour at a time, then an hour, for about a week or two before your trip, to get them just a little bit closer to your new time zone. We’ve also had a lot of success breaking our longer-distance trips up a bit, so stopping over in California for a few days on the way to  Hawaii  or  Bora Bora , for example, can help a lot with the time zone change. 

Decide Whether the Time Zone You’re Traveling to is Worth Adjusting Baby’s Schedule

If you’re only taking a short trip one or two time zones away, it actually may be better to just keep your child on their normal sleep schedule and eating times, naps, bedtime an hour earlier or later, etc. Sometimes, when we travel just one time zone away, we’ll just make our baby boy’s bedtime and nap times an hour different. It’s not always the solution for longer trips or when you cross multiple time zones, but for quick trips with a baby, it can make it easier than trying to get your little one to adjust to a whole new routine while traveling, this is an especially key tip if you’ve already got a good sleep schedule going!

Also, consider adjusting but not ALL the way, so if baby normally sleeps 7-7 at home, maybe they’re sleeping 8-8 or 9-9 on vacation because that’s just easier time zone wise. Be flexible, and find what works best for you guys. 

Don’t overpack!

Always ask for what baby amenities are available at your hotel! I learned early on in traveling with a baby that every luxury hotel we went to would leave baby amenities in his crib when we requested a crib (think baby soap, shampoo, baby lotion, etc) meaning I didn’t have to bring his baby shampoo, which was one less thing to pack. At some of the nicer hotels we stayed (like Rosewood Mayakoba , they even had diaper pails, a baby bath, a bottle sanitizer, and a monitor ready for us in our room!). 

And, aside from complimentary baby amenities, look up this company! They offer baby equipment rentals in destinations all over!!! You can rent clean, safe & insured baby gear rentals – things like strollers, cribs, wagons, beach gear, toys, high chairs, baby baths, bouncers and swings, etc! It’s a genius company, that makes travel so much easier for parents who already have so many bags to bring! 

Wearing our favorite matching family swimwear

Schedule flights during nap time

We’ve found that when we’re smart about our flight schedule, flying is SO easy with the baby. We love to schedule flights over his nap time, so that he’s naturally sleepy for most of the flight!

Bring a really good travel stroller (or your regular stroller!)

Keep in mind that standard baggage allowances make exceptions for baby gear: Most airlines will allow you to check a stroller and car seat for free.

The Uppababy MINU is my top travel stroller pick thanks to its ease of opening and one-handed fold-down, compact design, storage, and all-around simplicity of operation. I also love the way it handles tougher terrain (read: from cobblestones in Europe, to dirt-paved paths in Hawaii). The storage is unbeatable – and I always have it full of baby stuff, and the UPF 50-plus sunshade lends sun protection on a walk or if you want your baby to take a nap in the stroller at the beach. It’s nice and lightweight, and the infant car seat plops right on there – so while it’s not one piece, it’s 2 very easy pieces.

Here’s what I love about our travel stroller

• One hand, one-step fold
• All-wheel suspension
• Roomy seat with adjustable recline and leg rest
• Large, easy-to-access storage basket that we always use for all of our baby gear!
• Extendable, zip-out UPF 50+ canopy for protecting your babe from the sun!
• 16.9 lbs – lightweight!
• From-birth option using the UPPAbaby Bassinet, or the MESA infant car seat – which we used for the first year!

I also added these handy hooks so that I can hang random bags on the stroller bar (very handy in the airport, but please be careful not to put anything too heavy on there that would tip the stroller!!!!!) and I added a stroller caddy and a cupholder from Amazon –  highly recommend! I love that this stroller has so much storage (for a travel stroller!) 

Gate check the stroller, don’t worry about putting it in the overhead bin 

Unless you’re traveling internationally somewhere where you won’t be able to pick it up at the gate during your layover (when you’ll need it!). But most places around the world, we choose to gate check the stroller for ease (less things to bring on the plane when I already have enough in my carry on’s for the whole family!)

Always Bring a Car Seat

This is one of my best baby travel hacks. You will need one for your destination, and it’s great to have for the plane as well! Even if you haven’t purchased a seat for your little one (because under-two’s fly free), domestic airlines allow you to bring a car seat on board if there’s an open seat on the plane, meaning you might luck into a seat for your baby for free! (We have gotten lucky many times before, especially when we try to fly at less popular times!). When you check-in, ask the gate agent if the flight is full: if it’s not, you can go ahead and bring the car seat through security to the gate. If the flight suddenly becomes full, you can gate-check it with your stroller (we pack both in this lightweight duffel that folds right up in the under-carriage of our stroller. If your baby has outgrown their infant car seat, it is definitely worth investing in a lightweight and compact convertible car seat solely for your travels— my go-to is this Cosco one , since it weighs just 10 pounds. 

By the way, you do not need to travel with your car seat base if your car seat is approved for use without its base (our car seat, the ARIA infant car seat, is approved for use without a base, and we attach it right onto our MINU travel stroller , making it super easy).

Always Be Seat Savvy

If your baby is less than 6 months old, and you’re flying internationally, reserve a bulkhead seat to take advantage of the bassinet! (Yes, most planes have baby bassinets available, if you know how to reserve them ! ). And, even if your baby is older and sitting on their own, I like the bulkhead because it becomes my baby boy’s play space on a long flight! When he’s traveling as a lap-child, it’s a godsend to have somewhere to sit him to play that isn’t my lap even if only for a few minutes! And once they’re a toddler, it gives them an area to stand and get their zoomies out a bit.

If the bulkhead isn’t an option, try reserving an aisle and a window seat with the middle open between you. This way, you hope that the middle seat doesn’t get booked and you might get lucky with a full row. And if it does get booked, you simply ask the middle person to switch with one of you! 

Don’t be the first to board, be the LAST to board!

This tip is especially important for those traveling with toddlers ! While family boarding is great for getting your seats and making sure you get your stroller checked and bags put away, it’s not necessarily the best for making sure your baby or toddler doesn’t go too stir crazy on a long flight. By pre-boarding, you’re sometimes adding 45 whole minutes onto your flying time – and it’s a stressful time for toddlers, with everyone walking past them, bumping bags onto the aisles, etc. This is my expert tip on what to do instead:

Have dad board first, during family boarding, with the bags, gate check the stroller, and claim the seats. Then, mom boards LAST with the kid(s). I’m talking last person on the jet-way. This way, you maximize time getting energy out in the airport vs stressful time forced in a seat on the plane, and you minimize your time spent in flight! 

Baby Wear in the airport

Baby carriers are lifesavers when traveling. By wearing your baby through security (which TSA allows in the USA!), it leaves you with two free hands for strollers, carry-ons, boarding passes, passports, etc. Plus, I then can use the stroller for my other bags!! Another best baby travel hack to remember!

And, once you reach your destination you’ll find baby-wearing also comes in handy when visiting museums, beaches, or other places where strollers either aren’t practical! I also find the baby carrier helpful on the plane if my baby boy falls asleep on me and I want my hands free.

This is the exact carrier we have – but it comes in many colors! You can get 10% off using this link and the code JETSET.

Get Baby their own Global Entry

Know when to get baby their own seat, and when to take advantage of the free in-lap ticket

When traveling with a baby, you have two options: get them their own seat (at full price), or fly with them for free by carrying them in your lap (up until they’re two years old). Deciding to get your baby their own seat or fly with them in lap depends on many factors like the price of the ticket (is it worth it to you to have baby in their own seat for the flight and free up your hands for some of the time if they’re napping), the age of your baby (when our baby boy was just a few months old, he slept so often it was very worth it to us to have him in his own seat, as he’d more likely sleep in the car seat, but, as he got to more 6-12 months old, he wanted to be in my arms the whole time anyway, and would cry when he got in his car seat, making spending money on a separate ticket sometimes useless. This decision for me also often has to do with the duration of the flight for me, as on a shorter flight, I’m completely fine having him in my lap, but for a longer flight (or say, all the way to Bali, where we took him at 8 months old! ), I definitely wanted more space for him and to be able to stretch my arms every so often! 

Family-Friendly Doesn’t Mean it Can’t Be Luxe

Family-friendly doesn’t just have to mean only sticking to crowd-filled vacays like Disneyworld (although, TBH, we had a GREAT time there doing it luxe ). We’ve done some of our most luxurious travel ever this year with our baby boy Harrison. Luxury travel is not only absolutely possible with kids, but family travel is even more special (no one deserves to be pampered and relax more than a new mom and dad!) My baby boy has been on over 70 flights in his first year of life! And we’ve found that most five-star hotel chains have their own special programs for babies and little kids, I’ve found brands like Four Seasons, Rosewood and St. Regis are some of the most baby-friendly luxury hotel brands, and all offer amazing things to do for kids – from kids clubs with varying levels of activities, to kids pools, to play structures, and even babysitting options!

Pack a pharmacy

I travel with everything baby might need if he gets sick on the road, because I don’t want to rely on medicine in foreign countries should something happen! We travel with infant Tylenol , a thermometer, nail clippers, tweezers, aquaphor, saline spray, an oral syringe, and disinfecting spray/wipes .

Research the closest hospitals to where you are staying – and know how you would get there in an emergency!

It’s always better to be over-prepared. Emergencies can happen whether we’re at home or traveling, and you’re going to feel so much better knowing how you would get to a doctor or hospital fast in a crisis. I hope you never need to! But, prepare prepare prepare and hopefully you won’t need it!

Get a travel baby monitor (because, nope, your at-home wifi baby monitor won’t work in a hotel abroad)

Something I didn’t know as a first-time mom was that I’d need a ‘travel’ designated baby monitor as well as our at home monitor. This is because the at-home baby monitor you probably use (Nanit, if you’re like me), is connected to wifi, and requires a simple at-home wifi connection that won’t work at ALL when you try to connect it to a hotel or other wifi abroad. For this reason, you’ll need a monitor like this if you hope to keep an eye on your babe while traveling abroad.  NOTE: We don’t always travel with one! If we’re all in one room, it’s not necessary, but if you’re in a villa or house, or a beachfront hotel room and going outside and want to keep an eye on baby napping inside or something like that, or sailing with a baby, it can be great. This is the one we used when sailing Italy with our baby in tow .

This baby monitor doesn’t use wifi so works great abroad.

Get a hotel room with a private pool so that you can enjoy nap time to the fullest

A major luxury travel mom hack is getting a hotel room with its own private pool set up so you can enjoy your baby’s nap times no problem!!! And maybe even put your feet up a bit and tap into that beach read you brought. Major mom win. 

Slumberpods are your new best friend!

This handy contraption goes with us on every trip, along with this travel noise machine . Why? Because it means that baby can sleep in your room and you can be doing other things like moving around the room, watching a show or movie, etc. Whether it’s nap time or an early bedtime, this is a travel GAMECHANGER. 

We don’t travel without ours!!!

Pack painters tape or mini post-its if you have a toddler!

Blue painters tape or these mini post-it notes are an easy, simple idea to keep a toddler busy on a plane (or at a restaurant, etc!). It’s easy to peel on and off, and they’ll love it! These post-its will keep my toddler entertained for so long!!! 

Pack fun travel toys to keep them occupied on the plane!

Our two year old doesn’t do screens yet, and has been on nearly 100 flights in his lifetime – without a screen – which I did not think would be possible before we had him, but he really hasn’t needed them! (I know every baby/toddler is so different!) So, without screens to occupy him on a flight, we like to pack a lot of toys, activities, and things he hasn’t played with before so they’re new and exciting to him, as well as some go-to favorites. Here is my Amazon list of all my toddler travel favorites! A nd here is my list for all my baby travel favorites!

Pack EXTRA wipes & EXTRA diapers

Yes, we travel with our diapers vs buying them in the destination because we have a specific brand we love – and often it’s hard to find good diapers abroad! So we travel with ours. And I can tell you from experience, you should always pack more than you think you’ll need.

Bring disposable changing pads for easy, clean diaper changes on the go (or on the plane)

These definitely come in handy while traveling!

Portable diaper bag dispenser

We use this one from Munchkin – these come in handy for any diaper changes where you may not be immediately near a trash can (i.e. on the plane!)

Consider bringing a travel high chair!

We definitely don’t need this on every trip – but it’s great on the ones where we do (think: if you’re staying in a house, on a boat, or somewhere where you’ll be eating, and you may not have one there!)

This high chair is what we use Many people tell me it’s even the highchair they use at home! But it’s SO good for travel, you just plop it onto any table (so can bring to restaurants, etc too) it’s super safe and really easy – my son loved it! 

If bringing breast milk, freeze it & put in a cooler

If bringing breast milk with you, freeze it, that way TSA can’t screen it, which will save you time. Otherwise, just arrive a little earlier as they will test any milk or formula. 

cute breastmilk coolers!

and don’t forget ice packs like these specially-made-for-breast milk ice packs on Amazon

Pack extra clothes for your baby, AND for you in your carry on

You will definitely need extra outfits for travel days for a baby. I also like him to have long sleeves on planes but have a shorter sleeved outfit available for when we land if we’re going somewhere warm (or if the plane happens to get hot!) Also, if there’s a blowout, or spit up, you’ll be glad you had an extra outfit for them, and for yourself, too, since there could be messes.

My outfit details here

Relax, let go and HAVE FUN!

You did your best to research, prep and plan your trip out perfectly, so now is time to go with the flow and trust that everything will go well. And remember, your energy on a travel day = THEIR energy!! They will feed off of you!!

It sometimes can take some patience, flexibility, and practice to travel easily with a baby or a toddler, but let’s remember – traveling with a baby is not rocket science. It’s fun!!!! And, trip after trip you’ll learn more about what works best for you, your unique baby, and your family and you’ll learn all the tips and tricks that will make traveling seamless with your little ones.

Check out these related posts

Flying with a toddler – tips for flights with toddlers

The best travel destinations with a baby

My Favorite Support Bra Recommendation Right Now: The EBY Relief Bra Review

The Ultimate Guide to Sardinia

WRITTEN BY: Christina

Christina is a leading luxury lifestyle and travel blogger with over 2 million readers. Follow her on instagram @jetsetchristina.

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Hi! What’s the bag you use to cover your car seat and stroller when you gate check it?? Thanks!! We also have the minu and Mesa.

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75 Tips for Traveling With a Baby (Free Packing Checklist)

When traveling with a baby, there are so many little things to remember (and forget!). Taking a family vacation with an infant, baby or toddler doesn’t have to be a challenge when you know what to bring. This guide to packing a diaper bag and must-have baby travel essentials for little ones will help!

Mom Rewritten uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links in these posts. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see the Privacy Policy and Disclosures tab.

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. This article originally published September 5th, 2016 and has been updated and republished with a new date.

Best Tips for Traveling With a Baby

I remember the first time I took my baby on her first extended vacation. There was so much to remember when I packed! Not only was I figuring out my own suitcase there was also my baby’s supplies to tote.

Are you overpacking for your baby? Or not packing enough? It’s a careful balance to be sure. You don’t want to be that traveler jamming the car full of unnecessary items because you think the baby needs it all . This article will help you pare down to the basics that will still allow you to travel with ease.

How to Pack for a Trip With a Baby

Whether headed to the beach, camping, city or theme park, when traveling with a baby in diapers you’ll need the same important essentials.

Keep reading for the helpful vacation guide with tips on taking the baby on a trip. There’s also a free baby packing list you’ll want to print and use when filling the luggage.

I’m sharing suggestions for toys, swim and bath products and road trip requirements. And of course figuring out that all important number of how many diapers to pack for your travels!

Baby Travel Essentials – Can You Buy It When You Get There?

Depending upon where you’re going, you might need to pack everything you’ll need upfront. This could be because the location in which you’re headed might not have the supplies you need. You may not want to replenish or purchase when you get there because of higher cost concerns.

If possible, consider these options which include shipping the items or buying there. If you know the products you need are readily available in stores, wait and buy it when you get there. That’s a decent idea if you don’t want to have to pack and tote bulk consumable items like baby formula and diapers.

Another option is to have the items shipped to your destination. If you’re staying with family, that’s an easy choice. Purchase items online and have them sent ahead of your trip so the packages are there before you arrive.

Call hotel locations ahead of time to verify what their policies are for accepting deliveries. Some hotels will have requirements for the shipping label, timelines for holding packages or may charge a fee.

Diapers and Wipes are Top of the Baby Packing List

When it comes to traveling with a baby, it’s easy to over pack. But when diapers are concerned, you never want to be stuck without! This is how to figure out how many diapers to bring with you on the trip.

How Many Diapers to Bring on a Trip?

So, how can you figure out how many diapers to bring with you on a trip? In the week leading up to your vacation, take note of how many diapers you go through each day with your baby.

I kept a notepad and a pencil on the shelf above my baby’s changing table to make a tally. Average the number of diapers you’ve used over the week to figure out a daily amount and then multiply that by the number of days you’ll be away from home.

Just to be on the safe side, put in about two extra diapers per day of your trip…just in case!

Do the same for the baby wipes but definitely bring additional extras of these. WaterWipes baby wipes are convenient for cleaning messy fingers and faces as well as bottoms!

Best Travel Clothes for Babies and Toddlers

When traveling with your baby in diapers, consider these logistics for choosing the best vacation outfits. Pick breathable fabrics that will be comfortable during long drives in their car seat.

Only choose separates that make diaper changes easy. Avoid outfits with buttons or snaps on the back of the clothing. These can be uncomfortable for babies to lay on for long periods of time.

Zip Footie Pajamas – For infants, skip those fancy outfits and go straight for the pajamas all day. Avoid multi-piece outfits that will bunch up and cause discomfort for a baby. Grab this organic cotton zip-up footie from Primary in all the colors!

One-Piece Rompers – When traveling with a baby in diapers, snap-crotch bubble onesies are probably the most ideal when the weather is warm. Look for long sleeved one-piece jumpers with a snap crotch when it’s chilly. Toddlers will appreciate the comfort factor. You’ll appreciate the quick diaper changes with clothing that’s simple in design!

My go-to for the best children’s clothing is Primary . They offer gender-neutral mix and match pieces in every color of the rainbow. Lots of coordinating outfits to match older siblings too! Use code AFT20PCT to save 20% and receive free shipping on your first order.

Sun Hat – If you’re planning to be outdoors, a baby sun hat is required. Opt for a stylish version like this with a wide brim, breathable materials and a chin strap to keep it secure.

Must-Have Baby Travel Toys

Older kids can leave their toys behind when they go on vacation. But it’s important to pack a few toys for the baby whenever you leave home. Toys can help with boredom, especially if the baby is kept in their car seat or stroller for longer than usual periods of time.

If your baby has a few favorite items, be sure to bring those on the trip. In addition purchase a few new baby travel toys for variety while traveling. When your child gets fussy, surprise them with one of the new items!

Travel Teething Toy – If you have a teething baby you know that gnawing is a big deal! This teething mitten offers up safe-to-chew bumpy grooves and ridges. The adjustable Velcro strap secures the glove to baby’s hand so the toy is less likely to fall on the floor or get lost.

Car Seat Toys – This soft cotton hanging toy mobile spiral-wraps around the handle of the car seat with dangling toys for baby to play with.

Electronic Baby Toy – Babies love the stimulation of lights, sounds and music! VTech rules when it comes to educational electronic baby toys. This small-sized Happy Lights Bear serves up songs, phrases and flashing lights. The cuddly bear Velcros to the stroller or car seat.

If you’re traveling on public transportation or on a plane, avoid anything with annoying or loud sounds so as not to disturb other travelers! Relegate noisy electronic items to the rental car only.

I have an extra tip to minimize the noise of electronic toys. Place a piece of electrical tape over the speaker to quiet the sound when there’s no volume control.

Baby Toy Straps – Keep toys from dropping on the ground with silicone baby toy straps . Secure rattles, chew toys and sipper cups to the car seat, high chair or stroller to prevent them from getting lost or dirty.

Baby Travel Essentials for the Hotel

One of the most challenging things about traveling with a baby is sharing a hotel room. When baby goes to sleep, generally everyone else has to turn off the lights and be quiet too! Consider booking a suite with a separate bedroom door. This way if you have older children, they don’t have to go to sleep when baby does.

Inflatable Bath Tub – If baby is too small to sit up or too big to fit in the bathroom sink for a wash, consider packing this. The inexpensive Inflatable Duck Tub  will make bath time easier and it won’t take up any extra space in your luggage.

Touch-Control Night Light – Moving around blindly in a dark hotel room when baby wakes at night is recipe for disaster. You don’t want to turn on a light and risk waking everyone else up either.

Away From Home Sleep Needs for Little Kids

Whether driving or in a crib, nap and sleep routines are important to maintain when traveling with babies. A disrupted sleep pattern can cause havoc, resulting in overly grouchy behavior. Aim to travel during regular nap times in the hopes that baby will sleep while driving or flying.

These baby travel essentials can help regulate naps and nighttime sleep for your child:

Car Seat Head Support – If you’ve ever rigged up your own head support for the toddler sleeping in a car seat, this is the road trip product for you! This simple to install Car Seat Child Head Support keeps toddlers heads from slumping when their napping.

Sun Shade – Nobody likes the sun in their eyes, especially young kids who are trying to rest. Block out the rays and heat during long car trips with a simple window sun shade . This one stretches to fit and has suction cups to secure on the glass.

Sleep Sack – Skip the blankets in the crib and use a muslin sleep sack for bedtime. The fabric is soft, breathable, and lightweight but will keep baby warm enough if the hotel air conditioning is running.

For colder nights or in outdoor locations like on a camping trip bundle toddlers in a warmer sleeper sack . This version has foot openings for walking babies. There’s diaper access via a reverse zipper.

White Noise Machine – If the strange noises at a hotel are interrupting your baby’s usual sleep patterns, this VTech White Noise Sound Machine is perfect. Petite-sized for travel with a rechargeable battery, it features both gentle lullabies and ambient sounds.

Baby Travel Essentials for Flying

Sucking can help relieve ear pain with babies during elevation and descent on an airplane. Chewing gum can help older kids and adults. For babies try using a bottle, pacifier or breastfeeding. My friend Leslie at Trips With Tykes has tons of helpful tips for flying with a lap child .

Pacifier – Each baby seems to have their own preference of pacifiers. And some babies (like my daughter) refused to use one. Have a few on hand just in case.

If traveling with a pacifier is essential, make sure the Nuk doesn’t get lost on your travels! Secure pacifiers to baby’s clothing with one of these convenient pacifier clips .

Keeping a Toddler Happy While Traveling

Whether you’re flying or hitting the open road, keeping toddlers happy while traveling can be tough! I recommend scheduling your travel times during their regular nap schedule. If you can ensure that your younger child takes a nap this can make everyone’s trip go a little smoother!

Car Seat – If you’re flying somewhere and will need a car seat when you get there, bring the seat onto the plane. Your toddler will have a comfortable and safe place sit in the airplane. And bonus, they’re more likely to nap if they’re latched into their car seat!

My favorite car seat to travel with is the inexpensive Cosco MightyFit 65 Convertible Car Seat . Rear-facing for babies from 5-40 pounds or forward-facing for children 22-65 pounds. It’s also reasonably lightweight and easy to install into a rental car.

WikkiStix – The perfect travel craft, WikkiStix are mess-free and easy for little ones to use. These soft and pliable bendy sticks adhere to each other or to a smooth surface for ideal quiet time entertainment.

Reading Material – Pack a few baby books but make them lightweight and able to hold up to wear and tear. The Indestructibles Baby Book series are great to entertain toddlers with a story on the road. Or baby can just chew on the pages, whatever!

Swimming and Sun Tips When Traveling with a Baby

If you’re planning a full day in the sun, make sure that your baby is well protected from sunrays and heat. This means extra hydration, just like you should be getting.

Babies should be nursing or bottle feeding more often. Older babies and toddlers should drink water or Pedialyte to keep them from getting dehydrated. These are the baby travel essentials when you’re outdoors or traveling during the hot summer season:

Swim Diapers – A necessary packing item if you plan to let baby swim. Whether in the hotel pool or at the beach swim diapers are a must.

If you prefer an eco-friendly option, choose a reusable swim diaper like this version with side snaps. This preference works best if you have access to a bathroom toilet and washing machine while traveling.

Pop Up Beach Tent – An open sided Beach Shelter offers an escape from the direct sun, essential for babies and young children. This version has a flat bottom to keep sand away, windows for ventilation and a hanging hook for a battery operated fan. It folds down like a car sun shield into a tiny carrying bag so it’s excellent for travel to any beach locale.

One-Piece Rash Guard – Choose a swimsuit with built-in UPF 50+ sun protection. This Primary long sleeved rash guard is all one piece but still has a snap gusset for fast diaper access.

Pool and Beach Baby Travel Essentials

Depending upon the age of your child, one of the following versions of pool floaties might work for your needs. Naturally, these floaties aren’t a replacement for supervision. Parents should remain within arms reach of their baby around water.

Baby Spring Float – This SwimWays Baby Spring Float offers younger babies a gentle way to float on the water while keeping their face dry and out of the sun. The product is also easy to close and carry so it’s ideal for taking on a trip.

Kid’s Life Jacket – This SwimWays Sea Squirts Learn-to-Swim Life Jacket is not inflatable and therefore will take up more space in your suitcase. But if you’re planning to be in the water a lot, the safety factor of this Coast Guard approved product might outweigh. Be sure to read the description on weight and size to ensure this will properly fit your child.

Suncreen – A travel essential for everyone, whether the sun is shining or behind clouds. Look for varieties like Babyganics Mineral Sunscreen . Ask your pediatrician to know their recommendations for application of sun protection lotion onto newborn skin. Reapply often, especially after water exposure.

Sunglasses – Headed to the beach or some place where the sun is particularly bright? A pair of baby sunglasses can help keep crankiness down when the sun is out of their eyes.

Baby Travel Essentials for Feeding Away From Home

Whether you’re feeding from the bottle or the breast, eating in a restaurant or on the road, these are some of the must-have items when traveling with a baby.

As a nursing parent, you can breastfeed your baby any where you wish. Some babies are challenged with nursing in public because they are distracted by activity around them. A nursing cover up can come in handy if you prefer privacy when breastfeeding or if your baby needs less distraction.

Nursing Cover – Choose a nursing cover up that’s lightweight to prevent overheating. The Milk Snob Nursing Cover doubles as a cocoon for infant car seats.

Snack Cups – These spill-proof Snack Keeper cups hold food with soft flaps on top for access. Fill them up with Goldfish crackers or animal crackers for the perfect to-go toddler snack.

READ MORE: How to Choose Healthy Road Trip Snacks at the Convenience Store

Sipper Cups – We all try our best to keep track of everything when traveling. Inevitably something ends up missing. It’s usually the sippy cup that rolls under the car, falls out of the stroller or gets left at a restaurant.

Skip the pricey sippers and buy a set of these Take & Toss Spill-Proof Sippy Cups . If one gets lost, you’ll have a few to spare.

Bibs – If you have access to laundry, these machine washable bibs are superb for feeding time. In a pinch use a baby wipe to clean off small messes.

No washing machine, no problem. Disposable bibs offer protection to clothing from food spills and can be tossed in the trash after each use.

An excellent reusable choice is the Bib Clip . Especially convenient for frequent restaurant dining, simply snap in a cloth or paper napkin to protect toddler’s clothing.

Disposable Placemats – If your toddler is self-feeding, these disposable placemats are awesome. We all know that kids don’t keep their food on the plate! To keep mealtime a little neater and more sanitary these peel-and-stick plastic mats are a must.

Comfortable Shoes for Babies

If your baby has only crawled around the carpeted floors at home you might not have even purchased them a first pair of shoes. Generally a pair of socks will keep baby toes warm and dry.

However when away from home consider covering baby’s feet to protect them when traveling in public locations. Choose flexible soles that don’t require a “breaking-in” period.

My children have been wearing pediped brand shoes since before they could walk. The pediped Originals are perfect crib shoes that can transition into walking shoes for a toddler.

Aqua Socks – If your child will be walking on hot sand or on the concrete around a pool, consider slip-resistant water shoes . They are a safe way to protect toddlers from stubbing their toes or burning their feet.

Walking Outside with a Baby

If your travel destination includes a lot of walking you’ll need to be prepared for taking baby along for the ride. Follow these additional tips for walking outside with a baby .

Stroller – The Baby Jogger City Mini has been my favorite for traveling with a baby. It’s all-terrain for both sidewalk or trail walking and offers excellent recline for naps. Best part is that it closes up compactly with one hand, ideal for boarding public transportation or getting into the vehicle trunk.

If you’d prefer not to take your own stroller consider renting one at your destination. Companies like Kingdom Strollers that rent equipment at Walt Disney World are one of the top places to get a stroller while traveling.

READ MORE : Guide to taking toddlers to Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom .

Stroller Fan – When the weather’s hot, keep baby cool using a flexible Travel Fan . Wrap the arms around a stroller, car seat or hold it in your hand to create a breeze wherever you need one.

Muslin Blanket – This lightweight muslin blanket in a variety of colors is multi-versatile. Use it as a blanket, burp cloth, swaddling cloth, nursing coverup or to cover the stroller when the sun is out.

Front Carrier – Best for going where strollers can’t go, the baby front carrier is invaluable. It’s also convenient to use when babies are sleeping and you don’t want to wait until nap time is over. Put the baby in a front carrier and go about with your exploring!

A Front Carrier is also highly convenient in places where you need to be hands-free. Airplane travel and amusement park queues are perfect locations to use a carrier. Plus nursing parents can discretely feed their baby inside of a front carrier!

I also used a front carrier to help soothe my fussy toddler to sleep at hotels. I’d pop her in the carrier then tidy up the room and get things ready for the following day until she was asleep.

Toddler Backpack with Harness – Ideal for the toddler who is always trying to run away! This Skip Hop Toddler Backpack has a leash that can be detached. My daughter enjoyed carrying her sippy cup, plush toy and a snack in her bag. The removable leash allows toddlers to walk independently but not get too far away.

Choosing the Best Diaper Bag for Travel

Before you start packing, make sure that your everyday diaper bag will work for your travel needs. You might want to purchase a day bag that’s better suited for vacationing with a baby.

Figure out first which baby travel essentials you’ll be bringing on your excursions each day. From there you’ll have a better idea which type of diaper bag is best suited to your family’s needs.

Where will you put the bag when you’re not carrying it? If you want to store it under the stroller or in a locker, make sure to measure so it’s not oversized. For airplane travel, ensure that the diaper bag will fit nicely under the seat.

Diaper Bag Tote – For longer days away or lengthy plane trips, this diaper bag tote opens wide into one main compartment. An included shoulder strap is versatile and convenient.

Diaper Backpack – A stylish alternative to the usual diaper bag that either mom or dad would be pleased to carry! This spacious diaper bag backpack houses plenty of storage pockets and space for everything you’ll need on the go.

Stroller Diaper Bag – Ultra convenient stroller caddy diaper bag hangs from the stroller handle for quick access of wipes, diapers and other essentials. A compact style that’s ideal for short trips.

Packing a Travel Diaper Bag

Bottles, baby food, diaper cream and drool bibs! Each evening when you return from outings, empty and refill the diaper bag. Reload the bag with wipes and diapers, clothing changes and baby food. Taking time to restock at night will allow for less stress in the mornings.

Besides what you usually bring for baby in the diaper bag, there are a few other baby travel essentials to consider:

Wet Bag – In the unfortunate event of a diaper blow out or spit up incident you’ll need a place to keep clothing until they can be washed. A reusable wet bag stores messy or damp clothing until you can get to the laundry.

Diaper Changing Pad – Many of the newer diaper bags already have coordinated changing pads included. For getaways where there might be diaper changing tables, purchase disposable diaper changing pads for sanitary purposes.

Stain Stick – When you’re away from the washing machine, use an on-the-go Stain Stick for laundry. Simply rub on spots to prevent stains from happening until you can wash.

Requirements for Safe Travels with Babies

If you have an active toddler there’s sure to be a few bumps and bruises along the way. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to taking care of small injuries or treating pain.

My daughter fell and scraped her elbow at Disney World. With the wet and humid Florida weather the bandages from first aid just wouldn’t stick to her skin. Now I know to pack waterproof band aids in the first aid travel kit!

First Aid Kit – A well stocked first aid kit is essential when traveling with a baby. Include cleansing wipes, antibiotic ointment and plenty of kid-friendly bandages.

Baby Medications – Kids can get sick, even on vacation. Fevers can spike quickly in the middle of the night. Better to have what you need for emergency than rely on the local convenience store or hotel gift shop. Basics like a baby thermometer and Infants’ Tylenol are a must pack.

Safety Kit – Whether you’re staying overnight at a hotel, Airbnb or at grandma’s house, you’ll want to baby-proof the accommodations. This includes protecting exposed electrical outlets, covering sharp corners, securing loose cables and locking up cabinets.

READ MORE: Complete Guide to Keeping Kids Safe on Vacation

What Else to Pack for Baby?

It can be tempting to want to pack ALL the things when traveling with a baby. Some of what you use at home on a daily basis may not be a baby travel essential. Before you overload the car’s trunk space or suitcase with oversized items, here are some tips.

Find out what’s there already before you pack your own. Check with hotels and Airbnb to find out what baby equipment is available. Verify that the products aren’t recalled.

Check with rental companies at your destination. Places like Cloud of Goods can offer up the rental of items like cribs, booster seats, pack ‘n play, stroller wagons, and high chairs.

In the case of high demand items like your baby’s bouncer seat , you might want to consider bringing it on the road. If the bouncer is the only place your baby will calm, best not to disrupt their pattern any more than usual when traveling.

How often will you use it? If you regularly use a high chair cover at home, consider if it’s worth lugging on your travels. I personally brought a high chair cover with me to Walt Disney World for my baby and used it one time. It wasn’t worth losing the space in my suitcase. But if you think that large item is essential, by all means pack it!

Baby Travel Essentials Packing Checklist

Now that you know what you need to bring when traveling with a baby in diapers, click the link below to print the free baby travel packing checklist!

Traveling with Baby – Free Printable Packing List

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11 tips for making traveling with a baby easier

When my daughter was six months old, we took her to Chicago for a family get together. It was her first time on a plane and our first time with a baby on a plane. It was only a two-hour flight from New York to Chicago and yet, I frantically packed and repacked the diaper bag with multiple changes of clothing, dozens of diapers, and four meals worth of food. She slept the entire time.

Traveling and vacationing with a baby is not as bad as people make it out to be. Just prepare ahead of time, without going overboard of course, adjust your mindset, and keep your expectations low.

Here are 11 hacks to help make the unpredictable part of baby travel slightly easier.

Pack lots of snacks.

Now, I'm no seasoned vet when it comes to this mom thing — I've only been doing it for about four years. But if there's one thing I've learned on all the family trips we've taken with our two kids, it's snacks are our friends. Under normal circumstances, we obviously don't allow our kids to eat too many snacks before breakfast, but when you're traveling, especially if it's during weird hours, and your kid starts to lose it, having an arsenal of snacks ready to shove in their little face will save you. I've learned this hard way.

Bring lots of diapers and extra clothes.

Extra clothes and diapers go a long one, but don't go overboard. Pack your diaper bag like you normally do for the day plus one extra outfit and three to five extra diapers, depending on the length of your trip. That is more than enough supplies for at least two major diaper explosions.

Pack your baby's “sleep” toy or blanket, if they have one.

If your baby is not good at sleeping in other places besides their crib, this may help. My son was this exact same way and it led to some very long and exhausting nights away from home. Then a friend suggested I bring his blanket the next time we go away so that he at least recognizes something, and it actually worked. Now, whenever we travel anywhere overnight, I always pack the blue and white blanket he's had since birth and he manages to fall asleep a little bit easier.

Buy a few new toys and wrap them.

This is a great idea if you have a long plane or car ride. Buy a few small, cheap toys, wrap them up, and whip them out as you notice your child starting to get antsy. Wrapping up the toy turns it into a whole activity. This way they spend time unwrapping and then playing with it. You could probably kill at least a half hour per toy.  

Pack lots of stickers.

Besides for all the obviously art supplies of crayons and coloring books. Older babies and toddlers love stickers. I've entertained my kids on countless flights with just a plain sheet of paper and a sticker book.

My son, who's a year and a half now, is literally enamored by stickers. He loves putting them on paper, rolling them in his hand, or playing with the sticky part on his fingers. I really don't know what it is, but kids love them.

Bring some type of technology that's fully charged.

The iPad is like my hidden gem on long flights. I try to use it as a last resort after I've exhausted all of my other activities. Firstly, I'm usually energized when we first get on the plane anyway, so why not just play with the kids before starting something that I will inevitably have to stop?

Secondly, depending on what show or app they're playing with my kids can entertain themselves on an iPad for a while, which is why I'd rather have a dead iPad at the end of a trip, than a dead iPad with four more hours of flying to go.

Book a seat at the front of the plane.

The closer to the front the better. Besides for the easier boarding and getting off, there is usually some space near the front where you can let your baby explore a bit if they get too antsy in the seat. It's also good to be close to the flight attendants if something comes up. As far as which seat to sit in, I prefer the window when traveling with a baby, but it's up to you.

It's worth paying for the bassinet seat for longer flights.

If you're traveling on a long flight with an infant, it's definitely worth booking a seat with a bassinet hookup. This means your baby will have their own space and place to sleep during the flight. The bassinets do have a weight limit though, usually around 25 lbs, so make sure to confirm with the airline ahead of time.

Gate check your stroller.

Most airlines will take your stroller and car seat for free at the gate, which is a great perk you should take advantage of. This means you can push your baby around the entire airport basically up until you board the plane. This also means that when you land, your stroller will be brought back to you at the gate, so you'll have it as soon as you de-plane.

Give yourself lots of extra time.

Since having kids, I've realized everything takes longer and flying is no different. Even if it's just 15 minutes, always leave yourself extra time. Something inevitably will happen, so why stress more?

Ignore the dirty looks— you don't need to apologize for your baby being a baby.

This is the most important travel hack of all. When you're traveling with a baby on a long flight or a short flight, or a train, or bus, there is bound to be at least one grumpy person out there who's going to try and make you feel bad for your child's behavior. Ignore it. Your baby will cry because that is what babies do and people need to just accept that. No parent should feel like they have to apologize for their kids' behavior.

Obviously, if your baby is having a tantrum in a restaurant, take them outside as not to disturb others. And obviously, on a plane, you do what you can to keep them calm and quiet. But, at the end of the day, babies will cry and people will just have to deal, and that is that. Thank God for noise-canceling headphones.

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14 Must-Try Travel Hacks for Trips with Babies

Repeat after me: Getaways with young kids are not a vacation, they’re a trip. Now that you’ve set the right expectations, check out these baby travel hacks that will make your trip a little less work and a lot more enjoyable for you and everyone else involved. Whether you’re flying with a baby to an all-inclusive or taking a road trip, these are the keys to a good getaway.

photo: iStock

1. Plan activities. For older babies who are active and stay up for longer stretches, plan simple activities to pass the time and keep them engaged. One idea: Bring a water bottle filled with pom-poms for your little one to take out and put back in. You can also bring interactive books to hold your babe’s attention.

2. Ship diapers and wipes to your destination. You have enough stuff to squeeze into suitcases. Use a service like Amazon to send diapers and wipes ahead of time to your destination, whether it’s grandma’s for the holidays or somewhere tropical. If you’re staying at a hotel, ask them if they’ll accept deliveries prior to your arrival.

3. Nurse or feed your baby during takeoff. This is an important one. To help your little one deal with pressure changes in the cabin during takeoff (and landing!) that could make them uncomfortable, nurse or give your baby a bottle at that time. The sucking distracts your child and alleviates much of the discomfort.

4. Request a portable crib in your hotel reservation. Most hotels will offer a portable crib at no extra cost. Request it in your reservation, so you can make other arrangements if the hotel informs you they can’t provide it. Pro tip: Bring your own crib sheets with you. They won’t take up much space in your luggage and will be soft and smell familiar to help your child drift off to sleep in their new location.

5. Baby-wear to keep hands free. Definitely bring your baby carrier or wrap . This frees up your hands for carrying luggage and other important items, like handing your ID and boarding pass to TSA. Plus, being close to you will likely keep your baby calm and happy in unfamiliar, sometimes stressful, environments. If you’re traveling by car, keep your wrap on or your carrier easily accessible, like on the floor right by your baby’s car seat, so it’s quick and easy to put on at every stop.

6. Wear a badge to hold your ID, ticket, and baby’s birth certificate. You know those clear name-card badge holders they distribute at conferences, with a lanyard? Use one of those to hold your license, boarding pass, and baby’s birth certificate. No digging through your purse or running the risk of it falling out of your pocket. Simple, accessible, and no fuss.

7. Simplify the car seat situation. If you’re flying, you can usually check your car seat at the ticketing desk for no charge (call ahead to confirm with your airline). Make sure they put a plastic bag over it (you can also purchase a sturdy bag for your car seat online). Or, if you want to eliminate the hassle of bringing it with you, arrange to include a car seat in your rental car. If you’re taking ride-sharing services, check their app to see if they offer cars with car seats in that area.

8. Pack odor-blocking diaper sacks. A blow-out at 30,000 feet or in the middle of the desert with no trashcan in sight doesn’t have to be a total disaster. Pack Arm & Hammer diaper dispenser bags or even just plastic grocery bags to mask the smell of the dirty diaper. Nobody wants to lug a stinky diaper around or assault others’ noses, but at least this will make it a little more pleasant.

9. Pack a baby essentials kit. Keep a pacifier, wipes, sanitizing wipes, and other essentials easily accessible, in your purse or diaper bag. This goes for flights and road trips. When there’s a mess or a howling baby, you’ll want to access these items as quickly as possible.

10. Bring snacks—for baby and you. Pack simple, low-mess snacks for your baby, like puffs or pouches. And it’s important for you to stay fed as well. Pack protein-filled snacks to keep you energized during your travels and a decadent treat as well. If drama ensues, you’re going to want the good stuff to help you through it.

11. Keep extra clothes in your carry-on bag. Keep an extra outfit for baby and a shirt for you in your carry-on or diaper bag for air and car travel. The goal is to keep it easily accessible so when a blowout, spit-up, or other potentially outfit-ruining scenarios happen, you can solve it without having to wait for landing and checked baggage retrieval.

12. Think location, location, location for the hotel room. When you book your hotel room, ask for it to be away from the elevators, pool, and vending/ice machines. While you can’t control if the hotel room is perfectly noise-free, choosing your room carefully will help make it a quiet space.

13. Pack a sound machine to help baby sleep. Increase the quiet factor in your room by bringing a small, portable sound machine with you to mask noise from other rooms. Don’t want to haul something else with you? Download free white noise or wave sounds to play from your phone or tablet.

14. Do a thorough check of the hotel and car before leaving. This is one of those tips for traveling with a baby that you’ll thank us for later. Before checking out or returning the rental car, look under beds, under seats, the trunk, and glove compartment, because something will likely be left there. And always double-check that your baby’s favorite lovey and stuffie is with you at every transition and location change.

Make sure to capture all the travel moments—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app . The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

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How I've kept traveling -- even after having a baby

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Before I had a baby, I had traveled to almost 60 countries and was on a plane every other week.

A huge fan of solo travel , yoga retreats with friends and adventurous escapes with my husband, I was always on the move. Thanks to the ability to work remotely, travel was easy. Then COVID-19 hit, and shortly after, I got pregnant .

So life changed, and so did travel.

But now that travel is picking up again , I'm back at it — with my eight-month-old in tow.

Here's how — and why — I've navigated travel with a baby.

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Why I travel with my baby

Because i have to, and so does he.

I live in Europe and my entire family lives in the United States . Like it or not, my child will have to constantly go back and forth between the two continents, and I want this to become second nature for him. I started flying with my child when he was three months old. He's already on his 15th flight and 4th high-speed train ride -- and has a few road trips under his elastic waistband.

Have some flights been really easy? Yes. Have some flights been harder? Also yes. But it doesn't matter all that much either way, because we have to travel if we want to spend time with friends and family back in the United States. And most of the flights, with a few small exceptions, have been great.

Even you don't need to travel with a baby, just know it's possible. It may not always be easy, but you can absolutely do it if you want to.

I want him to experience the wonders of the world instead of material things

My apartment was recently broken into. As violating and frustrating as it was, I realized that I was able to get over the things they took from me (cash and jewelry) relatively quickly, even though some of the jewelry pieces were family heirlooms.

When I'm still traumatized emotionally about having my space invaded, the robbers couldn't take from me what I most valued: my family and our shared experiences, especially the ones we've had traveling.

My hope is that my son will grow up understanding these same lessons and placing value on experiences and connections instead of things. And the best way to show this is by modeling the same behavior for him, which is often what motivates me to plan that next family vacation .

Because it's fun

Playing with my son in the peaceful Caribbean ocean waves, watching him stare at the Chicago skyline with awe or seeing him smile at the iconic Eiffel Tower are memories I'll never forget. Although he definitely won't remember these trips, we will — and we'll have lots of photos to show him one day.

How I make travel with my baby easier

Traveling with a baby isn't always easy. From diaper blowouts during landing and bleary-eyed nights with a jet-lagged infant to nasty stares from passengers if my overtired son shrieks during take-off, traveling with a baby has its downsides and complications. Here are some hacks I use to make it easier.

I bring someone along to help

I know I'll travel alone with my child as he gets older. However, for now, whenever possible, I try to have another adult in tow to help out — whether that be my partner, a family member or friend.

While I'm not expecting a friend to deal with a crying baby or his meltdowns, it's helpful to have someone along to help carry luggage, make sure I don't forget my jacket in the airport, hold the baby while I head to the restroom or help me fold up the stroller at TSA .

These little things can really make a difference when traveling. Once my child can at least walk on his own, I'll start traveling with just the two of us.

I pack as light as possible

It's true that kids — and especially babies — can need a lot of stuff. And there are things I really don't want to be stuck without on a long plane ride like diapers or snacks (more on this in a moment).

When traveling with my baby, I try to bring everything I need but don't go overboard. I swear by lightweight travel strollers and always take along a baby carrier and diaper backpack for a hands-free airport experience.

I like to book rental properties with as many baby and kid amenities already present as possible, such as a crib, high chair and more to avoid taking extra stuff along. I've also used rental companies in destinations for key items such as car seats, too.

Always bring these key items — especially when flying

What you can carry with you when flying is obviously very different than what you can lug along on a road trip, which offers you more space and added flexibility. That being said, these are key items I always take in my carry-on when flying with a baby:

• Extra clothing for both you and your baby (yes, trust me, you need a backup outfit just in case).
• Layers of clothing or blankets (plane temperatures can vary).
• Pacifier and clip (and backup).
• Comfort toy or blanket.
• Extra diapers (enough for an unexpected delay).
• Formula/breast milk/pump.
• Snacks (for you and/or your baby).
• Baby wipes.
• Sanitizing wipes.
• Extra bibs.
• Ziploc bags for soiled clothing (or a reusable, waterproof bag).
• Baby Tylenol or any infant medications.
• A basic first aid kit.
• Small toy(s).
• Anything that can help your baby fall asleep.

For more on what to pack and how to prepare for traveling with a baby, read this article .

Use points and miles for a more comfortable and affordable trip

This may be an unpopular opinion, but I love using my points and miles to fly in business class with my baby .

He's actually better behaved than other passengers in some cases. Also, having the extra space to stretch out makes a real difference for all of us, especially on long-haul flights where sleep is essential for the entire family.

I have also dipped into my stash of points and miles to buy three seats in economy, taking a car seat along so my baby can safely sit in his own seat, even though that isn't required at this age. The bassinet was once an option if I had enough points or miles for just two seats, although now my baby has surpassed the weight limit.

If you want to use the bassinet, always call the airline to see if this option is available and what the weight/size limits are, which can vary by airline or even route .

I verbally prepare my baby for travel

I'm well aware that my baby probably can't understand what I'm saying. But as he gets older, he is starting to recognize words, and I want "airplane" to be one of them as quickly as possible. Whenever we travel, I softly and carefully explain to him what's happening several days in advance each day before the trip.

I tell him we're going to fly high in the sky on a plane, that we need to be calm, quiet and happy. I tell him that we'll be spending time with many other people in a small space, so we need to not scream or kick the seat in front of us and bother other passengers.

I explain that we're visiting a certain destination or specific family members or friends, where we'll be sleeping and for how long we'll be gone.

One day, he'll slowly begin to associate these explanations with the journeys that follow them. Kids ask a lot of questions and want to understand what's going on, so I hope explaining things to him will help him feel safe and in control as he gets older, as well as excited to fly and to travel.

I fly or take a train trip at least every two months with my son

I realize that as someone who's worked remotely for more than 10 years, I'm afforded the flexibility to travel frequently and take my son along with me. I'm teaching my child how to eat properly and sleep well, and will pretty soon potty train, so I'm training him to travel, too.

With the convenience of low-cost air carriers and high-speed trains here in Europe (and a solid stash of points and miles), it's easy to get my baby on a plane or train every few months to get — and keep — him used to travel and make it part of a familiar routine.

I minimize travel stress with early arrivals, elite status and lounge access

Running through the airport with a baby and luggage is stressful and not at all how I want to start a trip.

I find the calmer I am, the calmer our whole family is — especially my baby, who tends to absorb my energy and mental state. Getting to the airport with lots of extra time helps me feel relaxed and in control — and these feelings transfer to everyone in my travel party, especially my son.

Having elite status and lounge access doesn't hurt, either, as I can avoid long lines and hang out in the lounge if I have time to kill before flying.

Both The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offer lounge access, and considering my home airport of Madrid Barajas (MAD) has several really nice Sala VIPs that are part of the Priority Pass network, I find this credit card perk a valuable one.

My Oneworld Sapphire status makes flying on airlines like Iberia much more comfortable, too, allowing me to use the business class check-in area, board first and check a bag at no added cost.

I plan flights around bedtime and nap times whenever possible

While my son sleeps fairly well on planes, I prefer to plan flights strategically at times where he'll already be fed, calm and rested. Although I can't always make this happen, I do so whenever my schedule and flight schedules permit it.

I organize sightseeing and beach days around naps, too

When traveling, I always try to organize my days so that my baby can either nap at the hotel or vacation rental, or while we walk in his stroller.

Cobblestoned European streets are particularly helpful in coaxing my son to sleep in his stroller, as the vibration is relaxing for him. I also bring everything along possible to encourage sleep while on the road — a portable sound machine in the stroller, a portable night light, his lovey, a tent for the beach , our own sheet for the travel crib to remind him of home — really anything that will help him to nap and sleep, keeping him and the whole family calm and happy.

Bottom line

While I'm not hopping on a flight every other week like I was in those pre-pandemic, pre-baby days, having a baby hasn't ruined travel for me.

I know it can be more restrictive and more expensive, but I now look at travel in a whole new way. I see it as an opportunity to bond as a family, give my son new experiences and help him grow into a flexible, excited young traveler .

My hope is that starting with these experiences while he is young will make travel a habit for him, just like going to school or playing with friends — something he is familiar with and learns to love and do with joy.

Essential Baby Travel Hacks You Can Use Anywhere

by Christy Nicholson | Mar 1, 2023 | Family Adventures , Travel Tips

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Babies. We love them. They’re cute. But successfully traveling with babies requires a special skill set they don’t hand out at the hospital. Whether you’re flying or driving, visiting family or a new city, here are the baby travel tips you need when planning a trip with an infant.

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Baby Packing Hacks

Packing for babies is always a balance of taking enough stuff but not too much. One universal tip — take extra clothes! You’ll want to be prepared for blowouts, milk spills, chilly weather, and anything else that comes your way. If you’re flying with a baby , be sure to include extra changes of clothes in your carry-on bag — for both of you.

While our family tried not to pack our entire house for every trip, we did find it worthwhile to keep some ultra-portable baby gear with us. We found collapsible high chairs and packable toddler tents helpful as we went from place to place. Be warned: unless you’re sure that your destination has exactly what you need, be prepared to bring it with you. (I’ll never forget the taxi company saying they could provide an infant seat and showing up with a booster seat for a five-year-old!)

Toddlers are great packing assistants (until they decide to take everything out of the suitcase). Photo by Paul Nicholson .

Airplane Hacks

The best preparation for a successful plane ride happens early. When booking your ticket, check the layout of the plane to determine what will work best for your family. If you decide to book a seat for your infant, you’ll need to bring a car seat to keep them safe (be sure to check if your car seat will fit in a narrow airplane seat). Some planes offer bulkhead seating with extra bassinets for young infants — call ahead to find out weight limits and reservation requirements.

For the flight, remember to keep liquid on hand for air pressure changes during take-off. (You can nurse or offer a bottle of formula or try water or juice for older babies.) Once you are on the plane, here’s the key — do whatever you can to keep that baby happy, not just for your fellow passengers, but for your own sanity. Try toys, books, walks down the aisle, and endless games of peekaboo. If your baby is happy watching Daniel Tiger or other children’s shows, do it. I promise that I won’t tell the American Academy of Pediatrics.

DON’T MISS! 6 Tips to Survive Your First Hotel Stay with a Baby

Buying my son his own plane seat was easy. Finding a car seat that fit in narrow airplane seats? That was a challenge. Photo by Paul Nicholson .

Car travel with infants is both harder and easier than plane travel. While you can control when you stop and take breaks for more supplies, you can’t hold your baby or take a walk up and down aisles. I’m going to be honest here — when my kids were babies, they were great at car rides. However, some little ones seem to hate the car no matter how well their parents prepare. For that situation, I’m going to return to my flight advice: do whatever you can to keep that baby happy. Generally, I’m a fan of avoiding TV until children are over age 2. But on a long car ride? Do what you need to do.

Stock up on board books and small, easily washable baby toys to keep with you in the front seat. Then hand them out one at a time to keep your kiddo occupied. See how much mileage you can get out of Sophie the Giraffe before handing over teether keys or the Look, Look! book.

Small toys that can be cleaned easily are perfect for car trips or plane rides. Photo by Paul Nicholson .

Hotel Hacks

When you get to your destination, take a minute to scope out the lay of the land. This means figuring out the best place to restock baby food and diapers. It may also mean looking up the local kids’ consignment stores or baby equipment rental services in case you need to find an emergency car seat or an extra pair of toddler pants.

Set aside space in your hotel room or guest room to take care of the essentials. Make sure you have a nap area (for you and the kiddo) and a quiet area to nurse or pump if you’re breastfeeding. You may want to create a small washing station by the sink for rinsing bottles or clothes. If your baby is crawling or walking, check for accessible outlets and watch for any fall hazards (you can even bring a few plug covers with you for extra safety).

Set aside sleeping space in your hotel room with a playpen or toddler tent. (This tent was supposed to be for sleeping and ended up as the greatest toy ever, according to my 1-year-old.) Photo by Paul Nicholson .

Mealtime Hacks

I’ll never forget flying through Heathrow and getting an incredulous look from a security person as they opened all my sealed baby food and threw it away. Apparently, it was too close to liquid to fit within security guidelines.

If you’re flying with an older baby who needs solid foods, you may find it challenging to carry meals and snacks that are security-friendly. Here’s where two special foods are your friend — bananas and applesauce. You’re likely to find at least one of these in any airport, and if you’re lucky, you may even find small cartons of organic milk. Keep a spoon in your carry-on bag to help you serve the applesauce and slice/mash the bananas.

This tip also works well when you’re exploring a new city, wandering around a theme park, or visiting relatives or friends. Keep bananas, applesauce, and other soft foods in mind if you’ve exhausted your snack supplies earlier in the day and find yourself at dinner with no baby food.

Since you may need to wash bottles and cups in your hotel room, pack dishes that are easy to clean. Photo by Paul Nicholson .

DON’T MISS! How to Survive a Vacation in Europe with a Baby

Bedtime Hacks

When we took our one-year-old to Europe, we prepped ahead of time to prevent jet lag by gradually moving his sleep schedule up until bedtime happened in the afternoon. We thought this was a brilliant idea — until we got onto a loud, bright, noisy plane that kept him awake for hours past his new bedtime.

Flexibility and low expectations are the keys to surviving bedtimes while traveling. With my oldest son, I was all about the schedule. On most trips, we tried to stick with standard nap times and mealtimes. And guess what? When we were seven hours off our normal time zone, that didn’t work. Routines are awesome for kids, and if you can stick to regular naps and meals, fantastic! But if your baby is cranky in the middle of the night and threatening to wake all the neighbors, don’t worry about whether an extra snack or playtime is going to disrupt the schedule. Go into the trip prepared for unexpected bedtime bumps, and you’ll be able to roll with whatever happens.

Successfully traveling with babies requires a special skill set they don’t hand out at the hospital. For instance, packing is always a balance of taking enough stuff but not too much.

Outing Hacks

Here is one of the most important keys to traveling with an infant — the stroller. When you’re on a family trip, the stroller becomes your portable baby headquarters. It doubles as a high chair, a nap mat, and a storage unit. Trust me. The stroller is your friend.

When choosing which stroller to take on your trip, look for lightness and durability. For our travels, we wanted a stroller that was strong enough to use on cobblestone streets and light enough to carry easily (we ended up choosing a Maclaren — bonus points for the handy carrying strap). We added a pocket organizer and a clip for increased storage and found that we could take everything we needed for days full of adventures.

This stroller served us well across Italy, Austria, and Slovakia (and the cover allowed naptime to happen even when it rained). Photo by Christy Nicholson.

When traveling with infants, we encountered strangers who were delighted to help us onto subway cars and flight attendants ready to offer an extra set of arms. Everywhere we went with our babies, I was encouraged by the kindness and patience of everyone we met. Traveling with a little one can be tough, but it’s also a great way to see a beautiful, hopeful side of the world.

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My ultimate guide to travelling with a newborn

By: Author Monica

Categories Blog , The Mama Hack

If you’re thinking about travelling with a newborn then I’m here to give you some reassurance and encouragement and let you know this is a great time to travel with your baby!

I have three young children and we travelled a lot with them all as newborns and I honestly found this to be the easiest time to travel with them.

Once you’ve recovered from giving birth, you’re got into a bit of a routine, established a feeding pattern and you’re starting to feel a bit more human (whether this takes 6 weeks or 6 months!) then it’s a great time to start thinking about going on holiday with your newborn.

I started to feel a bit more human when each baby was about 4 months old and we had some lovely holidays to Barcelona, Menorca, the Maldives, we went skiing in France, summer holidays to France, Tenerife and countless trips around the UK.

But before we go any further, I want to say one thing…

If the thought of travelling with a newborn is stressing you out, don’t do it!

I don’t know about you but I see photos of these picture-perfect mums on Instagram hiking mountains with a baby on their back just weeks after giving birth. Or they’re casually breastfeeding on a beach looking all sweat-free and perfect. This would not have been me! I would have been a sweaty, sandy mess and feeling very stressed about it all.

So I’m here today to reassure you and share some tips if you are taking your newborn on holiday, but if you aren’t ready then don’t feel any pressure. Just enjoy your new bundle of joy and relax!

Before we go any further, here are 10 great reasons to travel with a newborn…

• You and your partner will need a holiday!

Having a newborn is wonderful but my goodness it’s exhausting. If there’s ever a time in your life you need a holiday, it’s now! 

Having a young baby is hard work and a holiday together with your partner and your new bundle of joy could be just what you need. Yes, it can be more difficult than travelling pre-baby but it’s 100% worth the extra effort.

• Plane journeys with newborns are relatively easy (and cheaper!)

I’ll always remember a flight I took to Barcelona when my son, Joseph, was two months old. I was so nervous about it and was picturing him screaming for the whole flight. I was breastfeeding at the time and I was nervous about feeding him on the plane and everyone looking. 

But I didn’t need to worry at all. In fact, it was the easiest flight we’ve ever taken with a child. He fed and slept for the entire flight! As we got off the plane everyone was so shocked to see there had been a baby sat near them the whole time. I wish he was that quiet on a flight now!

Plane journeys with small babies who barely move are much easier than travelling with toddlers who can’t keep still.

Flying with a new baby can be nerve-wracking but babies are often lulled to sleep by the motion and the noise of the plane and they’ll quickly fall asleep in your arms. Another thing to remember is that planes are extremely noisy so even if your little one is a tad noisy, no one will be able to hear them!

Toddlers on the other hand will be up and down like a jack in the box! You don’t get a second of peace with a toddler on a plane!

And let’s not forget that babies under the age of two don’t need to pay for their ticket. You’ll usually need to pay a small fee for taxes and extra if you’d like to check-in a suitcase but make the most of that small fee while you can.

• Newborns sleep a lot!

I know, it probably feels like they don’t sleep enough or don’t sleep at the right time but your newborn will undoubtedly sleep a lot.

The younger your baby is, the more they will nap and there is nothing a new parent loves more than a nap!

While your baby is napping you will be free to go for lunch or a quick coffee, go for a swim, nip to the spa or even have a nap yourself!

What’s even better is that most babies love to nap in their pushchair so you can stroll around a new city or take a sunset walk along the promenade as your baby gets a much-needed sleep.

As your baby gets older they will nap less and less so it will become harder to sneak off to that cosy little wine bar while they’re napping in their pushchair.

Travel Hack Tip: I highly recommend getting a snooze shade for your pushchair. It’s like a breathable blackout blind for a pram and creates a dark, cool place for your baby to sleep. We also had the Aston Rose pushchair by Ickle Bubba which has an enormous hood that comes all the way over. It was brilliant, I don’t know why all pushchairs don’t have this feature! Even if you don’t get the Aston Rose pram, I highly recommend looking for a pram with a huge hood!

• You don’t need to worry as much about safety

Of course, safety will always be on your mind when you have a young child but it’s less of a concern before they can walk. Once your child is toddling you need to be aware of every trip hazard, every step, every unguarded stairwell and all the places they can squeeze into and get stuck! Newborns barely move so it’s much easier!

• It’s easier to get around busy spaces

Whether it’s a busy airport, a crowded train station, a bustling hotel or a chaotic market square, it’s much easier to get around when your baby is safely strapped in their pushchair, in a baby carrier or being held. 

It’s not quite as easy when they’ve found their feet and they’re desperate to be independent and run free.

• Feeding a baby is much easier than feeding a toddler!

Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottlefeeding, it’s relatively easy to find a quiet space to feed your baby. They guzzle it down and, while they may dribble or burp, it’s nothing compared to the mess of feeding an older baby!

• You can travel during your maternity leave

What better way to use your maternity leave than by taking lots of holidays!

For many people their maternity leave is spent at home in their loungewear, occasionally leaving the house to grab a coffee with NCT friends or attend a baby group in the village hall.

And for a little while this is amazing but it can get a little tiresome after a few months.

If your partner is unable to travel as much as you due to annual leave restraints then look into mother and baby holidays. HolyMama offers mother and baby retreats with a focus on wellness and nurturing in beautiful locations around the world. They also have nannies on hand for those days when you need a rest!

• People love babies so it’s a great ice breaker!

A friendly baby is often the perfect ice breaker to get chatting to local people while you’re travelling. I’ve often found that countries outside of the UK are much more welcoming towards babies and they love to interact with them and make them smile. If you live in the UK you might not be used to this, but many countries make a huge fuss of babies!

We travelled to the Maldives when George was 7 months old and it was brilliant. All the staff made such a fuss of him and we were made to feel so welcome everywhere we went.

• Dad gets to spend lots of time with Baby

For many families a holiday is the perfect time to relax, bond and make precious memories together. It’s something that often feels impossible during our hectic everyday lives, especially when one parent works full time.

For many families, the mother will be on maternity leave while the father continues to work full time and dads actually don’t get much time to bond with their babies. If they work long hours then they’ll barely see their babies during the week and weekends are often so busy we don’t get two seconds to just sit down and relax as a family.

A holiday with a newborn is the perfect opportunity to relax together as a family.

• Happy parents = happy babies

I’m a firm believer that happy parents lead to happy babies and holidays make us all happy!

Different babies have different needs

I don’t want to complicate things here – especially if you’re reading this before your baby has been born – but different babies travel differently!

My eldest son was a very routine-y baby. He liked to get up at the same time, eat at the same time, have the exact same bedtime routine and be asleep by 6.30pm.

We absolutely couldn’t take him out for dinner because he’d be so tired and would always just want to go to bed. It got easier as he got older but he was at least 5 before he could stay up past 7pm. (This was amazing when we were at home but difficult when we went away!)

My youngest child however is the complete opposite. She can easily stay awake until 10pm every night and if she does get tired then she’ll happily sleep in her pushchair.

My middle child was different again and he was very shy and very clingy to me. He didn’t like strangers and was happiest when I was holding him. Holding him ALL THE TIME!

I just wanted to mention this to highlight how important it is to lean in to your baby’s needs. Listen to what they want and need and just go with it.

If they’re happy to go out for dinner at 8pm then do it! But if they need to be tucked up in their cot by 7pm then there’s no point fighting that because no one will have a nice time.

What’s the best type of holiday with a newborn?

This is going to be personal preference for each family, but when I’ve booked holidays with newborn babies I’ve looked for the following things:

• Relatively short flight time (under 4 hours)
• Somewhere warm (personal preference here)
• Accommodation with a living area not just a single hotel room – this makes it easier to put Baby to bed and then have somewhere you can relax
• Self catering or the option to have room service on a private balcony
• Plenty of restaurants within walking distance nearby

Do you need a kitchen/kitchenette when travelling with a newborn?

Access to a small kitchen will make things a little easier but it definitely isn’t a necessity. If you’re exclusively breastfeeding then you won’t really need access to a kitchen at all, but if you’re bottle feeding and/or pumping then it is a bit easier to have somewhere to wash and sterilise bottles.

Having said that, I’ve stayed in lots of hotel rooms with a newborn without a kitchen.

You can wash all bottles and equipment in the hotel bathroom. If you don’t have access to a steriliser then you can always rinse your bottles a few times with boiling water. I did this in the Maldives and it was fine.

Many hotels will provide you with a steriliser which you can use in a well ventilated area.

The only thing you really need in your hotel room is a kettle so you have access to boiling water. And just make sure you take a small bottle of washing up liquid and brushes and clothes to clean the bottles.

You can also sterilise using Milton sterilising tablets which can be used in cold water.

Is it best to self cater when travelling with a baby?

This is going to be a personal choice so ask yourself the following questions…

• Is the thought of eating out for every meal stressing you out?
• Or does the thought of not having to cook for a whole week sound amazing?
• Are you looking forward to getting dressed up and going out for dinner?
• Or would you rather sit on your private terrace and eat sandwiches in your swimsuit?

Self catering undoubtedly gives you a bit more flexibility but an all-inclusive hotel will mean you won’t need to cook or tidy up all week.

What about all the baby equipment we need?

It may feel like you need a million and one things to keep your baby safe, happy and healthy but, in my experience, you don’t really need that much.

Hotels will always provide travel cots.

You can do without the Jumperoo and bouncers for a few days.

You might want to take your own car seat but you can check this into the plane hold so you don’t need to worry about carrying this too much.

A kettle – to wash and sterilise equipment, dummies and bottles

Pillows – to create a safe space for them to lie/sit on the floor

A fully reclining pushchair such as the BabyZen Yoyo+ (I have a post about the best travel strollers )

A baby bag (such as the Travel Hack Backpack )

Possibly a baby monitor if you’re staying in an apartment (don’t forget plug adaptors!)

I’ve got a full blog post over here with my ultimate baby and toddler holiday packing list

Should you take your car seat when travelling with a newborn?

This is going to be personal preference and will depend on the type of trip you’re taking.

If we are hiring a car in our destination then I will always take all the car seats for the kids.

It’s a bit of a pain to get the car seats into the airport but we’ll quickly drop them off at the check-in desk so you don’t have to cart them around for long.

We’ve tried hiring car seats with hire cars and they always seem a bit grubby and dated, not to mention expensive.

You’ll get two pieces of baby equipment that you can take on the plane so make one of them your pushchair and the other can be your car seat.

If we won’t be hiring a car then we personally don’t take our own car seats. Yes, we might get in a taxi every now and again but, legally, babies don’t need to be in car seats in the back of a taxi in most destinations. Taxis will often provide car seats but it’s a massive faff to take your own for a 10 minute taxi journey.

I have a review of the Doona Carseat Pushchair which is great for travelling.

Should I take a pushchair?

Yes, I’d definitely take a pushchair.

If you want a compact travel stroller then I recommend the Baby Zen Yoyo+

If not, just take your regular pushchair. There’s no weight limit on pushchairs but it’s easier if you have a pushchair that folds down into one piece.

Remember that you get two pieces of baby equipment for the plane (like a travel system that has the pushchair frame and then the seat comes off), so if your pushchair folds down into two pieces then both of your pieces of equipment will go on your pushchair. You can also only take a pushchair to the gate at the airport if it folds down into one piece. 

Should I take a baby carrier?

If you use a baby carrier at home then I’d 100% take it on holiday.

I’ve always been a big fan of baby wearing and my babies all loved to be held in a carrier. It makes everything so much easier because you have both hands free and babies are often soothed by being held so close.

But it isn’t for everyone so if you don’t like it at home then you probably won’t like it on holiday!

The Izmi Baby Carrier was always my favourite

Should I take a travel crib?

I’ve honestly found a travel crib to be the most pointless piece of baby equipment available (unless you’re an accommodation provider). 

I’ve never stayed anywhere that doesn’t have a travel crib available for free.

I recommend taking your own sheets and blankets though and many places actually insist on this.

10 tips for travelling with a newborn

• Look after yourself

We all know the phrase ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’ and I wholeheartedly believe in this with parenting. Not just parenting while you’re travelling but parenting in general. Before you can look after anyone else you need to look after yourself. So make sure you’re getting enough rest, eating well, drinking plenty of fluids and not doing things that feel stressful.

The main trick to travelling with a newborn is simply to slow down. Everything is going to take longer than your pre-baby days and you won’t be able to pack your itinerary with back-to-back activities. But that’s OK, take it easy.

• Pick one activity a day

We like to plan one activity a day and it’s usually something that doesn’t have to be super time-sensitive.

Have an idea of things you could do (just in case Baby miraculously naps at the perfect time!), but remember you don’t need to do them all.

• Don’t book time-sensitive things 

I try to avoid booking tours or anything that involves us being at a certain place at a certain time. I find it stressful knowing that other people are relying on me to be on time and when you’re on holiday and you add a newborn baby into the mix…well you’re just adding an extra layer of unnecessary stress.

• Bring the grandparents along

Since having kids we’ve been on holiday with my parents so many times. The kids love spending so much time with their grandparents and it gives me and Sam the odd little break too!

• Don’t be disheartened if romantic meals don’t happen

This is one that took a bit of getting used to for me and Sam as we would still plan lovely meals and 9/10 they wouldn’t happen! The baby would wake up just as our food arrived and one of us would end up pacing around the restaurant with a baby while the other quickly ate our meal before swapping places!

We now always eat in casual places but if we want something nice we’ll go for early evening drinks at a nice bar or something.

• Join baby for nap time

Because holiday naps are the best.

• All-inclusive buffets are your friend

I didn’t think I’d ever say this but all inclusive buffets are great when you’re travelling with a newborn. The casual nature of them means it’s fine to get up and have a walk around if your baby won’t settle. You can keep going back for more food if Baby is happy or you can quickly wolf something down if your baby has a meltdown!

• Break up long journeys

It goes without saying that you’ll need to break up long journeys in the car because newborns shouldn’t be in their carseats for more than two hours. But it’s best to break up any kind of journey so everyone can get a rest. Even if your baby sleeps for the entire flight, you might not get much rest so you’re going to need a bit of downtime too.

Packing light will really make everything so much easier and I promise you don’t need the billion one things you think you do! If you’re travelling to a hot destination with your baby then just pack a load of vests and keep them in a cute little vest for the majority of your trip!

Other FAQs about travelling with a newborn

Do babies need passports.

Yes, babies need their own passports.

Thankfully, the rules around baby passport photos aren’t as strict as they are for adults so you can generally get away with a simple photo.

I have a guide to applying for your baby’s first passport here.

When is it safe to travel with a newborn baby?

There isn’t really a recommended time when it becomes ‘safe’ to travel with a newborn. There will always be risks when it comes to flying with babies and young children due to the increased risk of catching a virus on the plane.

Personally, I think it’s safe when the mum is 100% fully recovered, so you’re probably looking at about 6 weeks – 3 months.

How do you travel with breastmilk?

If you’re travelling with breastmilk then you’ll just need to flag it up when you go through security.

You’re unable to take more than 100ml bottles of liquid through airport security but baby items are exempt. 

The airport security staff will take it away to ‘test’ it. Whatever that means! But it is fine to travel with breastmilk.

How do you travel with formula?

The easiest way to travel with formula is to take those pre-made cartons. They’re expensive but it’s much easier than faffing about with powder and boiling water. If your baby will only drink warm formula then you can ask the staff on the plane to warm it up by placing it in a jug of hot water.

You’ll find many babies will actually drink formula cold and don’t seem to mind so try this out before you leave.

How do you clean and sterilise baby’s bottles while you travel?

I usually clean them in the bathroom sink of my hotel room. I’ll take my own washing detergent, a bottle brush and a wash cloth.

I’ll then use the hotel kettle to rinse them with boiling water and I’ll do this a couple of times.

You can use Milton Steriliser tablets and submerge your bottles into cold water with a tablet in it. You’ll need a very big sink for this but you can make it work in a hotel sink.

If I’m self catering I’ll take microwavable steriliser bags and it’s always worth asking your accommodation provider if they have sterilisers available to borrow as they often do.

How do you get the bassinet at the bulkhead of the plane?

You will automatically be assigned the seats at the bulkhead of a plane if you’re travelling with a baby. This is because the bassinets sit on the bulkhead in front of you.

Unfortunately, if multiple families with babies are on the same plane then it’s often just luck as to whether or not you get the bulkhead seat.

Personally, I really enjoy having the extra leg room you get at the bulkhead but none of my babies actually slept in the bassinet. You’ll also find that the bulkhead is where the toilets are, so this can be a busy and noisy place to be sat.

So it’s nice to have these seats but I wouldn’t panic if you don’t get them.

What should I carry onto the plane with a baby?

I like to put Baby into a carrier and have a small backpack on my back. I’ll then have both hands free.

I actually don’t take much onto a plane when travelling with a newborn. None of my babies were massively into toys until they were much older so I really didn’t need to take much.

In the backpack I’ll have:

• 2 changes of clothes for the baby
• 1 clean top for me
• Huge bottle of water for me (breastfeeding)
• Snacks for me
• Kindle (easy to read one-handed)
• 1 x toy for the baby
• If formula feeding then enough empty bottles and cartons of formula for whole flight
• Muslims or bibs if you have a sicky baby
• Phone and purse 

How can I get my baby to sleep on a plane?

Babies pick up on our feelings so if you’re relaxed then your baby is more likely to relax too.

Planes are very noisy and this endless white noise actually sends most babies to sleep.

Try and keep your baby awake while you’re at the airport so they’re tired when you board the plane. Feed them on takeoff and then many babies will be asleep by the time you’re in the air.

Do babies get jetlag?

Yes, babies get jetlag just like we do! They’ll get over it in time though. Taking a black out blind to your destination can help if your baby is waking up too early.

Can you give your baby a sedative for flying?

No. No, don’t do that.

What should I do if my baby’s ears hurt on takeoff and landing?

If your baby’s ears are hurting then the best thing to do is encourage them to swallow. The easiest way to do this is to feed them.

Always try and time their feed for takeoff and landing.

If you’re breastfeeding this is often much easier as babies will happily feed slowly.

When formula feeding it can be tricker to get it right. If you give them a bottle too early then they will guzzle it down before you’ve taken off! Give it to them too late and they become hungry and angry.

During all of our flights with newborns, we only had one flight where one of my sons’ ears hurt. He cried all the way down but instantly stopped when we touched the ground. It is hard and you feel terrible for them but unless they will swallow there’s not a lot else you can do for them.

Read more: What to pack for a flight with a toddler

Thursday 31st of March 2022

Thank you so much for this post! I have the exact same thoughts - are these instagram-ready new moms even real?! I traveled a lot before and even without a baby I used to get sweaty and dirty...

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10 Hacks When Flying With a Toddler (2023)

10 Hacks for a Stress-Free Flight With a Toddler  

Anxious? Don't be! These 10 simple hacks will turn you into one confident mommy when it comes to traveling with your little one. And remember, even when unprecedented things happen (and they will), just stay calm. You got this, momma!

1. Say YES to a non-stop flight ✈️

If you can, book a flight that will take you to your destination in the shortest time possible. Arrive earlier so that you have sufficient time to confirm arrangements, secure the best seats and give your toddler some extra TLC prior to boarding. These young ones get easily bored and before you know it, they're already taking away your sanity. Waiting for a connecting flight can make them irritable or restless, thus opt for a nonstop flight instead.

While waiting, look for a small space or corner where your toddler can go in circles and enjoy himself without you worrying too much. Let the kid unleash his energy so that during the flight, he will knock out and be sound asleep. That way, you can enjoy your well-deserved peace inside the plane rather than playing tag. We know, this is a simple yet very effective hack for air travel with a toddler!

2. Download a packing list ☑️

Yes, it does sound old school but creating a list of what you need can actually save your life. Toys, cookies, juice, extra clothes/supplies, a Hygiene Kit, etc. are essential and should be in your carry on at all times. Join the EzPacking family below and we'll send a variety of packing lists your way.

Kids can be the most adorable creatures in the universe but don't be fooled -- these pooping machines will do number two anytime and anywhere, and the last thing you want to do is to worry about diapers and wet tissues. Level up your packing game and use stylish packing cubes from EzPacking.  More on that later (;

3. Wear comfy slip-ons 👟

Okay, we get it. You want to slay and use the airport as your runway. But as a mom, you have to deal with your highly energized kid all the time. So, instead of worrying about any discomfort due to high heels, wear comfortable slip-on shoes to make your trip with the toddler easier. You'll be using both hands: one for the toddler and the other hand for the baggage, and none for massaging your painful calf muscles.

4. Secure aisle seats 💺

Although window seats give you the best view of nature's beauty, the only thing you want when flying with a toddler is to be seated in the aisle. You will never know how many trips you'll make to the bathroom so sit on the side and thank yourself later. Toddlers are like time bombs who can explode anytime and when they do, the last thing you want is to disturb the passengers beside you (who are already giving you "the look"). 

5. Bring toys: Follow the Slow Release  rule 🧸

Toddlers are easy to control -- at least in our dreams. Reality check, they are hyper and curious and they want to explore everything around them.  Sitting alone makes them easily bored so if you don’t want to deal with a crisis, bring toys. Toys are like magic wands that quickly turn the storm into a beautiful rainbow.

When presenting the toys though, bring out each one at a time to keep your child occupied throughout the long flight. If this doesn't work, you can keep them excited with a tablet or phone and allow them to play games or watch a movie suitable for their age. Moana is for kids and parents, am I right?

6. Take some sweets 🍬

Most moms avoid sugars as it makes toddlers too energetic; however, sweets may serve an important purpose. Take-off and landing can cause pain to the ears and swallowing is one way of dealing with this. You can prevent whining and other unwanted scenarios by giving your child a few chewy candies, healthy gummy vitamins or even a lollipop.

@ezpacking Packing some snacks for school tomorrow 😋 #ezpacking #packing #organize #preppy #grwm #smallbusiness #fypシ #fypシ゚viral #fypdongggggggg #viral #packingorders #viralvideo ♬ original sound - logan

Sweets can help distract their attention whenever they're too scared or nervous. If you're concerned about giving sweets, you may opt for sugar-free candies instead.  A few treats during a long flight with a toddler can save your sanity (and everyone else's).

  7. "Aeroplane Police" Trick 👮

Some mothers may feel bad about using other people to scare their child but trust me when I say that it works. This ancient trick is helpful whenever a toddler is behaving badly. But remember, you're dealing with kids and not crooks; thus, don't scare them out of their wits. If you feel bad, remember that it's far better than dealing with toddlers crawling under the seats, jumping on the chair, playing with the tables, and the list goes on.  

8. Play Pilots & other role play games 👩‍👶‍👶

It's no secret how many kids are scared of flying, and if your toddler's one of them, you can easily manage it with this hack. Play role games with your child by letting them become the pilot or the flight attendant. This does not only avoid panic and boredom but also it sparks your child's creativity and imagination.  It's one of the best ways to avoid tantrums (and whining) of the toddler on the plane. 

9. Carry a mini First Aid Kit 🩹

Although planes are equipped with the basic medical tools and medicines, it's always better to carry something yourself. Bring paracetamol for your child in case he got sick or any medicine that will relieve travel sickness. You'll also thank yourself for carrying ear drops during altitude change.

10. Self-Love is important 🤌

We know, part of being a mom is to give a hundred percent of yourself. However, putting all your effort into ensuring your kid is safe is just as important as taking care of your own wellbeing. Treat yourself as a priority, too. After all, you will find all these hacks difficult if you are not in good shape. Give small tasks to your partner and squeeze nap-times in for the both of you (if possible) . This way, you can both make traveling fun and exciting.

Flying with a Toddler? Bonus Hack for Packing!

It's almost the end of the post and you made it! Great! We've got a bonus hack for you! And this one's for packing.

One of the most important things that can really take a heavy load off your back when it comes to flying with toddlers is taking care of packing. And we've got just the right packing cubes to help you get organized. 

✔️  Extra Small Cube - This cutie patootie of a cube is good for packing your kids' undies and socks. It can also be used for toiletries, mini first aid kit, and a toy storage for smaller toys. ✔️  Small Cube - Roll in your tops, tights, and blouses inside this cube to save space in your luggage. You can also use this to organize your kids' toys and diapers.

✔️  Medium Cube - Fold your pants and shorts and pack them in this cube. This is also good for keeping snacks and sweets to keep your toddlers at bay when they're "hangry." ✔️   Large Cube - For bulkier clothing items, like your jackets and sweaters, pack them in this cube. When not in use, you can store your bed sheets and covers using this and organize them in your cabinet. ✔️   Starter Set - If you're traveling with a carry on, the Starter Set is perfect for you. It's got all 4 cube sizes and can fit 5-8 days worth of clothes.

✔️  Complete Bundle - For checked luggage, the Complete Bundle is going to be your best friend. It includes 2 pieces of all the 4 cube sizes, plus a shoe bag, laundry bag, and folding boards. Neat!

Anyone who says that flying with a toddler is easy has never experienced one (unless you have an angelic child). Whether you're a first-time parent or not, traveling with a child is -- and will always be -- a difficult task. Even with the presence of a partner or a handful of experiences, there will be times when you can never manage everything.

Toddlers are unpredictable and they never run out of energy... at least, for some time. Therefore, it's important to be prepared with the right hacks to ensure that you can manage your little one effectively. These hacks are easy to follow and it will not only keep your kids in line but your sanity as well.  

P.S. Want more flying tips? Click here for the Best Flying Tips for Airplane Travel!

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15 Airplane Hacks That’ll Make Flying With Toddler Easier

Flying with a toddler is no stroll in the park. You’ve already gone through the madness of check-in, security, and a gozilion other queues. Now, you’re asking your toddler to sit still in a giant piece of metal that will make loud noises and their ears will pop?

I would be lying if I said, there is a way to make it stress-free, but the hacks I’ve gathered from my and others’ experience will definitely make it much easier.

15 hacks for easier travelling with toddler

• Book your flight according to your toddler’s sleep regime
• Prep your toddler for the journey
• Make edible jewellery
• Dress in layers
• At check-in, ask if they have a spare seat for your toddler
• Request a front or back row seat
• Eat before you board
• Have your partner board the plane firs t
• Have something ready to relieve your toddler from ear ache
• Research aeroplane restraint devices
• Prep activities 
• Prep for bedtime
• Offer your toddler lots of water 
• Stick to the routine as much as possible
• Indulge them

Let’s dive in.

PREPARATIONS

Prepare for the flight. The longer it’ll be, the more activities and animations you’ll need to pass the time quicker.

You also need to be smart about your seating, whether your toddler will want to walk down the aisle or if they are kept busy with games and drawing, so they can sit by the window and be amazed by all the clouds. 

You’ll have to spend the next two to whatever hours with everything that you’ve brought, so make sure you’ve prepared well. And to do so well, here are some hacks and advice from own experience:

1. Book your flight according to your toddler’s sleep regime

If possible, book flights around the time your toddler gets sleepy. I know it sounds trivial but a sleeping toddler is 10 times better than an active one on a cramped plane.

Also, before a morning (or to be honest any) flight, ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep. You don’t want to be stuck with a grumpy toddler. 

2. Prep your toddler for the journey

Talk to your toddler and introduce them to the plane and what will happen before they board the unfamiliar transportation.

The sounds, the look, and the whole experience of the plane are new to the toddler and that might make them feel terrified. Prepping them and making it an educational, kid-friendly game will turn the experience into an adventure. 

Tip: sit your toddler on your lap in front of the TV, put on a simulation video of take off and show them the G-force and turbulence by moving together as if you’re flying on an aeroplane. 

3. Make edible jewellery

You can combine hack No.2 and No.3 by educating your toddler about their next adventure while making edible necklaces.

It’s a fun craft and it gives them some responsibility in the preparation process. Some great options are cheerios, pretzels, fruit loops, and some gummies.

Just remember HEALTHY SNACKS only, avoid sugary treats not to rev them up.

4. Dress in layers

Make sure your toddler is dressed in layers that are easy to put on and take off.

The temperature on the plane drastically changes and I’ve caught a cold myself many times while flying. Eventually, I learned the lesson which I strictly apply to my kids. 

5. At check-in, ask if they have a spare seat for your toddler

If your toddler is under 2, they aren’t required to have a seat of their own, however, it won’t hurt to ask if the plane has a spare seat that you could be allocated next to.

Your toddler will have their own seat so it’ll be easier for them to sleep and more space for you. If it’s a long haul flight and you can afford it, I would even recommend purchasing a separate toddler’s seat. 

6. Request a front or back row seat

Another thing you could politely ask at check-in desk is if there are free front or back row seats available. The front row seats will usually have extra legroom, while both the back and front rows are close to the exit which leads to easier boarding and getting off the plane.

7. Eat before you board

Whether you’ve packed some sandwiches or have found a restaurant serving free food for kids, I advise you to eat before you board – you’ll have one less thing to worry about onboard.

Reaching food and making sure everyone’s happy with the options might become difficult while stuck on the plane. 

Tip: Avoid greasy meals as they contribute to indigestion, however, filling protein-rich foods is a great option if you have a choice. 

Contradictory Hack: You could actually eat during the flight instead, as that would kill time and there’s lots of that on the plane. However, that’s only recommended if your toddler is able to stay still while eating. I don’t even want to picture the mess a fussy toddler makes on the plane. The look on your neighbour’s face when they see a carrot landing on their shirt is one you don’t want to witness. 

8. Have your partner board the plane first

If you’re not travelling alone, have your travel companion board the plane first and secure the overhead bins while you have your toddlers burn the most energy possible ie making them race around the gate area. 

This way you won’t have to force your toddlers to stay still while everyone’s boarding but you’ll have overhead bins ready for you and your drained-to-the-last-bit toddlers. 

TAKE OFF/LANDING

Now comes the take off. It can be scary even for adults so it’s important you talk to your toddler about what will happen on the giant plane.

If you’ve found the time to educate them about flying and specifically take off, you’ve got one less thing to worry as your toddler is at least aware of what’s going to happen. 

9. Have something ready to relieve your toddler from ear ache

With take off and landing, besides the possible fear and crying along with it, unfamiliar issues occur like ear popping that leads to ache. This often uncomfortable sensation is related to pressure changes. Normally, the Eustachian tube equalises the air pressure but in kids it might not do this as well.

The act of chewing and swallowing can shift the ear enough to help the Eustachian tube do its job. To avoid unnecessary suffering for your toddler, clear up their congestion and have one or more of these ready:

• Lollipops/pacifiers or food pouch
• Breastfeeding
• Plenty of water

It’s important you keep your toddler awake and you can even make them practice yawning in a fun playful way, pretending to be lions.

Though crying isn’t pleasant, it also helps prevent aching ears, which is why take off and landing is the time to let your toddler cry it out. 

10. Research aeroplane restraint devices

Each airline has different regulations for how the toddler must be harnessed. They might provide some type of restraint depending on the airline like a belly belt – infant lap belt or a child restraint seat.

However, there are some alternatives that you can bring to make it more comfortable for your toddler, though I cannot stress enough that you double checked with the airline what is acceptable and on which seat (because that also matters). The alternatives are:

• FAA approved car seat. If your car seat is approved by the airline it must have a 5-point harness and fit into the seat measurements of the particular aircraft you’re flying. This should be particularly useful if you’re flying with a smaller toddler. The car seat they’re used to will be a comforting element on an unfamiliar mode of transportation. 
• CARES harness (approved for toddlers who weigh 10 – 20 kg). If the toddler has their own seat on the plane but doesn’t want to sit in the boring old car seat, this harness can be used if the toddler meets the measurement regulations. Again, I emphasise the need to double-check that the airline you’re flying with accepts this type of harness and the particular seat your toddler will be sitting in. 

Okay, so you’ve survived take off. The plane is levelled and your toddler starts to slowly familiarise with their surroundings.

They might start to move around and jump to the aisle wishing to explore the plane and everyone in it. Of course, it’s not an ideal way of passing time on a crammed plane and flight attendants walking back and forth. 

Time starts to move slower and slower as your toddler begins to be more reluctant to sit down.

It’s time you pull out all the surprises that you’ve prepared and use your imagination for spending this flight bonding with your toddler and giving them attention that they’ve always begged for. It’s not like you’ve got somewhere else to go.

Your toddler will be secretly grateful for all these hacks and surprises that you’ll have prepared.

11. Prep activities 

This hack you’re obviously supposed to do before leaving home for the trip. No matter if it’s two, four or six hours, it’ll be a long time on the flight and without all of their toys, your toddler will get bored within the first half hour.

Besides bringing their favourite toys and the iPad, there are other creative things that you can take to make the long flight go faster:

• Multipurpose Backpack or Travel Activity Tray . These two are smart inventions for organising and creating easy access to your toddler’s favourite things to play with. Crayons, notepads, snacks, the iPad, water bottle, and their toys will all be beautifully packed in one backpack or set to play with on the activity tray. Pack these right and your toddler will have everything in reach from their seat. 
• Gel clings . You can make this one even more fun by buying themed gel clings according to your holiday. Your toddler can stick snowflakes and snowmans or beach umbrellas and colourful fishes to their window and watch them swim in the sky. 
• Buy new toys and wrap them up in foil. This takes some extra effort but it’ll be like second Christmas for your toddler. Buy cheap, tiny toys, wrap them all in foil and leave them in the backpack without telling your toddler. The little one will be so excited to discover your gifts.

12. Prep for bedtime

If it’s time to sleep on the aeroplane, there are alternatives that you can bring on board to improve your toddler’s sleep quality. If they get a seat of their own, you can come prepared with things like:

• Inflatable foot rest . This particular item comes in a pack of two, which means either you and your toddler, or if you’ve got more than one kiddo, they can enjoy a more comfortable position during the flight. The foot rest is easy to inflate and provides the length needed for the toddler to lay on the seat like on a bed. It is compact and lightweight, and can be used on any other transportation. Just bring a small pillow and a blanket to cover the little one. 
• Suitcase bed. BedBox by JetKids (20L) suitcase has a mattress incorporated inside. Once you’re on the plane and allowed to do so, unfold the mattress from the ride-on suitcase and your toddler can enjoy a comfy bed of their own. The rest of the space in the suitcase can be used for their little pillow and blankie. 

13. Offer your toddler lots of water 

Airplane cabins have low humidity, thus your toddler (and you) can easily get dehydrated. Bring along sippy cups and remember that you’re allowed to bring a full bottle of water when travelling with a baby/toddler.

To be fully prepared and save money, after security fill an empty sports bottle that you’ve brought with yourself. 

Tip: bring an anti-spill cup. No-brainer but easy to forget. Invest in one that your toddler will like to hold and look at, it will be easier to convince them to drink water out of it. 

14. Stick to the routine as much as possible

Try to stick to your toddler’s routine, especially on long-haul flights. They will behave better if they detect something familiar while experiencing this unknown adventure.

If they’re used to hearing a bedtime story before bed then read them one. Even if it’s googled and read from your phone. 

15. Indulge them

Lastly, indulge them. Let them do the thing they’re only allowed to do on special occasions. Technically, flying is a special occasion for your toddler. I know how hard you work on disciplining your kiddo but they only get to fly once in a while, if any.

Travelling with a toddler is a big challenge for any parent. Letting them use the iPad during the flight will only give you some time to breathe and regroup. Don’t worry, you won’t lose the “good enough” parent badge for doing so. 

This flight too shall pass…

Prepare yourself. The hacks will help ease your trip and reduce the level of stress you’ll have, however, preparing yourself for the inevitable is the smart way to go.

And while your toddler is kicking the seat in front of them, crying from the ear ache or is poking you 20 times non stop, remember the impermanence of this hardship and that this too shall pass. 

Pin the picture to read the article later!

You may also like to read our posts about the 7 most important things to pack in your toddler’s backpack for the airplane journey .

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31 Genius Hacks for Traveling with Kids

By Ryan Foy

When my son was born, getting out the door with him (and with everything we needed for him) seemed like an insurmountable task at times. Since then we’ve become total pros at it and have gone on to not just getting out the door, but taking him with us on adventures up and down the state. Traveling with kiddos is rewarding—watching them discover new things is just about the best thing ever. One thing is certain: you’ve got to be prepared for a whole new world of travel scenarios once kids come into the picture. Be bold, and adventure onward! Here’s a roundup of a few of my favorite travel hacks for kids that make things on the road or on a trip a whole lot easier.

Check them out in the slideshow.

41 Genius Hacks for Traveling with Kids

Press 'n' seal travel cup.

Turn any glass into a travel-safe kid's cup by sealing it with Press'n Seal and sticking a straw in it. 

See the hack at Glad.com .

Road Trip Goodie Bags

Reward good behavior on road trips by preparing some goodie bags. When the kids reach a milestone without any disruptions, they get a bag of toys and sweets to fill the time in the car.

See the hack at We Have Aars .

DVD Coloring Case

Turn an old DVD case into an awesome little travel art center. There's a place to store all of your colored pencils and a stack of paper.

See the hack at Handmade by Stacy Vaughn .

Kid Safety Temporary Tattoos

Out on a trip with little ones and worried they might wander off? Write your phone number on their arm and cover it with liquid skin. Ta-da! Waterproof temporary tattoos so your lost ones can always be found.

See the hack at The Paper Mama .

DIY Magnetic Travel Games

Turn a cookie sheet into a travel game center by making some DIY magnetic games. Puzzles out of pictures and popsicle sticks look like a ton of fun!

See the hack at Life Through My Eyes .

Airplane Seat Back Hanging Screen

Tired of getting a sore neck while watching your phone on an airline with no built in TVs? Try this hack to mount your phone to the back of the seat in front of you.

See the hack at Light in the Box .

Pacifier To-Go Cups

Keep those pacis clean in your purse by sticking them in some sauce to-go cups. The salsa bar at Baja Fresh is where I usually snag them from.

See the hack at Buzzfeed .

Baby Powder at the Beach

A little known secret of removing sand from your skin at the beach is baby powder. Bring along a bottle, sprinkle it on your feet and legs, and keep the sand out of your shoes, your car, and anywhere your feet land all summer long.

See the hack at Frugal Coupon Living .

Packing Shoes

The best way to keep your dirty shoes off of your clean clothes in your suitcase is to wrap the soles in a shower cap.

See the hack at Lifehack .

A great way to occupy little hands is to give them an "I spy" game to play with. Fill a bag with little trinkets and beads, and let the kids hunt for items for hours.

See the hack at Six Sisters' Stuff .

DIY Seatbelt Pillow

Make your own seatbelt pillow wrap to make napping in the car much easier. 

See the hack at Good Ideas for You .

DIY Sparkle Bottles

A great way to keep track of time-outs is to hand your kid one of these and say they have to be silent until the glitter all settles to the bottom. Plus, they are fascinating to watch.

See the hack at While He Was Napping .

Phone Number Bracelets

Want your kids to have your phone number and you don't want to tattoo it to their skin? How about making them a bracelet with your number as the beads?

See the hack at Danya Banya .

Road Trip Snack Necklaces

A clever way to keep your kids fed on a road trip while reducing the mess of a bowl full of snacks. Make some snack necklaces as a fun activity, and then take them on the road!

See the hack at And This Is How the Story Goes .

Sippy Cup Lasso

Keep from having to reach around to the backseat floor to retrieve dropped toys and bottles by attaching them to your kid's carseat. 

Road Trip Pillow Cases

Make some customized DIY travel pillows for your kids. They will be more comfortable in the car and have some fun activities built in too.

See the hack at Amazing Mae .

DIY Magnetic Board Games

Turn all of your favorite old board games into magnetic travel versions. 

See the hack at Choose to Thrive .

Bagged Outfits

Make packing and getting ready each morning easier by pre-planning your little ones' outfits and packing them in Ziploc bags.

See the hack at All Things Simple .

DIY Kid Travel Lap Tray

Make a great looking carry-all for your kid's road trip travel toys that includes a tray to play with them on. 

See the hack at Pretty Prudent .

Travel Dollhouse

A bit of an involved sewing project, but a great travel toy nonetheless. Make your little one a fully functional travel dollhouse out of fabric.

See the hack at Country Kitty .

Not-Ugly Car Trash Bag

Put your sewing skills to work again and make a not-ugly trash can for behind your car seats.

See the hack at Pink Chalk Studio .

Portable Lego Kit

Make your kid a portable Lego lunch box where they can store their pieces and have a building platform for constructing on the go.

See the hack at Mama Papa Bubba .

Sealed Travel Toiletries

Keep your gels and liquids from exploding in your bag by sealing the tops with Saran Wrap before you leave.

See the hack at Alexa Travels .

Waterproof Your Phone

Stick your electronic goods in a Ziploc bag to keep them dry while at the beach or pool.

See the hack at One Good Thing by Jillee .

Frozen Juice Boxes

Freeze some juice boxes before you leave, and they will serve multiple purposes on your trip. Keep your cooler cold, and they hydrate the kids when they thaw!

See the hack at Kids Activities Blog .

Dryer Sheets

Toss a dryer sheet in your suitcase to keep odors away while traveling.

See the hack at Popsugar .

Silicone Cupcake Liners

Put some of these in the bottom of your cup holders to keep crumbs and sticky stuff out of there.

Car Seat Buckle Protector

Keep your kids from unbuckling their own safety belts with this nifty DIY trick.

See the hack at Frugal Freebies .

Reuse Wipes Container

You always need plastic bags when you are traveling, whether for trash or to hold wet swimsuits. Pack some extra ones by reusing an old wipes container.

See the hack at Infarrantly Creative .

Sheets Under Car Seats

Keep your car clean on a long trip by putting a sheet underneath your kid's car seat to collect their crumbs and trash.

Recycled Snack Containers

A great way to travel with snacks is in some old coffee creamer jars. The flip-top lid is a great way to dispense them for the kiddos.

See the hack at Stockpiling Moms .

Ryan Foy is a web designer, actor, tech nerd, and all around cool dude. His web design firm, Roundhouse Designs , focuses on creating unique websites for actors, artists, and all around creative people. He lives in California with his wife Chelsea Foy of Lovely Indeed , where they spend their time thrift shopping for cool stuff, eating delicious food, and making beautiful things. They have an awesome little boy named Henry. You can follow him on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , and Pinterest

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12 Genius Travel Hacks for Toddlers

Eep, you’re boarding a plane, train or automobile with a toddler and your anxiety level is at a ten. How will you entertain her? What if there’s a delay? How do you even get a car seat onto an airplane? That’s why we rounded up the best and most genius travel hacks from real moms who have made the trek and lived to tell the tale.

Bring A Box (or Handful) Of Ziploc Bags

“We used them for everything from wet bathing suits to impromptu snack bags. I was so glad I tucked a handful in my carry-on at the last minute.” — Alyssa, California

Separate Essentials Into Pouches

“For example, I had a pouch for easy plane activities (I included the iPad, a couple of favorite books and reusable stickers in here), a pouch for medical needs (things like Band-Aids and Tylenol and hand-sanitizing wipes) and a pouch for quickie diaper changes in the airplane bathroom (this had A&D ointment, a single diaper, a changing pad and wipes—so much easier than carrying in the whole diaper bag).” — Sarah, Massachusetts

If You’re In A Different Time Zone, Split The Difference

“Instead of stressing about bedtimes and nap schedules when you’ve got, say, a six-hour time change, divide it in half. This means your toddler’s bedtime will be three hours later (or earlier) versus six, making it easier to adjust and easier to come home.”— Katherine, New York

Never Hit The Road Without Distraction Snacks

“For a plane flight—or road trip, for that matter—all bets are off, meaning as a parent, it’s OK to relax the rules a bit. I arm myself with all their favorite foods for the drive. This might mean that they skip real meals because they’re stuffing themselves full of Goldfish, but if it distracts from a meltdown, I’m all in. We’ll recalibrate tomorrow.” — Stephanie, New York

Invest In A Plane-friendly Car Seat

“Past two, your toddler requires their own seat on a flight—but they’re still so wiggly and little. To save our arm strength, we swear by the Cosco car seat. It’s inexpensive, but more importantly a fraction of the weight of a typical booster seat. We strap it to the seat as though we’re in a car and it gives our arms a break while feeling comfortable that they’re safe and secure. Better yet, you can use it in the taxi or rental car when you deboard.” — Ana, Connecticut

And A Portable Noise Machine

“On longer travel days when I need my son to nap, I just tuck it behind the car seat. The goal is finding one you can either charge—like this one from LectroFan —or one you can queue up on your phone (any white noise app will do) so that you can create a bit of sleep-friendly ambiance, even if your toddler is in an over-stimulating space.” — Lucy, Florida

Don’t Leave Home Without An Ipad Holder

“We love our iPad—cued up with Sesame Street —for lengthy flights, car trips and more. But it becomes a job propping it up. That’s why we bought a holder for our iPad that hooks onto the back of the headrest on the seat. It changed our lives.” — Katie, Massachusetts

Pack A Change Of Clothes Not Just For Your Kids, But For You, Too

“Poopslosions happen. And while you’re usually prepared with an extra outfit (or two) for your child, it’s never a bad idea to stash one for you or your spouse, too. My daughter got motion sick and puked all over me on takeoff, but I didn’t have a change of clothes and had to borrow my husband’s pullover for the duration of the flight. Next time, I’ll be more prepared.” — Dani, Illinois

A New Toy Is A Great Tantrum-diffuser

“It doesn’t have to be expensive—just something that is new to them, like a sticker pack or a stacking set. It helps give a bit of novelty to a car trip or flight.” — Sarah, New Jersey

Or You Could Just Bring Painter’s Tape

“The tape can stick anywhere and they love to stick it down, then remove it, stick it down, then remove it.” — Dabee, New York

For Plane Flights, Be Strategic About Boarding

“We’ve done it where my husband boards first with the early boarding and installs the car seat, then I board later with our daughter so that she’s not captive on the plane forever. It’s a sanity-saver.” — Rachel, New York

Put Them In Their Jammies For Night Drives

“After years of planning our drives so we’d arrive before bedtime, we learned an amazing secret: If we feed our kids dinner, put them in their pajamas and take off after the sun goes down, they’ll fall right to sleep by eight or nine. And then it’s podcast listening time for mom and dad!  — Jillian, New York

How to Go on Vacation with Your Kids (and Not Feel Like You Need a Vacation When You Get Back)

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• Writes and produces family, fashion, wellness, relationships, money and royals content
• Podcast co-host and published author with a book about the British Royal Family
• Studied sociology at Wheaton College and received a masters degree in journalism from Emerson College

Posted on Last updated: April 18, 2024 Categories Kids Travel Gear

By: Author Kate

8 Totally Genius Packing Hacks for Travel With Kids

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Are you headed on a family vacation? Don’t forget these amazing packing hacks for kids! I’ve compiled my list of the best space saving packing tips for organized luggage on vacation. If you dream of packing light with kids these tips are absolutely for you!

I’ll be the first to admit that I am a little Type A when it comes to packing for a holiday with kids. Where possible, I *TRY* to take carry-on only or at least limit ourselves to one big suitcase.

I’ve found since my kids are past the baby stage now, it’s MUCH easier to travel with a carry-on. In the baby and toddler stage, you’re likely going to want to check a suitcase!

 You can find out all my toddler travel essentials here. I’ve also got a free pdf packing list to help you remember all you need for packing for vacation with kids! You can find the pdf here .

Unlike my hubby, I ALWAYS unpack when I get to my destination. I love that feeling of being ‘home’ on vacation and having my clothes and my kid’s clothes easy to access.

Having a suitcase organizer and using packing cubes have really made it SOO much easier to stay organized on vacation.

Listed below are my tried and true space saving packing hacks for your next family vacation with kids.

Watch this video for all the tips (and join my facebook page for more!)

Family-Friendly Space Saving Packing Hacks

Packing with packing cubes.

Luggage cubes are definitely one of the most popular suitcase packing hacks. And for good reason! I purchased a few sets of these after hearing rave reviews from my friends who had been traveling with them for a while​.

These packing cubes allow you to ‘travel with drawers’ just like you would have in your own home.

 I bought my luggage cubes off of Amazon and I purchased the BagAil brand . You can read reviews of these specific luggage cubes here . I’ve been very happy with the quality so far (10 trips and counting!).

I bought one color for each member of my family so that I can keep everyone’s clothes separate and easily identifiable. The nice thing about this method is that you no longer have to keep stuff separated by suitcase.

FAMILY PACKING HACK #1 : Mix each family member’s packing cubes into different suitcases so that if one suitcase is lost you won’t be without clothes for one person!

The only negative I find about luggage cubes is that the outfits aren’t really organized this way. This is why I’ve now added the MeeBands (see below) to my packing routine.

Especially for my kids, I like to plan their outfits in advance, and if I don’t have the outfits organized my husband is sure to pick something ridiculously mismatched. I know it’s a very type A, but hey, if I’m spending $$ on some nice outfits, I want them to get used!

Check out the latest prices on the BagAil packing cubes here!

MeeBands: Wrap up your outfits!

I discovered these super awesome packing organizers on Instagram when I started my @tearfreetravel account . Made by a momtrepreneur who has a lot of experience traveling with kids, these little bands are pretty genius.

What I LOVE about these bands is that you can pack outfits all into one roll (underwear, socks, headbands all included!). I have been using these bands in my diaper bag to keep my kid’s ‘spare change’ of clothes organized and together. I’ve also been using them to keep a set of gym clothes in my car.

I think the ultimate suitcase packing hack is to use these and the packing cubes together. That way you still get the ‘drawers’ but you can also keep the outfits organized.

Headed to the beach and then out to dinner? Throw the rolled up outfits into your beach bag without the clothes unraveling and getting all mixed up!

The Ziploc Bag Method: FAIL!

After seeing a bunch of Pinterest posts about organizing outfits into Ziplocs I’ve tried it on my last three vacations (before discovering MeeBands above).

I only did it for my kid’s clothes as Ziploc bags don’t really hold a full adult-sized outfit. To be honest, I really hated this method. Ziploc bags are slippery, so it’s impossible to unpack them properly onto a shelf in our destination.

It’s also pretty wasteful as the bags often end up getting thrown out at the destination.

FAMILY PACKING HACK #2: Using a band ( like this one! ) around rolled up clothes keeps outfits in order!

I definitely like the roll up outfit idea much better for keeping outfits organized. Fasten with a band and you are good to go. It’s a better space saver in the luggage too!

Check the latest prices and reviews of the MeeBands here.

Pack a Wet Bag

If you are going on a beach vacation, a wet bag is essential! organizers​ is great for keeping your wet swimsuits away from the rest of your stuff. If you use reusable swim diapers like we do, it’s also a great place to keep them.

FAMILY PACKING HACK #3: Wet bags are essential for a beach vacation! These are great for throwing in your beach bag to keep the swimsuits away from all your dry stuff. If your clothes haven’t dried completely at the end of your vacation its nice to have a place to store them that will keep the rest of your clothes dry

You can check out a selection of a variety of wet bags here on Amazon.

Use a Wipes Container For Your Travel First Aid Kit

Speaking of being Type A, my first aid kit for travel is very ‘all-inclusive’. I come prepared!

I pack my first aid kit in wipes containers and I use a pill organizer for the items I bring in my carry-on. This first aid kit has ABSOLUTELY come in handy on almost every vacation I have been on.

Check out the full list of contents of my first aid kit here.

FAMILY PACKING HACK # 4: Someone is bound to get constipated, a stomach bug, a red eye or a cut on vacation. I don’t want to be spending hours at a pharmacy or clinic in a foreign country unless I absolutely have to. A travel first aid kit is essential!

If you don’t have time to prepare your own first aid kit, there are a lot of great pre-made options online. Check out the amazing reviews on this travel first aid kit that has almost everything from my list.

Keep your liquids in old baby bottles

Storing liquids is always a dilemma when traveling with kids. I typically don’t want to pack full-size bottles and the travel size bottles are either ridiculously expensive or don’t have enough for a week-long trip.

Instead of buying fancy travel containers, I’d highly suggest re-using containers you may already have at home!

We have a whole lot of old baby bottles lying around our house that have accumulated through two kids.  Fill them up with any liquids you might need and voila! No special travel containers needed!

I pack them in a plastic bag (just in case!) but I haven’t had any issues with leakage. I only bring these if I am checking luggage as they are usually over the liquid allowance on a carry on.

PACKING HACK #5: Old Baby bottles are great for packing laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo, conditioner or other liquids you might want to bring on vacation.

What is the best luggage for family travel?

I have a whole post dedicated to the best suitcases for kids. You can find the post here . We usually pack one ‘kid friendly’ carry on suitcase for the plane.

I use my Trunki suitcase , as my son LOVES that he has his own carry-on. You can check out prices and read reviews for the Trunki suitcase here .

In terms of carry-on packing hacks, I come prepared with lots of items I know the kids will love.

Since my plane strategy mostly consists of unlimited iPad and unlimited snacks, the YumBox is key! The YumBox is my absolute favorite lunch and snack container for kids. My kids use this container every day, but I find it especially helpful for travel!

I love that I can pack a variety into a small space, that it is leak proof , and that it keeps the food from getting smashed in a backpack. We also use the YumBox at our destination, especially for the beach to pack fruits and snacks.

Check out the latest prices for the YumBox here.

I pack a container of small toys for the kids to have on the plane. My older son will mostly stick to an iPad (It’s a special treat just for planes and restaurants!) but my younger son still needs constant entertainment.

I pack my toys into a packing cube so that they won’t end up all over our bag and out of place. Check out my post on the best toddler travel toys for some ideas for toys that actually keep my kids entertained on vacation!

Also in the carry-on, we have our wipes, diapers and other essentials. I’ve compiled a MEGA list of EVERYTHING we bring on vacation in one fancy PDF. You can check it out here: Ultimate Family Packing List .

Want more hacks? Join my facebook page!

If you are looking for more hacks and tricks for traveling with kids, join my facebook page ! I’ve curated some awesome content about traveling with kids to share on this page. Lots of travel inspo for wanderlusting parents like me! Hope to see you there!

What are your best tips?

Do you love to be organized on vacation? What family packing hacks have you used? Suitcase organizers? Kids packing cubes? Compression bags? Let me know what you loved and didn’t in the comments below!

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Tested: viral tiktok hacks and products that actually work when traveling with a toddler.

L ike many new parents, I had little to know idea what to expect when traveling with a toddler. Friends and family were, of course, eager to share their tips, but that led to a wide range of often contradictory advice. My wife and I then broadened our search for how to most easily travel with children to the source de jour: TikTok.

Parenting TikTok is the Wild West of advice. Like every other corner of the platform, influencers, people who are trying to be influencers, and anyone with a phone and an idea seem to have put out seriously unhinged “travel hacks.”

For example, putting a hamster water feeder filled with chocolate milk on your car window — something that puts the “should you leash your kids or is that treating them like a pet” argument to shame. Or putting multiple bins in your car to “organize” three snack packs. Other videos prove that the absurd concept that every unvetted idea and bit of common sense is a “ travel hack ” isn’t limited to general travel — putting diapers in a plastic laundry bag or the game-changing tip to change a diaper immediately before boarding . Or the joke to “ bring grandparents .”

It’s easy to feel like the people who make these videos in the name of helping traveling parents just really love having extra things. It’s consumerism on hyperdrive, often in ways that just take up space despite space being at a premium when traveling. There’s no getting around the fact that packing lists are much longer with a toddler, there’s no need to add useless extras.

Often, the most helpful things we’ve found for traveling with a toddler are ones we didn’t find on TikTok. My daughter loves her Buddha Board , for example, and these Curvd earplugs block out just the right amount of sound. Our gb Pocket Air All Terrain stroller folds down small enough to fit in a plane’s overhead compartment and has been put through endless abuse on trips to Alaska, Jamaica, and more. Few things are as entertaining to my daughter than paging through the in-flight magazine and playing eye spy with the pictures. And at the end of the day, a screen and some fun headphones are a god send that even screen-free parenting tactics can’t deny on long haul flights. Plus, she loves carrying it all around in her little yellow Fjallraven Kanken backpack .

Yet that’s not to say every parenting TikTok travel video is worthless. My wife and I dutifully tried some the most popular products and “hacks” to parse through what actually works (we drew the line at the hamster bottle).

These are the TikTok-made-me-do-it things that we found most useful when traveling with a toddler.

We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

SlumberPod Toddler Sleeping Tent

This isn’t the first time I’ve recommended the SlumberPod . We came across a TikTok about the SlumberPod at the right time and the purchase came in a moment of desperation. Our baby slept just fine in whatever crib a place had for about the first year of her life. After that, we became accustomed to zero sleep on the first night in a new sleeping environment — especially if her crib or pack and play was anywhere close to our bed. The SlumberPod blocks out all light and creates a mini room where she can sleep as long as she likes. Plenty of ventilation holes and breathable fabric keep the tent from getting too hot. It’s also a breeze to set up. I’ve put it together in tight hotel rooms and camping tents alike. The only downside is the packing issue: it’s not exactly light or small. We’ve gotten around this by stashing it in a car seat cover, which then gets checked by the airline for free along with the car seat.

Window cling stickers

What’s not to love about reusable stickers without a mess? Window cling stickers are incredibly easy to pack and leave room for imaginations to run wild. Depictions of planes are a nice go-to, and a set of animal window clings are always fun (if your child enjoys making animal noises as much as mine, though, it’s not necessarily the quietest option). These stick to headrest screens, closed tray tables, and windows. They’re by far the easiest way to distract a toddler for a short period of time.

Suction cup bath toys

Even if these were originally designed for bath time, we’ve found the best use is while in transit. They suction to most hard surfaces, as well as to the other suction cups. They might take up more room than window cling stickers, but the range of tactile feelings and the many different ways to bring them together means they can hold attention for longer. They’re also easy to wash, which is an important added bonus considering how tempting they are to chew on as new teeth come in.

Painter’s tape

For my wife and I, this was the original parenting TikTok travel hack. It seems too good to be true: a roll of basic painter’s tape that can solve so many problems. It’s like Duct Tape, but for child entertainment and baby proofing. My daughter can easily kill the time between boarding and take off, or landing and taxiing, with a couple of pieces of tape alone. The tape is also useful to make little toy car courses on the seatback tray. In hotels, the tape quickly covers sketchy looking electrical plugs. And since it’s designed to stick temporarily and not leave residue, using it doesn’t create a nightmare mess for any cleaners.

Portable mini fan

I vowed to never be without a mini portable fan again after being stuck on a smoldering Alaska Airlines flight that for some reason had no AC in the middle of the hottest summer on record. In short, the tail end of the flight was the loudest, most prolonged cry session my daughter has ever had, even while stripped to her diaper and with a cup of ice on hand. A small fan works miracles. I’m not alone here — the New York Times called portable fans this year’s big accessory. With toddlers, just make sure to buy one that packs small while still having a guard around the fan blades (even if they’re soft silicon blades).

Hanging shoe organizer

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5 Hacks to Pull Off an Affordable Family Adventure

These tips can amp up the value of your outdoorsy vacation.

Courtesy of Hipcamp

Campgrounds at Yosemite and other popular national parks can book up months in advance. Thankfully, there are several online platforms that make finding alternatives easy. Hipcamp has tent sites at farms, ranches, and private camps, plus spots on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies. It also has listings with stepped-up stays, like an A-frame cabin in Oregon with a swimming hole and a creekside farm in Mississippi where guests can collect eggs for breakfast. Pitchup.com catalogues roughly 100 campgrounds in the U.S., including West Beach Resort, on Orcas Island, Washington, which offers safari-style tents and whale-watching. France-based Huttopia has a handful of glamping locations in Canada and the U.S. that have sturdy wood-and-canvas tents and plentiful amenities. Huttopia Southern Maine , for example, about a half-hour’s drive from Kennebunkport, has a cafe, camp store, swimming pond, and hammocks slung between the pines.

Forest Mankins

Check out newcomers.

Several new hotel brands are targeting nature lovers with locations close to national and state parks. Many also have gear to rent, including bikes and child-carrier backpacks. Loge has 17 locations open or in development, including one near Montana’s Glacier National Park, which puts guests within striking distance of 700 miles of hiking trails. Field Station now has two locations, one in Moab, Utah and another in California, near Joshua Tree National Park; each has a selection of quad rooms, a gear shop, and a swimming pool. Trailborn Rocky Mountains is close to Rocky Mountain National Park; a sibling property is slated to open in Highlands, North Carolina, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this summer.

From Left: Courtesy of Harvest Hosts; Christian Harder.

D.I.Y. your hotel.

Recreational vehicles are another option to consider — even if you’ve never driven one before. Most of the rental RVs listed on Outdoorsy can be delivered by the owner to a campground or driveway of your choosing, and many of those who list on RVshare will do the same. If you’re open to driving yourself, one of the best ways to find high-quality parking spots is through Harvest Hosts , which tracks u-pick farms, breweries, drive-ins, and other businesses that welcome overnighters.

From left: Courtesy of IHG Hotels & Resorts; Courtesy of Autumn Blanton/Summit Photography.

Step up your search terms.

Use filters to find some of the most interesting options on Airbnb . Click on “Domes” to narrow the choices to geodesic homes, including one overlooking the Potomac River in the mountains of West Virginia. “Play” turns up a Colorado cabin with an indoor climbing wall and an outdoor kids’ fort. “Treehouses” pulls up an off-grid dwelling on a wooded farm in rural Ohio.

Reconsider the extended-stay hotel.

Often thought of as no-frills, these properties can be surprisingly well appointed, with family-friendly amenities including en suite kitchens, playgrounds, and pools. Atwell Suites , for example, is an IHG Hotels & Resorts brand with locations in Austin, Denver, and Miami that serves free breakfast — including churro doughnuts — and has games and puzzles in the lobby; more than 40 locations are in the works. Choice Hotels has launched the pet-friendly Everhome Suites , with eight locations scheduled to open in 2024, including one in Bozeman, Montana.

A version of this story first appeared in the July 2024 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline "How to Pull Off an Affordable Summer Getaway." 

Related Articles

Kaley Cuoco gets candid about first year of motherhood, parenting hacks

In a weekly series, USA TODAY’s The Essentials , celebrities share what fuels their lives.

Kaley Cuoco 's and Tom Pelphrey 's daughter Matilda turns 1 on March 30. And while we're unsure if the baby will be fêted with a " Big Bang ," Cuoco is revealing her toolkit for surviving the first year of parenthood.

Yes, "it's survival," she admits, but not entirely a struggle. Last year's writers and actors strikes , which she acknowledges were "so difficult," provided Cuoco months at home with her firstborn.

Most recently, Cuoco has played an assassin for hire and wife and mom to a family who has no idea in the thriller/dark comedy "Role Play," streaming now on Amazon's Prime Video . But about 20 years ago, she played the teenage Bridget Hennessy, whose dad Paul ( John Ritter ) subscribed to "8 Simple Rules" for raising his three kids – Cuoco's list of parenting essentials for Year 1 is a little shorter.

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INTERVIEW: Kaley Cuoco hid pregnancy with help of stunt double on ‘Role Play’ set

Wedding bells are ringing: Kaley Cuoco and Tom Pelphrey announce engagement with new photos

The parenting rule Kaley Cuoco says people will 'hate on me for'

One nonnegotiable parenting hack for Cuoco is screen time.

"Some people are going to hate on me for that. Don't care," she says. "My daughter's seen every Disney movie that there is at this point, and she loves it!"

"It's actually been cool to go back and watch some of these Disney movies ," she says. "Some of them are so new that I've never even seen them. So I'm experiencing this whole thing with her."

Story continues below video.

Kaley Cuoco's daughter with Tom Pelphrey can't get enough of this item

Matilda, who is teething at the time of the interview, is drawn to anything she can chew on, Cuoco says.

"She has every toy in the universe, but all she wants is the leather strap from my phone," Cuoco says referencing her Bandolier phone case . "So I ordered two leather straps on Amazon . I was like, 'Here.' So she chews on my leather strap. That's what she prefers. Doesn't want any of her toys, just wants my leather strap."

Avoid parenting advice, Kaley Cuoco says, 'because every kid is different'

Cuoco's expecting friends are turning to the actress for advice, but the wisdom she has for them might be unexpected.

"My advice is don't take any advice because every kid is different," she says. "What my kid needs is not what your kid needs, and our household is different than yours, and it's survival. You do what you can do.

"If she's going crazy, and I plop her on the couch to watch a Disney movie, like thank you, you get 10 minutes. That's great. To me, that's wonderful.

"There's maybe the next mom who doesn't want them to watch TV, and that's fine too. But that definitely works for us."

Dogs – and lots of them! – are key for Kaley Cuoco

Cuoco, who launched a company offering doggie supplements, accessories and apparel in the fall, has long been an advocate for animal rescue. Five dogs reside in the house, and a nearby ranch is home to more pooches, as well as horses, miniature horses, bunnies, cows, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks and a donkey.

"There's always a dog, watching her, laying on her, licking her," Cuoco says. "We live basically on a farm, so she's very entertained."

And while there’s a ruff-ruff here and a ruff-ruff there at the Cuoco-Pelphrey household, there won't be the pitter-patter of newborn footsteps for a while, if Cuoco has her wish. The actress, who was pregnant while filming "Role Play" and the first season of " Based on a True Story ," released on Peacock in June, hopes to film the next installment without a bun in the oven.

"I have no idea what they're going to come up with for Season 2," she says of the series in which a married couple start a podcast with a serial killer. "All I know is I will not be pregnant, thank God. And I'll have a normal season of television, which I haven't had in a few years. So let's just hope I don't get pregnant by then. Let's all pray to God that I just stay the course and have a normal season."

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Why Kaley Cuoco is 'past' sex scenes, and how filming ‘Based on a True Story’ 'was freeing'