Think you’re going to have to give up traveling until your little one is a little older? Think again! No matter how tiny your tot, you can travel in style and comfort, and not lose your mind in the process. Here’s how:
1. Embrace the Chaos (But Tame It a Little)
Babies are unpredictable—fact. One second, they’re cooing angelically; the next, you’re knee-deep in a diaper blowout that defies the laws of physics. When you’re planning your first trip with your little one, accepting that you cannot control every possible scenario is essential. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan at all, but rather that you should expect the unexpected. Build a little wiggle room into your schedule, be prepared to make pit stops at the world’s least glamorous restrooms, and consider your itinerary more of a hopeful suggestion rather than a rigid timeline.
Pro Tip:
- If you’re flying, book flights that align (as much as possible) with your baby’s nap times. It might not be perfect, but having your little one snooze mid-flight is basically the Holy Grail of baby travel.
2. The Great Packing Extravaganza
Packing for a solo trip is challenging enough—you’re trying to avoid lugging around an 80-pound suitcase that you’ll end up wearing for a single Instagram photo. Add a baby to the mix, and you’ve entered an entirely new dimension of logistical chaos. Here’s where meticulous organization and clever shortcuts come in handy.
Organize Like a Pro
- Packing Cubes: Use separate cubes or ziplock bags for the baby’s clothes, socks, and accessories. That way, when you need a fresh outfit at 3 a.m. in a hotel room, you’re not rummaging through a bottomless pit of random items.
- Diaper Math: This is an essential skill. Calculate how many diapers you go through on a normal day, then add a few extras just to be safe. Worried about suitcase space? Buy more diapers at your destination if possible.
- Multi-Use Products: Baby shampoo that doubles as body wash? Yes, please. Wipes that also work for sticky surfaces? Absolutely. The more multifunctional the item, the less you’ll need to pack overall.
Pro Tip:
- Keep a “baby meltdown kit” in your carry-on or easily accessible bag: a couple of diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, and a small stash of the baby’s favorite snacks. Because the law of the universe states that your baby will only have a diaper blowout when all your gear is completely out of reach.
3. Scheduling vs. “Going with the Flow”
Babies thrive on routines—or so every parenting book will tell you. But travel has a habit of tossing normal schedules right out the window. The key is striking a balance: maintain some semblance of the baby’s routine (like feeding and bedtime) whenever possible, but don’t stress when things go haywire. You’re not a failure if your baby misses a nap because you’re navigating an unfamiliar airport or stuck in traffic on the way to grandma’s.
Pro Tip:
- Try to keep bedtime rituals consistent. That might mean bringing along the baby’s favorite bedtime book, a cozy blanket (if they’re old enough to use one safely), or a white noise app on your phone. Familiar cues can help your little one settle even in an unfamiliar setting.
4. Selecting Your Travel Arsenal
If you’re anything like most new parents, you’ve probably collected enough baby gear to fill a small warehouse: car seats, strollers, carriers, bouncers, and more. The trick is deciding which of these items will make your trip easier, and which will become dead weight.
Stroller or Carrier?
- Stroller: A lightweight, collapsible stroller is a godsend in airports, malls, or anywhere with decent sidewalks. You can stash your baby, a diaper bag, and possibly even a coffee cup (if you’re feeling lucky).
- Carrier: A soft, ergonomic carrier is fantastic if you’re heading somewhere with bumpy roads, narrow walkways, or if you want to keep your hands free to snap pictures of your little one’s first big adventure.
- If I was traveling with another adult, I almost NEVER brought a stroller. I only brought a carrier or two. Strollers always seemed like a lot of trouble and over 50% of the time I saw people pushing a stroller or struggling with it while the baby was carried anyway.
The Lowdown on Car Seats
- If you’re flying, you can usually check your car seat for free. Some parents opt to bring it on the plane for safety reasons (and to keep baby contained), but that only works if you’ve purchased a seat for your little one.
- If you’re renting a car at your destination, you can request a car seat from the rental agency, but be aware that quality can vary.
5. The Sleep Situation: Travel Crib Pack and Play Yard
One of the biggest concerns when traveling with a baby is where in the world they’re going to sleep. Babies aren’t known for their adaptability when it comes to bedtime, so having a familiar, cozy spot can make a huge difference in how restful your trip feels. This is where a travel crib pack and play yard can be your secret weapon. Compact enough to throw in your trunk (or check on a plane), it sets up in a few minutes and gives your baby a safe, secure place to catch some Z’s.
Pro Tip:
- Practice setting up and folding down your travel crib before your trip. No one wants to be standing in a dimly lit hotel room at midnight wrestling with an instruction manual while a cranky baby howls in the background.
6. Feeding Frenzy: Food On the Go
Traveling makes everyone hungry (or hangry, if you’re me). Babies are no exception. Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or your little one is old enough for solids, you’ll want to plan feeding time carefully.
Breastfeeding on the Move
- If you’re comfortable nursing in public, pack a nursing cover if you prefer privacy. Many airports and rest stops now have dedicated lactation rooms or family areas—score! I never went to a nursing area or covered up. I firmly believe nursing is natural and needs to be normalized. If you’re not as comfortable, be sure to talk to the other adults traveling and let them know you’d love for them to support you.
- If you’re pumping, research your airline or transportation’s policies on breast milk storage. You might also want to carry a cooler bag with ice packs.
Bottle-Feeding Basics
- Bring enough formula or ready-made bottles to last the journey. A travel bottle warmer can be helpful, but sometimes a cup of hot water from a café works just fine to warm a bottle in a pinch.
Solid Food Adventures
- For older babies, pack easy-to-handle snacks like yogurt melts, puffs, or steamed veggies (if you’re fancy like that). The simpler and less messy, the better. Also, a collapsible bowl or an all-in-one spoon-fork combo can be a lifesaver in cramped conditions.
7. In-Flight Entertainment: Keeping Baby (and Your Seat Neighbors) Happy
If you’re traveling by plane, you’ve probably fretted about how to keep your baby calm at 30,000 feet. The good news is, babies are often lulled by the plane’s white noise—though that’s not a guarantee.
Strategies for Success
- Feed During Takeoff and Landing: Swallowing helps regulate ear pressure, so offering a bottle, breast, or pacifier during altitude changes can keep little eardrums happy.
- Busy Bags: Fill a small ziplock with baby-safe toys—rattles, teething rings, soft books. Introduce them one at a time to maintain novelty.
- Friendly Distractions: Don’t be shy about chatting with your seatmates if they’re open to it. Babies love faces, and a few coos and smiles can turn a potential meltdown into a mini-friendly gathering.
Pro Tip:
- Pack a few “silent” toys, or at least ones that won’t drive your fellow passengers up the wall. Trust me, no one wants to hear the same musical jingle for a five-hour flight.
8. The Art of the Pit Stop (For Road Trips)
Road tripping with a baby? Prepare for multiple stops along the way. Babies have bladders the size of walnuts, and truthfully, you might appreciate stretching your legs more often, too.
Diaper Changes on the Road
- Not all restrooms have changing tables, so consider a portable changing pad. A quick trunk-change is sometimes your best option.
- Always keep a plastic bag or wet bag handy for soiled diapers or clothes, especially if there’s no trash bin in sight.
Take Turns Driving (and Sanity Checks)
- If you’re traveling with a partner or another family member, rotate who sits next to the baby. One person can help entertain or feed while the other drives. Then switch! It keeps everyone from losing their mind after hours of “Wheels on the Bus.”