Travelling with Babies and Young Children (Without Losing Your Mind)

Earlier this week at The Parent Space - Naxxar, we welcomed Therese from the Instagram account @offdisland for a relaxed, practical session with a group of new parents on travelling with babies and young children.

What made the session especially valuable wasn’t just Therese’s experience, but the way the mums in the group openly shared their own tried-and-tested tips, honest experiences, and the very real questions and concerns that come up when you’re planning a trip with a baby. It quickly became clear that while every family does things a little differently, many of the challenges (and little wins) are shared.

If you’ve ever wondered whether travelling with a baby is worth the effort, the overall feeling in the room was reassuringly clear: yes, it is. It simply calls for a slightly different mindset.

Let go of the “perfect plan”

One of the strongest takeaways from the session was the importance of flexibility.

Travelling with children isn’t about sticking rigidly to an itinerary. Plans will shift, naps will happen at unexpected times, and some days will feel slower than you imagined. And that’s okay.

In fact, letting go of the need to “fit everything in” often makes the experience far more enjoyable. Less pressure tends to mean happier parents and calmer babies.

Packing: a little more thought, a lot less stress

Packing came up quickly as one of the biggest sources of anxiety, but with a bit of structure it becomes much more manageable.

Thinking in full outfits rather than separate items can simplify things. Starting with underwear and building complete daily outfits for your baby helps avoid overpacking while still feeling prepared. Choosing neutral pieces that mix and match also gives you flexibility without needing endless options.

A few practical tips shared during the session:

• For shorter trips, try to limit luggage and prioritise a well-packed backpack for flight essentials
• Bring a small amount of baby detergent so you can wash items if needed
• Stick to one pair of shoes in luggage
• Pack a reasonable supply of snacks, especially if your child is particular
• Take essentials for the first few days and buy the rest at your destination where possible

Bonus tip - Therese suggests hand-washing clothes (and using the hotel's towel heater to dry!) to return home with a luggage full of clean clothes!

Getting through the airport and flight

Airports and flights can feel daunting, but a few simple strategies can make a big difference.

A lightweight, cabin-approved stroller (such as our YOYO3 or Joolz Aer2) can be invaluable if you'd like to have the stroller with you as soon as you're out of the plane. Babywearing is another very practical option, especially during boarding and settling.

For take-off and landing, feeding your baby or offering a dummy can help with ear pressure (several mums noted that landing tends to be the trickier part).

Boarding towards the end can reduce time spent waiting on the plane, and a window seat often gives a bit more control over your space when travelling with a baby.

Car seats and baby equipment

One important point that came up during discussion is that rental companies don’t always provide suitable car seats for younger babies. Bringing your own is often the safest and most reliable option. Airlines like Ryanair allow you to bring baby equipment, and their current guidance states that you can bring two items of baby equipment per child free of charge, such as a stroller and a car seat or travel cot, and additional items can be added to your booking if needed.

Sleep and settling in a new place

Sleep is often one of the biggest worries when travelling, and many parents in the group shared their own experiences here. Familiarity helps, so bringing a favourite comfort item, a soft toy, or even a small nightlight can make a new environment feel more secure. White noise was also mentioned as a helpful tool, especially when sharing rooms or dealing with unfamiliar sounds.

Choosing accommodation that works for you

Where you stay can have a big impact on how smooth the trip feels. Apartments can offer a more flexible, home-like setup, especially with access to a kitchen. If opting for a hotel, it helps to check in advance whether they cater well for babies and young children. Simple things like having a bath, a kettle, or enough space for a travel cot can make everyday routines much easier. Some parents also highlighted how useful it is to have a bath available, or even bring a foldable option for younger babies (such as the Stokke Flexi Bath from My Favourite Things).

Don’t forget the essentials: medications

This was a really practical and important reminder from the session. Bring the basics you would normally rely on at home, including a thermometer, paracetamol, and a nasal spray. Keeping these in your hand luggage (or backpack) means you’re not caught off guard.

If you’re travelling outside of Europe, it’s worth taking extra supplies and checking in with your doctor beforehand, especially if your child needs anything specific or prescription-based.

A final, reassuring note

If there was one thing everyone agreed on by the end of the session, it’s this: there is no perfect way to travel with a baby. There may be moments that feel challenging. Plans might change. You might get a few looks from strangers now and then, but you’ll also build confidence, learn what works for your family, and create memories that make the effort worthwhile.

And once you’ve done it once, the idea of the next trip will feel far less daunting!

We'd like to thank The Parent Space - Naxxar coordinator (and MyMama speech and language pathologist) Christina Chetcuti for taking so many notes, and to My Favourite Things for hosting this week's meetup!

The Parent Space - Naxxar is a community project brought to you by MyMama in collaboration with the Naxxar Local Council, and the support of Bank of Valletta and My Favourite Things. Visit www.mymama.mt/theparentspace for more information.