Travelling With Your Baby

It can seem daunting, but with a little preparation and the right mindset, travelling with baby can be a rewarding experience for you and your little one!

Even if your baby doesn’t fully understand, a trip can help build excitement and create memories and bonding time.

Packing up and taking off CAN feel like a huge feat though, so here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the journey with ease.

1. Plan ahead

   Choose baby-friendly and safe destinations with necessary amenities like clean and adequate accommodation options and medical services. Also, opt for accommodation that offer cribs, high chairs, and child-proof rooms. Direct flights can reduce both travel time and stress. You might opt to skip destinations that require extra vaccinations if your baby is still quite young (always take the advice of your paediatrician on anything related to vaccination requirements).

2. Pack Smart

   Pack enough diapers, wipes and formula, and bring a few favourite toys and comfort items to retain an element of familiarity. As regards to clothing, pack outfits for varying weather conditions and plenty of extras for spills and accidents. If going to a warm destination, use baby-safe sunscreen, hats, and lightweight long-sleeve clothing to protect your baby from the sun. Finally, make sure to take medical supplies with you, and include basic medications (your pharmacist or paediatrician can advise), a thermometer, and a basic first aid kit.

3. On the plane

   Dress your baby in comfortable layers and bring a blanket for added warmth. Bring hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces your baby will touch, especially on the plane. Keep your baby engaged with quiet toys, books, or digital entertainment suitable for their age.
   Concerning ear pressure, you can help your baby equalise during takeoff and landing by breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or using a pacifier.

4. Once arrived!

   Try to stick to your baby’s regular schedule as much as possible to maintain a sense of routine. Identify the nearest paediatrician and emergency services, just in case. Finally, explore wisely: choose activities that are baby-friendly and be prepared to adapt your plans and pace yourselves as needed.

5. Stay flexible

   Expect the unexpected: delays, missed naps, and changes in plans are all part of the journey. Stay calm and patient, and go with the flow. Enjoy the moment: travelling with a baby offers a unique opportunity to see the world through their eyes, you (although possibly not them!) will remember those vacations forever, therefore embrace the adventure and make lasting memories (with plenty of cute photos!).

Your first trip with your little one, especially as a first-time parent will feel mind-boggling.. but once you go for it you'll realise it's totally doable (and proper fun, and you'll want to do it again!).