Travelling with a baby can feel like a big undertaking, but with a bit of planning it can also be one of the most rewarding trips you’ll take as a family. Just because you have a young baby doesn’t mean your travelling days are over — today’s gear makes it easier than ever, from lightweight buggies and pop-up travel cots to baby carriers and sunshades designed specifically for prams.
Babies (and toddlers) are often doted on wherever you go, and travelling as a family while they’re small can be a lovely experience. The trade-off is that it takes a little more advance planning than a trip without little ones in tow. Baby travel specialist Aisling O’Donoghue shares her tips for traveling with baby made easy.
#1. Choose Your Baby-Friendly Holiday Location Wisely
Crèche facilities, babysitting services, kids’ clubs and a pool should all be on your checklist when picking where to stay.
#2. Choose an Easy Option for Your Holiday
A cruise, a sun holiday, a family resort, family camping or an all-inclusive package all tend to suit young families well. When you book, confirm that a cot, highchair and other baby essentials will be provided — it lightens your packing load and can help you avoid excess baggage charges.
#3. Compile a Packing Checklist in Advance
Write everything down ahead of time so nothing gets forgotten in the last-minute rush.
#4. Bring Anything Your Baby Can’t Live Without
Their favourite blanket or comforter, enough formula for the whole trip if you’re not breastfeeding, and any cereals or foods they’re used to.
#5. Plan for the Unexpected and Give Yourself Plenty of Time
Arrive at the airport early and try not to leave yourself rushed or stressed. It’s worth checking in advance whether your airport has baby facilities or specific information for parents travelling with young children.
#6. Plan Travel Around Sleep Time
Babies can get overstimulated during travel, so where you have a choice, try to book longer journeys around the times they’d naturally be sleeping — it gives them the rest they need and can make the journey calmer for everyone.
#7. Board the Plane Last
Even when airline staff invite families with young children to board first, it can work better to let one adult go ahead to stow the cabin baggage while the other waits with the baby. There’s no need to spend any longer than necessary in a confined space.
#8. And Finally
Once you arrive at your destination — relax and enjoy it!
What to Pack When Traveling with Baby
Sleeping
- A baby’s temperature needs careful regulating, so a lightweight sleeping bag is a good idea for warmer climates — look for one rated around 0.5–1 tog.
- If your accommodation provides a travel cot, bring a fitted sheet of your own. Hotel-provided sheets are often too big for the mattress, which can be a hazard if baby wriggles and wraps themselves in loose fabric.
- A blackout blind is a genuine game-changer for travelling families — it blocks out early morning sunlight so everyone gets a longer night’s sleep.
Out and About / At the Beach
- Keep babies fully covered in sunny climates — a sun hat at all times, plus sun-protective clothing at the beach or pool.
- Any exposed skin should have a high-factor sun cream (SPF 50+) applied, though ideally babies spend only limited time in direct sun.
- A trainer seat swim ring makes cooling off in the pool with mum or dad safe and fun.
- Most pram hoods don’t block out enough sun, so a proper pram sunshade is worth packing.
Sterilising
- If your accommodation has a microwave, steriliser bags are a handy, compact option — each bag typically gives multiple uses.
- Sterilising tablets are another simple, no-equipment-needed alternative.
Travel Gear
- A car seat travel bag protects your car seat from damage in transit.
- A baby carrier keeps your hands free through the airport and gives baby extra comfort and security during boarding and disembarking.
- A buggy travel bag protects your buggy — you can use the buggy right up to the aircraft door, then bag it for the hold.
FAQs About Traveling with Baby
What’s the most important thing to plan first when travelling with a baby?
Start with your destination and accommodation. Confirm cot, highchair and any baby facilities are available before you book — it saves you packing (and paying to check in) bulky equipment.
Should I try to fly during my baby’s usual sleep times?
Where flight times allow, yes. Babies can get overstimulated by travel, so a flight that lines up with a nap or bedtime often means a calmer journey for baby and parents alike.
Do I need to bring my own cot sheet?
It’s a good idea. Hotel and apartment travel cots are often supplied with a sheet sized for a bigger mattress, which can bunch up. A properly fitted sheet from home is safer and more comfortable.
What sun protection does a baby need on holiday?
Cover exposed skin with a high-factor sun cream, keep a hat on at all times outdoors, and dress baby in sun-protective clothing at the beach or pool. Limiting direct sun exposure is best where possible.
Is a baby carrier or a buggy better for the airport?
Many parents find a carrier easiest for getting through the airport and for boarding, since it keeps your hands free — while a buggy (protected in a travel bag) is useful once you’re through and heading to the gate or resort.
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Have you got tips of your own for travelling with a baby? We’d love to hear them in the comments below.
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