Travelling with a baby may seem like a daunting challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. This blog will guide you on what you need when packing for your trip with a baby.
The idea of showing your little one the world is exciting. Who doesn’t want to see those eyes light up when they experience an island for the first time or meet long-distance cousins? But with young travelers, the baggage can seem to increase a thousand-fold along with a tiny human cargo. All of a sudden, everything seems important to carry, and before you realise it, you have an enormous list of things to pack when taking a baby by road or on a flight.
Thankfully though, you can have stress-free travel with the right baby travel essentials. Whether you’re jetting off to see the Disney world or to a beautiful beach, check out these travelling tips and strategies to keep your baby safe and happy and keep your sanity by bringing you peace of mind.
Sure, travelling with a baby can be a nightmare, but these easy and simple tips will save your family trip.
Depart during nap time
Given how tiring travel can be, this may not always work. Even in the best of circumstances, an otherwise sleepy or happy baby may get too distracted to sleep or turn fussy, because, everything seems new, and noisy with too many distractions. However, scheduling road trips or flights to coincide with a child's nap time increases the likelihood that your trip will go more smoothly
If you can't fly when your baby typically sleeps, attempt to schedule the trip during times you know would make them happy; for most babies, it’s’ morning when they’ve woken up from a good long sleep.
Keep a first aid kid
Be sure to assemble a first aid kit for you and your baby with supplies you might need to tackle minor medical problems during your travel. Keep fever medications, pain medications, and prescription medicines even if they’re required by your baby on special occasions. Include emergency contacts and an insurance helpline number in the first aid kit.
Carry easy-to-pack multi-purpose items
You can use your imagination on this one but we'll give a biased example like our bamboo baby hooded panda towel, make sure to pack at least two of these. This towel can be used for quick changes, bath times, as a changing pad, nursing cover, burp cloth, crib cover, or as a blanket to lay your littlest love down. The towel is made with 100% bamboo terry with a temperature regulating hood and comes in a cute print to keep the baby smiling. If the towel smells of home it may also help to comfort your baby.
Dress appropriately
You might be tempted to dress your baby in a cute fancy outfit but it is best to dress your baby in comfortable layers - preferably a bodysuit and sleepsuit (depending on time of year) these items give you quick access to the diaper without removing pants, socks, and shoes.
Pack extra outfits
Think extra outfits are not needed? Wrong.
Babies find new and creative ways to destroy their clothing- hello blowouts, and spit-ups. So don’t forget to pack extra clothes for your bub.
Pack bedding
Just like us, babies like to be comfortable during travel. If possible, pack bedding for your little one. Travelling can disturb their routine, they will feel more at ease if they are surrounded by familiar clothing and smells. Simply include an item, such as their favorite blanket or sleeping bag if you're travelling far via airline, to make them feel "at home."
Pack snacks
I love snacks, you love snacks, your baby loves snacks - everyone loves snacks!
Healthy travel snacks are how you can manage to keep a baby busy and happy during travel. Think pretzels, fruit, veggies, whole grain cereals, cheese cubes, biscuits, and ready-to-eat pouches…Just stock up your carry-on with a snack rainbow that you can pull out at any given time.
You can also carry a forbidden treat (like chocolate) for times when your child’s facing a meltdown or you need something to distract an overly cranky baby. Make sure you store baby food and snacks in safe, leak-proof containers.
Pack toys and books to keep your baby busy
Your baby may get bored during long flights or road trips. To help them get through their travel experience stocking up on toys and books can make a world of difference. Whenever your child gets restless, break out a toy or a book and let them play with it, and when the child gets tired of both the toys and the book, well, there’s always the chocolate. 😉
Pack carefully
Choosing the right carry-on bag can be a lifesaver when travelling with a baby. Make sure that your bag is easy to lift or roll and, most importantly, that it falls within the airline's size and weight limitations (if you choose to travel by air). When packing, be sure to bring along extra supplies in the event you experience an unexpected layover or delay.
The checklist of items in your carry-on bag should include:
• Diapers and a diaper changing pad
• A baby blanket
• Plenty of baby food, snacks, drinks, and formula
• Premeasured baby formula milk in individual baggies, if used
• A bib and extra changes of clothing
• Wet wipes
• Empty plastic bags for used wipes or soiled diapers
• An extra pacifier or baby bottle just in case
• Plenty of non - musical toys that won't disturb other passengers
• A small medical kit with bandages
• A small bottle of waterless antiseptic hand cleanser
• Any baby medication, sealed in a separate zip lock bag for easy retrieval
Finally, test your carry-on bag to ensure that it's not too heavy.
Bring double the baby necessities
Bring twice as much formula, diapers, bottles, baby food, and healthy snacks on the plane as you think you will need. If your plane becomes severely delayed or canceled, you will be so happy you took this advice.
The last thing you want to deal with is a hungry, thirsty, dirty-diapered baby when flying. This is especially true if you get stuck on the tarmac, circling above a storm, or you must bed down in a hotel room for an unexpected overnight.
Try New Things
Make travelling with your baby or toddler even more memorable by encouraging new experiences.
You’ll probably remember these trips forever, but to make them stick in your youngster’s mind, have some fun with unique activities that you can’t do at home. Plus, as your little one is growing and developing, they’ll naturally want to explore new things and test their newly developed skills.
We hope this helps and wish you safe and happy travels ahead. 🥰