What is one piece of advice you would give to new parents about traveling with a baby? What destination did you travel to, and what tips would you share from your experience?

Question

Embarking on a journey with a baby can seem daunting, but with advice straight from seasoned parenting experts, this guide demystifies the process. Discover not just tips, but tried-and-true strategies that address every parent's concerns, from navigating takeoffs and landings to choosing the right accommodations. This article pools knowledge from specialists to ensure that the next travel adventure with the littlest companion is smoother and more enjoyable.

Silvia Lupone · Answer

When traveling with an infant, the most important advice I can give is to be both adaptable and ready for anything. While infants function best on strict routines, vacations fundamentally alter their circadian cycle. Instead of focusing on sticking to a rigid plan, incorporate plenty of time for naps, meals, and diaper changes.  
On my trip to Cozumel, my diaper bag organizer turned out to be essential. Snacks, wipes, lightweight blankets, and extra clothing made traveling through airports and ferry rides a breeze. I also recommend booking places to stay that are equipped with infant accessories. Having a kitchenette and crib made maintaining a balance of comfort and routine much easier.  
Last but not least, take only the baby essentials you will need for the first couple of days and feel free to leave spaces in your luggage! Many popular places, including Cozumel, have supermarkets that stock diapers and other baby products. Having a baby means every trip turns into a fun opportunity for exploration, but with the right tips, a little bit of effort, and the right attitude, it can turn into a meaningful experience as well.

Soubhik Chakrabarti · Answer

One tip I'd give to new parents flying with a baby? Be prepared for the ear pain during takeoff and landing—it's real, and it's weird when your little one can't quite process what's happening. The first time my wife and I flew with our baby to Arizona, we thought we had everything covered: extra diapers, snacks, toys, and a carefully packed carry-on. But when the plane started to ascend our baby's face contorted in discomfort and then let out an ear-piercing wail that instantly made us the center of attention.
That's when we learned the magic of the pacifier. It wasn't just about soothing—it was about the act of swallowing which helped relieve the pressure in those tiny ears. A sippy cup or even nursing can do the trick too. Once we figured that out, the rest of the flight was manageable. But looking back I realize the real challenge wasn't just the ear discomfort—it was the mental preparation of dealing with those unpredictable moments with calm and confidence.
So here's what I like to think about it: Don't just pack for what's in your suitcase—pack for what's in your mind. Babies will cry, people will stare and things won't always go according to plan. But if you're equipped with the right tools (like a pacifier) and the right attitude (accepting that flying with a baby is an adventure not a perfectly executed itinerary) the journey becomes a whole lot less stressful.
And one last tip? If your baby does cry on the plane, don't waste energy worrying about what other people think. Most people either understand or forget the moment they step off the plane. Focus on your baby's comfort, stay calm, and trust that you'll all land just fine—literally and figuratively.

Chinyelu Karibi-Whyte · Answer

If there's one key tip, it's this: embrace flexibility and expect the unexpected. No matter how much you plan, things won't always go smoothly, and that's okay! 
Stay adaptable, keep your baby's comfort a priority, and enjoy the adventure. Babies pick up on their parents' energy. If you're calm, they will be too.
Our first big trip with a baby was to Portugal, and it was a learning experience! With packing essentials and handling airport security with a stroller, we quickly discovered what works and what doesn't when traveling with a little one.
Top Tips from Our Experience
1. Pack Light, but Smart
Bring a lightweight stroller that folds easily (a lifesaver at the airport).A baby carrier is great for hands-free exploring.A portable diaper changing mat is essential for on-the-go changes.Pack a few comfort toys to help your baby feel at home.
2. Book Baby-Friendly Flights & Stays
If possible, choose a direct flight that aligns with nap time.Request a bassinet seat for long flights. It's a game-changer.Go for an Airbnb with a kitchen instead of a hotel to make meal prep easier.
3. Keep a Routine (But Stay Flexible!)
Babies thrive on routine, but travel shakes things up. Instead of stressing, focus on keeping familiar elements like regular feeding and nap times, a white noise machine, and bedtime rituals.
4. Plan Around Baby's Needs
Forget jam-packed itineraries. Instead, plan one major activity per day and allow plenty of breaks. Baby-friendly spots like parks, aquariums, and gardens were perfect for our trip to Lisbon.
5. Prep for the Flight Like a Pro
Feed during take-off and landing to ease ear pressure.Pack a diaper bag with essentials (diapers, wipes, snacks, toys, and extra clothes).Dress your baby in layers to adjust to changing temperatures.Bring extra clothes for yourself-blowouts happen at the worst times!
Traveling with a baby takes patience, but it's worth it. Our Portugal trip was filled with unforgettable moments like our baby's first beach day, cozy carrier naps, and joyful giggles during strolls. Sure, there were challenges, but they were nothing compared to the joy of sharing new experiences as a family.
Don't wait for the "perfect time" to travel, just go. Each trip gets easier, and your little one will grow up with a love for adventure.

Hamza Malik · Answer

One of the best tips I can give new parents traveling with a baby is to book accommodations with a kitchenette. It makes feeding and daily routines much easier. When we traveled to the Scottish Highlands, we stayed in a self-catering cottage, and having a small kitchen was a lifesaver. We could prepare fresh meals, sterilize bottles, and store baby snacks and milk.
On long day trips, we packed homemade meals in an insulated bag, so we didn't have to rely on unpredictable restaurant options. This also helped us stick to our baby's routine, avoiding unnecessary fussiness. It's a simple change, but it made our trip smoother, allowing us to enjoy the Highlands without constant food-related worries.

Kat Sarmiento · Answer

Bring the stroller EVERYWHERE. 
In 2023, I was pregnant with my second when we traveled to Hong Kong and Japan. We had just one stroller then, and it worked fine. But in 2024, when we went back to Hong Kong and then to South Korea—with an 8-month-old and a toddler—we brought a dual stroller. And let me tell you, I will never travel without one again.
There's just something about having a stroller that makes everything easier. I never had to carry them for long stretches. When they got tired, they could sit or lie down comfortably, and if they fell asleep, they stayed asleep. No awkwardly shifting them in my arms, no aching back. Plus, we could hang our bags, jackets, and snacks on it—instand extra storage.
The biggest thing, though, was safety. In airports, train stations, and crowded streets, I never had to worry about them running off. They were strapped in, secure, right in front of me. No panicked moments, no chasing a toddler through a sea of people.
And the tantrums? Way less of them. Kids get exhausted, and exhaustion leads to meltdowns. But with a stroller, when they got tired, they just climbed in, and we kept moving. No stopping every few minutes to rest, no struggling to carry them while also trying to enjoy the trip. We'd take a quick coffee break while they napped, recharge, and be ready for the next stop.
After that trip, I made up my mind—if my kids can still fit in a stroller, I'm bringing it. No matter their age. No second thoughts.

Lia Tuso · Answer

One piece of advice I would give to new parents is to bring your child's car seat with you, and use it onboard the airplane. Not only is securing your child in a car seat the safest way for them to fly, but it also ensures the integrity of your car seat upon arrival. Additionally, a car seat provides a familiar and comfortable spot for the baby, making your flight as a parent much smoother.
One of my favorite destinations with my son is to California, to visit the grandparents! I highly recommend researching your airline's policies ahead of time, packing extra snacks and diapers, and, of course, bringing plenty of travel toys that are noise-free and mess-free.

Martin Wagner · Answer

If I could give any tip to a new parent, I would recommend flying with their baby! After my daughter was born I was concerned about flying with her, but I gave it a shot. I found out it was great! Every time we got in line at security at the airport we would be ushered through. Her tickets were very cheap and we always got bulkhead seats.
If you're looking for a great place to go, I would recommend Puglia, Italy. It's easy to drive, and there are lots of castles, beaches, and locations that are accessible by car. You can just hop out, walk around, and my baby loves the beach.
Now that she's a bit older it's fine, but we don't get the same perks on flights. I would strongly recommend flying with your baby and renting a car in Puglia!

Dean Van Es · Answer

Travel insurance is an important consideration for travelers, providing a level of financial protection in certain unexpected situations. Yet this consideration can become even more relevant when traveling with a baby, as navigating airports and train terminals can be stressful, and an unexpected medical emergency could make things even more challenging.
Depending on where someone is in the world, accessing high-quality medical care might not be straightforward. Plus, they have to consider potentially huge bills. Getting a travel insurance policy that provides coverage for children (usually referred to as “dependents” in travel insurance policies) can offer certain protection that can make someone's journey significantly less concerning.
While planning for something going wrong isn't a nice thought, travel insurance is how people can take measures to help protect themselves against unforeseen situations. Rather than simply hoping for the best, new parents thinking about taking their baby on an early adventure should think about the benefits of travel insurance and how they apply to their circumstances.
Of course, this is all general advice, and you should always consider the travel insurance provider's policy wording details for specific terms, conditions, and exclusions before making any decisions about travel insurance for your trip.

8 Tips for Traveling With a Baby

Table of Contents

8 Tips for Traveling With a Baby

Be Adaptable and Ready for Anything

Use a Pacifier During Takeoff and Landing

Embrace Flexibility and Expect the Unexpected

Book Accommodations with a Kitchenette

Always Bring a Stroller

Bring and Use Your Child’s Car Seat

Fly with Your Baby for Travel Perks

Consider Travel Insurance for Financial Protection

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