The first trip with a baby can be completely overwhelming whether it’s a few hours’ drive to visit family or a flight across the country. Below are some of the biggest things I’ve learned from our travels regardless of where we’re going or how we’re getting there. While my personal experience to date has been traveling with my little guy from the time he was a few weeks old to 15 months of age, this could really apply when traveling with children of all ages.
Do your research when traveling with a baby
This is one of the reasons I started a blog- because I love reading other blogs and want to help others with the information I have. While I have a tendency to over-research because a.) I’m obsessive about all things travel and b.) Having information helps me feel in control of any situation, I still think it’s the best way to prepare for something that can feel a little terrifying before you do it. Aside from reading blogs posts online, I usually consult TripAdvisor for reviews and search specific to kids, leverage Facebook groups and go directly to a company’s website to understand their policies for infants, whether it’s an airline, cruise line, or hotel. I also think that nothing beats talking to family or friends you trust to get a review or advice.
Be flexible when traveling with a baby
To me, flexibility is more about the parents being flexible than expecting the baby to be. (Although let’s be real, having a baby who’s flexible enough to adapt to new situations is something many parents hope for!) You can do all the research in the world, but there are some things you just can’t prepare for, whether it’s a delayed flight, a sick baby or terrible weather. I always think babies can sense when you’re stressed or upset or angry, and a tough situation can be made even tougher if your reactions start to stress them out. If we ever have to deal with an issue while traveling, I try to divide and conquer if possible, so one person can focus on keeping the baby happy and someone else can make that phone call to the travel agent or deal with an issue at the airline desk.
Flexibility also means recognizing that what worked one trip may not work the next. You know from being with your baby day in and day out that they are constantly evolving and changing, so one day they may fall asleep in the stroller, and then all the sudden the next time you take them somewhere they might not sleep anywhere but a crib. As they continue to learn and grow, us parents need to as well.
Try to stay close to the baby’s schedule during your travels
There’s nothing more stressful than a baby screaming uncontrollably when you’re out sightseeing because you’ve tried to do too much and they’re either hungry, tired, or overstimulated. The key word here is “try” since it may not always be feasible, but ideally you want to stick close to their nap time and feeding schedule to make sure their basic needs are met. E
ven if your baby is perfectly fine taking a few naps in the go in his/her stroller or carseat, I think it’s always good to head back to their room or somewhere familiar to rest at some point during the day if you can, whether that’s to take a nap or just have a quiet break away from the excitement of the activities for the day. This totally goes against my nature of always wanting to be moving, but fortunately being married to someone who enjoys his rest has prepared me for this over time : )
Bring reinforcements with traveling with little ones
Traveling with a little one can be as exhausting as it is rewarding, and sometimes parents just need a break from the baby carrying, stroller pushing and dinner-time entertaining. We’re fortunate enough to have a huge immediate family and no shortage of grandparents, aunts and uncles who want to spend time with our little guy. If that’s not an option for you and you want a night out while you’re away, consider finding a local trusted babysitter either through the hotel/rental you’re staying at or look into on-site nurseries or babysitting services available in the case of many cruises and resorts. And if that’s out of your comfort zone or budget, just enjoy the early nights and don’t push yourselves too much during the day.
Accept when you start traveling with with a baby that it’s no longer about you
When you’re traveling with a baby, you just have to come to terms with the fact that you may not be able to do everything you would have pre-baby, whether it’s going to that late late show, laying out in the sun all day or sky diving over the ocean. (Okay, maybe that sky diving part is just me.) I think it’s important to prioritize which trips may be best suited for your baby at that point in time. For example, it can much easier to do certain things with an infant who isn’t moving yet than an older, mobile baby. And while this site is primarily about traveling with kids, I’m also a huge proponent of taking baby-free trips periodically to make time for yourself and do the things you may not be able to with a little one.
These tips have worked for us, but every family and every baby is different. Ultimately, do what’s best for your family and know that, like many things, it really does get easier every time. And all that hard work planning and preparing is totally worth seeing their happy and excited little faces when they experience something new with you for the first time.
P.S. Don’t let this sweet face fool you. Will is only that content after having a huge diaper blowout on momma on the descent into Phoenix…
Children’s Book Inspiration: Around the World: A Follow the Trail Book by Katie Howarth
Toddling Traveler participates in the Amazon Affiliate program and may earn a small compensation for items purchased through our links.
Pin for Later:
These tips are perfect words to live by for families who travel, be it first time or not. Learning from others is what makes it all seem possible. I’m excited to see all the other families you’ll inspire to travel!
Aww thanks Darian! You guys definitely helped pave the way for us : )