Tips for Travelling with Your Baby or Toddler

When it’s finally time for that well-deserved first holiday with your infant or toddler, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the excitement and travel nerves. And there are plenty of things to keep track of when going away – regardless of whether it’s just a short weekend getaway or a longer trip. Although going on holiday with a baby or toddler might feel a bit daunting, it’s certainly possible.

Below we list our top tips for travelling with very young children, starting with babies and then moving on to toddlers. Let’s dive in!

Baby Travel Checklist – 5 Must-haves

One of our best baby travel tips is to start with a well-organised travel checklist. No matter where you’re heading, having a list will ensure that you’ll pack all the baby travel essentials – and never forget must-haves such as nappies, wipes, extra clothes, or your or your baby’s favourite items. Here are our top recommendations!

1. Baby Carrier Mini

Baby Carrier Mini is a lifesaver when travelling with your baby. You can fold it, so it easily fits in your suitcase, and it’s perfect to take on any kind of trip. It ensures that your little one is close and comfy and is a must-have when you don’t want to bring a big pram or pushchair.

2. Blankie or stuffie

Travelling can be a bit stressful for your little one, so make sure to bring their favourite blankie or teddy to soothe them during the trip.

3. Nappies

This might be a no-brainer, but make sure to pack lots of nappies – more than you’d think. Your little one’s tummy might get upset from travelling or the trip might take longer than expected. When it comes to nappies, you can never have too many.

4. Baby Bouncer

Here’s another lifesaver! Whether you’re travelling to granny’s house or a cosy family-friendly hotel, it’s always a good idea to bring your little one’s baby bouncer. It’s a familiar place for them to play and a safe space when you need your hands free for a minute. Top tip: Get the transport bag for our baby bouncer to make it even easier to bring on the go.

5. Baby wipes

Just like nappies, baby wipes are something that you simply can’t do without. They’re not only great when it comes to nappy changes, but they also come in handy for any other potential mishaps that may occur. Bring lots!

Checklist for beach holiday with baby

We’ve listed the baby travel essentials for all trips, and now it’s time to get more specific! There’s nothing quite like a sunshine holiday, but what should you pack when going on a beach holiday with your baby?

Toys:

It’s always a good idea to bring a couple of beach-friendly toys so your little one can play and have fun in the shade.

Baby Carrier Harmony:

Our coolest baby carrier is perfect for sunny destinations. The airy mesh material helps keep you and your little one cool, and the back support makes babywearing comfier for you.

Discover Baby Carrier Harmony

A sun tent or umbrella for shade :

Bring a UV sun tent or umbrella that’s safe to use for babies whenever you go to the beach, even on cloudy days. This way your little one can play out of the sun.

Protection from the sun:

In addition to the sun tent/umbrella, make sure your little one is protected from the sun. A hat and long-sleeved beachwear will help shield them from those strong rays of the sun and protect their delicate skin.

Swim nappies :

If you’re planning to splash around a bit in the water with your little one, swim nappies are a must.

Baby Bouncer in mesh:

When you return to your hotel or apartment after enjoying the beach, it’s nice for your little one to have a breezy place to play. We recommend our Baby Bouncer Bliss or Bouncer Balance Soft in mesh for some after-sun fun.

Discover Baby Bouncer

Checklist for road trip with baby

Road trips are a great first trip to take with your little one. Here we list the top items that make travelling on the road with your baby a breeze.

• Travel Cot: A travel cot is brilliant when travelling with your baby. It’s a familiar place for them to rest and play, and it’s easy to set up anywhere. Ours comes with a transport bag and takes up very little space in the boot!

• Car seat: Always double-check that your car seat is installed correctly.

• Baby Bouncer: Great for your little one to play in when you’re busy with tasks like unpacking.

• Changes of clothing for your baby

• Window sunshade

• Baby Carrier: Perfect for exploring together while keeping your hands free.

• Backpack of essentials: Fill it with nappies, rash cream and a first-aid kit, and keep it at the front of your car.

• Wipe-clean changing mat: For easy on-the-go nappy changes.

Other helpful tips: Look on the map for places to make stops on the way. Driving for many hours at a time is not easy with a little one, so frequent stops are a must.

Tips for Travelling with a Toddler

Going on holiday with babies is quite easy – things tend to get trickier once they’re toddlers. They get restless and are easily affected by disrupted routines. Nonetheless, the fun memories you make during family holidays with your toddler are absolutely worth it. And, of course, there are ways to manage the inevitable meltdowns! Below we’ve put together our top tips, including a checklist with items that will keep your toddler as happy and content as possible during the trip.

Checklist for travelling with toddlers

So what should you pack when going on holiday with a toddler? While that checklist can get fairly long, we’ve highlighted some must-haves below.

• Travel Cot: A travel cot is perfect to bring when you’re going on holiday with very young children. It makes a cosy and familiar place for your little one to sleep and sets up in just one move.

• Your child’s favourite blankie or toy: Travelling can involve a lot of new impressions for your tiny tot, so always make sure to bring their favourite toy or blanket. A familiar item can help calm and comfort them.

• Children’s books: Picture books and short stories are a good way to keep your little one entertained while travelling. Pack a few with nice illustrations, perhaps with their favourite animal or character, which will keep them occupied for a little while.

• Potty: If you’re in the midst of potty training, it will be a good idea to bring your toddler’s potty. Although there might be a potty at your destination, your child will probably prefer using their familiar one.

• Their Favourite Snacks: Toddler travel snacks are always a must, especially if you’re travelling around your toddler’s normal snack time. Bring their favourites for a yummy treat during the trip!

• Baby Carrier: A baby carrier for travel makes things like airport security checks and sightseeing much easier. A baby carrier is always handy when travelling with a toddler, and carrying them facing out or on your back will still allow them to explore and see the world. Our Baby Carrier One, Move and Harmony are great if you’re babywearing for longer periods.

· First-aid kit and medicine: It’s always a good idea to keep plasters, medicine and everything else you need in a first-aid kit close at hand.

Flying with Kids: What You Need to Know

Flying with kids can feel fun, exciting and challenging, all at the same time. If you’re travelling with your baby by plane, make sure to pack your carry-on essentials like nappies, wipes, a change of clothes and soothers. If you're travelling with your toddler by plane, consider bringing toddler travel toys and toddler travel snacks to keep them entertained and comfortable. Family travel tips like booking flights during nap times and choosing aisle seats for easy access can also make the journey easier – both for you and your little one.

Here are some additional tips for flying with kids:

• Board early to get settled before the plane fills up.

• Pack extra clothes in case of spills or accidents.

• Give toddlers activities such as sticker books or interactive toys to keep them busy.

• For long flights, try to plan small breaks whenever possible and move around.

Smart Potty

Baby Carrier Mini

Bouncer Bliss

3 common questions about traveling with a baby or toddler:

How soon can you travel with a baby?

Parents often ask: When is it safe to travel with a newborn? The truth is, it varies! As we all know, all babies are different, so it’s always best to check with your healthcare provider to know when your little one is ready. It all depends on for how long and how far you’re planning to travel on holiday. Follow the advice and guidelines from health professionals about travelling with kids. It'll help you feel more relaxed and confident, allowing you to enjoy your family trip to the fullest. And remember – with a little bit of planning and preparation, travelling with a baby can be a fantastic experience for the whole family.

What’s the hardest age to travel with a toddler?

The most challenging period for travelling with a toddler is usually when they’re around 10–20 months old. At this age, they start to become more restless, wanting to move around a lot more. It gets a bit easier to travel with your child once they’re around 3 years old because you can entertain them with things like cartoons, children’s books and toys.

How do I keep my toddler entertained whilst travelling?

Keeping your toddler entertained – or at least occupied – whilst travelling is essential. While some toddlers may fall asleep as soon you leave the driveway, it’s far from reality for most. Small toys and books are great to help make travelling with a toddler easier. Toddler-friendly snacks are also perfect when you’re going on holiday with your little one, especially if the journey clashes with their daily snack time.