Travelling with a baby – What you need to know

The answer is – it’s up to you. You can travel as soon as you feel ready, so long as your baby is fit and well. Travelling with a newborn is sometimes easier because they sleep a lot and there’s no danger of them running up and down the aeroplane aisles. But you also have to consider your own health and wellbeing – and your baby’s developing immune system – before deciding when and where to go.

At 3-6 months you’re more likely to be in a better routine and can still take advantage of your baby’s relative lack of mobility to port them around everywhere, but you may find nap times restrict your activities while you’re away.

After 6 months, food and mobility become more of a factor, but on the plus side your baby is more likely to notice what’s going on around them. Travelling can be an exciting sensory experience.

After they turn 1, it can be harder to keep your little one entertained on long journeys, but you will also be less bound by nap times and can have more fun exploring together.

So really you just need to weigh up the pros and cons for your family, taking into account the type of travel and what’s on offer at your destination.

Again, this really depends on your baby and what you’re comfortable with. Whether you choose to fly, drive or even travel by train, just be sure you’re well prepared for every eventuality.

Flying with a baby

There are several things to consider when you’re flying with a baby. First, it’s worth noting that the carry-on limits that usually apply to fluids don’t apply to infant milk, sterilised water, or baby food. (Though you might be asked to taste them when you’re going through security!) Take more than you think you’ll need in case the flight gets delayed, and bear in mind that babies also gets quite dehydrated while flying so you may need to offer extra feeds.

In terms of other carry-on items, make sure you bring plenty of nappies, wipes and at least one change of clothes in case of any accidents! The last thing you want to do is hold onto a smelly, uncomfortable baby for several hours in an enclosed space. Bringing plenty of things in your carry-on also gives you some security if your checked luggage goes missing.

You can help ease any pain from changes in air pressure during take-off and landing by breastfeeding or bottle feeding or offering a dummy. During the flight, you can walk around with your baby to help distract them if they’re unsettled. And if you’re worried about being the noisiest ones on the flight, don’t be. You’ve got just as much right to be on board as anyone else has. (And many of those passengers will have been in your shoes!)

For ease around the airport, you can use your pushchair right up until you board the plane; the staff will take it from you at the end of the jetway and tag it to go into the cargo hold so that it’s ready when you get to the other end.

Road trip with a baby

If a car journey is in the offing, it’s a smart idea to plan in plenty of stops for feeding, nappy changes and to get your baby out for a stretch and a look round. Remember, also, that it’s recommended babies spend no more than 2 hours in their car seat at a time, as the car seat doesn’t allow them to be in the preferred lie-flat position.

For very long journeys, some savvy parents travel at night, when their baby is asleep. You might also want to take some new toys and bring them out at intervals throughout the journey to keep your little one amused.

If you’re travelling as a family of three, consider taking it in turns to spend some time sitting in the back of the car with your baby so that you can entertain them as you travel. Because baby car seats are rear facing, you can sit beside them and maintain good eye contact, sing, play and chat as you’re travelling. That way you’ll also be aware of any urgent nappy changes required!

Whether you’re travelling by car or flying, babies have a lot of paraphernalia! While there are some things on the checklist that are absolute must-haves, some are less essential, so think about what you really need and what you’re willing to carry.

In the planning, this trip may start to feel like more hassle than it is worth, but once you are settled into your new destination, you will realise that a change really can be as good as a rest! Time to start making memories.