How to Travel with a Baby: Baby Travel Checklist and Essentials
Traveling with your baby this spring or summer? Warmer temperatures, fun destinations and outdoor play can make these vacations memorable for the whole family. Our checklist of baby travel essentials will help you make the most of the nice weather and family time. We’ll tell you how to travel with a baby and what you can do to keep them happy and comfortable throughout your vacation.
How to Travel with a Baby
Traveling with a baby may seem like a challenge, but it can actually be a breeze with a little preparation and planning. If you take the time to gather essential information and the right supplies, you can focus on relaxing and keeping your baby satisfied. Here are some of the most important considerations in traveling with an infant or small child:
- Pack Smart: Bring everything you need for daily care, plus a few days of extra supplies. Choose lightweight and foldable items to fit everything in your luggage.
- Bring Essential Documents: You may need to bring documents to identify your child (like a passport or birth certificate). Check the ID requirements for each region or country before traveling.
- Consider the Timing: Plan your travel around your baby’s nap times and bedtime to help avoid sleep disruptions or changes to their feeding schedule. Schedule your vacation during off-peak times to enjoy less crowded roads, airports and hotels.
- Check Local Resources: Research your vacation site for nearby baby supply stores, pharmacies and urgent care clinics. Some destinations may have car seat or stroller rental services.
- Stay Flexible: Staying calm during travel delays or disruptions will help your baby feel relaxed. Remember that most travelers understand the challenges of traveling with a baby. Take breaks when possible and enjoy your family adventure.
Use the Carry On: If you’re flying, try to pack any essentials you can’t be without in the carry on. While it may be tempting to pack a favorite toy or blanket in your checked luggage due to limited space, that may be the key to helping calm your little one should they get fussy.
When Can You Travel with a Baby?
How do you know if your baby is ready for vacation? When can you travel with a baby? The answer may depend on your mode of travel. If you’re flying, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you wait until a newborn is at least seven days old. Ideally, children should be two to three months old before they fly. Air travel can increase the risk of a baby developing an infectious illness. If you are hitting the roads for spring or summer break, be sure you have a safe car seat for your child.
Do Babies Need Passports to Travel?
Like all U.S. citizens, babies need passports for international travel, says the U.S. State Department. The only exceptions are travel to Canada and Mexico by land or sea. Closed-loop cruises do not require passports for travel, but you may need to show other documents like a birth certificate. Passports for children under 16 are valid for five years. Apply early to avoid travel delays.
Baby Travel Checklist and Essentials
A baby travel checklist can help you take the guesswork out of your trip. Have the items on this list and add extras depending on your child’s needs, the expected weather, and the vacation type. Some of the most essential items for newborns, babies, and toddlers include:
- Changing Items: Diapers, wipes, and changing pads. Pack extras in case of travel delays, lost items or accidents.
- Feeding Supplies: Formula, breast milk and/or baby food. Keep extras on hand, no matter how you travel.
- Extra Change of Clothes: You’ll need outfits and pajamas for every vacation day. You’ll also need extra baby clothes for the travel period in case of messes, long trips or lost luggage. Easy care items like baby bodysuits, matching sets and footie pajamas can make packing easier and traveling more comfortable.
- Toys or Comfort Items: Security blankets, blankets or pacifiers can be soothing and comforting during long trips. Consider bringing soft toys or books or white noise machines to keep your travels serene and peaceful.
- Essential Documents: Keep your baby’s birth certificate or passport with your ID. Bring applicable health insurance information and a list of health conditions or allergies. If you’re traveling abroad, consider bringing health records.
- Baby First-Aid Items: Baby medications, a thermometer and sunscreen will help you stay prepared while on vacation.
Of course, you know best everything your child will need! To ensure you don’t forget anything essential, work through a typical day in your head–from getting your baby dressed to going down to sleep–and consider all the outfits and products you’ll use.
Talk to Your Pediatrician
Before traveling with a baby, it is advisable to discuss where you will be headed with a pediatrician. Particularly on trips outside the country, there may be certain immunization requirements and documentation you’ll be required to have. In addition, they can also help you prepare for how to deal with motion sickness, air pressure and more common travel ailments.
Enjoy Traveling With Your Baby With This Travel Checklist and Essentials
Being prepared with the right baby supplies and vacation essentials makes traveling with your baby less stressful and more fun. Keep this baby travel checklist with you as you pack and prepare for your spring or summer vacation. It also helps in preparing for travel with toddlers or multiples. Shop our baby clothing and you’ll have what you need to keep your baby cozy and comfortable throughout your trip. You’ll also stay more relaxed, making your baby feel more at ease.
