Traveling with Infants: Essential Tips and Insights

As a parent, life suddenly becomes full of significant milestones, from your child’s first smile to those wobbly initial steps. What we don’t always realize is how important these markers are for us too, serving as periods of intense learning in the complex art of parenting. Traveling with a baby provides plenty of opportunities for growth, both for you as a parent and for your infant in their development.

Your baby’s first trip away, whether it’s a short drive out to the country for a long weekend, taking the train to a different state or neighboring country, or flying further afield, is an unforgettable experience. If you’ve traveled extensively before starting a family, that first trip with your baby can be a significant milestone. Life might have changed, but proving you can still enjoy travel with your family is essential. What better way to teach your children about our wonderful world than to show them it?

Dealing with Anxiety

Responsibility for a very small person can induce anxiety, making the idea of leaving your normal routine daunting. However, traveling with an infant is also an amazing opportunity that you’ll look back on fondly as they get older. For example, taking your second child to Istanbul as a nine-month-old or embarking on a cross-Europe train adventure is a testament to family exploration.

An infant usually doesn’t walk much, sleeps a lot, and hasn’t yet learned to answer back. This allows you to maximize napping periods for long lunches or museum visits without interruptions. You’re not constantly running around on hyper-alert for a toddler’s antics.

Adjust Your Expectations

This is not going to be the holiday where you try mountain-biking or party the night away for days. Instead, look for destinations where you can enjoy a quieter pace of life, with plenty of parks and baby-friendly cafes. Cultures known for welcoming families—such as those in the Mediterranean, South America, and Southeast Asia—are excellent places to start. It’s much more relaxing to deal with a crying baby when they’ve already been fussed over.

Know Your Comfort Levels

If routine is a key part of your parenting style, ensure you choose a trip that allows you to maintain it. Find a destination that offers a comfortable base with plenty of options for outings. Embrace the opportunity to take a city break or multi-city trip while your baby is still young enough to be easily transported.

Be Prepared

Regardless of how relaxed you might be as a parent, ensure you have a decent medical kit when traveling away from home with an infant. Consult your pediatrician or local travel clinic before departing, and familiarize yourself with emergency procedures in case of a problem.

Accept You Will Take More Than You Need

It’s an unwritten parenting law that traveling with a small child will always involve bringing more than necessary. Embrace this, and learn from it. Anything involving infants requires a substantial amount of gear, including spare clothes, diapers, and snacks. Your first trip is a valuable chance to discover what you genuinely need and what you can manage without.

Keep Calm and Carry On

Don’t forget the challenges you might face upon arrival at your destination. Stressful moments can arise, such as securing a car seat. However, once you step back to assess the situation, solutions usually present themselves, allowing you to explore new areas as a family.

Lasting Memories

Don’t listen to anyone who claims it’s not worth traveling with a little one because they won’t remember it. Firstly, you will, and that matters. The experiences they encounter, being somewhere new, and enjoying your undivided attention will shape who they become. So, take that leap and explore the world with your baby, creating memories that last a lifetime!

This article was first published on Jun 27, 2019, and updated on Feb 10, 2020.