Expert Tips for Traveling with a Baby
Traveling with a baby? Here are expert tips to make your trip as safe and comfortable as possible.
Fact-checked by Elizabeth MacLennan
Years ago, Kristiana Choquet was nervous about taking her then three-month-old, Olivia, on her first flight. It would be long — 11 hours from Johannesburg to Paris — and like many new parents, she wasn’t sure what to bring. “I packed a backpack of her own, with diapers and wipes, a messenger bag with extra clothes, and a rolling suitcase and stroller,” she said. “Our friends were like, ‘You’re never going to need all this stuff.'”
Since that momentous first trip — which Air France made easy with a complimentary bassinet — Choquet has gotten smarter about packing. “Now I only fly with just one backpack for both of us,” she laughs.
We asked Kristiana Choquet, the associate director of leisure for Embark Beyond, a travel agency in New York, and other experts for their best advice on how to travel with a child under 2. Here’s what they told us.
Before the Trip
Check With Your Pediatrician
“If the family is traveling internationally, it’s always a good idea to check with the pediatrician at least two weeks before to see if the child would require any extra immunizations,” says Dr. David Fagan, vice chairman of the Pediatric Ambulatory Administration at Northwell Health in Massapequa, New York. Depending on your destination, your child may need specific vaccines earlier, such as the measles vaccine, or require particular medications before or during travel. Your baby may also need a COVID-19 vaccine (if older than 6 months) or a negative test result before traveling. The Centers for Disease Control’s online Traveler’s Health information page is a valuable resource for research.
In general, there is no enforced minimum age for newborns to fly, though airlines may have varied rules. For instance, Vueling and Delta allow newborns as young as seven days old to fly, while JetBlue permits infants as young as three days old, requiring a doctor’s note for those aged three to 14 days. However, it is generally advisable to wait a few months to allow your baby’s immune system to strengthen before traveling. If flying internationally, obtaining a baby passport typically takes about six weeks.
On the Flight
Consider a Rear-Facing Car Seat
Yes, it’s a hassle. But on a plane, a rear-facing car seat is still the safest place for an infant, according to Fagan. Check your airline’s specific policies for using a car seat on board, keeping in mind that you might have to purchase a separate ticket. Be sure to remove the infant from the seat every couple of hours to stretch and move their legs, and they will likely need a diaper change as well.
Bring a Collapsible Baby Stroller
Choquet recommends the popular Babyzen Yoyo2 stroller, which folds compactly and can be carried like a tote. It meets most airlines’ carry-on requirements, making it convenient to navigate airports. The downsides are its price, over $400, and that it’s not advised for infants under six months.
Additionally, Choquet likes the Ergobaby, a space-saving baby carrier that allows for easy transport without a stroller. “A lot of times, baby falls asleep on your chest,” she notes, which alleviates the stress of managing a stroller.
Ask for a Bassinet
If you’re traveling abroad, check if the airline offers a bassinet on board. These bassinets are designed to fit in bulkhead seating and are typically complimentary on international flights, but are subject to availability. Always confirm with your airline before departure. Remember, bassinets cannot be used during taxi, takeoff, or landing, or when the seatbelt sign is illuminated.
Keep Your Baby Entertained
To keep your child occupied, bring snacks, puzzles, coloring books, or other non-bulky items. Load the iPad with games and kid-friendly films to have a variety of options at hand. You can also rely on classic hand-clapping games like Patty Cake to engage your little one without extra toys.
Deal With Changes in Air Pressure
“Most children usually adapt well to changes in air pressure during takeoffs and landings,” Fagan explains. Since infants can’t swallow or yawn effectively, the best solution for them is sucking. Breastfeeding, a bottle, or a pacifier can help during descent, particularly when the most significant pressure change occurs. It’s wise to ask a flight attendant when the descent is about to begin.
At the Hotel
Check for Safety
Safety standards differ by location, so inspect your hotel room thoroughly upon arrival. “Parents should check railings to ensure their child can’t slip through,” Fagan suggests. Also, look for any exposed wires or peeling paint chips. Parents of toddlers must be especially vigilant.
Ask for Baby Amenities
Instead of packing a bottle warmer or car seat, inquire about amenities at your hotel. Many properties, like Rosewood, provide diaper pails, baby baths, and monitors. At St. Regis hotels, you can borrow strollers and stock up on diapers. If your hotel doesn’t offer family amenities, Choquet recommends ordering items online for delivery to your U.S. destination. For those traveling with toddlers, investing in a toddler travel bed might be a good consideration.
Arm Against Mosquitoes
To protect your child, avoid tap water and opt for bottled water. Fagan also recommends ensuring your child has adequate mosquito protection. In tropical areas, long-sleeved clothing is advisable along with lotions containing no more than 30 percent DEET, suitable for children over two months. (Avoid spraying infants due to inhalation risk.) Utilizing mosquito netting around cribs can also be helpful after consulting with your pediatrician and the CDC for further guidance.
