Baby on Board: Essential Tips for Stress-Free Travel with Little Ones

This summer, we had two big travel firsts with Wyatt — his first flight to Dallas, TX, and our first family cruise to Mexico in August. Traveling with a baby can feel overwhelming, but with some preparation, it can also be a fun and memorable adventure!

Here are my top tips for traveling with a baby, inspired by our experiences:

1. If you need a passport for the baby, skip the drugstores and instead go right to the post office.

We learned this one the hard way but the pharmacy/drug store clerk are not trained on what is/is not acceptable for a baby’s passport picture. So, when we had a hard time getting him to look at the camera and the woman helping us, told me it would most likely be rejected — I was stressed. But the stress melted away once we got to the post office in Gulf Gate and we’re helped by the sweetest clerk. She explained that the requirements for babies are more relaxed and that Wyatt’s pictures would be fine.

• Read the Passport Application Carefully: there are certain documents you need to apply for a new passport and if you don’t have everything at your appointment, you will need to reschedule and the post office has very limited appointment hours for passports.

2. Plan Ahead for Flights

Flying with a baby is a whole new ballgame, but with the right planning and prep, it’s totally manageable and actually enjoyable!

• Book Strategically: Try to schedule flights during early morning, nap time, or bedtime to make the journey easier for everyone involved.
• Pack Smart: Have a well-stocked diaper bag with essentials like diapers, wipes, snacks, toys, and a change of clothes for both you and the baby.
• Skip the Stroller: We gate checked our stroller/carseat combo and wore Wyatt in a carrier throughout the airport! It was so convenient to be hands free while getting on and off the plane.

3. Be Flexible with Schedules

Babies (and us moms) thrive on routine, but travel often requires some patience and some flexibility.

• Stick to Key Routines: Try to maintain regular feeding and sleep times as much as possible but don’t stress if you have to move things around a little!
• Plan for Downtime: Build in quiet time for naps or relaxing, especially during busy travel days. This can look like car naps between destinations, requesting an early/late check in at the hotel, or getting to the airport with extra time so you’re not rushing to the gate.
• Expect the Unexpected: Delays, changes in plans, and meltdowns happen — roll with it! The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed the baby is, the more relaxed your partner is!

4. Entertain and Engage

Keeping a baby entertained while traveling can be a challenge, but it’s doable — just don’t forget to pack your imagination.

• Bring New Toys: Introducing a couple of new toys or books can keep your baby occupied during flights or long car rides. Hit up the dollar store before you go — they’re new and cheap, so you’re not worried if you accidentally lose one.
• Snacks Are Your Best Friend: For older babies, finger foods or pouches can double as entertainment. We made sure to bring things we knew Wyatt already liked because I can’t imagine anything worse than bringing something new and him not liking it and turning hangry quick!
• Embrace Screens (If Needed): I believe that screen time can be beneficial when used the “right” way — just make sure you download the video to your phone/tablet so that you’re able to play them while on airplane mode or offline!

5. Take Care of Yourself

Traveling with a baby can be exhausting, so don’t forget to prioritize your own well-being.

• Share the Load: If you’re traveling with a partner or family, take turns caring for the baby. This can look like going for a walk by yourself, running out to pick up dinner or breakfast, or taking a long shower once the baby is in bed.
• Pack Snacks for You Too: A well-fed parent is a happy parent. Don’t forget to pack snacks you love too! It’s sometimes hard to get a full meal while on the go so having snacks for you as well as for babe, will help avoid some mommy meltdowns.
• Enjoy the Moments: Traveling with a baby can feel hectic, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity to make memories. Make sure you bring a portable tripod that has a blu tooth remote so that you can grab pictures WITH you in them!