How To: First Time Travel with a Baby

Traveling with a baby for the first time can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right mindset, a few smart product choices, and a focus on simplicity, you can keep things manageable & minimal (while hopefully having fun). Here’s a guide to help you or any other new mom prepare for their first trip with their little one.

Pack Smart, Not More

When traveling with a baby, the key is to pack efficiently. You don’t need to bring everything from home. Focus on essentials and products that serve multiple purposes.

Essential Packing Tips:

• Diapers & Wipes: Pack enough for the journey, but remember, you can always buy more at your destination.

• Baby Clothing: Stick to lightweight, easy-to-layer outfits. A few bodysuits, one or two sleepers, and a cozy sweater or jacket should be enough.

• Portable Changing Pad: You’ll find yourself needing to change diapers in unexpected places. A compact, foldable changing pad is a lifesaver.

Choose Minimalist Baby Gear

When it comes to gear, think compact and lightweight. The last thing you want is to haul around bulky items.

Top Minimalist Gear Recommendations:

• Travel Stroller: Opt for a compact, lightweight stroller that folds easily. The Babyzen Yoyo2 or Uppababy Minu are both fantastic for travel. They fit in overhead airplane bins and maneuver easily through crowded spaces.

• Baby Carrier: A good baby carrier, like the Ergobaby Omni 360, or BabyBjorn, frees up your hands and keeps your baby close, which is perfect for airports, sightseeing, or hikes. It’s also great for soothing babies when they get fussy!

• Portable Crib: If your accommodations don’t provide a crib, the BabyBjorn Travel crib is lightweight and folds up in a bag for on the go. It’s easy to set up and ideal for naps on the go.

• Diaper Bag Backpack: A diaper bag that doubles as your personal carry-on is a must. The Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack is sleek, spacious, and hands-free, making it ideal for travel or Calpak Terra Duffel is a great alternative for a carry-on.

Simplify Feeding on the Go

Feeding your baby while traveling can be made simple with a bit of planning.

• Breastfeeding: A nursing cover, like the Nursing Scarf, doubles as a stylish accessory and makes feeding in public more discreet.

• Bottle-Feeding: Use Comotomo Silicone Bottles, which are easy to clean and designed to mimic breastfeeding. If you’re traveling internationally or camping, bring along the Baby Brezza Formula Pro Mini, which preps bottles on the go.

• Snack Containers: For babies who are starting solids, the Munchkin Snack Catcher prevents spills and makes it easy to offer small bites of food while on the road or in the air.

Master the Art of Baby-Friendly Travel Entertainment

Keeping your baby entertained doesn’t require a suitcase full of toys. A few key items can provide hours of fun.

• Soft Books: Babies love soft, crinkly books like the Tuffy Book Series that can easily be tossed in your diaper bag without taking up much space.

• Teething Toys: Pack a teething toy that doubles as entertainment, such as the Sophie la Girafe, which is easy to hold and chew on.

• Download Baby Apps: If your baby gets antsy during travel, baby-friendly apps, like Fisher-Price’s Laugh & Learn series, can provide short bursts

  
  

• of distraction. Just remember to keep screen time minimal and age-appropriate.

Stick to a Loose Routine

It’s tough to keep the same routine when you’re traveling, especially if you’re crossing time zones. While it’s okay to be flexible, maintaining some elements of your baby’s daily routine will help them adjust.

• Nap Time: Bring a familiar item like a sleep sack or their favorite lovey to help them sleep in new environments. If your baby is fighting naps, take advantage of stroller walks to encourage on-the-go sleep.

• Bedtime: Try to keep bedtime rituals the same as at home. If you usually sing a song or read a book before bed, continue that, even if you're in a hotel.

Plan for Downtime

It can be tempting to pack every day full of activities, but traveling with a baby means slower travel. Build downtime into your schedule for naps, feedings, and quiet playtime. It helps keep the trip enjoyable for both you and your baby.

Best Practices for Stress-Free Travel

• Arrive Early: Whether you’re flying or driving, give yourself extra time. Babies have a way of adding unexpected delays!

• Dress for Comfort: Dress yourself and your baby in layers that are easy to remove and change. Comfortable clothes will make the journey more pleasant for both of you.

• Have a Backup Plan: Not everything will go as planned, and that’s okay! Be prepared for some flexibility, whether it’s changing your feeding schedule or adjusting plans due to a missed nap.

Remember lastly, everything is temporary, there will be a horrendous flight at some point, but 9 times out 10 all will be just fine, and if it's terrible, it will be over soon enough. Go easy on yourself, plan ahead, and enjoy a laugh when you get to your destination. You can do it.

These toys might come in handy depending on how old your little one is for the first adventure ...

###