Travelling With Your Baby

Baby, Postpartum / By

✈️ Travelling with Your Baby: Tips for Flying and Road Trips

Travelling with a baby—especially for the first time—can feel like packing for a moon mission with a nap schedule. But it can be done, and with a little preparation (and a lot of snacks), it might even be enjoyable.

Whether you’re flying or road-tripping, we’ve gathered practical tips to help your travels go more smoothly—and with less stress.

👶 When Can You Travel with a Baby?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some general guidelines:

  • Wait until 2–3 months if possible. This gives your baby time to get their first round of immunizations and for their immune system to develop.
  • Younger than 3 months? Babies are more vulnerable to infections, especially in crowded places like airports or planes.
  • Always check with your doctor. If you’re planning a longer trip or flying with a very young baby, your family doctor or pediatrician can give you tailored advice.

What If You Have to Fly Before Baby’s First Shots?

Sometimes, travel can’t wait. If you need to fly with your baby before they’ve had their first immunizations (typically at 2 months), here are a few tips to help reduce risks and protect their little immune system:

  • Wear your baby in a soft carrier and keep them close to limit contact with others.
  • Avoid passing the baby around, even if well-meaning strangers or relatives ask to hold them.
  • Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer after touching high-contact surfaces (tray tables, seat belts, etc.).
  • Wipe down your seating area with disinfectant wipes—armrests, tray tables, window areas, etc.
  • Book flights during less busy times (midweek, early morning) if possible to reduce exposure.
  • Choose window seats if you have a choice—it puts you at a slight distance from aisle traffic and people walking by.
  • Breastfeed or offer bottled milk frequently, as breast milk offers immune support and feeding helps with ear pressure.
  • Let your airline know you’re traveling with a very young infant—they may offer assistance or seating suggestions.

And as always, talk with your healthcare provider about any extra precautions based on your baby’s specific needs.

🧳 Packing Smart: What to Bring (and What to Skip

  • Organize by category. Packing cubes or large Ziploc bags help separate clothes, diapers, feeding items, and health essentials.
  • Bring comfort items. Blankets, loveys, or sleep sacks from home can help your baby settle in new environments.
  • Rent or borrow gear if you can. See if you can rent travel cribs or high chairs at your destination to lighten your load.
  • Have an “access bag.” Keep diapers, wipes, snacks, and an extra onesie within arm’s reach at all times (not buried in your suitcase).

🛫 Tips for Flying with a Baby

At the airport:

  • Babywear through security—you may be asked to remove your baby from a stroller, but you can usually keep them in a soft carrier.
  • Gate-check your stroller and car seat to avoid baggage fees and keep them handy until boarding.
  • Request a bassinet seat on long flights if your baby is under the weight/age limit (typically under 6 months).
  • Pack extra everything. Bring more diapers, wipes, and clothes than you think you’ll need—you won’t regret it.

On the plane:

  • Feed during takeoff and landing to ease pressure in your baby’s ears (nursing, bottle, or pacifier).
  • Use an FAA-approved car seat if you’ve purchased a separate seat for your baby.
  • Lap infant? Most airlines allow babies under 2 to sit on your lap, but some have specific policies and may charge a fee for international travel.
  • Breastfeeding on board: You have the legal right to breastfeed your baby on Canadian and most international airlines. You do not have to cover up. Flight attendants are expected to support this right. If you encounter pushback, politely but firmly advocate for your rights and document the incident if necessary.
  • Diaper bag counts: Most airlines allow a diaper bag in addition to your carry-on and personal item, but double-check with your airline carrier.

🚗 Road Trip Tips

  • Time your departure with nap windows. Some parents find leaving right after a feed or during nap time makes for a smoother start.
  • Build in stretch breaks. Plan to stop every 1.5–2 hours for feeding, diaper changes, and letting baby (and you) move around. The first time I drove to my family cottage with my 6-month-old, it was a 6-hour drive instead of the normal 3.5 hours. Map out where to take breaks before you get on the road and have fun with it.
  • Keep essentials up front. Don’t pack everything in the trunk—have a go-bag up front with the must-haves.
  • Flexibility is key. Be ready to shift plans if your baby needs a break or if your drive takes longer than expected.

😴 Sleep Strategies on the Go

  • Stick to the same sleep cues. Use familiar bedtime songs, pajamas, or white noise to signal sleep even in new places.
  • Bring a travel crib or play yard if your destination doesn’t provide a safe sleep space.
  • Manage expectations. Sleep disruptions are normal. You’ll find your rhythm again once you’re back home.

💡 What If Everything Goes Sideways?

Even with the best prep, travelling with a baby can include crying in the airport, a diaper explosion in the rental car, or an unexpected layover.

Take a breath. Laugh when you can. Ask for help when you need it.
You’re doing amazing, and most fellow travellers will understand (and might even offer a hand).

🧡 You’ve Got This

Travelling with a baby is a big undertaking. But you’re not alone and not the first to wonder, “Why did we think this was a good idea?” on hour five of travel.

With a little planning and a lot of flexibility, you can create beautiful family memories—and maybe even enjoy the ride.