travel with 6 month old

Tips For Flying With a 6 Month Old Baby

Posted on Last updated: March 20, 2023

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Flying with a 6 Month Old Baby

Are you flying with a 6 month old baby soon? Worry not, whether you are flying domestic with an infant or on an international short or long haul flight, you will find plenty of tips and information here to help you feel more prepared and relaxed about your next flight.

(Don’t forget to visit my bumper guide with many scenarios covered for flying with a baby after you have read this helpful article)

Traveling With a 6 Month Old On A Plane

Table of Contents - Click to jump to a section

Do Children Need ID to fly?

If you are traveling internationally with a 6 month old, then a passport is always needed. If you are flying domestically in the USA or Canada you do not need ID for your baby, but I always recommend taking a copy of their birth certificate.

Various other countries require all different sorts of ID and paperwork. With some airlines, lap babies may not be issued a boarding card but may need a boarding verification document. There is more information on travel documents here.

When is it Safe to Travel with a Six Month Old?

It’s always best to ask your medical professional for advice on this as there are so many variables. Eg consider where you are travelling to, whether any additional vaccinations are needed, general health etc.
Travelling with a six month on the plane means they will possibly be exposed to more germs than at home. Tray-tables, TV handsets, air vents etc can all be breeding grounds for germs. A 6 month old will be able to grab things more easily and reach out, so adding anti-bacterial wipes to your carry on is a good idea. Use disposable gloves before you wipe the table and other surfaces, and then dispose of these gloves carefully without cross contamination.

Do babies fly for free?

Traveling with an infant on a plane gives you the option for them to fly as a lap baby, or if you purchase a seat, to fly in their car seat. If you are traveling with a 6 month old as a lap baby, typically they either fly for free, or at a reduced fare of approximately 10% of the adult fare plus any applicable taxes. This obviously depends on the airline, the destination and whether it’s a domestic or international flight. If you purchase a seat to use your carseat for your infant, then it will be at the applicable child fare plus taxes.

Can I use a car seat on a plane?

Short, answer. Yes, in most cases. But you will need to purchase a seat for your baby and have a valid approved car sear for air travel. Car seat use occasionally depends on the plane seat type and whether an air bag seat belt is used so some business and first class seats may not be suitable. USA and Canadian based airlines allow airline and FAA approved car seats at any age.
Find out more about child restraint devices and car seats regulations here. The FAA car seat rules are here for USA readers and for UK readers the CAA are here. If your little one flies as lap baby, on a non USA/Canadian airline, then you will be given a lap belt to secure to them to your seatbelt.

How to travel with a 6 month old

Read this comprehensive guide of over 50 tips about flying with a baby.
Request an airline bassinet if it is available on your airline/flight. If you are flying with a six month old infant as a lap baby, then good news – your little one will fit in an airline bassinet, meaning hopefully they will sleep in the sky cot, allowing you to get some rest too! Check here to find out which airlines provide a baby bassinet on board.

Fly Babee, CoziGo bassinet cover review airline stroller cover, buggy cover UV50+

If you have a bassinet, I can’t recommend the CoziGo airline bassinet cover highly enough- which shuts out the cabin light so baby can sleep even during the day time. It doubles up as a UV breathable stroller cover too – perfect for hot sunny climates. This bit of baby gear is my go to for baby shower gifts or as a travel gift for parents, and is perfect when flying with infants.
Several airlines allow you to choose your seat immediately if you are flying with an infant – some for free! e.g British Airways and Thai Airways. If you want to double-check for a particular seat, look at www.seatguru.com and put in your flight number where you can check the plane layout. if you don’t know your flight number, don’t worry, you can enter the route and the airline. However, with USA and Canadian airlines this does not apply: in this case, it is first come, first served at the gate – so check in early to maximise your chances.
Look at the airline policies on hand luggage and hold luggage. All airlines allow at least a car seat or stroller – with the majority allowing both for free. Lots of airlines provide an infant baggage allowance too, some for both cabin and hold baggage. If you think you will be taking a lot of stuff when traveling with a baby, look at what each airline provides.
Check with your airline if you are allowed to bring an additional diaper/nappy bag with you as well as your cabin bag allowance when traveling with a 6 month old.
Use this free downloadable packing checklist for travelling with a baby. which lists everything you may need. Consider if you need any of this travel gear ? Alternatively, this baby travel essentials list has some great suggestions too.
Consider boarding a bit later to let little one stretch out at the airport gate and get those wriggles out.
If you are breastfeeding, consider what will make YOU more comfortable. Here are some breastfeeding tips whilst travelling.
If you are bottle feeding and need to sterilise bottles whilst on the go – look into the various ways you can sterilise baby bottles whilst travelling .
All airlines are happy with a mum breastfeeding. If you are a bit self-conscious, here are my breastfeeding tips on a plane in detail.
If you need milk or food heated up – do ask in plenty of time in case the crew are about to busy with a meal service. They normally will provide you with hot water to do this.
Babies on planes usually likely to drink more than they usually do as the cabin air is quite dehydrating, which is another reason to pack more than you need if formula feeding.
If your baby is weaning, request a baby meal at least 24 hours before you fly. These are typically pureed jars of baby food which you can request for long haul flights – but not all airlines have them. It is always best if you to bring your own supplies. For older babies, some airlines provide pre requestable toddler meals or post weaning meals too. For more information on what airline food airlines provide for babies and toddler, see here . Please note, since Coronavirus, the majority of airlines have temporarily stopped baby/child meal requests.
If you are formula feeding , then plan to bring double than what your baby would normally consume. The same goes for any weaning snacks. You never know if your flight will be delayed on cancelled and having extra will save you stressing if that happens.
The same also goes for diapers/nappies and wipes. Always pack more than you need for the trip and have them easily accessible in your carry on , in case you are delayed on the airplane and can’t access your hold baggage. Some airlines will allow a carry on diaper bag or changing bag for free. Otherwise it will need to be part of your carry on allowance.
Bring a baby carrier with you, even if you have brought your own car seat. This makes it so easy to walk around the plane or settle baby inflight. Although you cannot use them for taxi, take-off phases of the flight. There are some excellent cabin size strollers around which can stow in the overhead locker as hand luggage. For the best travel stroller for 6 month olds have a look at this guide too.
Be prepared for your baby to cry during take off, so landing. This is due to the change in air pressure: crying, feeding or sucking on a dummy/pacifier can all help.
When traveling with a six month old, wear layers which are easy to remove one handed and dress baby in layers too.
Pack an extra change of clothing for you and baby in your carry on. We have to rely on this several times, and once we went through our changes of clothes and my daughter ended up wearing an over sized pyjama top from first class! You never know when someone will feel poorly or an accident can happen! My husband got covered in puke on one long haul flight and no he didn’t have a spare change of clothes!
Don’t forget to pack any essential medicine in your carry on. If it’s over 100ml or breaks the 3-1-1 liquid rules, ask your doctor for a note and check with your airline. Liquid medicines are exempt from TSA limits in the USA, but this is not always the case in other countries .
Try and relax! You’ve got this!

baby and toddler travel toys, flying with a baby

How to entertain a 6 month old on a plane

Entertaining your 6 month old on a plane is easier than you think. Often simple items like the buttons on the screen or the inflight safety card or a few paper cups provide a distraction. However, with the increasing need to limit touch points and keep things clean with anti-bacterial wipes you may want to bring some of your own items. Bring some interactive but quiet baby and toddler toys which will keep them busy and you popular with fellow passengers. We love Sassy Ring-O-Links Teethers . A firm favourite since she was a tiny baby and she still loved them as a small toddler. The bright colours engage and provide visual stimulation, whereas the links have different textures on which appeals to babies sense of touch. All linked together they can be used as a rattle , or separately as a teether. Another very versatile toy. They work brilliantly on airline bassinets and are ideal for travel car seats too . For more information see here.
We also loved Melissa And Doug’s Take Along Shape Sorter . A popular game for little hands and one that is easy to transport whilst traveling. It does have pieces which could drop, but this is useful for little ones to play with in the more secure airplane bassinet or at your destination. It includes a padded case with 2 activity sides and a take-along handle, plus 9 shaped, textured blocks in various colours. For more information see here
Some favourite books include the ‘ Find The .. series Lots of things to spot on each page and a complete classic. Both have loved this book so much that I had to buy two copies due to over use!

Find the Duck - great book for babies and toddler when travelling.

and also the Julia Donaldson ‘Lift the Flap’ series. Fox’s Socks, Hide and Seek Pig etc. Again lots of things to spot and fun lifting the flaps to see who is hiding. The pictures are by Axl Schelffler and are so engaging. It’s easy to see why these books are so popular with young children. Both of mine loved them from an early age and now the older one reads it to my youngest. Win win! For more information on this and others in the series, see here .

Most Frequently Asked Questions

How much baby formula can I take on a plane?

You can bring as much breastmilk, formula or water as you need for your baby for the flight. This can be over 100ml or over the 3-1-1 rule.

How can I stop my babies ears from hurting?

If you are wondering how to stop babies ears popping on a plane, here are some ideas! Some babies cry with the change of pressure in their ears on landing too – sucking or chewing or feeding often helps relieve this. Alternatively, use a pacifier/dummy.

Have you any more tips for flying with a 6 month old? Let me know in the comments below.

Flying With A Baby Tips from 0 - 12 months old

Traveling with a baby can provide different challenges depending how old they are. This helpful list guides you through flying with a baby - whether your infant is a newborn or a 12 month old.

Each stage considers what items you may prefer to bring with you, and what travel gear is most useful to help you and baby get comfortable, eat and of course sleep!

Other items covered are:
ID and other documents
Airline rules for flying with a baby
Liquid and food allowance and what airlines provide.
Sleep tips and gear
Travel toys for younger and older babies
Car seat and bassinet information
Packing tips
Sterilizing information
Breastfeeding on board
More travel tips for flying with baby.

Flying With A Newborn Baby Tips

Firstly, rest assured, flying with a newborn is so much easier than when they are crawling or walking! But if this is your first baby, then just driving the car with a newborn baby inside can be daunting (at least it was for me), let alone flying in a plane.

Here are some flying with a newborn tips and information to help you on your travel adventure. (A newborn is generally considered to be under 8 weeks old )

TIPS FOR FLYING WITH A 2 MONTH OLD BABY

If you need to travel urgently or perhaps you have a holiday or vacation booked before baby arrived, then you need to know the rules on how soon can you travel with a baby. As a very general rule, most airlines specify a baby must be over 14 days old to travel.

Tips For Flying With A 3 Month Old Baby

This was the age our eldest had her first flight. She was 11 weeks old when we embarked on a long haul flight from the UK to Cape Town, proceeded by a short haul from London Heathrow to Glasgow. This is definitely one of the easiest stages to fly with a baby : When you are flying with a newborn or a little older, they stay in one place, are purely on a milk diet and sleep a fair bit!

The following tips are specific for flying with a 12 week old baby/ or 3 month old.

Tips for Flying With a 4 Month Old Baby

Learn all you need to know about flying with a four month old baby; including hacks, rules, sleep, car seats & more traveling with a 4 month old tips.

Tips for Flying With a 5 Month Old Baby

Flying with a 5 month old baby is easier than with older infants, as most babies haven’t started to crawl and the majority of babies are still on a liquid only diet until six months. But, there are still things which can make help you feel more prepared and relaxed about your next flight. If you have lots of questions, then you have come to the right place. Learn all you need to know about flying with a five month old baby; including hacks, rules, sleep, car seats & more traveling with a 5 month old tips.

Tips For Flying With A 7 Month Old Baby

These tips for your weaning and more wriggly baby will help get you through you next flight with a 7 month old.

Tips for Flying With an 8 Month Old Baby

Are you flying with a 8 month old baby soon? Worry not, whether you are flying domestic with an infant or on an international short or long haul flight, you will find plenty of tips and information here to help you feel more prepared and relaxed about your next flight.

Flying with a 1 Year Old Tips & Essential Information

Are you flying with a 1 year old baby soon? Worry not, whether you are flying domestic with an infant or on an international short or long haul flight, you will find plenty of tips and information here to help you feel more prepared and relaxed about your next flight.

Best Baby Travel Toys

Having a few baby travel toys for the airplane is always a good idea. Lightweight, non bulky and sound free are the best!

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5 Secrets to Flying with a Baby

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International Travel with a 6-Month Old Baby Tips and Tricks

Once my son turned six months old, we decided to do two big trips with him – one to Mexico and one to Japan . The destinations couldn’t have been more different, nor could the trip experiences. For one we mostly lounged on the beach, and for the other we hit 4 different cities traveling on public transportation the whole way.

We learned a lot from those experiences. Here’s everything you should know before traveling internationally with your six month old:

Get a Passport and Potentially Global Entry

No matter how young they are, yes, your baby does need their own passport . If you have Global Entry and want to use the expedited line, you will also need take to get your baby their own Global Entry prior to the trip! Although TSA pre-check extends to children, everybody has to have their own global entry regardless of age. Keep in mind these are US rules. Your country may have different ones depending on where you’re from.

To get the passport, I recommend taking your own passport photos , then making an appointment either at a post office or an expedited passport agency, filling out all of the paperwork, and then waiting for the passport to arrive. Keep in mind you will need the birth certificate first. Depending on which state you live in, there could be a delay in obtaining a copy.

Since we wanted to travel by the time my son was 5 1/2 months, we made sure to pay extra to expedite the passport. If your trip takes place even sooner, consider using a passport agency for a quick turnaround. Unfortunately they only exist in major cities. Find out more about passports here and Global Entry here .

Leave Extra Time for Everything

We arrive at the airport much earlier now than we ever did before having a baby. The first step is ordering an Uber and quickly installing the car seat before we go and taking it out once we get to the airport. From there, check in usually takes a bit longer because babies are required to have a printed boarding pass , and we usually have baggage to check.

Unless your baby is exclusively breast-fed, chances are you will have some baby food along with you whether you’re traveling with formula , expressed milk, or any combination of the two. Your baby might also already be on solids, in which case you might have baby food. All of this is allowed by TSA, but you’ll need to leave extra time as they’ll perform extra checks on the liquids over 3oz. Read more about TSA with a baby here .

Once at the airport, you’ll probably need time to change the baby and potentially do a feed before boarding. Look for a family bathroom to easily take care of everyone’s needs at once. Most US airports also have Mamava lactation pods for breastfeeding or pumping, or nurseries.

If you’re mainly pumping like I was, I highly recommend bringing portable/wearable pumps along. I can’t imagine exclusively pumping without them! Here’s the pump I used.

What to Bring (and How to Pack Light)

It seems like the younger the baby is, the more things they need. Still, when we traveled to Japan , we had to pack light and could only bring what the two of us could feasibly carry through Japan’s train and metro stations. That meant one large bag, a couple of backpacks, and a large purse for the three of us to share.

This is my minimalist packing list . No matter what, I’d bring:

Plenty of very absorbent diapers. There’s really no contest when it comes to the best brand to prevent leaks – Coterie .
Multiple changes of clothes for the carry on.
A comfortable carrier for the airport. This is the one I tend to use and this is my partner’s favorite.
More than enough food for baby.
Small toys. We love the ones from our Lovevery subscription .
A nice, big diaper bag that will fit everything.

Most airlines will allow you to check a stroller and car seat as hold luggage at no cost. Diaper bags usually do not count against carry-on allowance, either. You can also gate check your car seat and stroller, though be prepared for extra checks at security.

How to Survive the Flight

Flying can be the most nerve-racking part of international travel for a lot of parents. Nobody wants to be the one with the screaming baby on board. Plus, how do you keep them entertained for 13+ hours? Thankfully I’ve found that at 6 months, babies are pretty easy to travel with. They’re usually not crawling yet, so lap sitting is less of a big deal. Here’s what to consider:

Babies usually do not fly free internationally, even if they are sitting on your lap! They usually cost 10% of the adult fare.
If you’re able to get in the front row, you can sometimes reserve a bassinet ahead of time. Call your airline to inquire.
We usually fly coach with our little one, but we have flown business class our baby as well. If you have the miles or funds, this makes tummy time and sleep easier.
Breast, bottle or binkie at takeoff and landing to help with their ears. This is key for a happy baby!
Try to maintain nap times and wake windows as usual.
Bring small toys or books to keep baby engaged during wake times. So far we have completely avoided screen time.
Airplane bathrooms have changing tables. Bring a portable changing mat for airport and airplane changes.

Also, if your baby cries, it’s OK. It bothered me the first time it happened, but then I stopped caring. Sometimes babies cry, and they are a part of society. They’re allowed to fly like the rest of us! Plus, I’m never going to see any of those strangers again.

Dealing with Jet Lag

One of my biggest fears about traveling internationally with my baby was dealing with jet lag. To be honest, baby sleep on vacation is rarely as good as at home. When traveling to Mexico, we were two time zones ahead, so we just kept my baby’s normal schedule and shifted everything two hours later – I didn’t mind sleeping in! But Japan was 16 hours ahead, so we had no choice but to adjust.

Our flight out took place in the afternoon, so we kept our usual nap time and by the time we landed, it was nighttime in Japan so we went straight to bed. When our baby woke up early or in the middle of the night, we just kept things quiet, dark, and fed and rocked him back to sleep. For the most part, he adjusted better than I usually do! Within a few days, we were on Japan time.

Back at home was a little rougher. I traveled to over 60 countries before having my son, and I have always struggled more with going east than west. The same was true for our baby. Our flight back home was an overnight flight, so we slept on board, but since we landed at night due to the time change, it was tougher to get to sleep and adjust back to Pacific time. Still, he did better than I did and was back on his normal sleep schedule within four days.

Baby Sleep Abroad

traveling internationally with 6 month old in Mexico

How can you practice safe sleep abroad and how should you handle naps and bedtime? Every baby is different. Some of them will nap just fine in a baby carrier or stroller , others need darkness and to be kept to a schedule. Some are somewhere in between.

For our trip to San Pancho, Mexico, we decided to stay in the same vacation rental for the week with our only transit being to and from the airport. It had two bedrooms and its own the kitchen and living room, which made eating, sleeping, and nap time easy. We didn’t have any set schedule or goals other than to chill out and enjoy ourselves. Maintaining nap time and bedtime was easy in this scenario.

We brought along his portable bassinet since the rental didn’t have one. If you’ll all be in one room, consider bringing a Slumberpod as well to create a dark sleep space without having to go lights out at 7pm for everyone.

Our trip to Japan was a different story. We didn’t have space to bring a bassinet. He mostly had his naps in the baby carrier and would sleep on the floor beds offered by our accommodation at night. We only found one hotel crib for him out of the four places we stayed. He certainly did not sleep as well that trip as he normally would, but it was worth it to travel together as a family.

You can also consider using local baby gear rental companies abroad to cut down on luggage, or booking accommodation that has baby bedding.

Baby Products Abroad

Depending on how long you’ll be gone, you might want to re-up your baby products abroad. I would Google your destination and see what the options are for baby food, formula (if you’re using a specialized kind, travel with formula from home), diapers, and whatever else you may need. Depending on how small the town is that you are visiting, you may need to make a stop before you get there to get provisions. Since we only went to Mexico for a week, we brought enough with us, but I did see baby food and formula in both large and small grocery stores.

In Japan, we ended up buying diapers locally except for the Coteries we bring from home for overnights. They also had formula and baby food, which I would have happily tried had we run out. Since we do baby-led weaning , we mostly bought his food at grocery stores and fed him in the room or shared what we had at restaurants as long as it didn’t seem salted. Candidly we didn’t worry too much about solids and mostly did breast milk and formula since he was only six months old.

Cleaning and Sanitizing Abroad

Unless you exclusively breastfeed, you’re going to need to wash baby bottles and potentially pacifiers and teethers abroad. I always bring our portable bottle washing station as well as these microwave steam clean bags. They are tiny and can be used up to 20 times. It feels like the ultimate parenting hack, though it does require a microwave.

In Japan the tap water is potable and rooms almost always come with hot water kettles. In Mexico, our rental had a home water filter and UV system. If you’re worried about the cleanliness of the water, boil it first if you can. You can also bring your own water filtration system to clean the water before using. I prefer this to using bottled whenever possible to reduce plastic waste, though we did use bottled water for his formula in Mexico.

Adjusting Schedules and Expectations

When I traveled without a baby previously, I could pack so much into my day. I would often wake up for sunrise or photograph the stars. These are two of my passions but I have yet to do either one on a trip with my baby. Traveling with a six month old is different.

Adjust your expectations for how many things you are going to do in a day. You are probably not going to cross as much off of your bucket list. Your baby is going to need to sleep, it’s going to take more time to get out the door because you need to make sure the baby is fed, the diaper bag is packed, the diapers changed, etc. This is something that was hard for me to adjust to at first.

But with the right understanding of the difference of traveling with a baby – putting their needs first – it’s a rewarding experience. I loved how people interacted with our son in Japan, and it was so beautiful going to the beach with him for the first time in Mexico. You’re not losing out on experiences, you are exchanging them for new ones.

All of that said, it’s easier to plan and take a trip where you have just one destination and aren’t going to be moving. But although our Japan trip with major transit days was a lot more involved, I still enjoyed it immensely.

Ground Transportation

traveling internationally with 6 month old in Japan

Research what type of transportation you’ll be using ahead of time and discern whether you need to bring a car seat or can travel without one .

Can you rent at your destination? Are you mostly taking public transport and won’t need one? We brought one to Mexico for the ride to and from the airport, but did not bring one to Japan, and I am so glad that we did it that way each time! It all comes down to what you’ll encounter abroad, and that’s location-dependent.

When it comes down to it, traveling with your baby is going to be different than traveling without. But we found traveling with a six month old to be the perfect age. They are alert enough to take in their surroundings, usually aren’t yet crawling and are therefore easier to contain, can be interactive with people but don’t usually have stranger danger yet, and since they are only beginning solids, feeding is a bit easier.

I’m so thankful for the family trips we took and I’m glad that nobody scared us out of traveling internationally with our six month old. Enjoy your journey – you got this!

READ NEXT: the best eSIM for family travel

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Kristin is the founder of Parenthood Adventures, combining her love of travel and newfound joy of motherhood. She's the creator of one of the most-read women's travel blogs in the world, bemytravelmuse.com, with a readership in the millions each year.

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Flying with a baby: 15 tips for an easier trip

Planning on flying with a baby? Here's everything you need to know, including whether your baby can fly for free and tips for managing the flight.

How old does a baby need to be to fly?

Do babies fly free, what do babies need to fly, 15 tips for flying with a baby.

Flying with a baby adds a layer of complication and planning – but that doesn't mean you can't make it work. To help the trip go as smoothly as possible, book a seat for your baby, plan for the security screening, and pack wisely for you and your little one. For everything even the most seasoned travelers need to know about air travel with a baby , read on.

Planning a flight with a newborn? There isn't an official age requirement for air travel , but airlines have varying policies. Some (such as Alaskan Airlines) have no minimum age to fly; others (American Airlines, JetBlue) say babies can fly as young as two or three days old; and still others (Delta, United, Spirit, Frontier) allow babies on board after the first week of life.

Less commonly, airlines will require infants to be slightly older. Southwest, for example, says children must be at least 14 days old for an international flight. Check with your airline to confirm their policy before booking a ticket for your little one.

However, the American Academy of Pediatrics Opens a new window (AAP) discourages parents from flying with a baby too soon after birth. With their delicate immune systems, newborns have a heightened risk of contracting an infectious disease on a plane. That's especially true if your baby was born prematurely or has a condition such as a chronic heart problem that makes them more vulnerable.

Always discuss your travel plans with your pediatrician and ask what they recommend. Depending on your baby's age and your destination, they might suggest an extra dose of certain vaccines .

Babies and toddlers under 2 years old aren't legally required to occupy an airplane seat and can instead travel as a "lap infant" on their parent's ticket. Lap infants are generally free of charge, although you may pay a percentage of the full fare if you're traveling internationally .

Even though you don't officially need to purchase a ticket for your under-2-year-old, leading experts agree that it's much safer to buy an airplane seat for your baby. That's because a baby held in your arms is nowhere near as secure as they'd be buckled into an approved child restraint system should the plane encounter turbulence.

Unrestrained children are the leading cause of pediatric injuries on an airplane, and lap infants have tragically been killed during even moderate turbulence. Although it can be upsetting to think about, human arms are simply not strong enough to hold a child in these events. That's why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Opens a new window , and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Opens a new window all strongly urge parents to purchase an airplane seat for young children.

If you book a seat for your baby or toddler, bring an FAA-approved child restraint on board to strap them in safely. You can use a car seat on a plane (make sure it's approved for both motor vehicles and aircraft) or AmSafe's Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) device Opens a new window .

Although it can be tough to swallow the additional cost, a baby or toddler in their own seat has other benefits in addition to safety: They're more comfortable during the flight, easier to manage, and more likely to fall asleep, many parents find.

This depends a little on your child's age, the airline you're flying, and whether you're traveling within the United States or internationally.

For domestic travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Opens a new window doesn't require children under 18 to provide identification. However, it's still smart to check your airline's identification requirements. Some (JetBlue, Alaska Airlines) may ask for an infant's proof of age for domestic flights, which could be a birth certificate, passport, or immunization record.

Other airlines, such as Southwest, might not ask for proof of age but may require you to have a boarding verification document printed for your infant from the ticket counter even if they aren't occupying their own seat. When in doubt, it doesn't hurt to have some extra documentation for your baby just in case.

If you're flying internationally, your baby will need a passport regardless of their age. And if your baby is flying internationally with just one parent, you might be asked to show a letter of consent.

1. Check in with your airline

Regardless of whether you're flying with a lap infant or purchasing a seat for your baby, it's worth connecting with the airline ahead of time to discuss your seating options. A few things to consider bringing up with the agent:

If you're going the lap infant route : Ask the airline if there's an option to reserve a seat in a row with a skycot. These onboard bassinets are designed for babies 6 months and younger and provide a place for your baby to lie down flat during the flight (though you will need to pick them up whenever the seatbelt sign is on, as well as during takeoff and landing). Also confirm whether there are any rules about how many lap infants are permitted per row or section. Alaska Airlines, for example, has a policy Opens a new window stipulating where lap infants can sit on certain aircrafts.

If you're booking your baby their own seat and bringing a car seat : Some airlines require that car seats be placed next to a window so they don't block other passengers. A bulkhead row can also be nice to request when traveling with a car seat since it provides extra legroom. Just keep in mind that in the bulkhead row, it's sometimes trickier to access bags that might contain diapers, milk, and anything else you might need. Because there's no seat in front of you to stash your personal item under, you'll likely be asked to place it in the overhead compartment.

2. Ask whether your child is eligible to earn points

When booking a seat for your child, look into the airline's loyalty program. Some, though not all, will allow children to earn points that you can use towards future travel. Take JetBlue Opens a new window , which lets parents enroll children 13 and younger in their TrueBlue account. You can then combine points earned within the family through the airline's Points Pooling program.

3. Confirm that your car seat is FAA-approved

If you've bought an airplane seat for your baby, bring an FAA-approved car seat for your child. This is the safest way for babies to fly, plus it ensures you'll have a car seat for your baby at your destination. It's likely that your child's existing car seat is approved for airline travel, but check the product manual or look for a label that says "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft" to make sure.

If you didn't buy a ticket for your baby, you might get lucky and be able to use the car seat if there are empty seats on board, but there are no guarantees with this approach.

4. Consider your stroller strategy

If you're traveling with a baby or toddler, chances are good that you'll be bringing your stroller along, too. Families have three options when flying with a stroller:

Check it at the ticket counter: If you want a stroller at your destination but don't need it in the airport, you can check it along with your baggage when you arrive. (Note that some airlines always require you to check a stroller at the ticket counter if it weighs over a certain amount.) A stroller usually doesn't count towards your checked baggage, and many airlines allow families to check one stroller and one car seat per child for no extra cost. If you do check a stroller when you arrive at the airport, you may want to use a baby carrier to get your baby to your gate.

Gate-check your full-size stroller: The benefit of gate-checking a stroller is that you have it with you while navigating the airport, which many families find helpful. Waiting in a long security line or racing to the gate with a small child in tow is often much easier with the support of a stroller. Plus, you can use the stroller's storage basket to stash some of your stuff. The downside is that you'll have to wait for your stroller to be unloaded once you arrive, which can slightly prolong the process of getting out of the airport.

Bring along a stroller that will fit in the overhead bin: If you'd prefer not to gate-check your stroller, consider investing in a lightweight travel stroller. Some are compact enough to fit in most overhead compartments when collapsed (though you can check your airline's carry-on bag size guidelines to be sure). Their smaller size can be convenient for travel, and it's also nice not to have to wait for a gate-checked stroller to be brought back up when you land.

5. Look into your baggage options

Airlines have different baggage policies, but call ahead of time to understand exactly what you can bring on board. For example, while lap infants are generally not entitled to their own carry-on bags, many airlines allow families traveling with a child to bring a diaper bag, a breast pump , a cooler bag for milk or formula, an FAA-approved car seat, and a compact stroller onboard in addition to the regular carry-on and personal item allowance.

6. Pack smart

Packing for a baby is an art form: You need to have access to all the essentials, but you also don't want to overpack and have to rummage through a big bag to find something you need.

Consider what you'll want to have access to during the flight and pack your bags accordingly. For example, it's helpful to have a bag with diapers, wipes, disposable changing mats, disposable diaper bags, and a change of clothes at easy reach. For more ideas, check out our suggested packing list for traveling with a baby .

Definitely pack more spare clothes for your baby than you'll think you'll need – and include a fresh shirt for yourself. Nothing is worse than a blowout on an airplane! (Here's how to handle a blowout or change a diaper on a plane .)

7. Be ready for flight delays and cancellations

When you're traveling with your little one, the last thing you want to deal with is getting stuck at the airport. But it happens, so be prepared. Bring more than enough diapers, formula, and snacks in your carry-on bags, as well as a few changes of clothes for your baby (and perhaps a change of clothes for you, too). Flight delays and cancellations can make it difficult to get your checked luggage, so you want to have the essentials with you.

In the same vein, consider gate checking your car seat and stroller (rather than checking them at the ticket counter) so you can easily get them back if needed.

8. Plan ahead to bring formula, breast milk, and bottles

Thankfully, not all the TSA rules about traveling with liquids apply to you. Parents are permitted to bring greater volumes of breast milk or formula through security.

Review your airline's policies for bringing formula or breast milk on board and hand it to security officers when you go through screening. You don't need to put bottles into the standard quart-size zip-top bag.

To speed up the process, TSA recommends storing either breast milk or formula in clear, translucent bottles rather than plastic bags or pouches, which may be subject to additional screening. And if you pack all the bottles in a cooler bag, know that most airlines won't count it towards your personal item allowance.

Breast pumps are often considered medically necessary, and ice packs, freezer packs, and other cooling accessories are allowed in your carry-on bags. You can bring all of these items on board even if your child isn't traveling with you.

9. Pack formula safely …

When traveling with baby formula, keep these safe storage tips in mind:

Ready-to-feed formula: Bring an unopened container and clean, empty bottles on board. When your baby is ready for feeding, pour the formula into the bottle and serve it right away.

Powdered formula: Fill bottle(s) with clean water, and bring a small container of powdered formula and a scoop with you on the plane. You can measure, shake, and serve a bottle to your baby when they're ready for a feeding.

Premade bottles: You can also bring premade bottles through security if you prefer, using a cooler to keep them cold. Just keep in mind that if the cooler doesn't keep bottles at 35 to 40 degrees, you'll need to use or refrigerate them within two hours.

10. … and breast milk, too

A cooler will be essential if you're bringing breast milk on a plane. You can pack breast milk in bottles or pre-sterilized, sealable storage bags in a cooler bag, then offer them to your baby on the plane.

Breast milk will stay fresh for 24 hours in a cooler with frozen ice packs. At room temperature, breast milk is good for four hours; in the refrigerator, for four days; and frozen, for up to 12 months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Opens a new window .

11. Bring plenty of snacks

If your little one has started solids , pack baby-friendly foods for your flight. Containers with pre-chopped fruit, steamed veggies, tofu, and crackers are all easy choices. Know that you're also allowed to bring puree pouches through security, as the TSA considers them medically necessary liquids. And make sure to include snacks for yourself, too!

12. Consider whether you want to board early

Some family-friendly airlines allow you to pre-board. But there are two schools of thought on how to approach boarding with kids: Some families relish the chance to locate their seats early and settle in, while others find it difficult to entertain young children on an airplane that's not moving as other passengers also try to get settled.

If you're traveling with your partner or a loved one, you might decide to split up, with one adult boarding early with the bags while the other lets the kids run around a bit longer by the gate.

13. Bring entertainment for older babies

Younger infants may be mostly content to sleep, eat, and snuggle their parents, but older babies and toddlers can be trickier to keep occupied on an airplane. At this stage, kids are learning how to pull up to a stand and walk , or else have recently mastered these skills and are eager to explore an exciting new environment.

While you don't need to pack tons of toys, a few new items can help hold their attention. Some ideas: a slinky, painter's tape, small board books, coloring books and crayons, and stickers. You can also try classic car games like "I Spy" and "Rock, Paper, Scissors."

14. Take steps to fight jet lag

If you're crossing time zones, try shifting your baby's sleep schedule over a few days leading up to your departure and exposing them to sunlight once you reach your destination. Or, you may want to keep the same schedule in the new time zone if that works best for you. Here are more tips for handling time changes with a baby .

15. Prepare for pressure changes

If your baby's ears seem to hurt from air pressure changes during takeoff and landing, encourage them to breastfeed or suck on a bottle, pacifier , or sippy cup. If your baby's strapped into a car seat, give them something to suck on while in their seat rather than taking them out to breastfeed. It's safest for both of you to be securely buckled in.

Not all babies experience ear pain when flying, so use your judgment. If your baby's sleeping soundly, leave them be and they might get through the takeoff or landing without any trouble.

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BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies .

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American Academy of Pediatrics. 2023. Flying with Baby: Parent FAQs. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Flying-with-Baby.aspx Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

American Airlines. Undated. Traveling with children and infants. https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/traveling-children.jsp Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022. Proper Storage and Preparation of Breast Milk. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/handling_breastmilk.htm Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Delta. 2023. Children and Infant Travel. https://www.delta.com/us/en/children-infant-travel/overview Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Federal Aviation Administration. 2023. Flying with Children. https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Federal Aviation Administration. Undated. Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.faa.gov/faq?combine=children&field_faq_category_target_id=1481 Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

National Transportation Safety Board. 2015. Child Passenger Safety on Aircraft. https://www.ntsb.gov/Advocacy/safety-alerts/Documents/SA-015.pdf Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

Southwest Airlines. Undated. Traveling with an infant. https://www.southwest.com/help/flying-with-children/flying-with-infants Opens a new window [Accessed January 2024]

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Kathleen Felton is a freelance writer and editor. She was previously the executive editor of editorial strategy and growth at BabyCenter, the world's number one parenting resource. She is originally from Farmington, Connecticut, and now lives in Sydney, Australia, with her husband and two sons.

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30 Tips to Keep in Mind When Traveling With an Infant

Sure, going away is exciting—but when you’ve got little ones to account for, getting ready for a trip can feel more like work than vacation. Traveling with baby is intimidating, but it’s certainly not impossible. In fact, family travel expert Corinne McDermott believes traveling with an infant is often easier than traveling with an older toddler. “They’re not mobile, they’re not wiggling and they’re eating and sleeping around the clock,” she says. “It doesn’t really matter where you are!”

That said, whether you’re getting to your destination by plane, train or automobile, you’ll still want to prepare to ensure your journey goes as smoothly as possible. Below, experts break down all the travel-with-baby tips to know before you depart.

When Can You Travel With a Baby?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), both premature and full-term babies shouldn’t fly for the first few months of life unless it’s absolutely necessary. Flying can increase baby’s exposure to infectious diseases, so it may be best to wait until their immune system is a little more developed, or until they’ve received some of their initial immunizations , which are generally given at the 2 month visit, but can be given after 6 weeks old. Traveling by train poses the same risk. Road trips are usually the safest option for newborns and infants. Just make sure to have a properly installed infant car seat and take breaks every few hours, per the AAP . Of course, it’s always best to check in with your pediatrician before planning any kind of vacation with baby.

General Tips for Traveling With an Infant

Traveling with an infant can seem like a daunting task, but there are several ways to make it go a bit smoother. Whether you’re hitting the road, taking a train or flying, consider the following travel-with-baby tips:

Stick to baby’s schedule

Odds are baby has a naptime , bedtime and feeding schedule they’re used to. Children tend to behave better when they have a predictable sense of order, so try to plan your travel—as well as events on the trip—around that schedule (i.e. after baby’s nap or meal) if you can, advises parenting coach Tammy Gold . They’ll likely be less cranky if they’re well-rested and fed.

Keep baby’s meals handy

On a similar note, while traveling with an infant, pack plenty of formula, bottles, water (for babies older than 6 months) and other solids . Pack more than you think you’ll need in case of delays—and don’t forget to take all the essentials you’ll need for pumping while traveling .

Bring extra clothes and lots of diapers

When traveling with an infant, you’ll want anything and everything that can help clean up a messy emergency. Pack extra wipes in your carry-on diaper bag , as well as multiple changes of clothes for baby . “Bring more diapers and wipes than you think you’ll need,” suggests McDermott. Accidents happen. Stash plastic bags to hold trash until you have the opportunity to dispose of it properly. While you’re at it, keep a change of clothes for yourself handy in case of spit up or a blowout. If baby makes a mess, you might take the brunt of it. Plus, don’t forget the essentials, like travel-sized diaper cream , baby shampoo , body wash, moisturizer and other staples in baby’s daily routine, suggests McDermott. (This checklist is a great tool for packing all the baby essentials you’ll need in your diaper bag.) Gold also suggests trying overnight diapers for long travel days to prevent baby from getting uncomfortably wet.

Bring baby-safe medication

Consider also packing a first-aid travel kit in case of unexpected incidents, like if baby has an allergic reaction on the plane. It can also come in handy once you’ve landed, since you won’t want to hunt for a pharmacy in a strange place at an odd hour. You’ll also want to bring nasal aspirators , nasal saline drops, and infant Tylenol in case baby gets sick while traveling . Check in with your pediatrician for their recommendations on what medications to pack. Plus do some research before leaving on local pediatricians and pediatric hospitals in case of emergencies.

Pack baby’s toys

Whether you’re traveling with an infant or a toddler, packing books and toys to keep them entertained is key. Bring a mix of baby’s favorites, including items that offer comfort, like their favorite stuffed animal or lovey . Having that small comfort from home when baby’s in a new place can go a long way to making them feel happy and safe, Gold says. Bringing new toys or options that baby doesn’t usually play with can be a game changer too. “New situations also offer new perspectives, so that book your child loves for hours at home may not be of interest to them at all on a flight. But that other one they’ve never picked up will suddenly occupy them for hours,” Lund says. “Books, wooden puzzles, busy-boards and coloring books are great for flights because they pack pretty easily and don’t require movement to be used.” Wondering if you should consolidate baby’s books onto one device to make your bag lighter? McDermott says to do this only as a last resort: “Once you pull that tech out, it’s hard to go back.”

Go over the logistics beforehand

If you’re flying with a baby internationally, do some research beforehand to see if there are any special passport or visa requirements, or immunizations baby will need . Also investigate if getting travel insurance is a good idea. Finally, call your lodgings beforehand to see what kind of travel gear they offer. This can help save you the effort of packing baby gear .

Arrive early

Whether you’re flying with baby or traveling by train, give yourself ample time. Get to the airport or train station a little earlier than you normally would to check in, request any assistance and board when you can. The last thing any parent traveling with little ones wants is the additional stress of missing their departure time.

Don’t worry about other passengers

When traveling with an infant, one of the primary anxieties parents have is disrupting other passengers. While it can be really hard, try not to worry about what others think. “No one wants to be the stereotypical ‘bad parent’ on a plane with a screaming kid, but there’s a reason it’s so prevalent,” says Tyler Lund, founder and lead contributor at Dad on the Run . “Parents need to do what they need to do and what’s best for their children, regardless of whether it interrupts another passenger’s enjoyment of their in-flight movie.” Instead of worrying about other passengers, spend your time and energy making baby comfortable.

Be patient with yourself and baby

Another important tip for traveling with baby? Show yourself grace. Even with extra time and tons of planning, it can be challenging—with or without a child in tow. Despite all of your planning, baby may have a fit , or things may not go as smoothly as you had hoped. Accept the situation at hand and roll with it, Lund says. “Even the most epic meltdown won’t ruin the rest of your vacation.” It’s also okay not to be as strict about rules as you might be at home to make things easier on yourself and your little one. Be patient with yourself and your kiddo and know you’re both doing the best you can.

Tips For Flying With a Baby

Anxious about an upcoming flight? Check out the following tips for flying with baby to ensure you both have a stress-free and enjoyable time.

Figure out what time to fly

Chaos is inevitable around peak travel periods, like the holidays, spring break and the summer months, but you can avoid some of it by traveling early. Generally, airports are less crowded earlier in the morning, and early flights are less likely to have travel delays. “Given the choice between an early flight or mid-afternoon, I’ll take early every time,” McDermott says. “Some kids might actually go back to sleep for the ride to the airport.” As for booking the cheapest tickets, “steering clear of the weekends usually offers the best opportunity for reasonable airfare,” she adds.

Know TSA rules for breast milk and formula

Wondering what the deal is with packing formula or breast milk when flying with baby? According to TSA , when traveling with an infant, you can take breast milk, formula and baby food (like puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces for your carry-on; cooling accessories like freezer packs and gel packs are also allowed. These items are subject to additional screening though, so have them grouped together in a separate bag to make the check-in process go smoother. “It’s just easier to show security when you have all of baby’s food and drinks together,” McDermott says, adding that, while a clear bag may speed up the screening, it’s not necessary.

Gate check your stroller

Not to worry if you don’t have one of those cool micro travel strollers that folds up to fit in the overhead compartment. As you’re checking your luggage, tell the attendant at the counter that you’d like to gate check the stroller. They’ll give you a tag to attach to it, which is all the gate attendant needs to see as you’re boarding. The only stipulation: The stroller needs to be able to fold in half. With most airlines, it’ll be waiting for you on the ramp as you deplane.

Prepare baby for takeoff and landing

One of the most important tips for flying with baby? Be sure to soothe them during takeoff and landing. “Babies and toddlers tend to feel the most pain from the pressure, since the Eustachian tubes in their ears are much smaller,” explains McDermott. “The act of swallowing helps to clear them, so nursing or sucking on a bottle or pacifier can help. However, don’t be afraid to administer a dose of baby pain reliever if your child really seems to be in pain.” (Get the green light from your pediatrician first.) For older kids, swallowing snacks or drinks should help with the ear pain from the change in air pressure. Plus, while pain relievers may be okay, experts don’t recommend offering little ones medicines like Benadryl to help them “sleep better” on the flight, as it can cause adverse side effects.

Think carefully about your seats

One of the most valuable tips for flying with baby? If you have the flexibility, choose seats that work best for your family. Lund recommends the bulkhead seats toward the front. These are the rows without seats in front of them, and they often have more leg room. Some airlines may also have a pull-out bassinet in the bulkhead area too. Call your airline ahead of time and see if they’ll let you reserve the bulkhead seats, suggests Lund.

McDermott, on the other hand, prefers the back of the plane, where you can nab a spot closer to the bathroom and the service galley. “It’s easier to catch the flight attendant’s attention should you require assistance with anything,” she explains. A window seat is also usually better for baby to protect them from the service carts and any items that may fall out of overhead bins.

Consider getting baby their own seat

While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows babies and toddlers under 2 years old to sit on your lap, the AAP suggests getting baby their own seat with a car seat that’s certified for airplane use. Check in with your airline on whether baby’s gear will count as luggage and whether there are any rules and regulations to keep in mind.

Accept help from anyone you can

Many passengers or crew members will be willing to help a family traveling with an infant. Particularly at the airport, you might be surprised at how friendly and helpful TSA agents, airline employees and flight attendants can be when you ask for assistance.

Figure out if pre-boarding is right for your family

One of the biggest questions parents have when flying with baby: To preboard or not to preboard? It’s really a matter of preference and your child’s temperament . Is an extra 30 minutes of sitting on the plane a recipe for disaster—or is that additional time going to help everyone get settled? “Personally, if I let my kids run wild until the last minute, it takes them a long time to settle down,” McDermott says. “I prefer pre-boarding because it gives me the opportunity to get organized and settle the kids in their seats. You want to make sure you have access to a close overhead bin, as well as have time to install a car seat if you brought one.”

Find the airport’s play areas

Most major airports will have at least one play area for children—and this can be a great place for them to get all their energy out before boarding a flight. “It also helps to keep them from falling asleep in a stroller or on seats at the gate right before boarding,” Lund says. While it’s unavoidable at times, waking up little ones right before boarding a plane may quickly cause a meltdown.

Keep baby entertained mid-flight

“Most toddlers don’t like being restrained for lengths of time and just want to get up and explore the plane,” Lund says. Along with toys, keeping baby entertained may involve walking up and down the aisle with them when the seatbelt sign is off. Pay no mind to other passengers—as long as baby is safe and happy, that’s really all that matters.

Use bedtime as a tool for international flights

For international flights, consider overnight options, and book flights around baby’s normal bedtime. “[This] gives them a chance to calm down, get used to the setting and fall asleep. It also helps in the case of a minor delay,” Lund says. “Our boys refused to sleep on our first flight until two hours after their bedtime… Once they fell asleep though, they were out for the rest of the flight and gave us time to ourselves.”

Car Travels With Baby Tips

Keeping your little one happy while they’re strapped into a car seat for hours can be a challenge. As you gear up for a road trip with baby, keep the following travel-with-baby tips in mind:

Check the car seat

Baby will be spending the entire ride in their car seat, so it’s crucial to make sure they’re safe and secure in a properly installed car seat . While babies shouldn’t sleep in car seats for long stretches of time or overnight, the AAP notes that babies can doze off in a properly installed car seat while your vehicle is in transit.

Plan your route

Know where the gas stations and rest stops are located. Moreover, take note of any hotels along the way in case you need one, and call ahead to see if they provide a safe sleep space for baby. If not, bring a bassinet or a travel crib . Also, don’t be super-strict about arrival time. “You can’t plan around unexpected diaper changes or needing to nurse,” McDermott says. “If you go with the expectation that things will take a lot longer than usual, you’ll be fine.”

Time your departure

If you’re going to be in the car for a few hours, try timing it with baby’s nap schedule or earlier in the morning when they’re still sleeping. For longer trips, consider driving at night during baby’s normal bedtime .

Make sure everything you need is handy

Before you pull out of the driveway, make sure you have everything you and baby will need within arm’s reach. This includes extra clothes, diapers , wipes, meals and toys for baby, as well as water, hand sanitizer , sunglasses and a phone for you.

Sit in the backseat with baby

If possible, it’s smart to have a caregiver sit in the back to help with baby’s needs throughout the ride. It’ll also help keep them entertained. Whether you’re reading board books or singing a song, interaction is key when traveling with baby. “When they’re small and rear-facing, it gets awfully boring in that back seat,” McDermott says. “An engaged, safe and comfortable baby is usually a happy baby.”

Take breaks every few hours

Not only will this help you stretch your legs, but it may also keep baby from getting too restless. The AAP recommends taking a break every two to three hours during day trips and four to six hours at night. Use this time to change baby’s diapers and feed them. (The AAP also cautions parents to never breastfeed baby in a moving car.)

Pull over when you need to

Maybe baby just won’t stop crying because they threw their toy and now it’s stuck somewhere between the seat and the door, or maybe you need to use the restroom. Whatever the reason, if there’s anything distracting you from the road, pull over and take the time to deal with it. If you’re traveling with baby alone and need to leave the car, take them with you. Otherwise, work with your traveling companions to ensure everyone’s needs are met before getting back on the road.

Train Travels With Baby Tips

The train seems ideal for traveling with baby, right? You’re free to move around, baby always has a view and you don’t have to keep your eyes on the road. “For older toddlers, you can’t beat it,” McDermott says. Plus, Amtrak also offers great discounts for kids: Infants 0 to 2 travel for free, and children ages 2 to 12 ride at half price. However, there are some things to keep in mind to have a smooth ride—and many of these will be similar to our tips for flying with baby.

Tag team finding seats

If you’re traveling with your partner or someone else, have them scout out seats while you tend to baby. Many cars have four seats facing each other toward one end, and these typically have more room. Try to snag those seats if they’re available. Also, ask the conductor which doors will open at your stop so you won’t have to scramble to switch cars.

Sit by a window

If you’re able, try to grab baby a window seat. Similar to flights, it’s safer than the aisle. Plus, the view outside may keep baby engaged and entertained while you take a few minutes to yourself.

Above all else, when traveling with baby, remember to have patience. “Tantrums and breakdowns aren’t malicious; they’re a sign of frustration,” Lund says. “Remembering this might be the difference between a bad [experience] that’s a side note to an otherwise great vacation, and a bad [experience] causing a bad vacation.”

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Tammy Gold , LCSW, MSW, CEC, is a licensed therapist, certified parent coach, author and the founder of the Tammy Gold Nanny Agency. She has over 20 years of experience and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and her master’s degree from Columbia University.

Corinne McDermott is a TICO-certified family travel expert with over 15 years of experience and the founder of the blog Have Baby Will Travel . She received her bachelor’s degree from Toronto Metropolitan University.

Tyler Lund is the founder and lead contributor to Dad on the Run , a blog dedicated to fatherhood. He’s also a software development manager, tech nerd, home-brewer, three-time marathoner and rescue dog owner. He loves traveling to new and unique places a bit off the beaten path and sharing stories from these adventures.

HealthyChildren.org, Flying with Baby: Parent FAQs , November 2019

HealthyChildren.org, Is it Safe for My Baby to Travel in a Car Seat a Few Hours at a Time? , December 2022

Head Start Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center, The Importance of Schedules and Routines , September 2023

Cleveland Clinic, Why Can’t Babies Drink Water? , September 2023

Transportation Security Administration, Traveling With Children

Pediatrics Child Health, Air Travel and Children , January 2007

Federal Aviation Administration, Flying With Children , September 2023

HealthyChildren.org, Travel Safety Tips , August 2018

Amtrak, Discount Information for Children

Learn how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process .

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What to Pack When Traveling With Baby

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Happy travels!

What to Expect the First Year , 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, Flying With a Baby? Here's What to Know Before You Go , September 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Do Babies Need Passports? , October 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Best Travel Toys for Babies , February 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Baby Products You Can Take on a Plane , September 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Flying with Baby: Parent FAQs , November 2019. American Academy of Pediatrics, Is It Safe for Families to Travel Now? , August 2021. American Academy of Pediatrics, Travel Safety Tips , August 2018. American Academy of Pediatrics, Is It Safe for My Baby to Travel in a Car Seat a Few Hours at a Time? , August 2021. Transportation Security Administration, Traveling with Children . Federal Aviation Administration, Flying with Children , March 2021. Mayo Clinic, Is Air Travel Safe for an Infant? , October 2019.

About What to Expect

Flying with Baby: Travel Tips for Flying with an Infant 3-6mos.

flying with an infant, flying with a baby, flying with infant, flying with baby, airplane with baby, airplane with infant

Flying with an infant of this age means one thing for mom (or dad)…

You’re. Busy.

But this is also one of the more rewarding and fun times to travel with your baby! They’re alert. You can usually figure out what they need when they need it. They’re still quite easily distracted.

Unlike newborns , babies of this age are at least in the beginning stages of a routine. So, while that makes your life easier as a parent, an understandable fear is blowing that routine with travel.

Both of my kids fell into a fairly structured routine at a very early age. And both adapted well to temporary changes during travel, as well as coming home.

Our Experiences Flying with a Baby 3-6 Months Old…

For us, this was a very easy time to travel with baby. Not yet mobile, still on a mostly liquid diet, and a fairly defined routine of eat and sleep times. In terms of getting around, baby is easily carted in their travel car seat used as an infant carrier, pretty content to ride in a stroller, and safe and snug in the infant carrier car seat used with or without the base .

Flying with an Infant 3-6 Months Old: Biggest Concerns

Our biggest concerns when flying with an infant this age were keeping him (quietly) busy and hoping to avoid him getting sick .

Our son was just shy of six months when we visited family in Florida, and we were flying in the height of the H1N1 pandemic. Little did we know that just over 10 years later, travel during COVID-19 would make H1N1 seem like a walk in the park.

Flying with an Infant 3-6 Months Old: The Reality

flying with baby, flying with an infant, family on beach, enjoying madeira beach, madeira beach florida, florida

Ok, I’m not gonna lie here… We totally lucked out.

Flying Southwest meant we had to figure out their unusual boarding procedures, but ultimately (since it wasn’t a full flight) we did not have to gate check his car seat (we didn’t buy our son a seat), and we were able to bring him on board and keep him in his seat . It’s safest for a baby to fly in a car seat , but that is not always doable for all families.

Our son nursed both times before takeoff, and passed out for pretty much both of our three-hour flights. I had a sippy of water for him to suck on in case he did not want to nurse, as well as a couple of teething biscuits for him to munch/dissolve into an indescribable goo. Neither of my kids seemed particularly bothered by their ears during take off and landing, but having a drink, snack, or pacifier to suck on (just in case) is always recommended.

Flying with an Infant 3-6 Months Old: Extra Consideration

As I mentioned, we were traveling during the the H1N1 pandemic. Paranoia was rampant about bringing kids into a germ-laden environment. I did bring anti-bacterial wipes, which I went over armrests and the tray tables with. And, because I worry, I then went over those again with our usual wipes. I was afraid of the anti-bacterial residue. Had our son actually been awake during those flights, I would have gone over the laminated safety card as well, since that was his go-to distraction whenever we first board.

As always, changes of clothes are recommended for baby and you, as well as plastic bags to put them in. Here your carry-on bag will be more full of diapers (and possibly bottles) than toys or snacks. If you’ve started solids already, the foil pouches of food are so easy to travel with (I had to pack jars). If baby is bottle-fed , the weight of pre-made formula may outweigh the convenience of not having to mix it. Personally, I’d travel with the can of formula powder. It’s easier going through security . You can mix it up with bottled water once you’re at the gate.

And, at this age, they are usually just as happy to play with the seat belt buckle or safety card than any toy you could pack for them.

Tips for Flying with an Infant 3-6 Months Old:

Get baby used to room temperature bottles and food, so you don’t have the additional hassle of heating en route.
If baby can bear weight on their legs, consider purchasing slip-on diapers. Not all airplane bathrooms have change tables. If they do they are only big enough to change a baby kitten on.
A cloth carrier or sling doesn’t take up much room in your carry-on and is useful to keep your hands free. This is most helpful especially if you’re flying solo. Keep in mind you’ll have to take baby out for taxi, take-off, and landing.

You will be busy and have your hands full when flying with an infant at this delightful stage. But be sure to relish how (relatively) easy they are to distract and comfort.

And take lots of pictures if you can!

Have Baby Will Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission. Click here to check out our Amazon Store .

Flying with Baby: Travel Tips for Flying with a Newborn
Flying with Baby: Travel Tips for Flying with a Toddler
The Ulitmate Tip List: Flying with a Baby or Toddler
Infant Travel: Planning Your First Trip with Baby
Tips for Flying with a Sick Baby
Traveling with a Baby? It Gets Easier…
Traveling with a Baby? It Gets Harder…
Baby Travel Gear Essentials
10 Dos & Don’ts for Flying with Babies & Toddlers
Tips for Flying with a Baby or Toddler at Every Age & Stage
Tips to Clear Airport Security with Babies & Toddlers

93 Responses to Flying with Baby: Travel Tips for Flying with an Infant 3-6mos.

Great tips! The only thing I would add is that it is exhausting flying with baby, so plan some rest and relaxation time for all of you right after arriving at your destination. Our youngest was three months old when we traveled to Florida, we got in late, and headed out to Kennedy first thing the next morning for a Shuttle Launch. Sure wished they had been launching a day later!

Yes! No matter the age of your baby/toddler, it’s nice to have a free day on either end of a travel day for the inevitable “hangover” 😉

Hi there!! Just a quick question..I’ve been reading all your blogs and I do find em very helpful. But I was Wondering if you can help me. I am flying internationally in the next couple months my baby will be 5 months old. How can I go about his stroller? I have a britax b agile and we are flying Korean Air? I tried calling the airlines and they’re not helpful language is the problem with the customer service I’m kind of getting really nervous about it. I know I probably cannot gate check my stroller so if I can check it in as luggage can I check in my car seat too? I have infant car seat and hoping to take it with us…do you think you can spare me some info? Thanks so much any help will be great I hope someone can give me some info cause I desperately been going through Internet for it…

Korean Air’s policies don’t seem much different from other airlines. You should be fine gate-checking if that’s what you choose to do. Good luck! http://www.koreanair.com/local/kr/gd/eng/cs/sn/eng_cs_sn_if.jsp

Hi Corrine, So if the the car seat and stroller can be checked in for free, do they still allow an extra luggage for the infant, free of charge?

Thank you so much for the tips!

Is it safe for the 5 months baby to travel internationally? The length of the flights is about 26-31 hours. Is it too long for 5 months old baby? I am afraid that the baby might be too little and if he gets weak from the trip he may get disease easily. Do I understand right .or I think too much?

What an amazing site! I feel so lucky that I found it! I am heading to Orlando on a Sunwing charter flight in 2 weeks. After a few phones calls to the travel agent and to Sunwing, I am still confused (I know I must be stunned!) about the policy with infant car seat/stroller combinations. I have a 4 month old and wanted to gate check my Baby Trend infant seat that fits into my Baby trend snap and go stroller. Do you think this will be allowed? I cannot get a good answer about this from anyone. Thanks in advance! Love your site!

Hi Marni! If it is truly the super light snap & go then I think you should be ok in gate checking – just tell the gate agent that it’s a two-piece stroller and they should give you two gate check tags for it. People gate check Bugaboos all the time, and they fold down into two pieces.

I bring my stroller and car seat when we travel. I have had no issues getting two gate check tickets. I do however place my car seat in a bag because it can get pretty nasty if you don’t. Lesson learned the hard way.

Hi, I’m travelling from Dublin to Portugal with my 4 month old daughter. The flight isn’t long-3 hours but it falls right at her bedtime. My concern is will she transition from the plane, to the buggy,to the car, to the buggy, to bed ok?!!!! Any tips on helping her to sleep on through the night. She’s such a good baby at night I fear for her routine 🙁

Hi Julie! Certainly the safest and surest way for her to fall asleep is to have her own seat with her car seat/infant carrier installed, and then that way if she does drop off you won’t need to life her and transport her during all your “legs.” If that’s not an option, I suggest being as prepared as possible–don’t shift or disturb her from the plane until you’re ready to exit, and if you’ve safely done the transfer to buggy, don’t transfer to the car seat until you and the seat are all set, so once she’s in you’re off again. Same as once you’ve arrived–don’t take her out of her car seat until the bed’s ready for her to be put down in it. In my experience, the minimum amount of disturbance surrounding the necessary transfers really helped my guys transfer more easily. Good luck!

There are really very useful tips that you shared with us and its important travel tips for flying with an infant.must follow this tips when parents travel in plane with kids.

Thanks for all the great tips!

Quick question: if I want to bring the car seat on the plane for my 5 month old to sleep in, do I have to pay for her seat (I.e. pay for her flight)?

If you want to be assured of a seat for your daughter, you will need to pay for it. Check with your airline to see if they offer discounted fares for infants or children. Some still do!

Good luck and have a great flight!

Hello! I love this site. I am traveling alone with my 6 month old soon. Do you have any recommendations on the best ways to nurse without flashing or offending people. I have a regular light sheet cover-up with the neck loop but sometimes the baby swipes it off to the side with her hands. Thanks for any suggestions!

Honestly Dani, I have nursed in airports and on airplanes — as discretely as I could since my littles hated covers too — and no one batted an eye. I felt most comfortable in actual “nursing” wear, so I invested in a couple of nursing tops that revealed really little except that bit that the baby usually covers 🙂 Good luck and try not to sweat it! If worse comes to worse, if you don’t make eye contact with anyone besides your baby, you won’t know if you’re getting the stink eye.

We had a stroller that fit in the carry on luggage it was the best thing ever, especially as airports are huge and you can use to right up to the gate :). Although the flight attendants always think it is to big till we folded it up.

I’ll have to check that out, Ashley–thanks!

Do you recall the brand ?

I’m guessing it’s the GB Pockit stroller. Worth every penny if you travel fairly often or visit theme parks/zoos with lots of walking and designated stroller parking far away from attractions (like Disneyworld). It goes on sale on Amazon once in a while ($125).

Hello Ladies, I am traveling tomorrow from NY to Aruba for the first time with my 5 month old, husband and family. I have asked a lot of my fellow mommy friends for tips and suggestions on traveling with an infant. Almost every single tip was covered here Corrine’s blog and your further suggestions. However something I found online and everyone has raved about its convenience for your little one is the Flyebaby travel hammock! I purchased it and plan to use it as we have a total of 6.5 hours in the air tomorrow! My son LOVES to lay back and have face to face time as he wiggles and squirms and this will allow him to do just that! Check it out! and I will let you all know if it lives up to all the hype! http://flyebaby.com/

Hi. Flight attendants on Amazon have warned that the Flyebaby travel hammock is not FAA approved, is not safe and is not allowed on airplanes. I would suggest nobody purchase this as any quality airline will not allow you to take it on board and it is very dangerous for your baby.

Thank you, Gail! Not sure how I missed that comment and yes–I absolutely would never recommend that product.

I’ll be flying from north carolina to Texas. It’s a fairly short plane ride 2 hours each flight so 4 in total with a 1 hour layover. My son will be just turning 3 months, he is extremely colic, so I’m petrified he will cry and cry and I won’t be able to do anything to help him calm down. Last thing I want is a plane full of angry people. Any advice for flying with a colic baby? (He is breast fed/ gets breast milk in a bottle) but when he is in one of his moods he will cry through the feeding!

So long as you are attempting to soothe your son, don’t worry about anything or anyone around you. If he seems to be in pain due to ear pressure, don’t hesitate to offer infant pain relief medication. It may be a long flight for you, so try to psyche yourself up for it and hope for the best. Good luck!

hi Corinne , your tips are really helpful, thank you! question, can your spouse or siblings (not traveling ) help you go through the security, or is there a certain point to where they have to stop and cant make you company ?

Hi Wendy! Unfortunately, your spouse or siblings will not be able to accompany you through security.

Hi! Great site! We are currently expecting and due in August 2016.We had planned to fly to Australia from Scotland in December 2016 – is this too far for a 3 month old?

Not too far but would definitely be a long one. At 3mos. your baby may already be in a routine, so try to mimic that as best you can (meal and nap times) while you’re en route. Good luck!

Hi Corinne – We’re taking our 4 month old to India from NYC next week to meet the family. Our first leg of the trip is 14 hours to Dubai and then another 4 hours to our my hometown in India. We’re there for about 36 hours and then take off to attend a wedding (another 4 hour flight and a 4 hour car journey). I’m reconsidering all this at the last minute as I’m getting extremely nervous and am worried for the baby. He’s a very active baby on a good schedule, mostly sleeping through the night. Is this travel insane for him? Should we consider canceling some of it? Any advice you have to give would be very much appreciated.

Don’t cancel! Your baby is still young enough to not be TOO affected by all the time change and travel time. Try to stick to a semblance of a routine as best you can, and prepare to have a rough week or so getting back to normal. Babies are typically more resilient than we are, and your little guy will end up all the more flexible for his adventures.

Hello I want to travel with my baby when she is 3 months but hear that is a time when they go through a huge spurt. I know it’s not set in stone but I’m afraid to risk it and travel while she’s not in her space of comfort Is going when she is 9-10 weeks easier

Hi Meleny! A few weeks here or there won’t really make much of a difference. So long as you have all her comfort items (and you!) at the ready, she will be just fine. Have a great trip!

Hi there, I am also planning to take my 4 month old to india from nyc to attend a wedding. I am very nervous and thinking whether I should cancel my trip. Please let me know your experience. Thanks!

I’m thinking of flying to Spain with my little one. By that time he will be almost 6 months old. Is flying from New York to Spain which is around a 6 hour flight to much for my little one. Is it safe at this age?

Hi Ahinoa! Your trip sounds great and 6 hours is not too long to fly with a 6-month-old. Just make sure you’re prepared and all will be well!

Hi Corinne! I will be flying out from Seattle to Texas sometime in April with my 3 month old infant. (He will be 5 months when we fly). I’ve read one of the previous comments and I was curious of the baby’s ears can hurt by the pressure. So I was wondering if I was to buy an ear muff for my LO, would it help? And I was also curious if I would have to pay for us to bring his carseat?

Hi Naomi! The pressure doesn’t damage their ears, but it can really hurt. Ear muffs won’t do much, but the act of swallowing can help, which is why it’s recommend to give a bottle or pacifier or nurse during take-off and landing. Most airlines will allow you to gate-check a car seat free of charge, and I recommend transporting it in a padded travel bag, since baggage handlers aren’t always very gentle with your belongings. Have a great flight!

What a great website! Im planning to have long holiday with my baby next month, will be 4,5 months when we travel. We will travel from auckland to singapore ( 12 hours) and i will travel without my husband. We booked car seat. I just wonder if my baby will be ok sleep on car seat for that long? Would he be fine with his back? and im so worry with other passangers if he is cranky during flt so im so nervous. Also.. any tips on how i will carry that car seat to the airplane and pass the security? While i will also have my trolley? As i dont wanna miss anything that i might need during the flight. Thanks

I’ll be traveling with my five month old next week. We didn’t buy her a plane ticket. But can we still bring a car seat if there’s vacant seats on the plane? And do lap infant have a seat belt?

Flying from TN to AZ in March with my 6 month old. What are the dos and don’ts of checked baby baggage? Food, formula, diaper rash cream, etc.

Make sure your carry-on is packed with more than you think you’ll need for the duration of your travel day. Keep all of baby’s items together to present for inspection when going through security. You don’t have to abide by the liquid restriction rules when travel with baby but you do need to justify everything you’re bringing. Have a great flight!

Hi’ I have a 4 month little boy and am flying to Hawaii at the end of February with him. I was wondering if you happen to know if Alaska Airlines allows the flyebaby? I want to order one because I think that will be great to put him in for the 5 hour plane ride but I want to make sure that he will be able to use it for the majority of the plane ride. Thank you!!

Hi Taylor. I wouldn’t use one of those things. Either purchase a seat for your son and he can ride in his car seat, or resign yourself to holding a lap infant for the duration of the flight. If you’re not flying solo, you can spell each other off. Have a great flight!

Hai , I am planning to travel with my 6 month old baby from boston to india. It’s long hour journey ..will it be safe fot my baby pls let me know thank u

Perfectly safe for baby, but a long flight required lots of preparation–not the least of which includes enough food and diapers. Good luck!

Hello to Everyone i am travelling in April with my 5 months old baby. i have no idea how it ll be with 5 months old. Is it safe for baby to travel like 13 hours flight? Can i have some information regarding this situation please? Thank you

13 hours is a long flight, make sure you’re prepared with enough food and diapers, and hopefully you won’t be flying alone so you can take a break!

Hi Corinne! I will be traveling to Abu Dhabi and Dubai from San Diego. I have a 4 month old son who screams and fights sleep all the time! I am also thinking he is very colicky because he is very fussy all the time. I am kind of waiting it out till he is 6 months so that he is a bit matured, or does it really matter? I know I should purchase his own seat and also I am planning on taking a stroller that turns into a bassinet just in case he falls asleep. Also the thing is my little one won’t sleep unless he is swaddled and hears white noise, otherwise he will be screaming at the top of his lungs! He is the most fussiest baby in the world! Do you think I should still pursue my travel plans? Also since it’s my first time visiting this country, I don’t think we can take tours cause I have a fussy baby! What should I do? Is this trip worth going to?

I don’t think waiting will change much! If it’s any consolation, airplanes are quite noisy and you may find the hum of the engine kind of works as a white noise machine–certainly you can swaddle and hold him. You might be better off seeing if you can arrange for a car or taxi to do your own tours at your own pace. That way you can call it quits if baby is not cooperating and at the very least you can operate on your own time frame. Good luck!

Aww thank you Corinne! Yes I agree with you in regards in doing our own tours or taxi to get around, that would be the best thing to do! I will see what I can do to make it work, if not I guess I will wait till he gets a bit older.

We never purchased a seat for our son until we had two. Honestly, if we had he would have just ended up in mom’s lap anyways. And he has always been a great traveler. He’s quiet, except for fits of giggles, never cries, and sleeps for most of the time.

Unfortunately we had one incident with a guy being disgusted at my wife breast-feeding when he joined us in our row. She was even completely covered. For all he knew she was doing magic tricks under there. But he made a disgusted sound, and ultimately asked to move. I had to bite my tongue very hard.

Hi there, I just came across your site and thank goodness! I love all the information and it’s been so helpful in getting ready for our first flight with a baby! I exclusively pump for my 4 month old and i’m nervous about flying with pumped breastmilk. I tried calling the airline I’m flying with but honestly they didn’t help much at all they just said I can bring some. Any idea how much I can bring? How I should store it? I have a small cooler bag for it but should I put it in bags? or bottles? Help!

Wowza–good for you for exclusively pumping. The rules about breast milk are the same for any other liquid when traveling with an infant under 2. You aren’t restricted by the amount you can bring, but it’s easiest and best if you keep it all together in whatever vessel you prefer. Bring as much as you think you’ll need and extra to see you through any delays. Will baby take the breast or do you supplement with formula at all? Would be ideal if you had some kind of back up as well.

My son’s first flight (cross-country) wasn’t until he was 6 months old. Luckily he was always very well behaved. We didn’t bother buying him a seat for his car seat as he always wanted to be on mom or dad anyways. We found breast feeding helped a lot at take off and landing, he never cried. Also, he generally just fell right asleep for the duration of the flight.

But of course there was one issue with a guy who was supposed to next to us being very displeased with mom breastfeeding (even though it was even under a cover). But we’ll just leave that be.

Awesome to hear. Thanks for sharing!

Hi Corinne. I have a 3 month old and she will be just turning 4 months when I travel with her and my mom to Michigan. It is a 2 hour time difference. Currently she sleeps through the night…10pm to 7am. I am very stressed/worried that she will be thrown off and stop sleeping through the night. For istance, our flight out leaves at 7am…when she would usually wake up, but we will have to leave for airport around 430 am so, I will have to get her in carseat to airport etc. I am worried that waking her for the travel to the airport will mess up her full night sleep schedule I am exclusively breastfeeding and nurse to sleep at night, but she is such a good night sleep I don’t want to undo that….suggestions? Thoughts?

Hi Reyna! She may get thrown off for a day or two, but at 4mos you will have plenty of time to get back on track. The night before your flight, put her to bed in her travel clothes (should be comfy enough for sleep anyway) and if she is like mine were, you will have a few hours yet before a diaper change is necessary. Lift her straight from her bed into the car seat, and (fingers crossed) she won’t stir too much. If she stays awake, she may drift off again as you drive to the airport or when your flight is taking off. Try to stay on schedule for the remainder of the day, even if that means waking her from a nap that she went down late for. Stick to your usual routines while you’re away and you may have a few “off” days but it shouldn’t take too long to get back on track. Good luck!!!

Hi, I’m flying from CA to NYC on Saturday with my 4.5 month old. I am very nervous about the almost 6 hour flight. I am nursing so don’t have to worry about bringing food. However what other staples besides diapers and wipes do you recommend for a 6 hour flight with a baby that age?

Will they let me nurse during take off and landing ?

Hi Allison! If baby will not be in his/her own seat, they will ask you to hold baby in a specific way during take-off and landing, which some believe to be possible to nurse in that position, but it’s not your traditional “cradle” hold. But the pressure may not affect your baby’s ears so nursing during that time is not a must. It is the act of swallowing that helps, so if baby takes a pacifier make sure to have one (or several) on hand and it might be a good idea to invest in one of those clips since they tend to get dropped so often. At 4.5 months you don’t have to really worry about toys or games or snacks, but don’t forget a change of outfit for baby and at least a clean top for you as well, because whatever mess baby may make, it will likely be on your lap 🙂 Have a great trip!!

Have you had any issues when using a infant carrier/car seat and having the seat in front of the car seat not being able to recline? Going on our first trip (flying Southwest) and dreading having to tell someone that they can’t recline their seat.

If you are traveling Southwest (or any other US airline governed by the FAA) your infant’s need to be rear-facing overrides any reclining “rights” PLease read this post: https://havebabywilltravel.com/2014/10/20/using-car-seats-planes/ and print out the FAA regs. so you’ll be prepared once you’re on board. Good luck!!

Hi Corrine. Thanks for the great info. I am a little confused about my situation. I don’t have an infant car seat. I have a kind of bulky 3 in 1. I normally carry my 4 month old in my wrap when we are out and about. I will be traveling from GA to MA. I don’t know if I should bring my lightweight stroller or my car seat in which I would purchase this TRAVELMATE car seat travel stroller. Although he prefers to be in my wrap, occasionally he doesnt want to be in it so Id like to bring something to put him in and it also helps when I have to use the bathroom. I’ll be traveling alone with him. Thanks for all your good tips.

Hi Carolina!

I agree, the bulky 3-in-1 isn’t ideal to travel with. Did you buy him a seat? It might be worthwhile to invest in a lightweight car seat used specifically for travel, but you can’t bring it on board unless you’ve purchased him a seat. Also, if you’re traveling alone you won’t want to leave in in the car seat alone while you went to the bathroom. Do you have a more structured carrier than the wrap to use? I know I “wore” my kids in the bathroom more than once. Not ideal but thank goodness for elastic waist pants!

Hi, Corrine,

Great tips! I’m traveling solo with my 3.5m/o. I don’t see anything about carseat bases. Obviously, I will definitely need to bring a carseat to get her around Texas, but do I need to bring the base for the carseat as well? A base, carrier and stroller, plust carry-on, diaper bag and ergobaby carrier seem like A LOT to travel with solo! Also, do you know if the airline will count my lightweight overhead stroller (mtnbuggy) as a carry-on? I am hoping they’ll let me check-in the carrier at the gate, but i’d like to keep the stroller and my carry-on with me, as well as the diaper bag. So much! I’m already dreading this trip, but I would love to bring baby with me if it isn’t going to be toooo overwhelming and stressful. /c:

Hi Brenda! Best bet is to use an infant carrier car seat that can also be used without the base. The install might be a bit tricky, but is just as safe as when installed with the base. Good luck!

Hi.. we are to deliver a baby in Nov 18 to 24 and want to know if I can take the baby after three months on a 24 hour travel through flight ?

It will be a long flight for everyone, most especially you! But it is totally fine, just be prepared to be tired 🙂

Hi I am planning for a trip with my 4month boy and the flight is for 3hrs layover for 1hr then flight for 1hr and then a by road for 5hrs will it be to hectic for my baby and what all can i do to make the journey most comfortable for both of us keeping in mind that the baby is just satisfied with breastfeeding

He should be ok–at 4mos. he will not yet be mobile and the fact that he is exclusively breastfed also makes things easier. YOU will need to make sure you eat and drink enough to keep up your supply. The layover and short flight will be hectic and will probably zoom by. During the first flight try to rest as much as possible. If you’re on the road in a car, see if it’s possible to stop occasionally to feed and change him. Good luck!

Great tips,but I dont believe I would be this fortunate with my 5 almost 6 month old.My mom is wanting to fly my lo anf I to Dallas to visit.Its only a 1-2hr flight I believe,from Midland to Dallas,however my babygirl dont do well being in such close quarters,with strangers,or loud noises,and is not consolable when she gets to crying and screaming,in fact it makes it worse,no matter what I do.Nothing works,not even breastfeeding her.I have tried everything I could think of.

Hi, Sharee… If possible, try to book your flight at a time when she is most cheerful and easily distracted. If you try to go at nap times and she’s over-stimulated it might make things worse. Best of luck to you!

It’s my first time going on vacation with a baby. He will almost be 4 months. We are going to San Francisco..I’m not sure what to do when we go sight seeing. We aren’t renting a car it will be cheaper to taxi or Uber than pay for hotel parking . So do I just take his stroller that his car seat can sit on and use that while going around the town? I was told not to take my big stroller and just take an umbrella stroller. Idk what to do. Advice is needed

Hi Stacia! It depends on how big your “big stroller” is. Something like the Uppababy Vista is considered big but if the seat’s off and the car seat can snap in the frame is not bulky at all and could fit in the trunk of your cab or Uber. If you’ll be doing lots of walking and sightseeing, a stroller that you like pushing and your baby finds comfortable to ride in is key. A decent umbrella stroller that reclines is great for older babies and toddlers, but at 4 months your little guy will need extra support and comfort. Another option is to buy one of those frames that are not strollers at all but specifically for snapping a car seat into, but I don’t know how those will be for you if you’ll be putting a lot of miles in sightseeing. Always a good idea to pack a lightweight carrier or sling as well to give you and baby another option. Have a great trip!!

Hi Corinne, flying with 6 month baby from Boston to manila in Jan. Concerned that we’ll mess up his sleep routine. Our flight is 1:30 am and arrives 6 am in Hongkong. He is breastfed and we have not started solids. Should we start solids soon? We will be back in Boston after 4 weeks so he’d be 7 months by then. I am traveling with my parents and sister, but without my husband. Wonder what we should prepare for the flighy as well.

Your trip sounds amazing! You will be gone for a long time, and I would probably think about starting a few solids–maybe ones that you can take with you or won’t change formulations much between countries like instant cereal or ripe, mashed bananas and avocados. At 6-7mos. their main nutrition is still breast milk or formula but this will get him used to the idea. Your routine will certainly be off for a few days, but keep in mind you can’t force someone to sleep but you can (sometimes) keep them awake. In a perfect world he will sleep for much of the flight, but if not he will certainly be tired and ready to nap at (likely) odd times. Once you arrive try to keep to local time as much as possible right away. And keep him busy with lots of fresh air and daylight when he’s supposed to be awake and keep lights and stimulation low when he’s supposed to be sleeping. Good luck!!

Oh yes, if you will be needing his car seat and stroller while you are in Manila, you should definitely bring them with you–unless you can borrow or rent what you’ll need when you arrive.

Also should we take his car seat and stroller? He has a bassinet reserved on the plane.

Hi, I’m flying from North Carolina to California with a 9 yr old and 5 months old. I chose to ergo baby carry my daughter. How does take off and landing work? TIA

Hi Nicole! For takeoff and landing you will have to take your daughter out of the Ergo and hold her in the “burping” position on your lap. Have a great flight!

Hello, I really like your site and it has been very helpful in preparing for our trip. My husband and I are planning a trip to Europe and at that time our son will be 16 months old and we will have our other son who will be 3 months old. So, we were planning on bringing a double stroller with one car seat on board. How would that have to be checked in? Also do you recommend that we get one seat for the car seat and have our 16 month old in our lab or get two seats? The flight should be around 8 hours or so…We were told that the airlines offer a bassinet type gear for infants who are 3 months and that the bassinet is placed with us. Do you know anything about that? Anyway before we make the commitment and purchase the tickets we wanted some advise…Any advise or info you can offer us would be greatly appreciated. Thank you… Georgina

Hi Georgina! If you can swing it, I definitely recommend purchasing at least one additional airplane seat for your sons, and you will have to install a car seat for whichever baby will be sitting in it. The bassinet is a great option for your littlest one, but I’m not sure which car seat you were planning on bringing on board. Certainly you can get the bassinet for your little guy and bring on board a convertible seat for the additional seat you purchased for your older son. If you still need to bring a car seat for your little one you could gate check that along with the stroller, although I recommend using a padded travel bag to protect it. Best case scenario is you get the bassinet AND additional seat for your older guy. Usually they are in the bulkhead seating area which usually costs a bit more, but some airlines (still) don’t charge for this (which is nice!) Hope I actually helped and didn’t confuse you further!

No no no no no.

Do not fly with your baby unless you have no choice — as in you’re moving or emigrating. Do not torture hundreds of people for hours and hours because you can’t accept that babies have no self-control and that this will affect your life for some time.

I am a mother. I have needs, and I take care of them. I also recognize that I live in a society with other people. When my child was an infant, she was a big screamer for a long time. So here’s what I did: I recognized that there would be many years in which I could sit for hours in coffeeshops, and fly places with my child, but that this was not that time.

A few days ago I was on a two-hour flight with an infant who screamed like its parents were strangling and beating it for an hour. Every damn person on that plane had to share in the anxiety and unhappiness for a solid half hour at each end. It became clear that the baby was reacting to cabin pressurization and depressurization — its ears hurt, poor thing, and all because its parents were so selfish that they couldn’t wait a while to jet off again.

Some of the people on that flight may have needed sleep. Some may have been traveling with migraines, or nausea, or some other kind of pain worsened by having to listen to screaming that went on and on and on. NOBODY needed the stress those two parents generated by bringing their infant along.

DON’T DO IT. It’s selfish and anti-social. Wait till your child is older and can travel well — you’ll enjoy your family vacations then without making everyone else pay.

Might I suggest these for the next time you have to venture out into society: Noise Cancelling Headphones

Hello Corinne

Nice Article you share with us.

Needs to know you What to pack in the diaper bag ???

Diapers – 03 – 04 depending on how long the journey is. More if your baby has looses or poops more often than others. Wet wipes – Buy a small pack for travelling purposes or keep aside a packet of wet wipes that has been used 75% to optimise the space in your bag. Washcloth – 2 or 3 2 X Change of clothes for the baby to be on the safe side (depends on how long the flight is). Cap in case it gets cold for the baby in the flight Extra blanket Medicines – as mentioned above Small pack of baby cream Rattles Pacifier Expressed breast milk in a bottle (if you don’t want to breastfeed on the flight) or formula, if formula fed. Bib, if carrying feed in a bottle. Mosquito roll on or patches, for travelling after. Hand sanitiser Nursing bib or shrug, if not wearing already. Comb and other essentials Hand cream for the mother (you can use the baby cream as well) Lip balm for the mother Small bottle of drinking water (use when water not available at the airport or flight). Wet bag (for soiled clothes or if using cloth diapers). Nursing pads for the mother 2 zip locs, just in case Any other essentials of the mother (carry your essentials also in the diaper bag and travel light). Mosquito net for the stroller / car seat for travel later. Ring Sling, if you’re a baby wearing mother. Change of clothes for yourself and the person accompanying you (if).

Hi Corinne,

I read everything what your respond to concerning mothers for their infant child.

All of it made sense. I’m the GrandPa of my granddaughter… thanks for the advise your answered does answered the questions.. 🙂

Have a good day ma’am… GrandPa

Hi, I’m new to this site but it all seems so insightful we are planning a trip to Vegas for October because my husband has a conference there so we decided to bring my friend that has a baby 12 days younger than my own to help with baby and watch her for a night or two while were there my question is if were only taking a taxi to get to and from the airport do I need to take a carseat my biggest dilemma being that it would then mean wed have to take two cabs 3 adults and 2 6mo olds

Hi Bethany! As strange as it may sound, it’s perfectly legal in most cities to ride in the back seat of a taxi with a baby or toddler on your lap. So there is really no need to bring a car seat if you would just be doing those two trips and you are comfortable with the idea of doing that.

However, I’m sure in Vegas you would be able to hire a car service or arrange for other airport transfer services like a shuttle bus. With the car service you could likely arrange to have one with a car seat installed. With a shuttle bus, car seats typically can’t be installed anyway.

Hope this helps and have a wonderful trip!

I have recently booked a flight, hopefully this prepares me enough for the flight !

Tell us how it goes, Lana! Have a great trip and stay safe 🙂

So helpful Corinne! Our first flight with baby is a casual 6 hour flight. We have our work cut out for us! These tips were helpful to make me feel a bit more at ease in the planning.

Have a great trip!

” Flying with a baby is a major headache on its own. I wouldn’t say I like flying as it is, but things become all the more difficult with a baby. “

I really like your site and it has been very helpful in preparing for our trip.

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Infant and toddler health

Is air travel safe for an infant?

Air travel is typically safe for most healthy, full-term infants after the first few weeks. Air travel may not be a good idea for babies born before their due date, called premature or pre-term.

Babies born early may still need time for their lungs to mature. So check with a healthcare professional before flying in a pressurized cabin or visiting high-altitude places.

And any infant with heart or lung problems should be cleared for air travel by a healthcare professional.

As you plan your trip, here are some things to keep in mind, such as the baby's age, your health and some basics of flying.

The baby's age, overall health

Experts caution against flying in the first seven days after a baby is born. Some healthcare professionals suggest not traveling for the first few months.

In general, babies and adults face the same risk of exposure to illness from travel. But a baby's immune system is still learning how to protect against germs. And in most cases, a baby's illness needs to be more closely watched by a healthcare professional.

Caregiver health and planning

It is important for caregivers to think about their own health too. Flying with a child can cause added sleep loss and stress. And adults are at risk for new germs and illness, as well.

Finding out what illnesses are spreading in your area and where you're going can help you prepare and take thoughtful action. And basic things like handwashing are even more important to prevent the spread of germs while traveling.

The baby's ears

Offering a baby something to suck on may help relieve the baby's ear discomfort. You can offer the baby a breast, bottle or pacifier to suck on during takeoff and the start of the landing process. It might help to try to time feedings so that your baby is hungry during these times.

Ask a healthcare professional when it's safe to fly with babies who have had ear surgery or an ear infection.

Also, airplane cabin noise levels are loud, mainly during takeoff. Cotton balls, noise-canceling headphones or small earplugs may limit your baby's exposure to this noise. This may help make it easier for your baby to sleep.

The baby's safety seat

Most infant car seats are certified for air travel. Airlines often allow infants to ride on a caregiver's lap during flight. But the Federal Aviation Administration recommends that infants ride in properly secured safety seats.

If you choose not to purchase a ticket for your infant, ask about open seats when you board the plane. It's possible an open seat could be assigned to your infant.

Don't be tempted to give your baby medicine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others), to help the baby sleep during the flight. The practice isn't recommended, and sometimes the medicine can have the opposite effect.

Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.

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Jana LA, et al. Flying the family-friendly skies. In: Heading Home With Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality. 4th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2020. https://www.aap.org/en/shopaap. Accessed Oct. 30, 2023.
Newborn-flying and mountain travel. Pediatric Patient Education. https://publications.aap.org/patiented. Accessed Oct. 30, 2023.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Traveling safely with infants & children. In: CDC Yellow Book 2024. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/family/infants-and-children. Accessed Oct. 30, 2023.
AskMayoExpert. Infant Fever. Accessed Nov. 18, 2023.
Schmitt BD. Pediatric Telephone Protocols: Office Version. 17th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2021.
Child safety on airplanes. Federal Aviation Administration. https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children/. Accessed Nov. 18, 2023.

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Safety & Prevention

Flying with Baby: Parent FAQs

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By: Claire McCarthy, MD, FAAP & Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP

Taking a baby on a plane is something that most parents approach with caution. Infants and air travel can both be unpredictable, and they don't always mix well. But some advanced planning and preparation can help make for a better experience for your baby, for you, and for everyone else on the plane.

Here are answers to some questions you may have before traveling with an infant, along with tips for a smoother and safer flight.

When is my baby old enough to fly on an airplane?

Generally, you should avoid flying with your newborn until they are at least 7 days old. Ideally, wait until your baby is two or three months old to fly. Air travel (and being in crowded airports) can increase a newborn's risk of catching an infectious disease.

Should my baby sit on my lap during the flight?

Ideally, no. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) doesn't require a ticket for children under the age of 2 years. But that means your baby will be on your lap. If there is turbulence, or worse, it may not be physically possible to protect your baby in your arms. Turbulence is the number one cause of children's injuries on an airplane.

If you do not buy a ticket for your child, you may want to ask if your airline will let you use an empty seat where you can install a car seat for your baby. If your airline's "lap baby" policy allows this, avoid the busiest travel days and times to increase your odds of finding an empty seat next to you.

The safest way for baby to fly

The safest way for your baby to fly is in a child safety restraint ―an FAA-approved car seat or airplane harness device . It should be approved for your child's age and size, and installed with the airplane's seat belt. Booster seats cannot be used on airplanes during flight.

Infants weighing less than 20 pounds should be buckled into a rear-facing car seat during airplane travel.
Children who weigh 20 to 40 pounds should be restrained in a car seat. They should not be switched to using just the airplane's lap belt until they reach at least 40 pounds.

There is an FAA-approved alternative to using a car seat on an airplane called the Child Aviation Restraint System ( CARES ). This airplane safety harness is not meant for infants, however. It is designed for use by toddlers (22 to 44 pounds) and only on airplanes.

Should I bring our car seat on the plane with us? Does that count as luggage?

Car seats, booster seats, and strollers generally don't count as luggage, but policies vary by airline; check with yours before flying. In most cases they can be checked at the gate, where the risk of damage may be lower, at no cost. Consider packing the car seat in a protective bag or box. If your baby has their own airplane seat, bring your car seat with you.

Not all car seats are certified for use in airplanes.

Make sure a label on the car seat says: "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."

Which seat on the plane is best for a baby?

Look for rows on the plane with more space , like the bulkhead. Exit rows are out, for safety reasons.

Choose a seat closer to the window, if possible . Aisle seats can be risky for babies during beverage service. Hot drinks being passed to passengers can spill and cause burns , and their little arms and legs can be caught by passing carts. Aisle seats are also closer to falling overhead bin items. If you use a car seat, most airlines require that they be installed in a window seat.

Ensure that your baby's seat is next to you on the plane. Visit the U.S. Department of Transportation Airline Family Seating Dashboard for tips. It shows which airlines guarantee adjacent seats for children under age 13 traveling with an adult at no extra fee.

Is there a way my baby can lie down flat on long flights?

Buckling your baby into a car seat or safety restraint remains the safest option. However, there are other options available to help baby sleep comfortably, especially on long-haul flights.

Airline bassinets. Some airlines offer airline bassinets attached to the plane's bulkhead wall―the wall behind the galley, or toilets or another cabin. In some premium cabins, they can be built into the seat compartment to use in bulkhead rows. Most airline bassinets require the baby to be under 6 months old and/or 20 pounds, and not yet able to sit up unassisted. These bassinets are sometimes called "skycots" or baskets.

Sleeper seat . For an added fee, some international airlines let you book three seats in a row with locking seat extensions. This creates a "sky couch" or sleeper-seat big enough for both parent and child. Some airlines also offer "lie-flat" and "flat-bed" seats.

Inflatable seat extenders . Some airlines let you bring your own inflatable, individual seat extension for your baby to snooze on lying down. Not all airlines permit these to be used, though, so check ahead of time. Your child will need their own seat to use one.

Note: For all options above, your baby would still need to be buckled into a car seat or held on your lap during takeoff, turbulence and landing.

Safe sleep practices still apply on the airplane.

If your baby sleeps on your lap during the flight: stay alert and check on your baby often. Make sure they can breathe easily, and their face is uncovered.
If your baby sleeps on another device during the flight: check that it is firm and flat, with no soft bedding. (See, " How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe .")

Will I be able to get liquid formula or expressed breast milk through security?

Yes, but you have to follow the reasonable quantities rules. This means you're exempt from the 3-1-1 rule limiting liquids to 3.4 ounces (100 mL).

Pack formula, expressed breastmilk, or water for mixing with powder separately and be ready to let the TSA know you have it. You may ask that they not go through the x-ray machine (although this shouldn't cause a health problem). Visit the TSA website for more information.

Any tips for keeping my baby comfortable and content on the plane?

Dress your baby in layers. The temperature in a plane can vary widely, especially if you are stuck waiting on a runway. So, dress your baby in layers of clothing. As you pick out clothing , choose outfits that make diaper changing in a small space easier. Also, pack a change of clothes or two, in case turbulence hits during a diaper change or when you are feeding. Bring plastic bags for soiled clothing.

Be ready for ear pain during take-off and landing. During takeoff and landing, changes in pressure between the outer ear and middle ear can cause discomfort. If your baby has had ear surgery or an ear infection in the past two weeks, ask their doctor if it's OK to fly. Having babies drink from the breast or a bottle, or suck on a pacifier, can help. If your child has a cold or ear infection, a dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help; check with your doctor for the right amount to give your child.

Reduce jet engine noise exposure . Airplane cabin noise hovers around 100 decibels, and is even louder during takeoff. Using cotton balls, small earplugs, or noise-canceling headphones may help to decrease the decibel level your baby is exposed to, and also make it easier for them to sleep or relax.

Keep in mind that sleeping babies are easier for everyone. If possible, travel at a time when your baby naturally sleeps. Or, onsider trying to put off a nap until it's time to fly. Flight delays can cause this to backfire if your exhausted baby decides to scream instead of sleep. But it may be worth a try.

Do not use diphenhydramine, or Benadryl, to help your baby sleep without talking to your doctor.

This medication can have serious side effects , especially if repeated doses are given on long flights. If you get the go-ahead and appropriate dose from your doctor, try it at home first. Some children react to the medicine by getting more awake instead of sleepy.

Consider a diaper change right before boarding the plane. A dry baby is a happy baby. Fortunately, when you do need to change a diaper in-flight, many planes have restroom changing tables . If yours doesn't, ask a flight attendant if there is a spot where you can spread out your changing pad. Some parents resort to diaper-changing on the closed toilet seat. If you try this, be sure to have a hand on your baby at all times and pack a disposable changing pad. Plan for delays; pack plenty of supplies.

Bring distractions . Pack some toys and books and be ready to play with your baby the entire time. A tablet with videos can be a good backup if the toys and books aren't helping anymore (we don't encourage entertainment media for children under the age of 2 , but desperate times can sometimes call for desperate measures).

Don't let the glares get to you . Despite the best advanced planning and efforts, babies cry sometimes. Know that you did, and are doing, all you can. At that point, one of the best ways you can calm your baby may be to stay calm yourself. And remember that for every person who is glaring at you, there are plenty of people who have been through it themselves and have lots of sympathy.

Ask for help . Arrange for your airline to help you if you need help making a connecting flight. Carrying a child safety restraint, your baby and luggage through a busy airport can be challenging.

Does my baby need a passport for international travel?

Yes. All U.S. citizens, including infants, need a current passport to travel internationally. Parents or guardians need to apply with their baby in person using the form DS-11 . Be sure to bring your baby's birth certificate and a photo taken within the last 6 months.

Passport photos must be taken with nobody else in the photo, which can be tricky with infants. To do this safely if your baby can't sit up yet , lay them on their back on a plain white blanket or sheet to ensure head support without having to hold them. Another option is covering a car seat with the sheet and taking a picture with your child in it.

What about domestic flights?

A valid passport is usually the only identification your baby will need to fly on a domestic flight, unless you need to show proof of age for a discounted child fare. Check with your airline before you leave. Note: Children under age 18 will not be required to get a Real ID .

What is the best time of day to fly with a baby?

It is hard to say whether flying during the day or night with a baby is better. After the first few weeks, some infants may sleep more reliably at nighttime than they do during naptime travel. If you and your baby can sleep on the plane, a late-night flight may be the way to go.

More information

Travel Safety Tips

Holiday Travel Tips

Flying With Children Safely (FAA.gov)

Tips for Families and Links to Airline Webpages (U.S. Department of Transportation)

Destination-Specific Vaccine Recommendations for Travelers—Including Travelers with Children (CDC.gov)

Flying with a 6 Month Old Baby

Flying with a 6 month old soon and worried how it will go? The first time we flew with our baby we were super worried, too. Now that our 6 month old has been on 7 flights we have gotten the hang of it and are excited to share our updated tips with you!

Most of what we wrote about flying with a 4 month old baby is still relevant for flying with a 6 month old. However we are adding age-specific tips for 6 month olds in this post to make your trip as easy and stress-free as possible.

If this is your first time flying with your baby, rest-assured that flying with a 6 month old will probably be easier than you think!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you purchase something after clicking one of these links, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Flying with a 6 month old – What to know when purchasing tickets:

1. lap-held infant charges.

Babies under 2 years old generally fly free domestically – that means you can save some money when flying with a 6 month old! However, on international flights, airlines generally charge an infant fare even if the infant is lap-held. The fare is usually 10% of the adult fare , plus possible taxes and fees. Check your airline’s policies before booking.

For example, when we flew to the USA, the infant charge was only $20. It was charged when we checked in at the airport in Canada.

2. Booking your infant ticket

Even if there is no charge for a lap-held infant, you will still need to book an infant ticket when flying with your 6 month old. Note that not all booking sites allow you to book an infant ticket online and instead require that you call in.

If you have a connecting flight, ensure you have adequate time between flights, especially when traveling internationally. When you are traveling with a 6 month old, you can’t maneuver through the airport as quickly . If you are pushing a stroller, then you will have to search for the elevators and wait for them, rather than just being able to take the escalators/stairs. This definitely adds on extra time.

Also, going through security with a 6 month old takes extra time as they have to examine your stroller/car seat and milk!

3. Adult to baby ratio

Each adult is only allowed one lap-held infant . So, if you are flying with a 6 month old set of twins, you will need to have another adult accompany you! However, some countries allow 2 infants per adult as long as only one is lap-held – check your airline’s policies when booking.

4. Car seats

If you would like your 6 month old to fly in their car seat or have their own seat to themselves you will need to purchase a ticket at the full adult price.

5. Choosing your seats wisely

Infants are not allowed to sit in the emergency exit rows (sorry to those hoping for the extra space!) If you would like some extra space when flying with your 6 month old, consider booking the bulkhead seats . You can lay out a blanket in front of you for your 6 month old to stretch out a bit during the flight. Some airlines even have bassinets that you can use on longer flights.

If you have a fussy baby like us, consider sitting towards the back of the plane. We found this is preferable if you need to get up to bounce your baby to calm them down. This way you can stand at the back of the plane and not crowd the aisle. Also, the sound of the engine can act as white noise to calm your baby. Plus, you will be closer to the bathrooms if you need to change your baby.

6. Aisle or window seat?

If you are breastfeeding, you may prefer the window seat. I found that I had more privacy to feed my 6 month old and she didn’t get as distracted. She also loved looking out the window. However, having the aisle seat makes it easier to get up and use the bathroom.

Baby sleeping on airplane in wrap carrier

If you are flying with someone else, consider booking the window seat for you and the aisle seat for the other person. That way you may not end up having anyone seated between you. If you do, they will likely happily switch with one of you. We’ve always found that the flight attendants try to keep the middle seat open for us, anyway, as long as the flight is not sold out.

7. Time of day

Try to book your flights around your baby’s sleep times . Since our 6 month old baby typically wakes up around 9am and is happiest in the morning, we find booking early morning flights works best for us. This way she is more likely to nap most of the flight.

Alternatively, you can book an overnight flight . We chose not to do this as we wanted to be well-rested and trying to sleep while holding a 6 month old doesn’t result in the best rest.

How to pack when flying with your 6 month old:

1. pack wisely.

Try to carry on as little as possible and check the rest. You will already have your hands full flying with your 6 month old!

Remember that in addition to your usual maximum carry on luggage allowance, you are sometimes allowed additional carry on items for your baby – check with your airline to determine which additional items are allowed (diaper bag, stroller, etc). Depending on the airline you may get an additional checked bag for your infant as well.

For example, when we flew West Jet I was allowed an extra diaper bag for baby, but with Alaska Airlines I was not allowed any additional carry on items.

All I carried on was my Matt and Nat diaper bag and it fit everything I needed! I fit all of baby’s essentials in it, as well as my wallet, our passports and phone charger. I love that it is fashionable and doesn’t look like a diaper bag. It has so many compartments in it to keep organized, and it even comes with a changing mat!

2. Pack your baby’s essentials in their carry on bag:

diapers (pack twice as much as you think you will need in case of delays!)
disinfecting wipes
teething toys
pacifier x 2
medicine (any prescriptions, Tylenol/Advil, probiotics )
baby toothbrush (if they have have teeth already!)
extra baby outfit x 2
extra parent outfit
wet-bag/garbage bag (for soiled clothes)
changing mat
swaddle blanket (can double as a breastfeeding cover, if desired)
wrap carrier
breast pump (if needed)
nursing tank top (if needed)

Note: Milk and baby food are not subject to the 100ml allowance – you can bring as much as you like when flying with your 6 month old! Gel ice packs are allowed as well.

We were super happy we packed all these things as we once missed our connecting flight! So those extra diapers and milk came in handy!

Wondering what toys to pack? Check out The Best Travel Toys for Babies

3. pack everything else in your checked luggage:.

extra diapers
extra wipes
clothes to last the trip
bottle cleaning supplies ( drying rack , bottle brushes and dish soap )
diaper cream
white noise machine
backseat mirror

Checking into the airport with your 6 month old:

1. make sure you have all of your baby’s necessary documents.

Your 6 month old will need a passport if you are traveling internationally . Otherwise you can use their birth certificate (you do not need to have a photo ID).

Important note: If your baby has a Canadian passport DO NOT sign it for them. This makes it invalid! When we were checking in for our flight in the USA, the desk agent instructed me to sign our baby’s passport in order to make it valid. However this is not the case for Canadians ! Make sure you check your country’s infant passport signature policy .

If you are traveling without the other parent make sure to bring a notarized letter of consent confirming you are allowed to do so.

2. Gate check your stroller and car seat

When you check in, let them know if you are planning to gate check your stroller and car seat. They will give you a tag to put on your stroller and car seat, and tear off the claim tickets for you to hold onto.

We definitely recommend gate checking your stroller and car seat to minimize damage to them! The less time spent on the conveyor belt going through the airport, the less the likelihood of rough-handling and damage. I’ve heard from a lot of parents that their stroller was damaged when they checked it in so we didn’t want to risk it.

Also, if you have a connecting flight, it’s nice to have your stroller/car seat available to use in between flights. And in case you miss your connection, like we did!

Going through airport security with your 6 month old:

1. wear your baby in a carrier.

I recommend using a wrap carrier as it is lightweight and folds up small. My favorite is my Baby K’tan wrap as I can easily throw it in my diaper bag when not in use. It is super easy to put on and quickly get baby in and out since there is no tying involved ! Perfect for traveling!!

Our 6 month old is still pretty tiny and still loves the wrap carrier. However if you have a bigger baby and would like more support, you could go for a more structured carrier like the Ergo or Lillebaby .

They allowed me to walk through the scanner while wearing baby but warned me they would have to physically pat us both down afterwards. The stroller and car seat were examined separately and swabbed.

2. Separate your milk to be inspected

Once we got to security I put my diaper bag in the bin, separated out my bag of milk and informed security about it. They place it in a special scanner and swab the outside of the containers.

Note: Allow extra time for security screening! Some airports have designated family security lanes. It can take more time since everyone is having their milk, food and strollers inspected carefully.

I brought 2 bottles full of milk, plus extra milk in storage bags , all placed inside an insulated bag . I also brought my manual breast pump and milk collector .

If your 6 month old is eating purees , you can bring these through as well. They will just need to be inspected along with the milk.

Note: Some airports have fancy new scanners that don’t require you to take your milk out of your bags! This was the case in the Phoenix airport.

3. Use your stroller to carry your bags

After going through security, I kept our 6 month old in the wrap and used the stroller to carry our bags. My baby stayed more calm this way and helped get her sleepy for the flight.

Boarding the plane with your baby:

1. get your items ready to check at the gate.

Ensure your gate check tags are on your stroller and car seat.

We chose to buy a special bag to protect our car seat . It worked really well and we definitely recommend it! The bag has an easy drawstring closure, a carry handle and a spot to write your name on it. When not in use, it folds up nice and small. It’s inexpensive on Amazon !

Our stroller comes with its own carry case and it’s so perfect for traveling. It folds up nice and small and is approved to fit in airplane cabin storage! We definitely felt more at ease having our stroller on board with us rather than checking it.

2. Listen for family boarding time

Most airlines allow families to board the plane before general boarding starts. It usually occurs after priority boarding . However you can ask the gate agent ahead of time when they will call family boarding to ensure you don’t miss it.

We chose to take advantage of the early boarding to ensure there was enough cabin space for our bags and stroller by our seats. Not being rushed allowed us to stay calm and thus keep baby calm as well.

Usually a flight attendant will come around and go over the take off and landing procedures for you and your baby.

Flying with your 6 month old:

1. keep your baby sucking during takeoff and landing.

To ensure baby doesn’t have trouble with ear pain , make sure they are sucking during takeoff and landing to help pop their ears and alleviate pressure. Our baby happily sucked on her pacifier during takeoff and landing. Her favorite kind is the Avent Soothie brand.

Flying with a 4 month old - relieve ear pressure

People will recommend that you feed baby on takeoff and landing but some flight attendants tell you not to. They instruct you to place baby in the burp position while taking off and landing . I’m sure once the plane is already taking off no one would stop you from feeding your baby, though. However we found that the pacifier worked just fine and she didn’t have any issues with her ears!

2. Sanitize your area

If your 6 month old is anything like ours, they love putting everything in their mouth! We brought disinfecting wipes to wipe down the tray tables and armrests, as well as all purpose wipes for any toys that will inevitably drop and get dirty.

We also used this pacifier clip to keep it from falling and getting lost. If your 6 month old has started teething like ours, this one is great as they can also chew on the beaded strap. Our baby actually seems more interested in chewing the strap these days rather than sucking on the pacifier!

3. Diaper changes

For some reason, our 6 month old always seems to poop just before boarding the plane or upon takeoff! The lavatories do have change tables, but not all of them . When the flight attendants go over takeoff procedures with you they will usually inform you where the change tables are located, but just ask if not. They are usually only in the lavatories in the back of the plane.

Since airplane bathrooms are cramped enough as is, don’t bother taking your whole diaper bag with you. Just take a diaper, wipes and changing mat .

4. Keep baby entertained!

If you are lucky like we were on our first flight, baby will sleep on the plane! But if they are wide awake, keep them constantly entertained so they don’t get bored and fussy.

We started off by pointing out all the new things on the plane – looking out the window , looking through photos in the on board magazines , smiling at nearby passengers, etc. She was actually really entertained with all the pictures in the magazines.

Then we gave baby some familiar toys to play with. Her current favorites at 6 months old are anything that she can chew on and/or makes noise! Right now her most favorite is her Meiya and Alvin bunny ! It is cuddly and she loves to gnaw on its rubber ears.

She also loves this soft Disney baby book . The front page is made of crinkle paper which she loves! And it has a hard plastic teething edge which she loves to chew on, and a squeak ball on the back page.

She also likes chewing on her baby toothbrush 🙂 She has two teeth already so it is perfect for getting her used to brushing her teeth!

Once she got bored, we introduced a new toy . We gave her Sophie the giraffe – its popular for a reason! It is easy for her to hold, has all kinds of interesting shapes to chew on and it squeaks!

Our go to toy when she gets fussy is this rainmaker toy. She gets super fascinated with it and snaps out of a meltdown! It’s also not super loud and annoying so it is perfect for the airplane.

Once she was showing signs of being sleepy again, we gave her a pacifier and she fell asleep. I propped her up using my neck pillow on the armrest or just put her back in the wrap. To be honest, though, having your 6 month old baby sleep on you in an airplane seat will not be comfy.

Upon arrival:

1. don’t forget your gate checked items.

Your gate checked items will be waiting for you when you exit the plane , not on the luggage carousel, so make sure you wait for them!

If you have a connecting flight, you will need to re-check the items at the next gate, unless you indicated beforehand that you wanted to check the items to your final destination . We chose not to check them to our final destination so that we could still use the stroller and car seat in the airport during our layover.

2. Look for family bathrooms

Most airports have designated family bathrooms. We found these very useful as they are more spacious and both Ryan and I could freshen up our 6 month old and ourselves.

We made sure to change her diaper again, freshen her up and change her into new clothes before heading off to our next destination.

If you are nursing, have a look for designated nursing rooms/pods if you would like some privacy. I was able to find them at the airports in Seattle, Vancouver and Phoenix.

Useful items for flying with a 6 month old:

These were all the items we brought with us on our flight that we found useful!

Babyzen Yoyo Stroller (compact and lightweight)
Nuna Pipa Carseat (lightweight, attaches to the Yoyo stroller and can be used without the base)
Baby K’Tan wrap carrier (lightweight and no tying involved)
J.L. Childress Gate Check Travel Bag (protects car seat)
Matt & Nat Diaper Bag
Disney Princess Soft Book
Rainmaker toy
Meiya and Alvin The Bunny Snuggly
Sophie The Giraffe
Skip Hop Elephant Chime and Teether Stroller Toy (keeps baby totally entertained in the stroller!)
Baby Banana Infant Training Toothbrush
Avent Soothie Pacifiers
Pacifier Clip (we love this one because it is great for teething babies)
Boon Trip Travel Drying Rack
Lysol Disinfecting wipes
Dapple All Purpose Travel Size Wipes
Skip Hop Portable Changing Mat
Skip Hop Stroll & Go Portable Baby Sleep Soother (we use this white noise machine during bedtime routine at home so brought it to keep the consistency)
Babyganics Foaming Dish and Bottle Soap
Avent Milk Storage bags (sturdy, non-leak bags for bringing extra milk)
Skip Hop Insulated Milk Bag
Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump (quiet, lightweight, can use anywhere)
Avent Single Electric Comfort Breast Pump (compact and can run on batteries)
Skip Hop Style Driven Backseat Mirror (helpful if you are renting a car at your destination)

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We hope this guide has been helpful in preparing you for flying with your 6 month old! Good luck and have fun!! And if you have any tips to add, please do share in the comments below 🙂

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12 tips on how to travel internationally with a baby

Traveling with an infant is already an adventure -- and traveling abroad with one is an even bigger feat to tackle.

Knowing the rules, researching and prepping ahead of time and packing the right things can make (or break) your first international trip with a baby. If you're in the know, you can take advantage of all the options afforded to traveling families, from bassinets on the plane and security shortcuts to special infant fares and other perks.

Covering everything from booking and documents to travel insurance and even jet lag, this guide provides everything you need to prepare for an international trip with your baby.

Get your baby's passport

Before you get too far into planning a trip abroad, you'll need to get your baby's first passport .

While you're at it, make sure everyone else in the family has a valid passport, too. Remember, U.S. passports for children under 16 expire after five years, not 10 years like adult passports. Also, make sure everyone's passport isn't nearing expiration. Many countries require three or six months of validity to enter, which effectively means that child passports are really only valid for 4 1/2 years, which go quickly.

When getting a passport for your baby , here are the main steps to follow:

Get their birth certificate.
Find out where to apply.
Make an appointment. You'll need to go in person and bring your baby with you.
Take their passport photo. It can be difficult to get a photo of your baby. Rules for photos state that the child/baby should be looking directly at the camera with a natural smile or neutral look. If you can manage to get the baby's eyes to stay open, that's typically enough for their first passport photo. The background should be white and the size 2 by 2 inches with no filters. Within that size, your baby/child's head needs to be 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. If you're struggling to get everything just right, the ItsEasy App can help you crop and size your photo to the correct dimensions.
Gather the paperwork. Fill out Form DS-11 and take your baby's birth certificate plus photocopies of each document. Bring a couple of photos, a valid ID for each parent, a photocopy of parental IDs and the fee (you can pay by check). Fees are currently $100 for the passport and $35 for processing.
Attend the appointment in person with both parents present . If only one parent can go, fill out and bring parental consent form DS-3053 plus a copy.

Get your baby Global Entry

If you already have Global Entry , you won't be able to use the service as a family if your little ones don't have it. So, get a start on your baby's application. Or, if this is something your whole family wants to do, apply simultaneously, making expiration dates and renewals easier to complete for everyone at the same time.

Do note that with TSA PreCheck , kids 12 and under won't need to have their own number to accompany parents through these special security lanes -- but that's not true for Global Entry, which you use to return to the U.S.

Check with your doctor

Check with your pediatrician to see when your baby can start flying.

To give you an idea, TPG talked to Dr. Jenny Yu , medical director at Healthline , to find out when it's typically safe for babies to travel. "While babies typically develop their immune system around 1 month, most pediatricians would recommend waiting until 3 to 6 months for travel," she said. For premature babies, it might be a little longer.

Also, with international travel, it's important to factor in any additional vaccines they might need, especially if you're traveling to emerging countries. Start by checking with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for recommendations on which vaccines both adults and babies should get, then talk with your pediatrician to see what is best for your family, baby and travel situation.

Other important questions to ask your doctor should be if your baby can wear sunblock or mosquito repellent and how to keep your baby and your whole family safe from tropical or waterborne diseases, COVID-19 and any other possible infections, which can depend highly on your destination.

Pick the right destination

Whether it's a far-flung visit to Asia, a trip to visit family in Europe, a Caribbean escape or an African safari, you can travel anywhere with a baby as long as you and your family feel comfortable doing so. Choose a destination that makes you feel joy, not anxiety or stress at the thought of getting there and enjoying it with your baby.

Consider things like the activities you want to do, and if the destination is a place that feels welcoming for families. Also think about logistics, like the language barrier, climate and local transportation, when deciding if that particular destination is right for your family.

Book tickets

Depending on how old your baby is, you have some options when flying abroad with them. Here are a few to consider:

Lap infant: If your baby is under 2 years old, they don't need their own seat. They can instead sit on the lap of a ticketed adult. For international travel, some airlines charge 10% to 30% of the adult ticket price or just the taxes and fees for a lap infant, and some airlines don't charge anything at all. This table shows the costs by airline to buy your baby a lap ticket. Make sure to check on luggage policies when traveling with a lap infant. Most airlines allow for a stroller and car seat checked free of charge. You may also be able to check or carry on additional baggage, too, but more on that later.
Bassinet for lap infant: Many airlines have bassinet options, especially aboard larger aircraft that fly internationally. See if you can select this option while booking or call the airline for more information on securing a bassinet. Bassinets are usually free, but given to those who request them first. Ask for one right after booking to ensure you'll be assigned a seat with one when available. In most cases, bassinet weight limits max out at 20 to 24 pounds, so they're best for smaller babies and newborns.
Extra seat with car seat or restraint for babies 2 years and up: If your baby is older than 2 years, you must pay for their seat. Many airlines have discounted tickets for children. If the child weighs more than 44 pounds, they won't need any additional restraint system within their own seat. If they weigh less than 44 pounds, see the information on a certified child restraint or car seat below.
Additional seat with car seat or restraint for babies under 2: If your baby is less than 2 years old, you can still book them their own seat. In fact, the Federal Aviation Administration suggests that children under 44 pounds wear an FAA-approved harness (such as the CARES harness ) or certified child restraint to help keep them safe during turbulence, takeoff and landing. Make sure to check your car seat to see if there is an FAA-approved sticker on it.

It's worth noting that car seat, bassinet and harness options and policies vary wildly by airline and class of service. For more information on these policies by airline, read this article on 23 airline car seat and bassinet policies around the world .

Note that when booking seats for your family on an international flight, there are areas where kids and babies are not allowed to sit, like exit rows. Malaysia Airlines doesn't allow babies in its first-class cabins on A380 and 747 aircraft. Some international airlines such as AirAsia, Scoot and IndiGo also have kid-free and quiet zones where families with babies and children under a certain age (usually 10 or 12) aren't allowed to sit.

Additionally, if your baby is closer to 2 years old, you might want to compare the price of a lap ticket to the price of getting them their own seat. Sometimes, the price difference may not be that much, and it could make the flight more comfortable for the entire family.

Organize documents, including visas and COVID-19 forms

Passports aren't the only documents you'll need for international travel these days. Check to see if you and your baby need a visa to enter whatever country you're visiting. If you're traveling without your partner, look into completing a Child Consent Form.

Have proof of vaccines, complete any health forms and entry forms and take those COVID-19 tests if required to enter the country. Be clear on if your baby or children need to wear masks during the flight and plan accordingly. While babies 2 and up need to wear masks on board U.S. airlines, international airlines have different rules. For example, Iberia only requires children 6 and up to wear masks. Presently, British Airways has made masking up for all passengers a "personal choice" when not required by international law. We expect these rules to continue to rapidly evolve.

It's worth checking what documents you need for the trip when booking and again before traveling to ensure that you have everything you need as rules and regulations frequently change, especially in this era of pandemic travel .

Understand luggage rules

Different airlines have varying rules for how much luggage you can take when traveling abroad, especially when traveling with lap infants or children/babies occupying their own seats. Most airlines allow you to check a stroller and/or car seat. Many also offer additional checked luggage, as well as a carry-on bag or item for the baby.

For example, British Airways allows both lap infants and children ages 2 and up to have a carry-on item and a checked bag in most cases, giving parents a little flexibility when bringing along all those key items babies need . Cathay Pacific allows lap infants two additional bags at 10 kilograms each when flying between most destinations.

If you aren't clear on the luggage rules, call the airline before traveling to confirm so you won't get stuck with any surprises or have to pay additional fees.

Know the rules for breast milk and formula

Thanks to the Friendly Airports for Mothers Improvement Act, all large- and medium-size airports in the U.S. now provide lockable, non-bathroom places to pump or nurse babies in every terminal and at least one men's and one women's restroom with changing tables in each terminal. This may not be the case abroad, so if you're concerned, research your destination airport to see what options are provided when it comes to these services.

You shouldn't have any issues flying with breast milk or formula on your outbound trip from the U.S. , as regular Transportation Security Administration liquid regulations don't apply to these special liquids. According to the TSA , "reasonable quantities" of these liquids are allowed, but you must take them out during screening for the security officer to test.

You can look up rules to see what's allowed when returning from your destination. For example, the United Kingdom allows breast milk past security in containers up to 2,000 milliliters. You can also take formula, milk and bottled water for the baby, but the baby must be present. In the European Union , you can take breast milk and formula through security and when flying as long as your baby is traveling with you.

Your airline may also provide clarity on these types of rules. Cathay Pacific, for example, states that breastfeeding is allowed during all phases of the flight, using an electric pump is allowed once electric devices can be switched on and travelers can even bring along suitably packed dry ice to refrigerate expressed milk, assuming it's declared during check-in.

According to some airlines, if you're taking a large breast pump along, this may count as a medical device and not be part of your carry-on allowance, but these regulations often aren't very clear. Contact your airline for more information and print out the rules in case you have any issues during security screening or boarding.

If you're traveling from a very obscure destination within an emerging country and you can't find answers about bringing breast milk, it may be best to have a Plan B in place, such as bringing along enough formula in powder form to last you for the flight or planning to pump or breastfeed in flight.

Should you want to ship your breast milk abroad, options are available for you depending on your destination, such as Maven Milk and Milk Stork .

Book accommodations

When booking accommodations in your destination abroad, take things into account like baby necessities, baby-friendly items, the option to do laundry and the availability to heat, cool and store milk and formula. Choosing a vacation rental instead of a hotel may be the right idea if you need more space, a kitchen and laundry facilities.

If your baby is eating solid foods, make sure there are restaurants or supermarkets nearby where you can get exactly what you need. Doing a little pre-trip research can help you feel confident and comfortable when traveling with your baby regardless of which hotel or home rental you choose to stay in.

Pack strategically

Packing with a baby can seem precarious, but it doesn't have to be. Just make sure you have enough of everything you need to get through the flight, plus a bit extra in case of delays or cancellations. For an exact list of everything you need to pack, see this article on how to pack -- and prepare -- for travel with a baby .

For extra-long flights, try to have everything to help your baby comfortably nap on hand, like a lovey, blanket, pacifier and more. Have changes of clothes on hand for the whole family in case of a messy situation, and enough layers for a plane that may be hot or chilly. A baby carrier can be key, too.

When packing for a trip abroad, the most important items to remember are everyone's passport, visa and key documents, plus anything essential that you know you can't get in another country. Babies live all over the world, so you can easily get items like diapers, wipes, formula and more anywhere. However, you may not find the exact brand you want, or if you're going somewhere rural or far-flung, like on a safari in Africa, you may want to bring enough for your entire trip.

For example, Enfamil, a popular baby formula brand, is found all over Europe and even in the Caribbean and Latin America. However, it may not be available in Africa or Asia, so do your homework.

If you're traveling with items that need to plug in to charge, like a breast pump, baby monitor or nightlight, bring converters if necessary. You can always rent baby items abroad, too, rather than lugging everything along with you. It's possible to preorder diapers and wipes in many destinations, as well.

Strongly consider travel insurance

Things happen. While getting the flu abroad may not be a big deal for an adult, a sick baby can be scary and stressful, especially if you're in a foreign country. Having travel insurance that covers accidents and emergencies -- and COVID-19, too -- can set your mind at ease and save the day if something happens.

Before travel, note where the nearest hospital or health care facilities are, as well as any international hospitals where staff may be more likely to speak English. Know exactly how to use your insurance, like what numbers to call or what to do if a situation arises. Check if any of your credit cards have travel insurance that may cover you and your family if things go awry.

Plan for jet lag

Jet lag stinks. Jet lag with a baby might be even worse. There are things you can do to make jet lag a little less stressful, though, especially when traveling abroad to very different time zones.

First, give yourselves a few days to adjust, planning big events later in the trip. Limit your baby's naps when possible. If your baby takes a five-hour nap, they definitely won't be sleeping through the night.

Shift mealtimes, naptimes and bedtimes to the new time zone as quickly as possible, getting daylight during the day and darkness at night, so internal clocks begin to adjust for the whole family. If the time zone difference is small, you may want to keep your baby on the original time zone to minimize disruption, especially for a shorter trip.

For more tips on combating jet lag with a baby in tow, read this guide on surviving jet lag with your baby .

Bottom line

Planning and taking an international trip with a baby can be simple and create memories for a lifetime if you prepare just right. With a little bit of extra research, you'll be armed with everything you need to know, do and bring to make your trip abroad smooth and hassle-free.

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6 Tips for Traveling with a 6-Month-Old

Traveling with infants is hard. Yes, even for this LGBT family with two hands-on Moms who in their pre-Mom days both flew over 50,000 miles a year.

My wife and I recently flew to New Orleans for Mardi Gras with our 6-month-old daughter. Sure, this could be considered a ludicrous first trip for an infant, but we figured if we could swing it in a land of raucous revelers on Bourbon Street, there’s no place we couldn’t go!

Beyond the obvious suggestions like feeding your little one a bottle or breast during takeoff and landing, here are my tips for traveling with an itty bitty in tow:

1. Use curbside check-in.

Nearly every major airport has curbside check-in which is a lifesaver when you plan to check bags and baby gear. We opted to bring her car seat (free to check on airlines), so we unloaded her and popped it in our travel bag right at the curb along with our other checked luggage.

My wife then parked the car and I waited with or little inside, schlepping only her and her diaper bag. Curbside check in is free for most airlines, but I advise tipping a few bucks a bag, because it’s just the right thing to do.

2. Splurge for a suite.

Bambinos clearly nap a lot and go to bed early. That means that unless you have a little one who can sleep anywhere (we don’t), when they sleep you will be shackled to a room with the lights off, tiptoeing around in silence. Since this gets old after about nap #1, pay the extra money for a suite. Your little one can sleep in peace and you can still feel like you are remotely human, sipping Cabernet and catching up on Netflix in the living room next door.

3. Bring beyond the basics.

Beyond all the things any reasonable parent would pack, here are a few unsung heroes I’d recommend:

Ready-to-use formula bottles: Although our daughter was still nursing, if you are stuck on the tarmac or in traffic, pre-mixed formula in mini bottles will get you through a hunger-induced screaming spell.
Dish soap: Bottles and breast pump parts won’t wash themselves on the road and you won’t want to opt for the bar soap in the hotel room.
Laundry detergent: Bring a little bottle full of laundry soap to wash out your little one’s clothes when she inevitably has a blowout, or four.
Snacks for yourself: Don’t forget that whenever your little one is sleeping you won’t have access to a fully-stocked fridge like home, so bring snacks for yourself to get you through some odd times, especially if you are still breastfeeding and consuming calories like a teenager running track.

4. Skip the stroller.

We gate checked our convertible travel stroller (each adult can gate check one stroller or car seat free of charge), but didn’t use it once the entire trip. Since our little nugget only weighs around 15 pounds, our can’t-live-without-carrier was much more convenient and felt safer when we wove through crowds on Bourbon Street. Because she’s at the age where she can face in or out, it also let her be a part of the party, or snuggle in.

5. Most hotels have cribs.

Call ahead to make sure your hotel has cribs and then happily leave your pack-n-play behind. Bring a crib sheet from home to make it feel cozy.

6. Don’t book a balcony room on Bourbon Street.

When booking our hotel room in New Orleans, these two cool chicks clutched to our pre-Mom getaways and thought, “How loud could a balcony room on Bourbon Street really be?” The answer is ridiculously loud. Resist the urge to opt for a room near the action, albeit the pool or the party street below, otherwise neither you or your little one will be able to sleep until the mayhem dies down. After one night we switched to an interior room and thankfully, our dream of vacationing regularly wasn’t ruined forever!

Pro tip: Don’t forget to ask for a credit if you downgrade rooms, most hotels will at least give you a resort credit you can use for parking or room service.

As a final thought for all the wanderlust-loving parents who are hesitant to take your little one on a plane or be away from the modern conveniences of our over-accessorized nurseries, just go for it. Yes, she will inevitably cry on the plane and you will be overwhelmed by both guilt and panic, but trust me, many of the people on the plane are parents themselves and will smile at you with a knowing look you will never forget. And if anyone has the audacity to throw you some shade, who cares—because you are out there showing your little one how amazing this great big world is!

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Posted on Last updated: April 1, 2024 Categories Family Travel Advice

By: Author Kate

The Best Age to Travel with a Baby

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“What is the best age to travel with a baby?”

I’ve been asked this question countless times by friends and family who know I’ve been brave (read: crazy) enough to travel with my young babies multiple times. 3 months? 6 months? 12 months? When is the best time to travel with a baby? Or REALLY, Is there any best time to travel with baby ? Is it CRAZY to even bother traveling with a baby? Am I going to feel like I am ‘just parenting’ in a tropical destination?! Will it be any fun??

We’ve traveled with our young ones at a variety of ages and I’m here to report back on the best age for baby to travel. I’ve summarized the pros and cons of each age group based on our experience of traveling with young kids. Of course, each baby is different, some babies ‘just sleep’ for the first three months and some (like mine) ‘just screams’ for the first three months. You never know when teething, developmental leaps or other (disastrous) baby phases are going to strike. So what age is best to travel with a baby? I do have a favorite age, so make sure to read through to the end to find out!

What is the best age for a baby to travel?

I have to say that we haven’t traveled much at the infant stage. The first three months with both my kids were a foggy blur that I mostly want to forget! The earliest we have traveled with our youngest son was 2.5 months and I was basically counting that as 3 months by then. For those with limited maternity leaves, this may be the best age to travel with baby simply because it may be the only time you have off! If you’re wondering when is the best time to travel with a newborn, I would recommend pushing it to as close to 10-12 weeks as possible!

Pros: 0-3 months

The baby will sleep a lot. Usually not when you want the baby to sleep, but nevertheless, he will be sleeping for most of the hours of the day.
Baby is completely immobile. Wherever you put the baby down is likely where they are going to stay. Put the baby in a beach tent with a mobile or play gym and enjoy the LUXURY of reading a book, or drinking a coffee while it’s hot!
This is the best age to fly with a baby. Forget about needing complicated busy bags, coloring books, stickers or other tricks to keep kids entertained on a plane . All a baby needs at this age is formula or breastmilk and a comfy spot to snooze. Flying at this age is almost as easy as when your kids learn to watch movies for 4 hours straight!

Cons: 0-3 months

You are still recovering from a baby exiting your body. Your life is one padsicle after another. I could barely manage a 5-minute walk let alone a beach vacation for a good 6 weeks after the birth of my first (c-section) and second (VBAC) babies.
Sleep deprivation. Although this got better with my second, the initial shock of sleep deprivation with my first was the worst. I remember people telling me ‘this too shall pass’ and I clearly remember wanting to punch those people in the face! Sleep deprivation sucks and being on vacation doesn’t help.
Potential illness. For us, this is the biggest reason we don’t travel much before three months. it’s not good when babies under 3 months get sick, their little immune system is not yet mature. I like to have at least the first set of immunizations done before we leave the country, especially if it’s a country with fewer healthcare resources. Since I live in Canada, where temperatures are pretty frigid for much of the year, I tend to want to leave the country when I travel!

The best age to vacation with baby?

We have traveled the most at this age with our littles. We have been to Costa Rica , Bahamas, and Mexico . Our friends over at Sailing Chance have even been to Italy with a baby this age – and the people of Italy were SO accomodating ! There are lots of different trips you can take at this age, all with their own set of pros and cons.

Pros: 3-6 months

Bring your breasts only. If your baby is exclusively breastfed, it’s super easy to travel at this age. No need to worry about food contamination or washing and sterilizing bottles. All you need are your breastst and you are good to go! My youngest also got formula supplementation and although washing bottles was a pain, it was still easier than when eating solids became an issue. I would bring the prepared formula bottles or the travel packs and use bottled water. I would use these microwave sterilizer bags or a sterilizer rented from the hotel or resort to keep the bottles sterilized.
Mostly immobile. Although some babies are rolling pretty well or even starting to crawl towards 6 months most are still pretty immobile. I definitely think the best time to travel with an infant is before they become mobile! My little ones were pretty happy to be parked in their stroller at a restaurant or at the beach. The sights and sounds and people were enough entertainment! If I try keeping my now 14-month-old in a stroller for more than 35 seconds and I’m doomed.
(Still) sleeps a lot . 3-6 months tends to be the time when (most) babies start consolidating their night sleep (thank YOU) and being more awake during the day. Check out my post on how to get your baby to sleep on vacation to hear the crazy stuff we’ve done to keep our precious ‘sleep routine’ intact on vacation. Well-rested parents = much higher chance of actually enjoying your vacation.

Cons: 3-6 months.

They won’t enjoy anything. At this age, babies don’t really care if they are in a tropical paradise or not. They aren’t going to particularly enjoy the pool or the ocean more than they would enjoy the bath. Putting their toes in the sand is probably just going to make them cry. The picture is NOT going to turn out as cute as you wanted it to. Or if it does, it will take 105,678 attempts to do it. This vacation is for you. Not them. If you’re wondering what is the best age for a baby to travel AND actually enjoy it meaningfully, skip ahead a few months!

When is a good time to travel with a baby?

6-9 months:.

Ok so, in my opinion, this is the worst age to travel with a baby so I have to admit I struggled to come up with ANY pros for this age. Despite this, I have actually traveled with a baby at this age quite a bit. Maybe I’m still scarred from those trips! We stayed at the Empress Hotel in Victoria BC and we went on a Disney Cruise when my youngest was between 6-9 months. We still had fun, but it was a hard age for both of our kids.

Pros: 6-9 months

Everything is exciting. Clearly, I wasn’t up to my usual Pinterest standards on my recent trip to Victoria BC with my then 6-month-old. For the plane trip, I literally brought NOTHING. I did not bring a single thing to entertain my child for a four-hour plane ride. At this age, EVERYTHING is exciting. Cups are exciting. Napkins are exciting. The seat tray is SUPER exciting. We made it through the flight using only the items already on the plane without causing any sort of ‘scene’. Take that, Pinterest! In general, I find the bes age to fly with baby is any time before they learn to walk!
High Chairs are still fun. Once my babies started really walking or crawling there was no chance they were going to be staying in their high chairs longer than 5-10 minutes. No matter how many delicious treats I was bribing them with. At 6-9 months, most babies are pretty content to sit in a high chair and enjoy the excitement of a meal with their family. Since solids are still a pretty new and exciting thing, it’s easy for that to take up some serious entertainment. I even brought my 6-month-old to the high tea at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria (and he was reasonably well behaved!)

Cons: 6-9 months

Eating sand. If you are planning a beach trip with kids , FORGET IT at this age. Especially if your baby is already crawling, this is a sure disaster. Babies love eating sand, and I’ve tried those Pinterest hacks with the mattress cover on the beach and let me tell you there is NO HACK that will keep sand away from an 8-month-old baby who is determined to eat sand. So what age can I take my baby to the beach? If you want it to be enjoyable, I would say before they are mobile and then after they stop putting everything in their mouth! Certainly a sightseeing or city trip is a better bet at this age.
Eating everything. 6-9 months is the peak of the ‘put everything in your mouth stage’. If you are a germaphobe it’s probably not a good idea to travel with your baby at this age. Even myself, with a dog that basically french kissed my babies every day since birth, draw the line at some point. I tend to use a lot of the stroller or the baby carrier at this age to keep those little exploring hands out of every disgusting thing they can find.
Eating real food. When babies start to eat real food, they start to demand real food on schedule. Which means you have to be prepared with REAL FOOD on demand. No joke. We opted to do a mix of purees and baby-led weaning with both of our littles simply because it afforded us the flexibility to be a bit lazy in this regard. Depending on the type of trip, having separate meals made for baby may be a hassle, or hard to find!

The best age to take baby on holiday?

9-12 months.

9-12 months has been very hit or miss for us. Babies can be so different at this age! Some are walking and some are just starting to crawl. Those developmental leaps (complete with cranky periods) are so unpredictable.

Pros: 9-12 months

They might start to actually like some stuff . Splashing in the pool and dipping their toes in the ocean might genuinely be the greatest moment of their little lives. Warning, also possible they will REALLY hate it. My sons have loved splashing in the pool, dancing to music and exploring new activities at this age. They have so much curiosity (and no fear) which makes everything awesome. all. the. time.
Feeding and naps will be well established . Although both of my kids seemed to strongly resist any sort of schedule I imposed on them, by 9-12 months they had a somewhat predictable routine. They reliably had two naps and both MOSTLY slept through the night. At this point, they were both eating mostly ‘table food’ which made them much better travel buddies.

Cons: 9-12 months

Might be too mobile. One of our worst trips with a baby was Jamaica when our son was exactly 12 months. He had JUST learned to walk and when we arrived at our destination with slippery floors and lots of bumps and stairs, he latched on to daddy and basically didn’t let go of him for 7 days straight. Although he could ‘walk’ it sure didn’t seem like it for the 7 days he was there.
Sleep regression. For both of our kids, the 9-12 month sleep regression was KILLER. On the same trip as above, our son woke up at 4 am every single night. I didn’t think our hotel room neighbors would appreciate any renewed attempts at sleep training so the only thing that kept him quiet was to bounce him UP AND DOWN UP AND DOWN in a baby carrier for an hour straight until he fell back asleep. Not fun.
Separation anxiety. Thankfully, my hubby is a PROSTAR DAD who is quite popular with both my kiddos. In fact, until recently, he was definitely both boys ‘favorite’. As such, when we go on vacation, the kids typically need to ensure they have some sort of body part touching him at all times. Or ELSE. Sorry, Daddy! I’ll just be over here sipping my strawberry daiquiri…

The worst age to travel with toddler?

12-18 months.

Pros: 12-18 months

They won’t eat sand! Ok, they might put a little in their mouth at first. Usually, one taste will be enough to make them realize their mistake fast! Not eating sand = not having to be constantly hovering over them on the beach. Win!
They may only take one nap . This is likely closer to the 18-month mark, but having only one nap a day allowed for a lot of flexibility when traveling. When our kids are napping two naps a day having a separate bedroom is a MUST for us. I am NOT going on vacation to sit in a dark room for hours on end.

Cons: 12-18 months

They know what they want, but don’t know how to tell you! Ok, this is pretty much the trend for the next 2.5 years, but I’ve found it all starts after 12 months. In fact, as I’m currently writing this post, my 14-month old’s favorite method of getting my attention is screaming at the top of his lungs. I have to admit, it’s quite effective. Until they are speaking in sentences, expressing what they want, and understanding why they sometimes can’t have it, is a constant battle. This is where choosing the right trip with kids is so important! Don’t pick a trip where you are going to be constantly saying ‘NO’ or no one will have any fun!
This is the WORST age to fly with a baby. Plane trips are especially hard at this age. 12-18-month-olds don’t like to be restrained and have NO IDEA why being on a plane would require them to stay in the same place for HOURS. AND unlike 18month+ babies who can be entertained with iPad apps on the plane , they aren’t too enthralled with the iPad either. I keep my plane trips <4 hours at this age and try to plan at least a short nap on the plane to pass the time.

SOOOOOO…What is the best age for a baby to travel?

I think the best age to take a baby on holiday is definitely 3-6 months. We have now done 3 trips at this age with our two kids and each one has been a success. Ah, the blissful long stroller walks! Casually enjoying lunch while baby naps in the stroller or carrier. Not needing to think about food and not needing to worry about illness it’s a perfect age to travel with a baby. After 3-6 months it’s all downhill until age 3.5 when you can start to actually reason with your kids.

What do you think? What is a good age to travel with baby? Drop me a line in the comments below to let me know your favorite age to travel with baby!

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27 Best Places to Travel with a Baby (Safe + Baby-Friendly)!

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Are you wondering where to travel with a baby?

Our youngest daughter, Avalee, was just 2.5 months old when we embarked on our very first trip with her. Our first trip with her took us to Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands.

After Indonesia, we ventured further afield to Australia and explored Perth and Sydney.

We then set off to Asia visiting Japan and Europe for a big extended road trip that included France, Switzerland, and Italy – all before Avalee had reached her first birthday! As seasoned family travelers (we have 3 children) we’ve learned a lot about what works best when traveling with babies in tow.

With input from other parents who have traveled with their babies too, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to travel with a baby along with practical tips based on our experiences on how to choose the perfect baby-friendly holiday destinations.

Just because you have a new baby doesn’t mean you have to be stuck at home. Now is a great time to make memories with your little one and travel the world!

It might not always be easy to travel with a baby, but in my opinion, it is always worth any challenges.

Here is a list of the best baby-friendly countries to visit to ensure your trip will run as smoothly as possible.

27 Best Places to Travel with a Baby in the World

Wondering where to travel with your baby?

We love traveling with our baby as we scout out the best places to visit with an infant.

In our opinion, the best countries to visit with a baby in USA, Australia, South Africa, Japan, Italy, and the UK, but you can find more ideas on our list down below.

But first! Sign up for our ‘Wanderlust Storytellers Family Tribe’ newsletter to get loads of helpful information about how to travel with a baby!

1. Tuscany, Italy

best cities in Europe Florence with Kids

For one of the best holiday destinations with a baby or even older kids, head to beautiful Italy!

Children are adored in this country, and you will find that Italians will often go out of their way to help parents. And expect them, to come to say hello to your little ones too.

Italy is one of the best places to go on holiday with a baby. It is easy to find some beautiful family-friendly accommodation options.

We chose Tuscany for our list because it has plenty of stroller-friendly destinations.

I recommend you choose either Florence or Lucca for a home base. Both cities are great for strollers, although we recommend a stroller with large cushioned wheels to handle bumpy or cobble-stone roads.

best places to visit in tuscany - Florence with kids

Florence has plenty of playgrounds for older babies and toddlers, and the restaurants typically can prepare a small plate for younger kids or a simple pasta dish (when Avie was a toddler, she often had simple pasta and butter).

If you decide on Florence, be sure to have a look at the best neighborhood to stay in Florence .

You can also find many beautiful small towns scattered through Tuscany that will allow you to explore this region of Italy without the masses of tourists.

Recommended attractions in Tuscany that you should see with your baby include the Leaning Tower of Pisa and The Boboli Gardens.

best towns to visit in tuscany - Pisa with kids

If time permits, you should also visit Capo Sant’Andrea on Elba Island (make sure to take baby beach shoes if you are planning to spend some time on the beach).

Personally speaking, Italy is arguably the best place to travel with baby options for us so far, as well as one of the best baby-friendly travel destinations and baby-friendly countries.

Bring your baby carrier along, as you will often find stairs at the main attractions in Italy.
Always have a baby change mat on hand, as change tables in public restrooms are rare.
You can rent a stroller in Italy, and check out sites such as TravelBaby.It and BabyGuest.com.
Pre-book your taxi online , that way, you can request a baby car seat for the transfer as well.

Where to Stay in Tuscany with a Baby:

We recommend basing yourselves in either Florence or Lucca (cheaper) and then planning your day trips from there.

Best Place to Stay in Florence with a Baby:

Best Hotel: For a fantastic stay I would choose MyFlorenceHoliday Gold Bridge . Their family room includes a cot and high chair and has a kitchen area where you can prepare bottles etc. The hotel is located 100 meters from Ponte Vecchio.
Best VRBO: I love The Time Machine apartment which is located next to Palazzo Vecchio. It has 2 bedrooms and includes a travel crib, high chair, and dishes & utensils for kids- it also has a lift to the apartment which is on the second level.

Best Place to Stay in Lucca with a Baby:

Best Hotel: The 4-Star Hotel Ilaria has a triple room that includes a cot. This popular hotel is located in the historic centre of Lucca.

3. London, England

London is one of the best places to travel in Europe with a baby.

This city has parent rooms and changing facilities readily available, making it a great place to visit with a baby.

Many sights can easily be accessed by public transportation or on foot. We love how easy the city is to navigate with a stroller; simply use the step-free Tube map to navigate the underground with your stroller.

Breastfeeding in public is accepted and considered perfectly normal. Children under five can travel for free on public transport, and there are plenty of family-friend restaurants.

If your bubs is a bit older, he/she might also really enjoy outings to a baby disco, one of the children ‘s theatres, the city farms, zoos, or a day out at one of the many parks.

Top 10 Things to do in London with Kids
Make sure you download NCT’s Babychange app, which will show you all the baby-changing facilities in your vicinity, and the Wowmum app, which lists baby change areas, as well as child-friendly activities, parks, and more.
Book your taxi online. Book Taxi London is a reliable website that you can use to quickly and easily book your taxi (you can even select to have a car seat for your little one)!

After one of the most affordable places to visit with your baby?

With rice paddies, waterfalls, beaches, and great people, Bali certainly has it all.

This dreamy vacation is very baby-friendly, and nannies or babysitters are super affordable. You can also very easily rent baby gear and equipment for super low prices if you need them.

Hotels and resorts will be equipped with baby cots and high chairs, and with a bit of effort, you can also pre-book transfers with baby car seats.

Avoid Kuta and head to more family-friendly areas such as Canggu, Ubud, Legian, Jimbaran, or Nusa Lembongan.

We love to combine some time in Ubud to soak up the peaceful rice paddy atmosphere with some luxury and relaxation at one of the beachside areas such as Canggu or Jimbaran.

Bali might be the best place to travel with a baby for those living in Australia.

Bring your baby carrier along and leave your stroller behind
Always have a baby change mat on hand
Book a cheap nanny to tag along with you on your outings
Pre-book your transfers if you wish to have a baby car seat
Don’t forget to bring along your sun tent for baby , as well as some handy and essential beach items for baby

5. Tulum, Mexico

One of the best travel destinations with a baby if you are after some beautiful beaches and warm weather. This city can make for a very relaxing vacation.

Many family-friendly beaches and hotels accommodate those traveling with babies, as they often provide cribs and strollers.

If you are wondering if it is safe to travel to Mexico with a baby, you will be glad to know that it is.

What you will need to consider is taking enough baby formula if you are not breastfeeding your little one as the variety of formula available is limited.

If you do use baby formula, make sure to use bottled water when making your baby’s milk.

If you do take a baby stroller, take one that can fold up and will fit easily into any taxi that you may take whilst on holiday.

If you are planning on venturing out and about, a baby carrier is a great choice as you will be hands-free, and is perfect for any hikes are strolls on the beach.

Top places to visit include Sian Ka’an Biosphere and Playa Paraiso. Mexico offers some of the best baby-friendly travel destinations for those in the USA.

6. Chicago, Illinois

One of the best places to travel to with a baby in the United States is Chicago. This city is so baby friendly making it hands down one of the best cities to travel with a baby and one of the best travel destinations with baby options.

The great thing about Chicago is that it has a ton of baby sights, attractions, and tours to enjoy.

Taking your baby out and about during the day is great for you and the baby and in Chicago, they celebrate that.

The town of Chicago has free stroller tours at some of the area’s major museums, including The Field Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago, and The Museum of Contemporary Art.

Besides the museums, you can also visit the Shedd Aquarium and Navy Pier.

If you are explicitly wondering where to travel with a newborn, this would be one of our top picks.

7. Montreal, Canada

After stroller-friendly places to visit with a baby? One of the nice things about Montreal is that it’s very stroller-friendly.

Numerous kid-friendly festivals occur throughout the year. Popular attractions include Jean-Talon Farmer’s Market, Clock Tower Beach, and The Botanical Gardens.

If you visit Montreal outside of these festivals do not worry because there is still lots to do. Experience much of the cultural scene in Montreal by visiting many of the galleries and museums. Kids under 12 can go free to many of these local Montreal attractions.

In summer there are many parks and open green spaces that you can enjoy as a family. Enjoy a picnic and the many playgrounds that can be found in the parks.

Montreal boasts a large variety of baby-friendly and welcoming cafes and restaurants, so when it comes to enjoying a bite to eat, you and your baby can relax.

8. Tasmania, Australia

Definitely, one of the most baby-friendly countries to visit.

Australia is another brilliant country to visit with a baby. While there are many baby-friendly places to travel to in Australia, we love Tasmania.

This Australian state is an excellent destination for children of all ages. You can easily find high chairs in restaurants, which typically have special kids’ menus to keep toddlers happy.

You can easily find all baby supplies in small or large grocery stores. Hotels have cots available (typically free of charge), and destinations are all stroller-friendly.

One of the nice things about Tasmania is that you don’t have to haul a stroller with you on your flight if you don’t want to because plenty of stroller rentals are available.

Many activities here are nature-based, including a visit to the Bay of Fires and Russell Falls. A great activity during the summer months is to head to one of the beautiful sandy beaches for some much-needed relaxation.

9. Wales, United Kingdom

Wales is another one of the best places to travel with a baby in Europe! People love babies in Wales and will bend backward to ensure you enjoy your time here as much as possible.

Hotels will provide everything from cribs to baby gates and can even recommend babysitting services if you need some alone time. Good places to visit with your baby include Cardiff Castle, Tenby Harbour, and Bodnant Garden.

When you are out and about enjoying the lush Welsh countryside, be sure to take a baby carrier with you.

If you plan to spend more time exploring the Welsh villages and towns, a baby stroller will definitely come in handy. If you can, a stroller that folds up compactly is best as you are guaranteed it will be able to travel in your taxi.

10. San Diego, California

This is one of the most baby-friendly destinations on the list. There are a lot of boardwalks, walking trails, and plenty of beaches.

If you take a stroller with you when you travel to San Diego with a baby, you will be able to move around with ease.

If you are looking for some great baby-friendly activities then a visit to the Birch Aquarium, Mission Beach & Boardwalk, or the San Diego Botanic Garden are all great choices.

Be sure to also make your way to the San Diego Zoo. This huge zoo has so much to see and do and is a huge amount of fun for everyone.

If you visit during warmer months, be sure to pack sunblock and a swimming costume so you can take a dip at the many beaches.

Pack some kids’ beach toys or grab a set from one of the local shops on the boardwalk as all kids love to play in water and sand and most of all build sandcastles.

For kids big and small, head to Legoland which is under an hour’s drive from San Diego. The best part about the rides at Legoland resorts is that they do not have height restrictions so even the shortest of visitors can enjoy the rides when visiting.

Is it any surprise that Hawaii happens to be one of the best places to vacation with a baby? This island is a dream vacation for many due to the many resorts that cater to families.

So it is probably no surprise that Hawaii happens to be one of the best places to vacation with a baby!

If you do not want to explore the island and just need to relax and take it easy, then staying at your beach resort is great as you can lunge around the pool or on the beach.

Head to the beach for some sand and fun and when baby is tired and ready for a nap, the room is only a short walk away. If you want to do an activity that is a bit more strenuous, many of the resorts do offer activities at the resort that you can enjoy.

The best way to get around this island is with a rental car. You will be able to see plenty of amazing sights that will allow you to take unforgettable pictures of yourself and your baby.

Exploring Hawaii by car also means that your baby can take a nap when traveling and not be tired to enjoy the sights.

Baby-friendly places include Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail and Valley of the Temples.

12. Cape Town, South Africa

Not many people associate good places to travel with a baby, including South Africa. However, those who’ve been to Cape Town know it’s one of the best places to visit with a baby or even older kids.

Cape Town is also one of the best cities to visit with a baby because baby facilities are readily available everywhere.

There are plenty of picturesque views and things to do, visiting the penguins, heading out on a boat to see the seals, or having a picnic in a vineyard.

If you want to travel around Cape Town then make sure to rent a car. Many places that you will visit may be an hour or so drive out of the City center.

You do not need to take a car seat with you as many of the car rental companies will be able to offer you car seat rental.

Cape Town is known for its many wine farms. If you think that visiting is not great for kids, you will be pleased to know that many of the wine farms cater to all ages, with most offering children their own version of a “wine-tasting menu “with treats and kids’ drinks.

Nearly everywhere you visit a baby chair will be available to use. Most wine farms have play parks for kids to enjoy with swings, slides, and jungle gyms. If you are traveling with older kids.

Head to one of the many beaches, the most renowned being Camps Bay and enjoy a sunset picnic.

You can find our full guide on how to travel South Africa with a baby here. We visited South Africa with our youngest and two older kids and spent 5 weeks exploring various parts of the country and we loved it!

13. Taipei, Taiwan

Another popular destination for family travelers in Taiwan. This destination is very safe and the people of Taiwan are very welcoming of babies and children.

Many places in Taiwan have mothers’ rooms, similar to those found in Japan, but this city is a great place to travel with a baby because of its many attractions.

Unlike other places, you can easily strap a baby into a stroller and walk around, as the terrain isn’t tough to maneuver making it super easy to get around and explore.

This allows families to see a lot of exciting sights like Longshan Temple or Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

The city of Taipei is exciting and colorful and at night looks a lot like Times Square in New York.

Head to the 101 Building which cannot be missed when you arrive in the city. You can go up this building and it is strongly recommended to buy tickets in advance rather than queuing.

Head out of the city and you will find the Silver Stream Cave which is a temple carved into the rock face behind a stunning waterfall. The nerve-wracking walk-up is definitely worth the trek and be sure to pack a baby carrier for this to make the walk easy.

Belize is one of the most baby and kid-friendly places to visit. It has so many different attractions and activities that everyone can enjoy.

One of the other biggest perks for families visiting here is its affordability.

The country is also English-speaking, so you don’t have to worry about the need to whip out your language translator while trying to balance a baby on your hip.

There are a lot of great places to take your little one in this country, including the Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm and the Mayan Ruins.

If your trip to Belize is to have some downtime and not be out and about too much, be sure to stay at one of the many resorts that offer guests all they need from horseback riding to pools and a health spa.

You can easily find what you need in the stores in Belize however if your baby is drinking formula, it is best to take your own with you as you may not be able to find the same make in Belize.

15. Ecuador

Ecuador may not be the first place you think of when traveling a with baby however you will find that this country is very welcoming of children and is affordable for a family vacation.

Ecuador is one of the best places to visit in South America, so you can’t go wrong with this destination!

The safest way to get around Ecuador is by renting a vehicle. Although there is a lot of public transport like taxis and buses, seatbelts are not always readily available and the maneuvers that the drivers take along the winding roads are quite hair-raising!

When it comes to mealtimes and feeding, you will be pleased to know that breastfeeding is very acceptable and normal. If you need baby formula, this is readily available however you may not find your usual brand.

The terrain is challenging to get around with a stroller, so you will need to use a baby carrier instead. You can even take a backpack carrier as this will be the easiest way to get around and carry your baby.

It’s worth exploring the city as much as possible with your baby as there’s a lot to see. This includes The Otavalo Indigenous Market and the Manabi Coast.

It can get pretty noisy at night too so you may want to bring along something to create white noise. Top tip – book hotels and places to stay that is away from main roads to help reduce the noise at night.

Wondering where to travel with your baby in Greece?

Those who visit Greece can tell pretty quickly that the culture is family-oriented. Often children can eat free at restaurants, stay free at hotels and ride public transportation for free.

While we recommend you leave the cliff-top towns such as Santorini for another year, you could visit many other beautiful destinations in Greece with your baby in tow.

There are many islands that you can visit in Greece offering you and your baby warm beaches to enjoy like the infamous Mykonos.

Another great place to visit in Greece is Crete and the great thing is that this is not the first place most people think of visiting in Greece.

This makes it a great destination as it is not crowded and Crete also has a range of activities to do with kids.

Greece is also a very safe place to visit so it is a definite for any family vacation. If you want to explore by walking, a stroller may be difficult to use so a baby carrier may be best. Or a stroller with larger wheels will be ok.

Make sure you and your baby visit the Plaka District of Athens and The Castles Of Rhodes.

How To Get Around

Of course, the best way to get around Rhodes is with the locals. Get your local Rhodes taxi here.

And if you are staying in Athens (check out our list of the best hotels with rooftop pools in Athens here ), the best way to get around town is by taxi! Book your taxi here !

The Best Places to Visit on a Family Holiday To Crete
Where to visit in Greece for first-timers

17. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is full of incredible sights to explore; it would be a shame not to discover the elegant harbors because you have a baby. Instead, Stockholm is one of the best places to travel with a baby.

One of the best things about Stockholm is that you can walk almost everywhere. It is an incredibly safe city and is the perfect size for a family to explore.

Sweden is one of the best places in Europe to visit with kids , because there are plenty of age-appropriate entertainment spots, such as;

Old Town – the quaint part of town with fantastic toy stores
Vasparken – a massive park with a lovely playground
Skansen – a giant ocean-air museum and zoo

It is a legal requirement for all city buses to ensure space for wheelchairs for disabled people and prams for children. This makes it easy to get around if you push a stroller.

A trip to Stockholm is one of the best baby-friendly vacations you can plan.

Tip: One of the best ways to check out Stockholm is from the water. Take a look at our list of best Stockholm boat tours here.

The USA is one of the best baby-friendly vacation spots in the world. There are so many different places in the USA that it is a hard choice of where to go when visiting the USA with a baby and young children.

Washington, DC, is such a vibrant, beautiful city, and it promises to be a memorable and enjoyable experience for the whole family. It is an icon of democracy, full of history and progressive happenings.

There is so much to see and do – a lot of which is free. The best time to visit Washington, DC, with your baby is during spring (March to May), as the temperature is pleasant, with the pink cherry blossoms blooming around early April.

Avoid July and August, which can get uncomfortably hot and cause your baby to fuss.

The city has an excellent public transport system, making getting around easy. While the law doesn’t require car seats for cabs, you can pre-request one for a taxi or Uber.

Florida is another great place to visit and has so many family-friendly resorts to choose from. Florida is well known for all the amusement parks for toddlers such as Disney World, Magic Kingdom Park, etc.

Your young children and even baby will love the splash pads inside Magic Kingdom

Take a trip to Utah to see Zion National Park. There are short hikes inside the park which will be enjoyable for the whole family.

If you do decide to hike in Zion National Park, make sure to take a baby hiking carrier. Find more tips for visiting Zion National Park with kids here.

The same applies if you visit Colorado and the Rocky Mountain National Park.

North Carolina has many fun activities for the family. There is the North Carolina Zoo which is bound to make your little one smile.

Spend a night or two under the stars in the Uwharrie National Forest. There are many activities that you can do from swimming to fishing and boating. Make sure that you put safety first and use life vests for water sports and activities.

If you happen to travel to New York, make sure to take a stroll around central park. It is perfect for walking with a baby stroller or baby carrier.

19. Reykjavik, Iceland

Due to the chilly temperatures, Reykjavik and the rest of Iceland are often overlooked when deciding where to travel with a baby.

However, the city is breathtakingly beautiful, and if you bundle up your baby, you can enjoy the Northern Lights, geothermal hot springs, and fascinating history without the fuss!

Boasting surreal landscapes and fascinating natural phenomena, your little one may be lucky enough to capture a memory.

Reykjavik is fast becoming a trendy tourist destination, so there have been increased tour options. Many of these tours are family-friendly and remove all the fuss when planning your trip.

Make sure you pack in a few extra warm goodies, and you and your baby are good to go.

20. Runaway Bay, Jamaica

Jamaica is known as a paradise getaway, and no reason having a baby should change this experience. Runaway Island in Jamaica prioritizes an atmosphere of relaxation and is one of the top places to travel with a baby.

As a fabulous family vacation destination, Runaway Bay boasts many villas, resorts, and accommodation options focused on the family. Many of these resorts offer family-sized rooms that can comfortably sleep up to three children.

Many of these resorts also help arrange the services of a nanny or babysitter to help you better relax on the beach. Some resorts even have a baby club where trusted employees mind your child during nap time.

If we can give you one little piece of advice, it’s to pack a lot of sunblock (keeping in mind that babies under six months can’t use sunblock). Chances are, your little one will enjoy the sun, sand, and clear waters as much as you.

21. Cascais, Portugal

Cascais is a quaint village in Portugal full of culture, history, and, most importantly, families. The laid-back destination promises one of the best vacations with infants possible.

There is a tangible warmth in the air reflected in the locals’ cheery expressions, and it is sure to be a holiday you will never forget.

If you don’t choose to push your stroller on the wide, open streets, you can be comforted that child seats in taxis are not mandatory, making taxi cabs easily accessible.

There is a wide selection of parks, calm beaches, and historical sites to explore. One thing to remember is that the rich traditions in the seaside village mean that local restaurants don’t necessarily serve chicken nuggets and the like.

However, if your baby wants to venture from their formula, you can rest assured that the local food isn’t particularly spicy and generally quite soft.

22. Vail, Colorado

Vail, Colorado, is one of the best places to travel with a baby.

The breathtaking images of gorgeous mountains, vast open spaces, and reflecting lakes may make you think Vail is better suited to adults; however, that assumption couldn’t be further from the truth.

There is an entire baby brand named ‘Travel Vail Baby’, which serves as proof of how excellent the destination is for infant-friendly vacations.

The baby and toddler equipment rental company provides cribs, strollers, high chairs, hiking backpacks, and bouncy seats (among many other items) to help parents enjoy Vail’s jagged peaks and slopes.

When ascending to higher altitudes, your baby should be fine, as babies older than three months old adjust to altitude much better than adults.

Handy Tip: The Vail Public Library has incredibly fun baby storytime!

23. Barcelona, Spain

A trip to Barcelona with your baby is a sure way to begin stimulating their creativity from a young age.

From the eccentric design of the Gaudi buildings to the intricate stained glass windows of the cathedrals, your baby will be so busy absorbing the environment that they’ll have little time to cry.

If you want to make the most of your time in Barcelona, travel in the summer when you can enjoy the multiple parks and outdoors. Babies are often happier and more relaxed when moving about.

With so many sights and attractions, you can be sure your little one will be happy as a clam.

Top tip: Make sure to pack a sling or baby carrier. The streets in Barcelona are cobbled, and the bumps could make your baby uncomfortable.

24. Nice, France

Nice is a romantic and magical destination filled with bustling alleyways, quaint little shops, and outdoor restaurants.

One of the best parts about traveling to Nice, France, with a baby is the excellent promenade which offers surreal views while pushing a buggy.

As Nice is such a popular tourist destination, you’ll find that the hospitality industry accommodates babies.

From heating bottles to providing changing facilities, you can visit Nice quickly without any baby hassles.

The French Riviera offers sun, sea, and delectable food; it would be a shame to miss out on this. The charming city is easy to travel to with a baby, especially if you follow our tips on how to travel through France with a baby .

25. Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is one of the most accessible places to visit with a baby. The cosmopolitan city has a lot to offer the entire family and caters to its attractions.

In addition to fantastic shopping, music, and food experiences, there are a lot of free and budget attractions to enjoy.

Seoul has plenty of indoor playgrounds, known as Kids’ cafes that are great for toddlers under two years old. These are a great option during the extreme seasons when the weather can be icy or uncomfortably hot.

The city’s very efficient public transportation system and a wide variety of family-friendly accommodation options make day-to-day living in Seoul very easy.

If you prefer to walk, you’ll be pleased to know that Seoul is also fairly stroller friendly.

One piece of advice is to not breastfeed in public. The Koreans don’t make a habit of the practice, so choosing to do so will attract unwanted attention.

Although there are baby nursing stations in larger subway stations, department stores, and restaurants.

26. Dublin, Ireland

Ireland, is probably the most friendly country in Europe , and is such a baby-friendly country to visit!

Dublin City and the rolling green hills surrounding the area are on the top of many people’s bucket lists – for a good reason.

There is a stunning culture of friendliness in the city, and the beautiful design of the city mimics the breathtaking landscapes on the outskirts.

Dublin is well-supplied with formula, food, nappies, and clothing for your little one. Most restaurants will go as far as to prepare a bowl for your child and offer high chairs and baby-changing facilities.

Getting around Dublin is very easy. In addition to speaking English, the city is also easy to navigate, and baby car seats are available for a small additional cost. There is even a child-friendly taxi service .

There are many baby-friendly activities to discover in the city, including live Irish music performances.

Be aware that Dublin has quite a vibrant pub culture, and while children are allowed in the pubs and bars during the day, they are not legally allowed entry after 9 pm.

27. Thailand

Thailand is such a great destination to travel with a baby as it is so baby friendly. We love traveling to Thailand and have done it many times with our daughter when she was a baby and a toddler.

The Thai people and culture are so welcoming it makes this country a perfect destination for families who want to travel to a beach destination with a baby.

Another perk is that there are quite a few 4+ star hotels that are more than willing to accommodate your baby’s needs.

Many of them include indoor pools and even water parks. If you are after great cultural travel destinations with a baby, you can’t look further than Thailand. Here is a list of the best resorts on Koh Samui for families .

Some of the best places and great destinations to travel with a baby in Thailand are Khao Lak, Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui .

How to Choose Infant-Friendly Holiday Destinations

Wondering how to choose the best place to travel with an infant? Find below some of our requirements when we decide where to travel next.

1. Is the Transportation Safe?

An important consideration when we choose holiday destinations with our baby is whether transportation will be safe for our little one.

For example, you might consider whether taxis and private transfers offer infant travel car seats.

If they don’t, it might be best if you rent a car and add a child car seat onto the rental costs, or you might prefer to bring your own – find a post on the best infant travel car seats to travel with here.

(However, it is essential to check if your car seat can be adequately secured in a different country as they all have different systems to install car seats).

How safe are these to use if you plan to take public transport? Some countries are crazy when it comes to driving.

Think about what you are comfortable with and choose the best vacation that ticks your boxes.

2. Is the Climate Baby-Friendly?

Look at the average temperatures and how much rain the destination will get at the time of year you plan to visit.

We made the mistake of traveling to Asia during their hot season, and our baby developed a heat rash from the constant heat; it made life more challenging than it needed to be as she was unhappy and pretty grumpy.

We also went to Japan when it was freezing, and it was tricky to keep our little baby warm and snug in the temperature.

3. Keep Travel Time Short

Keep flight time as short as you can. It is much easier to fly with a newborn who sleeps a lot, in comparison to a baby who has just become mobile.

It might be a good idea to pick infant-friendly travel destinations closer to home.

An 8-hour flight overseas might be okay, but a 15-hour long-haul flight will be much more challenging (If you are traveling long-haul, you might appreciate our long-haul flight checking list for babies ).

So while we list baby-friendly holidays from around the world in our list below, it will be essential to consider the ones closer to your home.

Also, think about how long your transfers are once you land, and keep your travel days nice and short so that there is plenty of downtime for your baby.

4. Which Countries Are Safe?

The best countries to travel to with a baby are the ones that are safe for little kids. Have a look to see if there is any unrest in the destination you will be visiting.

Look at which vaccines you might have to get (and whether your baby can even get them).

It might be best to avoid rural and remote areas of a country until your baby is a bit older.

We visited Bali when our daughter was only six weeks old, but we stayed clear of the monkey forests and spent a lot more time on hotel grounds than we would typically have done to keep the trip safe for her.

5. Consider Health Care

Think about the amenities and healthcare facilities you would typically be comfortable with at home.

Are there good hospitals, and will the medical staff be able to understand you?

6. Baby Facilities

Another thing that will make traveling with a baby easier is choosing a destination with baby facilities readily available.

Can you find hotels that have baby cots available? You might prefer to travel with a crib; you can find our top recommendations for a lightweight travel crib here.

Are high chairs available in restaurants, and are there baby change rooms?

If not, you can always travel with your own high chair – find a post on the best high chair for travel here.

You can also find a list of all our recommendations for baby travel gear to make your life easier while on holiday here.

Consider how easy it will be to purchase baby diapers, formulae, baby food, or baby medication.

If you have to travel with baby food, you can find a post about TSA baby food and formulae rules here.

Also, think about your baby’s age; the best places to travel with a newborn will not be the same as the best places to travel with a 1-year-old, because a 1-year-old is mobile.

If your baby is at the age where they are eating and drinking water, it is also essential to consider how safe the water and food are to eat in the country you are visiting.

Hopefully, all the tips above are helpful and will guide you to choose one of the best baby-friendly holiday destinations from our guide below.

Jolene’s Pro Tips for Traveling with an Infant

Do it your way: People seem to think that if you go somewhere and you stay in your resort you are doing it wrong! But there is nothing wrong with a holiday with your baby where you do nothing but stay on the resort grounds.
Have plenty of time to rest: Everything needs to happen slower when you travel with a baby. Plan to have only half days of exploring and half a day to relax, plan to have relax days after big travel days.
Stay longer in one hotel: Our baby took a few days to adjust to a new hotel/crib. Which meant we had a few rough nights before she settled back into sleeping better. So we learned to stay in one spot for at least 5+ nights.
Beach vs City trips: We personally found it much easier to go on a beach vacation in comparison to exploring towns and cities in a country. Life moves slower on islands and so that is where we prefer to be with our baby.
What works for someone else might not work for you: Babies are all different, just because someone else had an incredible road trip holiday with their baby, does not mean your road trip will go smoothly. Our baby hated the car and the stroller, so road trips or days exploring all day long in a stroller were not fun for anyone!

Final Thoughts On The Best Places To Vacation With A Baby

So hopefully, if you have been wondering where to travel with an infant, you have made a list of the best holiday destinations with a baby you would love to visit.

The best destination with a baby will be different for each of us as it depends on your current location, as well as what sort of current baby ‘comforts’ you might be used to.

Most parents feel most comfortable when they choose destinations that offer the same level of baby care as the country where they live.

Ultimately you can travel anywhere in the world with a baby; after all, babies are born in each country worldwide.

But the most comfortable holiday where you will be less stressed out will be the country that matches your current baby’s facilities, amenities, and healthcare standards.

And as a last resort, go with your gut instinct. If the destination doesn’t feel right, it might be best to leave it until your child is older.

Wondering what to take along on your trip? Here is our guide to handy travel accessories for baby that you should take on your holiday.
First time flying with your baby? Grab our top tips on how to survive your flight with an infant .
Wondering whether you should take a car seat on your flight? Here is a handy guide to help you decide .

Leave us a Comment:

Which of these destinations on our best countries to travel with a baby list do you want to see the most?
Can you add other best places to holiday with a baby?

Jolene Ejmont

20 thoughts on “27 best places to travel with a baby (safe + baby-friendly)”.

Hi, totally understand where you are coming from, but we visited Bali, Lombok and Gili Islands with our 2-month-old baby and her normal vaccines that she needs to get anyways was sufficient to keep her safe. And that was on doctor’s advice. We have also just visited Vietnam (she is 2 now) and again her normal routine vaccines was enough for her to go. Always best to choose a destination that you are comfortable visiting though and make sure you pop into your travel doctor for advice as well.

I would add Reykjavik

Oh Great tip Ana! Can you tell me why you found it baby friendly? 🙂

I love this! You guys have had some pretty awesome places – all the pictures are simply beautiful. That has to be one of the most memorable, not many people get to say that they have accomplished that! Great Job! and one more question How difficult is it to travel with a 2 month old baby?

A 2-month-old is EASY 🙂 They sleep a lot, they fall asleep anywhere and when they cry you can breastfeed. The hard months arrive once a baby is mobile.

Very interesting article about traveling of the baby. The traveling helps a baby to grow their physical and mental health. Baby strollers and prams are essential things during travel. Thank you for your well-written article.

Thanks for your comment Donna. Do you have a favorite destination that you love visiting with your baby?

I love to travel with my baby. Very interesting & informative post. Just lovely. Thanks a lot for sharing.

We traveled with our 7 month old to Florence and Tuscany and had an amazing time. People are incredibly friendly and helpful. If you get an Airbnb be careful for stairs!

Hi Matt, we love Italy because Italians love our kids! 🙂 We are actually heading to Italy for a 13 week trip early in 2019 – so excited!! Great tip with the stairs, I think it is important to ask that question in all European countries.

Great article. Thanks for sharing this post about best places to travel with baby. It’s very informative and helpful.

Korea is also really great for young children. Lots of kids’ cafes, people love children, most people in the big cities speak at least some English, safe, clean and quite cheap (compared to Japan).

Autumn (September/October) is the best time to come, summer is too hot, winter is too cold and there is often dirty air in spring. The autumn leaves are beautiful and sky is usually blue. The best area to visit is Gangwondo, to the north east.

Thanks for all those wonderful tips 🙂

I would suggest Portugal as well. People there love babies. If you’re pregnant or have a baby you have priority anywhere, from the queue at the supermarket to being seated at a restaurant. The country is beautiful, especially if you don’t just stay in the hyper touristy places like Algarve. Alentejo has great beaches and skies that go on forever and the further up North you go the cheaper it is, with some great hidden gems for both culture and nature.

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing and for giving some info on why you found it to be perfect for babies! We have actually had a few recommendations of Portugal, so might have to add it to the list 🙂

Jolene thank you for your list, we waiting for our baby and looking forward to starting travel with our boy.

Glad you like the info. Hope you have a great time once you can travel again 🙂 All best.

Thank you for the comment. Much appreciated it!

Thank you for the comment

Hi! Great post! Where would you recommend to travel with a 6 month old in December (internationally)? We would like the weather to be around 70F if possible as we are traveling from Minnesota and crave warmer weather in the winter months. Thanks!

Comments are closed.

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I flew to Japan with my baby. Here's the travel advice that helped me survive the trip

Emily Siner

Journalist Emily Siner went on a trip to Japan with her 8-month-old son and knew it would be daunting. What should she pack? What should she expect? Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR hide caption

Journalist Emily Siner went on a trip to Japan with her 8-month-old son and knew it would be daunting. What should she pack? What should she expect?

Last winter, my husband and I made the ambitious decision to fly 13 hours with our 8 month old for a two-week vacation around Japan.

We knew flying with a baby would be daunting. What if he has a meltdown on the airplane? What gear do we bring? How will he adjust to the 15-hour time change? And ... will we actually get to enjoy ourselves?

Siner's husband and their 8-month-old son on the 13-hour flight to Tokyo. Siner says their baby loved watching other passengers on the plane. Emily Siner hide caption

Siner's husband and their 8-month-old son on the 13-hour flight to Tokyo. Siner says their baby loved watching other passengers on the plane.

Preethi Harbuck, author of the travel blog Local Passport Family and a mom of six agrees that taking a big trip with young children — that is, babies and toddlers under age 2 — isn't easy. But with the right preparation and mindset, it can also be fun for everyone. You may even be able to "connect with people and places in a new way that [you] wouldn't have been able to experience without kids," she says.

To help set parents up for success, Harbuck and Christine Sarkis, editor-in-chief of the travel website Family Vacationist , share tips on what to pack, how to overcome travel challenges and set realistic expectations.

Take a practice trip

Before you pack your passports for a big international trip, try a shorter trip that's closer to home so you can work out the kinks of traveling with a young child. Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR hide caption

Before you pack your passports for a big international trip, try a shorter trip that's closer to home so you can work out the kinks of traveling with a young child.

The first step to preparing for a big trip is to take a smaller one, like an overnight trip somewhere close by. It can give you a sense of what it's like to travel with your little one and grow your confidence, says Harbuck. "Find what feels comfortable and keep practicing. It will become easier."

Luckily, my husband and I had a chance to take some shorter trips with our baby before going to Japan. When our baby was three months old, we stayed overnight at a cabin about a half hour away by car. A month later, we took an 8-hour road trip to Chicago to see family.

How to take better (and more distinctive) photos on vacation

From these outings. I learned how important it was to pack a sound machine, which helps my baby fall asleep, and a portable diaper changing pad. I also learned that I didn't need to bring too many toys. My kid loved watching other people talk, walk and interact with each other.

So when we went to Japan, I put those lessons to use. I packed the essentials, left half the toys behind and made sure to sit in an aisle seat on the plane so that my baby, who sat on my lap, could get a good view of the passengers and stay entertained.

Make plans your future self will thank you for

When traveling with a baby or a toddler, everything becomes a little more complicated. There's a lot more to pack (more on that later) and a lot more considerations to make (like naps and kid-friendly meals, perhaps). So the key is to prioritize decisions that will simplify travel, says Sarkis. "Anything you can do to smooth your way [will make you] so happy with yourself."

Here are some planning decisions that our experts recommend.

Put your kid in their own plane seat. Many airlines allow kids under 2 to fly in your lap for a very low rate, sometimes even for free. While that can make travel more budget friendly, Harbuck says it's worth buying your child their own seat. Placing them in a car seat is the safest place for them to sit on an airplane, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Plus, having your own seats can make long flights more comfortable for the both of you.

Consider their developmental stage. Keep in mind that your child's needs will change as they age. For example, if your kid is walking, it may be harder to "keep them busy and happy" on the airplane, says Sarkis. So you might enjoy your trip more if you choose a destination that's closer to home. Anticipate what stage they'll be in at the time of travel and plan accordingly.

Add more adults to the trip. My husband and I traveled with friends for part of our trip around Japan. They helped us carry luggage and held our baby while we ate. "If you have someone to trade off with, that's really helpful," says Sarkis.

7 tips to help you keep the peace when traveling with a group

Book a vacation rental. If you are traveling with a little one who still naps in the middle of the day or has an early bedtime, you may not want to book a single hotel room. Sarkis says she made that mistake on a trip once and had to bring pillows into the bathtub just to have a place to read after her kids went to bed. "Whereas in a vacation rental I could have sat on a couch."

Plan solo time. Carve out time for you and your travel partners to do things without the baby. On our trip to Japan, my husband and I decided we'd give each other as much time as we wanted in the guesthouse onsen , the heated communal bath, while the other watched our sleeping baby. Another night, we hired a babysitter so we could go out together and sing karaoke.

Pack well ... and lightly

It’s hard to travel light with a baby. So opt for the travel versions of strollers, cribs and car seats — they are often smaller and weigh less than the usual gear.

Credit: Becky Harlan/NPR

Portable cribs, high chairs, playpens and sleep canopies? There's no shortage of recommendations when it comes to choosing travel gear for your little one. But the No. 1 takeaway is to make sure "everything you're carrying is worth the stress of carrying it," says Sarkis.

Planning a trip? Here's how to pack like a pro

Focus on the basic gear. At the minimum, your child will likely need a stroller or baby carrier to get around, a car seat for car trips and a safe place to sleep, like a portable crib. See if you can get travel versions of that gear, which are often lighter, smaller and easier to carry. Many airlines will let you check a stroller and a car seat for free, either before you go through security or at the gate. (If you do this, get some sort of carrying case to protect them.)

Cut down the big stuff ... There may be opportunities to leave some of that gear behind, says Sarkis. Check whether you can rent a stroller at your destination. Your accommodation may offer baby cribs. And some ridesharing apps may have vehicles outfitted with infant car seats.

... and the little stuff. "Kids live all around the world so you can access most of what you really, truly need" at your destination, says Harbuck. If your luggage is getting too full, consider buying diapers, wipes, formula or baby food when you land. In Japan, we did laundry halfway through our trip to minimize the clothing we had to pack.

Set your expectations

Traveling with young children alters the nature of the experience. It's important to set realistic expectations for your trip. Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR hide caption

Traveling with young children alters the nature of the experience. It's important to set realistic expectations for your trip.

I'll be honest: There were a lot of moments on our trip when I felt overwhelmed and a bit disappointed. Like when my jet-lagged baby woke up crying at 1 a.m., 3 a.m. and somehow again at 3:30 a.m. — for two nights in a row.

Both Harbuck and Sarkis acknowledge that post-kid travel is harder in many ways. But there are a few things you can do to set yourself up for success.

Redirect your attention to the positive aspects of your journey. "If you're focused only on the challenges, you're going to miss the joys," says Sarkis. For me, it was delightful to witness my baby do new things in Japan. He ate new foods like udon, miso soup and smoked fish. He was mesmerized by the Ryoanji Temple's rock garden in Kyoto and even more mesmerized by the steady stream of tourists' faces to observe.

A flight expert's hot take on holiday travel: 'Don't do it'

See drawbacks as opportunities. If you have to go back to your hotel twice a day to let your child nap, see it as a moment to read, journal or "recharge for the next thing you do," says Sarkis.

Look out for special ways your child is helping you connect with the world. On flights, our neighbors told us about their own children or nieces and nephews. In restaurants, servers would come over to coo at him and make conversation with us in the process, despite the language barrier.

And finally, give yourself some kudos. For us parents, traveling was a big priority for us before he was born, and the experience made us proud to realize that yes — even with a small child, we can still see the world.

The audio portion of this episode was produced by Andee Tagle. The digital story was edited by Malaka Gharib. The visual editor is Beck Harlan. We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or email us at [email protected].

Listen to Life Kit on Apple Podcasts and Spotify , and sign up for our newsletter .

Life Kit: Parenting

Destinations
Hotels & All-Inclusives
Theme Parks

10 Baby-Friendly Vacations That Everyone in the Family Can Enjoy

These baby-friendly vacations are fun for the whole family..

Yes, vacations with babies can be challenging. You’re dealing with complicated schedules, a ridiculous amount of baby travel gear , surprise blowouts, and borderline exhaustion. But finding baby-friendly vacations is so with worth it because there’s nothing better than seeing your baby experience a new place for the first time. And hitting major milestones like smiling, sitting up, or crawling while on vacation with your baby makes for a memory you’ll always treasure.

What Do All the Best Baby-Friendly Vacations Have in Common?

Flexibility is key for baby-friendly vacations, both for you and your baby. Just as your days at home may be slow and steady, so too should vacations with babies. This may be a change from your previous style of travel, but forcing a go-go-go agenda on a tiny tot will just end in tears for everyone.

Instead of trying to check off a to-do list of monuments and museums , baby travel means finding ways to lean into the nap time and downtime your baby needs (and maybe you’ll get to relax, too!). Expect fussiness, feeding or changing in unexpected places, and getting over your embarrassment about singing or dancing in public fairly quickly to entertain your little one.

But guess what: Fun vacations with babies are entirely possible. Babies are along for the ride most of the time, at least before they start to crawl and walk. Now is the time to pick them up, plop them in a new place, and watch them explore with wide-eyed wonder.

TODDLER TIME: 10 Toddler-Friendly Vacations That Are Just as Much Fun for Parents

The Best Places to Travel with a Baby

Wondering where to take your baby on vacation? These baby-friendly ideas and destinations will give you the flexibility you need alongside the joy of exploring someplace new with your family’s newest addition. You might even get to relax a little on vacation yourself!

1. All-Inclusive Resorts

Aerial view of Grand Residences Riviera Cancun all inclusive resort (Photo: Grand Residences Riviera Cancun)

When you think of all-inclusive resorts you might be picturing wild adults-only couples resorts or cookie-cutter properties whose primarily (and maybe only) selling point is the fact that everything’s included in the up-front price. If so, it’s time to think again.

FUN FOR ALL: 9 Family-Friendly Hotels with Kids Clubs That Are Way Beyond the Ordinary

These days, the best family resorts come with delicious food , kids-stay-free deals, and over-the-top kids clubs that even cater to babies and toddlers with certified babysitters. In fact, many family-friendly all-inclusive resorts have policies and amenities that make it easy for everyone to relax and have a good time. That means access to meals any time of day, baby bottle service, family pool hours, and separate areas just for families traveling with little ones.

Don’t have a passport for your baby? You might be surprised to learn that there are a lot of baby-friendly all-inclusive resorts in the U.S. , too!

2. U.S. National Parks

It’s not impossible to travel internationally with a baby, but vacations with babies are certainly easier if you stick to domestic travel. And it just so happens that the America’s national parks have a lot to offer outdoorsy families traveling with a newborn. National parks have miles of well-maintained front country and backcountry trails for all levels of hikers, and it’s relatively easy to time your hikes with naps and get moving.

LODGE LIFE: 12 Best National Park Lodges in the U.S.

Strap your bay into a sturdy carrier like the Ergobaby 360 Omni Breeze (supports up to 45 pounds), which takes the weight off your shoulders;, or if they’re big enough, go for a baby backpack like the Osprey Poco Plus (supports up to 48 pounds). While you can certainly hike up high peaks, consider this your permission slip to enjoy a slow, meandering walk alongside riverbeds or through gentle forests, with plenty of spots to stop for feeding or to play.

3. Walkable Cities

Forsyth Park fountain lit at night in Savannah, Georgia

Big cities can be full of energy, but when you’re vacationing with a baby it might be too much energy. Instead, focus on visiting walkable, accessible cities with plenty of green space that give you the option to sightsee at stroller level .

GO FOR A RIDE: 8 Best Baby Bike Seats and Trailers

Explore a small city like Savannah, Georgia , where you can stroll through a historic district draped in Spanish moss and sugar in the air. Or head to Portsmouth, New Hampshire , whose charming downtown has loads of shops and restaurants and is often closed to cars on special occasions, allowing you to taste your way through some of the freshest lobster and clams New England has to offer. And sprawling Stanley Park in Vancouver, Canada , is worth the visit alone, mixing urban and coastal landscapes in one baby-friendly vacation spot.

4. Rural Areas

New England fall getaways in Woodstock, Vermont (Photo: Shutterstock)

One of the most baby-friendly activities you can do is head to farm, brewery, or cidery. And with plenty of open space, you can hang out and relax when you (or baby) needs a break. Where you’ll want to visit will depend on the season: Go flower picking in the spring, berry picking in the summer, or apple picking in the fall.

TAKE A HIKE: 7 Best Baby Carriers for Traveling the World with Little Ones

Visiting the countryside is an especially great baby-friendly vacation when you have kids of different ages in tow. Many farms offer family-friendly activities like a petting zoo, farm life demonstrations, or hands-on crafts appropriate for little ones, depending on your baby’s age.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and visit different parts of the country. For example, Billings Farm in Woodstock, Vermont , is a good year-round choice for an introduction to country living. In Steamboat Springs, Colorado , you can try your hand at ranching at Saddleback Ranch .

5. Road Trips

Cute baby in a car seat (Photo: Shutterstock)

If your baby instantly falls asleep in the car, a family road trip may be a good vacation to start with. Whether you rent a car (many car rental companies will let you add on a car seat) or hit the road in your own vehicle , you’ll be able to fit more baby gear in your car than on a plane and still explore new destinations.

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As a New England resident I may be biased, but to me nothing beats a road trip across the northeast to see the New England fall foliage . Start in Boston and drive straight up Route 93 to the White Mountains of New Hampshire for stunning, easy hikes and picnic spots. Then, go up and over the state border into Vermont for quintessential covered bridges, fresh cider donuts, and more on your baby-friendly r oad trip .

6. Beach Vacations

Sleeping baby on a boat (Photo: Nikola Radojcic on Unsplash)

Bring your baby on a family beach vacation and you can leave the white noise machine at home. You and your baby can nap to the rhythmic sounds of the ocean and get some sensory play among tide pools and in the sand. Just make sure you bring a beach tent or shade cover as babies can’t regulate their temperature as well as adults can.

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The most important thing to remember: It’s always worth putting on your suit and getting into the water to hear those baby giggles, even if it’s the last thing you want to do. Try family-friendly beach destinations like Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, Cannon Beach in Oregon, or Key West in Florida.

7. Family Cruises

Disney Magic at sea (Photo: Matt Stroshane)

If you want to get some serious sightseeing in with a little one, a family cruise may be the perfect solution. Not only will you have access to a 24/7 concierge, play spaces, and unlimited food and drink, you also only have to unpack your bags once. Some kid-friendly cruise lines even offer kids sail free deals that let young children cruise at no cost.

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Family cruises make great baby-friendly vacations if you have multiple kids or families looking to get away because there’s something for everyone. For example, all of the Disney cruise ships on Disney Cruise Line are loaded with immersive experiences and entertainment, while many other cruise lines offer everything from cruise ship water parks to themed cruises to roller coasters at sea .

8. Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals are often large enough for big groups (Photo: @keithbetti via Twenty20)

Embrace the slower pace of vacations with babies and rent a villa or condo in a place you’ve always wanted to visit. The further you travel, the more relaxing it will be to stay awhile. Many short-term rental homes come packed with baby gear already, like high chairs and pack-n-plays, so it’s one less item to pack. Look for resort-style spots with kitchens, pools, and (most importantly) laundry included.

Choose a destination that gives you lots of room to explore for a week or two, like Hilton Head in South Carolina. Its miles of bike trails are perfectly stroller-friendly, and no matter where you stay the beach isn’t too far away. If you’re game to try an international flight, smaller European vacation spots like Florence, Italy ; Porto, Portugal ; and Aix-en-Provence, France , give you a chance to feel like a local.

9. Visiting Family

Grandparents at the beach (Photo: @doutorfotografo via Twenty20)

Built-in babysitters? Yes, please! Don’t overlook traveling to visit family or friends as a family vacation idea when you have a baby, especially around holidays and long weekends . You may already be fielding texts and calls from family members eager to meet your little one. Take them up on it and make a trip out of it (and the free babysitting services).

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If you have family nearby, it’s a great way to practice lugging gear and figuring out your systems before embarking on a larger trip to popular family vacation spots , too. When a baby is involved, even a 30-minute trip counts as traveling!

10. Staycations with Babies

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This may come as no surprise, but staycations are among the most baby-friendly vacations you can take. And if you really make an effort to turn your time vacationing at home into something beyond your ordinary routine, it can be just as much fun (and a whole lot easier) than going somewhere new.

Playing tourist in your own town gives you the home court advantage. From finding accessible walkways or squeezing strollers through restaurant doors, traveling with a baby means you’ll be navigating a whole different set of challenges than before your little bundle of joy came along—so the more familiar the environment the easier it will be to relax.

Even if your vacation with baby doesn’t go to plan, take it easy on yourself. You’re getting out and doing something, despite midnight wake ups, constant feeding, and tricky scheduling. And the look of delight and wonder on your baby’s face as you show them the world will melt your heart again and again no matter what. Chances are you’ll be booking your next baby-friendly vacation ASAP!

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37 best travel tips for traveling with an infant, older baby, or toddler.

Family travel is exciting for you and your kids and can create special memories that last a lifetime, whether you’re off on an adventure abroad or simply going to visit Grandma. But traveling with an infant, older baby, or toddler requires a little extra preparation to ensure a safe and comfortable trip. We’ve got the answers to common questions surrounding baby travel—short and long—plus a list of all the essentials and 37 tips for traveling with the little ones!

How Soon Can You Travel With a Newborn Baby?

When is it safe to travel with a newborn? It’s always wise to check with your healthcare provider before traveling with an infant. Your provider will likely offer specific guidance on whether you should or shouldn’t travel with your little newborn, depending on your little’s one's age and health status, as well as more general advice on when you can travel with a baby or older child. Whenever you do end up traveling with your little one, keep some safety precautions in mind. Your child is still developing their immune system, so it’s important to take protective measures, especially when flying or in crowded locations, such as

frequently washing hands

using hand sanitizer

avoiding visibly ill travelers.

Besides these basic safety precautions, keep reading for more tips on traveling with infants, plus older babies and toddlers, which include additional measures that will help keep your little one healthy, safe, and comfortable.

37 Tips for Traveling With an Infant, Older Baby, or Toddler

There are many ways you can help keep your infant, older baby, or toddler safe while traveling, and ensure that the trip is comfortable for all involved. It’s best to always consult with your child’s healthcare provider before traveling, especially with newborns or infants. Younger babies are more vulnerable than older babies and toddlers, so consider the provider’s advice and tips for traveling with an infant. Knowing how to travel with an infant isn’t much different from knowing how to travel with an older baby or toddler, but age can impact strategy. For example, traveling with a toddler opens up more opportunities for activities on your trip! You’ll probably notice that traveling with a 2-year-old is a lot more interactive than when your little one was just 3 or 6 months old. To cover all the bases, we’ve included 37 tips for traveling with babies of any age, but some apply more to younger babies, like infants and newborns, whereas others are more geared toward older babies and toddlers. However, all are worth considering when traveling with kids of any age and whether you’re flying to Paris or hopping in the car for a day trip.

1. Update Immunizations

Before you travel, including by car, on an airplane, or anywhere abroad, ensure your baby has had all the necessary immunizations. Following an immunization schedule is key to keeping your little one healthy throughout their life and, of course, when traveling. If you plan to travel abroad, be aware that some countries require additional vaccinations. You’ll want to consult your child’s healthcare provider for specific advice before planning any overseas trips, and you can contact the U.S. State Department for general information. As children will need immunizations and boosters throughout their early years, this tip also applies to travel with infants, older babies, and toddlers.

2. Consult Your Child’s Healthcare Provider

Remember that your baby’s healthcare provider is your ally and a great source of information. Don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have any questions about traveling with an infant or how to best travel with a baby of any age. If you’re thinking of traveling with a newborn, the provider may suggest waiting in some cases, such as if your little one has an underlying health condition or was born prematurely.

3. Collect Medications and Important Documents

Before setting off on your adventure, remember to pack any medication your child will need while away from home. You can also purchase a sturdy folder to keep any important documents, such as your baby’s vaccination record, copies of recent medical reports, passport, etc. When traveling with an infant, older baby, or toddler, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and bring everything you might need!

4. Do Some Research

One of the best tips for traveling with newborns or older babies and toddlers is to hunt for and gather relevant information ahead of time. Besides things like looking up vaccination requirements, you can also research details about accommodations and activities. Some hotels offer amenities that may come in handy when traveling. For example, if you’re breastfeeding your baby , you might want a refrigerator in your hotel room to store extra milk.

5. Allow Extra Time

Always remember that traveling with an infant or baby of any age means everything will take a little more time (or sometimes a lot more time!). Be sure to start early and allow extra time when packing the car or getting to the airport, going through security, checking into your accommodation, eating out, etc. This additional time makes for a smooth trip and also helps keep stress to a minimum.

6. Bring Those Baby Essentials

Although your research may reveal that hotels or accommodations offer some basic baby necessities, it’s best to bring as much as you can with you. For example, if a hotel offers cribs, unless you can guarantee that their baby cribs are up to date on safety requirements, it’s better to bring your own travel crib if you’re able to do so. Other travel essentials for your baby include bottles, bibs, diapers and wipes , pacifiers, etc. Keep these in a separate diaper bag for easy access! Our baby travel checklist below includes all these items and more.

7. Don’t Forget Favorite Toys or Blankets

Your little one is still getting used to the world around them, so bring some reminders of home to soothe any discomfort when in unfamiliar places. A favorite plush toy, a familiar rattle, or a blanket with home scents can do wonders in keeping your babies and toddlers comfortable when traveling, so be sure not to leave Mr. Rabbit (or any other "lovey") at home!

8. Double Check Car Seats

Whether traveling with your infant, older baby, or toddler by car or plane, double-check any car seats you use for safety . Look up the expiration date to make sure the seat hasn’t expired, and ensure that it’s properly installed.

9. Keep Feedings and Sleep Schedules Consistent

When traveling with babies, especially newborns and infants, it’s best to keep feeding and sleep schedules consistent, even when crossing into other time zones. It’s hard for children to adjust to new routines, and a little consistency will do wonders. If you’re moving across several time zones and it’s impossible to stick to the same feeding times, try to adjust your schedule gradually. However, what’s most important is feeding your baby when they’re hungry, regardless of the hour, and giving yourself some extra grace.

10. Bring a First-Aid Kit

In addition to all your essential must-have items, it’s also helpful to have your baby’s first-aid kit with you when traveling. You can keep one in the car, diaper bag, or your little baby’s overnight bag. Do you have all the baby necessities in your diaper bag? Take our quiz below to find out!

11. Wash Hands Frequently

Although briefly mentioned above, this is one of the most important tips for traveling with an infant or child of any age, and it deserves a friendly reminder! Because your little one is still building their body’s natural immune defenses, they’re more susceptible to catching colds, flu, or other infections. And because you’ll be carrying your newborn while traveling or holding your baby’s hand, it’s best for you to wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer.

12. Stay Hydrated

Traveling in general, but especially traveling by plane, is dehydrating to the body. Staying hydrated yourself means staying healthy and alert for your child. To keep your newborn hydrated, you’ll want to feed them more often (if needed), and older babies and toddlers will need sips of water throughout the day. Hydration is also very important if your little one has diarrhea while traveling, which is common.

13. Bring Disposable or Hybrid Diapers

When you’re traveling, nothing beats the convenience of disposable diapers. Another option is a hybrid system, like Pampers Pure Hybrid Starter Kit, which uses reusable covers and disposable inserts to cut down on waste.

14. Provide Entertainment

You may find that your newborn sleeps through much of the trip, but that probably won’t be the case for an active older baby or toddler! When traveling with a baby who’s a bit older and more alert, it helps to provide some form of entertainment, whether in the car, on the train, or on an airplane. A soft toy or a picture book work well.

15. Bring Food and Snacks

You don’t have to travel with a baby to know that meals and snacks are an important part of any outing! You’ll need to breastfeed or bring formula, of course, supplemented by solid foods once your little one has been introduced to solids at around 6 months. Good travel food for babies can be anything they regularly eat—the point is to keep their tummy happy!

16. Sing Songs

Singing is a wonderful way to bond and engage with your baby or toddler. It’s an entertaining way to pass the time on long car drives, for instance, and has the added bonus of helping to boost vocabulary as well as other important language skills and developmental milestones for babies . Before long your not so little one will be singing along and repeating their favorite songs, again and again.

17. Plan Car Games

In addition to singing songs, keep your little one entertained with some fun car games. Your toddler may enjoy the classic game I Spy or even counting things (with your help) they see out the window, like cows or red cars. Another idea is to build or purchase a travel tray, a simple tray that connects to the back of one of the front seats and provides lots of things to touch, look at, and listen to!

18. Pack Bedding From Home

When possible, pack bedding for your baby or toddler, which, of course, is easier when traveling by car or when you have extra space in your suitcase. Familiar feels and scents will help keep them at ease as they experience a disruption to their usual routine. If you’re flying far on a plane, just grab something small, like their favorite blanket or bedsheet, to help them feel “at home.”

19. Provide Extra Attention

Traveling with a baby or an older child often interrupts typical at-home routines, and your little one will probably need more attention from you. Some tips include extra hugs and snuggles during the day and at night, plus bringing interactive games and activities into the mix.

20. Maintain a Typical Meal Routine

Although traveling is a great time to try new foods or allow some “treats,” try to stick to your usual meal routines as much as possible. Let your older baby or toddler know that traveling can include trying new food while at the same time continuing to eat healthy foods and maintain normal mealtimes.

21. Look for Specials

Many accommodations and restaurants offer special prices or deals for families, which can help reduce costs. “Kids stay free” is a common feature; you can also see if a hotel provides complimentary meals or packaged discounts for kids and families. Consider working with a travel club or agency that can help you coordinate a trip with children in mind.

22. Ask for Assistance

With a baby, travel isn’t always an easy task to accomplish on your own. If your little one is feeling extra fussy on the plane or train and you’ve run out of ideas, ask an attendant if they have anything special for babies or young kids, such as a picture book or a pack of crayons. If you need a changing pad in your hotel room, call the front desk. It really does take a village, and many travel clubs, airlines, hotels, and more offer special assistance for kids and families!

23. Pack for the Weather

Take a look at the weather report before you leave and pack accordingly. Consider bringing some extra layers for cooler night temperatures or extra supplies in case of rain or snow. Socks, rain covers, a warm jacket, and a hat will all come in handy if the weather takes an unexpected turn.

24. Take Preventive Measures

It’s not unusual for an illness or another health-related issue to pop up when you’re on the go and away from home. Colds and sore throats, diarrhea, car sickness, mosquito bites or bedbug bites —all these scenarios are possible with any kind of travel, including travels with your baby. Although you might not be able to completely prevent all these issues, it helps to prepare. You can do so by

getting necessary vaccinations before traveling

checking hotel rooms, bus seats, or train cars for bedbugs

bringing your own food or eating only hot food that’s thoroughly cooked

eating only a light snack before traveling to lessen motion sickness

staying hydrated.

25. Remember Special Considerations When Flying

Don’t forget that flying with a child will require some extra steps. If you have any questions, consult your little one’s healthcare provider and contact the airline. For example, all equipment like car seats and strollers will need to be visibly inspected at the airport. Read more about air travel in our article about flying with babies .

26. Plan Age-Appropriate Trips

Of course, traveling with a 1-year-old is going to be a little different than traveling with a 2-month-old! It helps to plan a trip that works for your child’s specific age, so if you’re traveling with a 9-month-old baby, think of something to do that meshes well with their abilities and interests. A simple trip going to visit grandparents or where there are lots of playgrounds is all you really need! But, of course, kids love playing outdoors or at the beach, so see more suggestions on where to travel with a baby at the end of the article.

27. Plan Breaks

For travel of any kind, remember that kids need breaks, naps, and downtime. If you’re taking a road trip, for example, research your routes thoroughly and plan for pit stops and breaks. It’s not easy for wriggly little ones to sit for too long, and getting out of the car to stretch legs or enjoy an attraction along the way helps keep spirits and energy levels high. If you’re on a plane, get up and walk the aisle a few times for a little movement and stimulation. Or if you’re spending the day at a theme park, squeeze in some time in the shade with a blanket for a quick snooze or a calming activity, like reading.

28. Bring Craft Supplies

Your toddler may need something more interactive to keep them entertained while on a road trip, airplane, or in a hotel room. Basic arts and crafts for toddlers can keep your little one occupied. Even just some crayons and a coloring book will help.

29. Adjust Sleep Schedules 2 to 3 Days Before if Needed

As mentioned before, when traveling with infants and older babies, it’s better to try and stick to the same feeding and sleeping schedules. But when traveling with toddlers, you may have more wiggle room to adjust their routines. For short trips, you might not even need to consider this tip, but if you’re moving across multiple time zones, you can gradually adjust sleep and eating schedules to the new time zone a few days before departing on your trip.

30. Pack Books

Are you wondering what to pack when traveling with a baby or toddler? Put books at the top of your list! Any kind of books —picture books, storybooks, interactive books—will keep your little one entertained while traveling. And if you usually read before falling asleep, it’s important to maintain your bedtime routine while away from home.

31. Respect Boundaries

Traveling with babies and toddlers (or, really, kids of any age) is a lot of fun for everyone. But remember that a change in a routine can be difficult for children, so it’s important to respect any boundaries they put up. For example, if your child doesn’t want to give Grandma a hug this trip or go on a ride at a theme park, don’t force it. They might be feeling shy or nervous, and it’s best not to force interactions, even with family members or activities.

32. Allow Your Child to Make Decisions

One of the best tips for traveling with toddlers and older babies is letting them make some decisions as they start to dabble in independence. Ask them what they want to eat for dinner or what they’d like to wear. Keep decisions manageable for their little brains by offering two or three choices rather than asking open-ended questions. It will allow them to take ownership of the travel experience!

33. Try New Things

Make traveling with your baby or toddler even more memorable by encouraging new experiences. You’ll probably remember these trips forever, but to make them stick in your youngster’s mind, have some fun with unique activities that you can’t do at home. Plus, as your little one is growing and developing, they’ll naturally want to try new things and test newly developed skills!

34. Anticipate Big Feelings

Again, changes in routines can be difficult for kids to manage. Traveling means leaving home behind, sleeping in a strange bed, and being without the usual comforts. This may be stressful, confusing, or even a bit scary for your little one. If these emotions come out in the form of temper tantrums , crying, or resisting, give your child extra support and love.

35. Supervise Water Play

Baby travel or traveling with a toddler might include a little water play, like splashing around in the pool or at the beach. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in kids of any age, and it can happen in seconds, whether children are swimming , playing in a shallow pool, or simply taking a bath. Watch children closely when in the water or during bath time.

36. Take Photos and Videos

With cameras built into phones, you probably don’t need a reminder to take photos! Still, be sure to capture the memories when traveling with your kids, especially as they get older. It will be fun for them to look back and remember the trip!

37. Keep a Scrapbook

Take a blank scrapbook with you and let your toddler draw or color in it each day of the trip. For infants and newborns, press their hand or foot into the page with a bit of paint and add photos. When you return home, you can add more pictures or little trinkets like ticket stubs to the book, and your child can keep it to remember the experience. As your babies get older, traveling with them will get more and more fun, so let them be part of making the memories!

Baby Travel Checklist

We know this list of tips for traveling with an infant, older baby, or toddler is quite thorough, so to make it a bit easier for you, you’ll find a handy baby travel checklist below! We’ve included all the baby travel items that will help support a trip of any kind with any age group. Whether you’re wondering what to pack when traveling with a baby or hunting for those baby travel must-haves, we’ve included them all! This baby travel checklist works for kids of all ages, so you can use it when traveling with infants, older babies, toddlers, or even older children. It also works for short or long trips, by car, plane, or train. You can also download a version of the checklist and use it at home when preparing and packing for any upcoming family trips.

Baby Travel: Where to Go

Now that you have all of our travel tips, it’s time to think about where to travel with your baby. Not all destinations and activities are suitable for young children, so we’ve rounded up some of our best ideas for kid-friendly travel destinations!

Where to Vacation With an Infant, Older Baby, or Toddler in the United States

Luckily, the United States is a big country packed with various travel opportunities for babies and young children. Because there are so many choices, we’ve rounded up a few suggestions for each of the following themes: National Parks Among the best places to go when traveling with a newborn, older baby, or toddler are national and state parks. When you explore the great outdoors, you can avoid cramped environments and secure your sweet little one to your chest or carry older babies in backpacks while you enjoy fresh air and nature. Of course, toddlers will probably want a little independence as they toddle around! Some suggestions for kid-friendly national parks include the following:

All these parks offer a range of hiking suitable for carrying sleeping newborns or curious infants, plus interesting experiences for more mobile toddlers. Watch your child’s eyes light up at the scene of geysers erupting in Yellowstone, birds singing in the Everglades, or the sky-high trunks of the towering Redwoods! Vibrant Cities Although nature is ideal for traveling with babies or kids of any age, new cities also offer a lot of entertainment for the entire family (including you!). The United States is so diverse with different cultures, and your little one can enjoy various activities that can enrich their development. The list of kid-friendly cities in the United States is nearly endless, so if you’re simply looking for a bit of inspiration or a few suggestions for exciting cities, perhaps consider the following:

All these cities offer fun for you and your kids, even if your infant is simply watching the buzzy world around them. Take your little one to look for seals at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, explore adobe architecture in Santa Fe, New Mexico, or listen to street music in New Orleans. Theme Parks Although some theme parks aren’t suitable when traveling with newborns, infants, or young babies, many can be a lot of fun for toddlers and older kids! However, some of these classics cater to kids of all ages, rather than just focusing on thrilling roller coasters for the big kids. Again, you’ll find plenty of fun theme parks throughout the country, but for a few suggestions, you could consider the following:

These theme parks offer exciting scenes for even the youngest guests but can also entertain older children if you have a brood of various ages. Watch your baby delight at meeting their favorite Disney, Sesame Street, or fairy-tale characters! Beaches Although infants shouldn’t experience any direct sunlight until they are at least 6 months , beaches can offer a relaxing place to be with your little one, as long as they’re properly shaded. For older babies and toddlers, the beach is an exciting source of pure entertainment! The United States has a lot of coastlines to consider; here are just a few ideas:

A beach vacation with an infant, older baby, or toddler will expose your little one to an entirely new world. Plus, all the above suggestions offer complementary activities that your baby may love, such as visiting wildlife education centers, observing tide pools, or having fun at neighboring playgrounds. Road Trips Like national parks, road trips are also ideal for traveling with infants or children of any age, as you don’t have to interact too much with other travelers who can spread germs to your family. Plus, road trips can combine all the aforementioned ideas into one exciting adventure! A road trip doesn’t have to be long; you can simply pack snacks and head over to Grandma’s house or into the big city. But the United States is also known for its signature stretches of highway, and some of the most popular road-trip routes include the following:

Best Places to Travel With an Infant, Baby, or Toddler Abroad

A vacation abroad is a terrific way to open up the world to your little explorer! Although infants and young babies probably won’t remember much about a trip abroad, you can still use the opportunity to introduce them to new cultures and experiences. And, who knows, perhaps a trip at such a young age will spark an interest in travel as your adventurous baby grows up! A list of the best places to travel with an infant, baby, or toddler is endless, so we’ve included just a few popular family-friendly destinations in different parts of the world. Of course, use your imagination and go where you want!

The Bottom Line

Traveling with young infants, older babies, toddlers, or kids of any age can be a lot of fun, but it also requires a little extra prep! We hope this article helps you prepare for future family trips:

Use our suggestions on where to go to plan memorable experiences for the whole family.

Download our baby travel checklist to ensure you don’t forget any of the must-have items you’ll need.

Consider all our tips for traveling with newborns, babies, and toddlers to help your vacation go smoothly.

Remember that there is no age limit when it comes to travel, but it’s best to take extra precautions when traveling with infants, as they have yet to build up their body’s natural immunity. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider before planning any travel so you know what vaccinations your baby will need.

Family travel is a way to build wonderful memories that last a lifetime! Savor these exciting moments, whether you’re taking a simple trip to Grandma’s house, venturing out on an epic road trip to national parks, or enjoying an international vacation.

How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.

Book: Caring for your baby and young child, birth to age 5, Sixth Edition Paperback – November 2, 2014 by American Academy of Pediatrics (Author)
Medline Plus: Traveling With Children
Zero to Three: Survival Strategies for Traveling With Your Baby or Toddler
Medline Plus: Toddler Development
Mayo Clinic: Infant and Toddler Health
Healthy Children: Sun Safety
Healthy Children: Travel Safety Tips
Healthy Children: Car Safety
CDC: Travel Recommendations for Nursing Families
CDC: Drowning Facts
CDC: Traveling With Children
Healthy Children: Car Sickness
La Leche League International: Travel

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Where You Already Belong

Road Trip With a 6 Month Old: Is It Possible?

Date: July 18, 2022
Time to read: 5 min.

Traveling with a baby is a new adventure! Driving allows you to be flexible and keep the baby as comfortable as possible.

Road trips are a great way to vacation with a 6 month old. Be sure to have an adult sit next to the baby to monitor their breathing and comfort. Take breaks every two hours and take the baby out of the carseat to feed them and change their diaper.

Young babies can have trouble repositioning themselves in their carseats so it is important to give them frequent breaks from the carseat.

The biggest danger is positional asphyxia where a baby may slide down and make it difficult to breathe or they may stop breathing all together. This can be very dangerous for young babies.

Feed babies at these stops instead of while they are in the car seat. The semi-reclined position of a car seat is not a good position for bottle feeding and often causes milk to run down onto clothes and into skin folds.

If you are breastfeeding I recommend a manual breast pump to relieve pressure and allow you to make bottles on the road.

Change diapers every two hours as well to prevent uncomfortable diaper rash. Always pack diaper rash cream on a road trip just in case.

It is a good idea to pack diapers and rash cream from home so you can be sure to pack the brands that your baby is used to in case of an adverse reaction.

Keep essentials in easy reach. Keep diapers, wipes, rash cream, bottles, change of clothes and burp cloths in a basket in the foot well below the baby’s seat to make stops more efficient.

I also recommend a quick change of clothes for mom in case of a blow out diaper, spit up or a bad spill. I’ve been there.

How Long Can a 6 Month Old Ride In the Car?

When planning your road trip it is best to keep total travel time to 6-8 hours with stops every 2 hours. Stops can be short or long, but be sure to get the baby out of the car seat and change their diaper at each stop.

Some families choose to drive overnight or during regular nap times. This works very well for some families, and allows them to cover more miles each day.

When driving overnight be sure to have someone sitting next to your baby to monitor their breathing.

How to Plan a Road Trip with a 6 Month Old

When you are used to traveling with adults, a road trip with a baby is a new adventure. Although it will look different, a road trip with a 6 month old can be a great vacation.

Plan to Stop Every 2 Hours

I have found that it is more practical to plan travel days and wing most of the stops. I like to plan no more than 6-8 hours or 300-400 miles of travel in a day.

We have had the best success when we found one stop in the middle of the day that we are all excited about. A local restaurant, playground for the older kids or a friend’s house are all great stops.

Plan Fewer Miles Per Day

Even if you take your sweet baby out of the carseat every two hours, it is still best to limit their overall time in the car seat each day.

While the guidelines vary depending on who you ask, babies will let you know when they are not going to sit in the car seat happily anymore.

We just got home from a long trip and we found that 6 hours was the least stressful on myself and all the kids.

Pack Extras

The car can start to fill up fast, but it is important to pack plenty of extra outfits, diapers, and burp cloths for your 6 month old .

Be sure to change diapers every two hours to avoid diaper rash and discomfort or blowout diapers.

It is also a good idea to have some extra outfits so that you can keep the baby dry and clean too.

I also keep an outfit change for myself within reach because taking care of a baby can be messy work!

Let Them Sleep

Although you want to keep to the every two hour rule, if your baby is sleeping and there is an adult to monitor their breathing, you can stretch out the driving within reason.

While I do not recommend driving through the night, driving at nap time can be a good way to stick to your schedule while getting in some miles.

Be sure that the driver gets plenty of sleep and stop if they start to feel drowsy.

We do not usually drive during the night because then kids are well rested and parents are exhausted!

Travel Together

Traveling with a baby is a team sport , bring a partner or trusted friend to ride along with you. Having another adult to monitor the baby while you are driving is very important when traveling with a very young baby.

I know there are times when you will travel alone with the baby. Still plan to stop frequently and monitor the baby any way you feel comfortable. You can install those mirrors that allow you to keep an eye on our baby, but they can be very distracting, so use your judgment on that one.

Is it better to fly or drive with a 6 month old?

The most comfortable transportation will be the one that your family does most often.

If you are a seasoned fly-er and you are comfortable navigating the airport, checking bags, booking tickets and arranging transportation to and from the airport then flying may be easier because the trip is likely to be shorter.

Flying with a 6 month old also means booking another seat and carrying the car seat or holding your baby during the flight.

We prefer to drive because that is how we are used to traveling.

When traveling with a baby, driving gives you more control over your environment and schedule. You can stop for diaper changes, outfit changes and clean ups when you are driving and you can pack more of the big stuff.

Traveling by car also gives you privacy for things like outfit changes, diaper changes and feeding.

I love road trips for the freedom it gives you to choose your own adventure. You can always turn back if you must and you can always stop for things you forgot. I recommend driving.

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A young golden eagle attacks a toddler in Norway, its fourth such assault on humans

Norway Eagle Attack Photo taken on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 of Francis Ari Sture with signs of an attack of the golden eagle that also attacked a toddler in Norway in what an ornithologist says is likely the bird’s in the fourth such attack on humans in the past week. The bird’s unusual aggression occurred over five days across a vast mountainous area of southern Norway. (Francis Ari Sture/NTB Scanpix via AP) (Francis Ari Sture/AP)

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — (AP) — At first, Francis Ari Sture thought a human was trying to shove him down the steep Norwegian mountainside. Then he saw the golden eagle land.

“We are staring at each other for, maybe, a whole minute,” Sture told The Associated Press on Monday. “I’m trying to think what’s in its mind.”

The bird then attacked Sture five more times Thursday, scratching and clawing the 31-year-old bicycle courier’s face and arms over 10 to 15 minutes as he sprinted down the mountain. The same eagle is believed to be responsible for attacks on three other people across a vast mountainous area of southern Norway over the last week, including an assault on a toddler Saturday that required the child to get stitches.

The golden eagle — common in Norway and the Scandinavian country’s second-largest bird of prey, with a wingspan of about 2 meters (6.5 feet) — typically eats smaller animals, as well as foxes and sheep. The toddler and the bird’s other victims needed stitches and medication for deep gouges. The bird was killed after the attack on the small child.

The golden eagle “likely had a behavioral disorder” that prompted the aggression, Alv Ottar Folkestad, an eagle expert with BirdLife Norge, told the AP on Monday.

What happened is "radically different from normal,” Folkestad said, adding that the attacks were likely all by a female eagle born this year.

“Details in the plumage make me believe it is the same bird. The plumage means that no two golden eagles are alike,” he said, adding that in the past days there were “favorable weather conditions” with high-altitude winds for the eagle to fly long distances over southern Norway.

In the most recent attack, a 20-month old girl was playing outside a farm in Orkland, a small municipality in the south, on Saturday when the eagle came “out of the blue” and clawed her.

The girl’s father, who was not there during the attack, told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that the mother and a neighbor raced to fight the eagle. The raptor attacked three times before it was killed when hit with a piece of wood, Folkestad said.

The father said his daughter got a couple of stitches and has scratch marks on her face. The VG newspaper said that one of wounds was just under one of the girl’s eyes. She and her mother are doing fine.

Neither the toddler nor the family were identified and they have asked not to be contacted, NRK said.

Police said they were aware of the attack but have no detailed knowledge of the incident, saying a gamekeeper had been contacted.

In addition to Sture and the toddler, two other people have reported being attacked. One caught the incident on camera, while the other described a crushing weight as the bird swooped on her.

Mariann Myrvang, who was attacked on Wednesday, told NRK she cried out for help when “something big and heavy landed on my shoulders.”

“I went down on my knees, because I couldn’t stand up,” she said.

Armed with a branch, her husband chased the eagle away. The claws went deep into Myrvang’s flesh and she later received penicillin and a tetanus shot at the hospital.

Sture, the following day, tried using his backpack as a shield. He also kept pushing the bird down to his feet so he could kick it away from him. But no matter what he did, the eagle kept coming back.

Rushing down 50 meters (164 feet) of steep terrain covered in loose rocks, he panicked he’d slip. But falling unconscious was his biggest fear because the eagle potentially “would start to eat me.”

The eagle finally flew away, but Sture still had a two-hour hike to get to a campsite. He hadn’t packed a satellite phone, and cellphone service was spotty. He was able to call his father, and the closest hospital sent a taxi to pick him up.

He arrived covered in blood and exhausted, with a gouge just centimeters from his left eye that he captured in a selfie before leaving the mountain. The doctors credited his sunglasses and a long-sleeved shirt with saving him from worse injuries. After he received a tetanus shot, his brother drove him 6 hours home.

Despite his ordeal, he plans to keep hiking.

“I may be a bit more paranoid, may be looking up more a bit,” Sture said. “But I’m definitely going back hiking. Maybe not that summit — for awhile.”

Dazio reported from Berlin.

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IMAGES

Flying with a 6 Month Old Baby
memory montage photography
Travel with an Older Baby (6 months to 12 months)
A guide on how to best travel with a 6 month old baby. #traveltips #
Road Trip with a Six Month Old
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COMMENTS

Flying with Baby: Travel Tips for Flying with an Infant 6-12mos
Useful Tips for Flying with an Infant 6-12 Months: Well worth the arm workout…. Get baby used to room temperature bottles and food, so you don't have the additional hassle of heating en route. Now baby can likely bear weight on her legs, so consider purchasing slip-on diapers. Not all airplane bathrooms have change tables, or if they do ...
Ultimate Guide to Travel With a Baby: Including Expert Tips
My son in San Diego at 6 months old. Traveling with a 9-month-old Baby. At nine months, babies are usually on a regular sleep schedule, but can also fall into some sleep regressions which can make sleep an issue. Your baby is needing more and more time to play. At this age, babies are also more mobile, which could make long flights or car rides ...
Tips For Flying With a 6 Month Old Baby
If you are traveling with a 6 month old as a lap baby, typically they either fly for free, or at a reduced fare of approximately 10% of the adult fare plus any applicable taxes. This obviously depends on the airline, the destination and whether it's a domestic or international flight. If you purchase a seat to use your carseat for your infant ...
Flying With a Baby
A passport for international flights. All U.S. citizens, including newborns, need their own passports to fly internationally. To obtain one for your baby, you'll need to use the DS-11 form and apply together in person, so plan ahead. For domestic flights, babies and children under 18 don't need a passport or an ID. Her birth certificate.
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Traveling with a six month old is different. Adjust your expectations for how many things you are going to do in a day. You are probably not going to cross as much off of your bucket list. Your baby is going to need to sleep, it's going to take more time to get out the door because you need to make sure the baby is fed, the diaper bag is ...
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Book a direct flight or one with a longer layover. 2. Visit the airport restroom before your flight. 3. Take advantage of pre-boarding. View more. 1. Book a direct flight or one with a longer layover. As the parent of a baby or young child, it is imperative to keep the number of connecting flights to a minimum.
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Babies change so fast - flying with a 3 month old is very different than flying with a 8 month old child, for example. Every flight and every time you travel with baby will be different. So even if you've had a bad experience flying with your baby in the past, don't let that stop you from trying again - family travel is so worth it ...
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Be ready for flight delays and cancellations. 8. Plan ahead to bring formula, breast milk, and bottles. 9. Pack formula safely …. Ready-to-feed formula: Bring an unopened container and clean, empty bottles on board. When your baby is ready for feeding, pour the formula into the bottle and serve it right away.
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Keep baby's meals handy. On a similar note, while traveling with an infant, pack plenty of formula, bottles, water (for babies older than 6 months) and other solids. Pack more than you think you'll need in case of delays—and don't forget to take all the essentials you'll need for pumping while traveling.
What to Pack When Traveling With Baby
Wipes, lots of them. A changing pad. Diaper cream (no more than 3.4 ounces if you're flying by plane) Two bibs. Three baby blankets that you can use as burp cloths or to cover yourself up with while breastfeeding. Two bottles (if you use them) Change of clothes for your baby.
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Lap-held infant charges. Babies under 2 years old generally fly free domestically - that means you can save some money when flying with a 6 month old! However, on international flights, airlines generally charge an infant fare even if the infant is lap-held. The fare is usually 10% of the adult fare, plus possible taxes and fees.
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Don't miss our tips on road trips with a toddler. 2. Strategically Plan Your Road Trip Stops. Another essential strategy for a long road trip with a baby is to pre-plan your stops. When planning your stops, consider how long you are comfortable leaving your baby in their car seat.
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Traveling with an infant is already an adventure -- and traveling abroad with one is an even bigger feat to tackle. Knowing the rules, researching and prepping ahead of time and packing the right things can make (or break) your first international trip with a baby. If you're in the know, you can take advantage of all the options afforded to traveling families, from bassinets on the plane and ...
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5. Most hotels have cribs. Call ahead to make sure your hotel has cribs and then happily leave your pack-n-play behind. Bring a crib sheet from home to make it feel cozy. 6. Don't book a balcony room on Bourbon Street.
The Best Age to Travel with a Baby
Pros: 6-9 months. Everything is exciting. Clearly, I wasn't up to my usual Pinterest standards on my recent trip to Victoria BC with my then 6-month-old. For the plane trip, I literally brought NOTHING. I did not bring a single thing to entertain my child for a four-hour plane ride.
air travel
The downside of buying your infant a seat is the price. Airlines usually have very limited reductions on children fares. Usually you pay the adult fare. With a 6-month-old baby, you don't need to pay for a seat, as most airlines provide bassinets free of charge.
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Preethi Harbuck, author of the travel blog Local Passport Family and a mom of six agrees that taking a big trip with young children — that is, babies and toddlers under age 2 — isn't easy. But with the right preparation and mindset, it can also be fun for everyone. You may even be able to "connect with people and places in a new way that [you] wouldn't have been able to experience without ...
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Date: July 18, 2022. Time to read: 5 min. Traveling with a baby is a new adventure! Driving allows you to be flexible and keep the baby as comfortable as possible. Road trips are a great way to vacation with a 6 month old. Be sure to have an adult sit next to the baby to monitor their breathing and comfort. Take breaks every two hours and take ...
A young golden eagle attacks a toddler in Norway, its fourth such
The golden eagle — common in Norway and the Scandinavian country's second-largest bird of prey, with a wingspan of about 2 meters (6.5 feet) — typically eats smaller animals, as well as ...