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Long Distance Travel With Babies: 9 Things You Need To Know

Going on baby’s first vacation? We’ve got tips, packing lists and advice from our globetrotting parents on how to keep both you and your little one cool, calm and collected.

Summer Land Writer & Author

Getting to travel the world with your mini me is one of the most special memories you can make. It can also be one of the most mentally and physically exhausting things you do in your lifetime. However, it’s totally worth it. Below are 9 tips to help your trip go as smoothly as possible.

1. GET GOING EARLY

If you’re flying and have requested a bassinet – make sure you’re at the airport early to guarantee you get it. They are not 100% promised until check-in so don’t risk it!

If you’re driving – early morning travel can be the best time because little ones are either sleepy at this time or less fussy.

2. THE MORE ALL-IN-ONES THE BETTER

Whether you’re driving, flying or catching a commuter train, you’re going to want to bring as little stuff as possible. Especially if you’re going solo with your baby.

The Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller goes from capsule to carrier to stroller in seconds, which makes transferring from car to rest stop or terminal to terminal an absolute breeze.

3. BREASTFEEDING AND BOTTLE FEEDING?

If your baby is still only having breast milk or formula, it can be really helpful to map out where you’re going to stop along the way to make sure you don’t let your little one get hungry. When arriving at an airport, it can be chaotic to park, check in, go through security, and make small talk with a stranger – so make sure you take a moment to feed your little one BEFORE all the hoopla. (I’ve had to breastfeed a baby while taking off my shoes to go through a metal detector and it’s truly not fun.)

Flying? Try feeding on take off and landing. The swallowing motion helps your baby equalize the pressure in their ears. You can also pre-fill your baby bottles with sterilized water. Depending on the length of your trip, you may need up to 10 to avoid trying to wash bottles in a gas station or airport bathroom.

4. DON’T LET ANYONE GET ‘HANGRY’

This includes yourself! Whether you’re three months old or thirty, it’s important that you stay well fed and hydrated. Snack containers like Re-Play’s Snack Stacks are perfect for packing rusks, rice puffs and fresh cut fruit or veggies. We like to fill one with almonds and granola for ourselves!

If your little one is on puree baby food, try using Little Green’s reusable pouches to bring yoghurt, puree pear or whatever meal your little one loves. But be sure to have a Modern Twist Bucket Bib on you. It will save your baby’s clothing and wipes down in a flash.

Hot Tip: If you’re flying – now is not the time to try out a new food and risk an allergic reaction or worse – gas. Stick to easy on the tummy foods.

5. SPEAKING OF GAS – BE PREPARED

One of the most important things you need in your diaper bag is the Fridababy Toolkit.

This carry-all contains an arsenal of fuss-busters which include a NoseFrida SnotSucker, 24 NoseFriday Hygiene Filters, a 10 pack of Windi the GasPasser, a NailFrida SnipperClipper Set, and 1 Fridet the MomWasher. It’s also a good idea to bring a thermometer.

6. PACK MORE DIAPERS THAN YOU THINK YOU’LL NEED

There’s a good chance you’ll run out of diapers. There’s also a good chance the parent sitting in the row behind you will. Also bring ample wipes and a bottle of organic hand sanitizer. Keeping everyone clean will make for a much more pleasant journey.

7. TEETHING TOOLS

There’s nothing fun about a teething baby – especially when you’re traveling. Make sure you bring at least two teething toys like the Oli & Carol Cathy the Carrot Teether.

This one is completely non-toxic, easy to hold and will not only entertain your tot, but help soothe sore gums. However, it’s easy for toys to be dropped and lost in the abyss of an airport, so always have a back up!

8. CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES YOU NEED FOR THE TRIP

For Baby:

4 x onesies
- We know you want to put your tot in their Sunday Best for their vacation, but wait until you get where you’re going to put on their special outfit because if there’s one absolute truth for travel it’s, “There Will Be Spills.”
2 x sleep bags/sacks
2 x special outfits (I promise one will be soiled before you can even blink.)
2 x swaddles
1 x soft blanket
2 x pairs of socks
1 x soft sole shoe (If your tot likes shoes or it’s freezing)
1 x hat (if traveling on a cold plane or during winter)

For You:

1 x extra set of either active wear or easy to move in clothing
1 x extra shirt you don’t think you’ll need, but you will because – SPILLS and SPIT UP are real
Jacket or pullover
Socks (if travelling on a plane and you want to keep warm)
Organic lotion for both you and baby

9. THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU NEED WHEN YOU GET WHERE YOU’RE GOING

Since getting our babies to sleep is pretty much our #1 goal in life, you don’t want to risk getting to a hotel or friend’s house and not having somewhere cozy and safe for your baby to rest. Perfect for travel, the Nuna Sena Air Travel cot can be opened with one hand and includes an organic cotton sheet & travel bag.

A comfortable carrier or wrap is an absolute must-have when travelling with your baby. Little ones can easily get overwhelmed by all the noise of a busy airport so it helps if you can keep them close or even nurse them while you’re on the move.

Depending on the climate, you may need a heavier sleep bag than the one used on the plane or in the car. If you’re lucky enough to be going somewhere tropical, make sure you bring organic sunscreen and non-toxic bug spray. Also traveling with a toddler? Check out are tips here.