Long Distance Travel With Baby: 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.
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.
As parents who have flown, sailed, driven, hiked and even canoed with our babies and kids, we’re here to share our wisdom and tried & trusted product picks.
In this article, we’ll go over:
- Tips & products for long distance travel with babies
- Ingredients & materials to avoid in baby products
Scroll down to learn more!
Tips & products for long distance travel with babies
#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.
Products like 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.
Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller
$499
#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.) Also be sure to bring nursing balm because airplane air is DRY!
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.
Pumping? The Elvie Breast Pump is wearable, tube-free and automatically shuts off when it is full. If you’re looking for no-fuss feeding, this should be your go-to.
The other tip we swear by is: bring a nursing pillow. If you’re flying, this can really help save the strain on your neck, back and arms. Your baby might sleep better too!
The Tot Feeding Sets: Nursing
$139
EXCLUSIVE
Elvie Double Breast Pump
$499.99
Also available in single
Olababy Gentle Bottle (2 Pack)
$28.95
Available in more colors
HART + LAND 3 Pack Organic Cotton Burp Cloths
$34
EXCLUSIVE
Erbaviva Nursing Balm
$20
Nook Niche Organic Feeding Pillow
Ranging from $119 to $129
Available in more colors
#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. When it comes to choosing storage containers and bibs, we like to use products made from food-grade silicone. This wonder product is non-toxic, dishwasher safe, microwave safe and one of the best reusable materials we’ve ever found.
Containers like the Zip Top Snack Containers are particularly great for packing rusks, rice puffs and fresh cut fruit or veggies. We are also huge fans of the EKOBO Go Rectangular Bento Lunchbox because you can fill a side with almonds and granola for yourself.
Seasoned Parent 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.
The Tot Feeding Sets: On-The-Go
$119
EXCLUSIVE
Zip Top Baby Silicone Snack Container Set
$34.99
EKOBO Go Rectangular Bento Lunchbox
$23
Available in more colors
Mushie Silicone Baby Bib
$12.99
Available in more colors
thinkbaby Sippy of Steel
$13.99
#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 forehead and ear thermometer. While fevers are normal in babies, high temperatures can be dangerous and need to be monitored.
If your baby suffers from dry lips and skin, their symptoms may be exacerbated by the air on a plane or train. Try using a natural and non-toxic balm to prevent and soothe their lips and cheeks.
fridababy Bitty Bundle of Joy
$49.99
Innovo Forehead & Ear Thermometer
$29.99
Erbaviva Baby Travel Set
$24
#6 PACK MORE DIAPERS AND WIPES 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.
You’ll definitely need a travel change pad too. We’ve shared one of our favorite options in tip #8…. it’s included with the Jem & Bea Jamie Eco Backpack.
Coterie 1 Month Supply of Diapers
$94.99
Available in multiple sizes
Coterie 8 Pack (56 in each) of Wipes
$47.95
Erbaviva Organic Diaper Cream
$20
#7 TEETHING TOOLS & TOYS
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 Wally the Watermelon Teether. If your baby loves using a pacifier, we highly recommend introducing them to the Doddle & Co The Pop Pacifier. When dropped, the nipple pops inward preventing it from contacting yucky stuff on the ground.
These are both completely non-toxic, easy to hold and will not only entertain your tot, but help soothe sore gums. It’s easy for toys to be dropped and lost in the abyss of an airport, so always have a back up!
Oli & Carol Wally the Watermelon Teether
$17.99
Doddle & Co The Pop Pacifier – 2 Pack
$18.99
Available in more colors
Cheengoo Bunny Teether
$18.50
Wee Gallery Peekaboo Pets Activity Pad
$38.95
#8 CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES YOU NEED FOR THE TRIP
Your packing list should include easy-to-wash items that can also be mixed, matched and layered. While it may be fun to think about traveling in your Sunday Best – don’t. There are fluids and messes and delays.
You’ll also need something to pack these in so opt for a hands-free bag that has plenty of room such as the Jem & Bea Eco Backpack. We extra love this option because it includes a change pad.
Wear comfortable clothing and bring changes of clothing for both you and your baby! HART + LAND has a range of organic cotton baby gift sets that are perfect for travel. They even include a swaddle and pacifier tip teether.
Definitely bring more than one swaddle. Extremely versatile, they can be used for warmth, privacy while breastfeeding, as a space for tummy time, a spit up cloth, scarf and more! Also bring a sleeping bag. These can help babies cozy up on a plane and in bed once they get where they’re going.
Jem & Bea Eco Backpack
$245
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Organic Essentials Seven Piece Baby Gift Set
$150
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
HART + LAND Bamboo 4 Piece Gift Set
$75
EXCLUSIVE
HART + LAND Baby Bamboo Sleep Bag
$36
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
Loulou Lollipop Bamboo Muslin Swaddle – London
$25
Available in other prints
#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. Right now – you can buy it bundled with their wonderful Cudl Carrier.
Wraps can also be life-savers when traveling 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.
Nuna Cove Aire + Cudl Carrier
$669.90
Available in more colors
Pehr Hooded Towel
$42
Kyte BABY 3 Piece Brush Set
$24.99
Ingredients & materials to avoid in baby products
It doesn’t matter if you’re buying a onesie, teether or diaper cream, you must find out what it’s made of.
At The Tot, we don’t use or recommend anything that hasn’t passed The Tot Safety Test. This means we’ve reviewed third-party testing and certifications for every product on the site.
Scroll down to see the ingredients and materials we avoid in baby products and why.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and very low levels can irritate and burn the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Those with asthma may have exacerbation of symptoms when exposed to formaldehyde.
PVC
PVC, also known as polyvinyl chloride, or vinyl, is an incredibly toxic chemical that is harmful to our bodies and to the environment right from the production phase through to disposal. It contains additives like phthalates, lead, cadmium, organotin that are quite toxic and have been linked to asthma, allergies, reproductive problems and cancer.
Harmful phthalates
Many phthalates are known endocrine disruptors associated with asthma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, breast cancer, obesity, type II diabetes, neurodevelopmental issues, behavioral issues, autism spectrum disorders, altered reproductive development and male fertility issues.
BPA + BPS (bisphenols)
Bisphenols mimic the hormone estrogen and have been linked to prostate cancer, breast cancer, female infertility, and obesity. BPA is an especially dangerous endocrine disruptor since even small amounts of this chemical have been shown to cause serious reproductive damage, especially when the exposure occurs in utero.
Lead and other heavy metals
Exposure to heavy metals can cause nerve damage, learning and behavioral problems, reproductive damage and irreversible brain damage.
Synthetic fragrances
Synthetic fragrances can contain dozens of chemicals that often do not need to be disclosed. Some of the most common chemicals found in man-made fragrances include phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors, and benzene derivatives, aldehydes, and toluene, which are known carcinogens.
Click here to view the full list of ingredients that The Tot avoids.
Continue exploring
- Traveling with an older sibling? Check out our tips for long distance with a toddler here.
- Not all rugs are created equal. Here are The Best (And Most Stylish) Kid-Friendly Rugs.
