Tips for Traveling with Your Baby or Toddler

When it’s finally time for that first, well-deserved vacation with your infant or toddler, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the excitement and travel nerves. And there are plenty of things to keep track of when going away—no matter if it’s just a short weekend getaway or a longer trip. Although going on a vacation with a baby or toddler might feel a bit daunting, it’s certainly possible.

Below, we list our top tips for traveling with small children, starting with babies and then moving on to toddlers. Let’s dive in!

Baby Travel Essential List—5 Must-haves

One of our best baby travel tips is to start with a well-organized baby travel checklist. No matter where you’re headed, having a list ensures you pack all the baby travel essentials—so you never forget must-haves like diapers, wipes, extra clothes, or you or your baby’s favorite items. Here are our top recommendations!

1. Baby Carrier Mini

Baby Carrier Mini is a lifesaver when traveling with your baby. You can fold it, so it easily fits in your suitcase, and it’s perfect to take on any kind of trip. It ensures that your little one is close and comfy and is a must-have when you don’t want to bring a big stroller.

2. Blankie or stuffed animal

Traveling can be a bit stressful for your little munchkin, so make sure to bring their favorite blankie or teddy to soothe them during the trip.

3. Diapers

This might be a no brainer, but make sure to pack loads of diapers—more than you’d think. Your little one’s tummy might get upset from traveling or the trip might take longer than expected. When it comes to diapers, more is always more.

4. Baby Bouncer

Here’s another lifesaver! No matter if you’re traveling to grandma’s house or a cozy family-friendly hotel, it’s always a good idea to bring your little one’s baby bouncer. It’s a familiar place for them to play and a safe space when you need your hands free for a minute. Top tip: Get the transport bag for our baby bouncer to make it even easier to bring on the go.

5. Baby wipes

Similar to diapers, baby wipes are something you simply can’t be without. They are not only great when it comes to diaper changes, but they also come in handy for any other potential mishaps that may occur. Bring lots!

Packing list for beach vacation with baby

We’ve listed the baby travel essentials for all trips, and now it’s time to get more specific! There’s nothing quite like a vacation in the sun, but what should you pack when going on a beach vacation with your baby?

Toys:

It’s always a good idea to bring a couple of beach-friendly toys so your little one can play and have fun in the shade.

Baby Carrier Harmony:

Our coolest baby carrier is perfect for sunny destinations. The airy mesh material helps keep you and your little one cool, and the back support makes babywearing comfier for you

Discover Baby Carrier Harmony

A parasol for shade:

Bring a parasol that is safe to use for babies whenever you go to the beach, even on cloudy days. This way your little one can play out of the sun.

Protection from the sun:

Besides the parasol, make sure your little one is protected from the sun. A hat and long-sleeved beachwear will help shield them from those strong rays of the sun and protect their delicate skin.

Swim diapers:

If you’re planning to splash around a bit in the water with your little one, swim diapers are a must.

Baby Bouncer in mesh:

When you return to the hotel or apartment after enjoying the beach, it’s nice for your little one to have a breezy place to play. We recommend our Baby Bouncer Bliss or Bouncer Balance Soft in mesh for some after-sun fun.

Discover Baby Bouncer

Packing list for road trip with baby

Road trips are a great first trip to take with your little one. Here, we list the top items that make traveling on the road with your baby a breeze.

Travel Crib: A travel crib is great when traveling with your baby. It’s a familiar place for them to rest and play, and it’s easy to set up anywhere. Ours comes with a transport bag and takes up little space in the trunk!
Car seat: Make sure to double check that the car seat is installed correctly.
Baby Bouncer: Great for your little one to play in when you are busy with tasks like unpacking.
Changes of clothing for your baby
Window sunshade
Baby Carrier: Perfect for exploring together while keeping your hands free.
Grab bag: Fill it with diapers, rash cream, and a first-aid kit and keep in the front seat of the car.
Washable changing pad: For easy on-the-go diaper changes.

Other helpful tips: Look on the map for places to make stops on the way. Driving for many hours at a time is not easy with a little one, so frequent stops are a must.

Tips for Traveling with a Toddler

Going on a vacation with babies is quite easy—the tricky part starts once they’re toddlers. They get restless and are easily affected by disrupted routines. Nonetheless, the fun memories you make during family vacations with your toddler are absolutely worth it. And, of course, there are ways to manage the inevitable tantrums! Below, we’ve put together our top tips, including a packing list with things that will help your toddler be as happy and content as possible during the trip.

Packing list for traveling with small children and toddlers

What should you pack when going on a vacation with a toddler, then? The packing list can get pretty long, but we’ve rounded up the must-haves below.

Travel Crib: A travel crib is perfect to bring when you’re going on vacation with small children. It works as a cozy and familiar place for your little one to sleep and sets up in just one move.
Your child’s favorite blankie or toy: Traveling can involve a lot of new impressions for your tiny tot, so always make sure to bring their favorite toy or blanket. A familiar item can help calm and comfort them.
Children’s books: Picture books and short stories are a good way to keep your little one entertained while traveling. Pack a few with nice illustrations, perhaps with their favorite animal or character, and they will stay occupied for a little while.
Potty: If you are in the middle of potty training, it might be a good idea to bring your toddler’s potty. Although there might be a potty at your destination, your child might feel more comfortable using their own.
Their Favorite Snacks: Snacks are always a must, especially if you’re traveling around your toddler’s normal snack time. Bring their favorite ones for a yummy treat during the trip!
Baby Carrier: A baby carrier for travel makes things like airport security checks and sightseeing much easier. A Baby Carrier is always handy when traveling with a toddler and carrying them facing out or on your back will still allow them to explore and see the world. Our Baby Carrier One, Free, or Harmony are great if you’re babywearing for longer periods.
First-aid kit and medicine: It is always a great idea to keep Band-Aids, medicine and everything else you need in a first-aid kit close at hand.

Flying with Kids: What You Need to Know

Flying with kids can feel both fun, exciting and challenging all at the same time. If you’re traveling with your baby by plane, make sure to pack essentials like diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, and pacifiers in your carry-on. For those traveling with a toddler on plane trips, consider bringing toddler travel toys and toddler travel snacks to keep them entertained and comfortable. Family travel tips like booking flights during nap times and choosing aisle seats for easy access can also make the journey easier – both for you and your little one.

Here are some additional tips for flying with kids:

Board early to get settled before the plane fills up.
Pack extra clothes in case of spills or accidents.
Give toddlers activities like sticker books or interactive toys to keep them busy.
For long flights, try to plan small breaks for movement whenever possible.

Smart Potty

Baby Carrier Mini

Bouncer Bliss

3 common questions about traveling with a baby or toddler:

How soon can you travel with a baby?

Parents often ask: When is it safe to travel with a newborn? Truth is, it differs! As we all know, all babies are different, so it’s always best to check with your healthcare provider to know when your little one is ready. It all depends on how long and how far you’re planning to go on your vacation. Follow the advice and guidelines from health professionals about traveling with kids. It'll help you feel more relaxed and confident, allowing you to enjoy your family trip to the fullest. And remember—with a little bit of planning and preparation, traveling with a baby can be a fantastic experience for the whole family.

What is the hardest age to travel with a toddler?

The most challenging stretch of traveling with a little one is usually when they’re around 10–20 months old. At this age, they start to become more restless, wanting to move around a lot more. It gets a bit easier to travel with your child once they’re around 3 years old because you can entertain them with things like cartoons, children’s books and toys.

How do I keep my toddler entertained while traveling?

Keeping your toddler entertained—or at least occupied—while traveling is essential. While some toddlers may fall asleep as soon you leave the driveway, it’s far from reality for most. Small toys and books are great to help make traveling with a toddler easier. Toddler-friendly snacks are also perfect when you’re going on a vacation with your little one, especially if the journey clashes with their daily snack time.