Tips & Tricks for Travelling with a Baby or Toddler

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Travelling with Kids: Your Fun, Fuss-Free Guide

Heading off on a family adventure? Travelling with little ones can be full of magical memories – but let’s be honest, the planning and packing can feel a bit overwhelming. We’ve put together some handy tips and a comprehensive checklist to help make your trip smoother (and a lot more fun!). 🏖️☀️

Before You Go: Planning Ahead

Research your destination: Does your accommodation provide a cot, high chair, or other baby-friendly gear? Think about how you’ll get around too – will you need car seats or airport transfers?

Book smart: When booking flights, don’t forget the extras. Request a bassinet if needed, look for seats with extra legroom, and pre-order kids’ meals. Check your airline’s baggage policy and what baby gear you can bring.

Get your documents sorted: Make sure everyone’s passports are up to date (including baby’s – with at least 6 months’ validity). Don’t forget visas and any required immunisation records.

Getting There: In-Flight Tips

Arrive early: Give yourself extra time to get through the airport stress-free. Take advantage of priority boarding – it gives you a few bonus minutes to settle in before the crowd.

Ears and altitude: Offer a bottle or breastfeed during takeoff and landing to ease pressure on their ears. A pacifier or sippy cup can also help.

Keep boredom at bay: New toys or books they haven’t seen before can work wonders – try magnetic books, sticker books, or even a stack of post-it notes for endless sticking fun. Load up your device with baby-friendly apps or videos for those moments a toy just won't do.

Snacks, snacks, snacks: Pack food you know they love – and plenty of it! Snacks can be both fuel and entertainment.

Once You Arrive: Making the Most of the Holiday

Stick (loosely) to routine: Keeping to familiar nap and mealtimes can help your little one adjust. But travel rarely goes perfectly to plan, so go with the flow where you can.

Baby-proof your space: Once you get to your accommodation, do a quick scan of the room. Move anything hazardous out of reach so you can relax and enjoy your time away.

Stay cool and sun-safe: Keep fluids up and protect sensitive skin with sunscreen, sunhats, and breezy clothing – especially in tropical destinations.

Your Ultimate Packing Checklist (with links to products we love!)

Important Documents:

Passports and visas
Luggage ID tags (don’t forget to label strollers and baby gear too)
Travel insurance

Carry-On Essentials:

Nappies and wipes (pack more than you think you’ll need)
Disposable change mats - super handy for when you're on the go
Spare clothes for baby and you
Swaddle or blanket
Pacifier and a favourite cuddly toy
Snacks and meals
Bottles and formula (if needed)
Baby-safe hand sanitiser - we love this one from Paume
Toys and books
Tablet with headphones
Baby carrier for hands-free travel
For older toddlers, consider the Jetkids Bedbox by Stokke – a ride-on suitcase that converts into an inflight bed!

Baby Gear & Equipment:

A compact travel stroller (like the YOYO) that fits in overhead lockers is a game-changer
Travel cot if your accommodation doesn’t provide one – bonus as it doubles as a play space!
For bigger kids, the Stokke Cloud Sleeper inflatable bed is a great option
White noise machine - we love the Yogasleep Hushh
Stroller fan for warm climates
Insect nets for cot and pram
Car seat – different countries have different rules, so it's very important to research ahead. We recommend the Maxi-Cosi Nomad for its light weight and compact size (suitable from approx. 15 months to 4 years)
Portable blackout blinds for the room, or even a stroller shade to help with daytime naps

Clothing & Accessories:

Weather-appropriate clothes, including wet bags for damp items
Sleep sacks (bring one your child is used to, and adjust for warmer/cooler climates)
Sun protection – sun hats, sunglasses, and lightweight layers

Feeding: