Top 6 Tips for Travelling with Baby
Taking a family trip with your baby can be stressful, especially if it’s a long journey. Using these simple tips as you prepare for your trip can help make it a safe and as comfortable as possible for all of you.
Try to recreate a similar sleep environment
- sleep comforter toy
- magic blinds for blacking out room
- white noise machine
- portable clip on white noise for the pram if having naps while out and about
Planning travel when your child would normally be asleep can be a great way to avoid too much sleep debt they will most likely not sleep the same amount whilst traveling to your destination so just remember to bring bedtime back a little earlier to compensate and hopefully you’ll get back on track for the following day.
How can I feed my baby when travelling?
Breastfeeding is very convenient when travelling as you don’t need to pack any equipment.
If you are formula-feeding, you can buy convenient travel-sized packs of ready-made formula at most chemists and supermarkets. Or you could bring an insulated flask of boiled water, portions of formula powder, and sterilised bottles and teats. Then you can make a feed whenever your baby wants one.
Sterilising bottles may take a little organising, but travel bottle sterilisers and pre-sterilised bottle liners are available in many shops.
Your baby’s milk and food is not subject to the same maximum restrictions as other liquids for aeroplane cabin baggage. You are allowed to carry enough for your baby’s journey.
If your baby is eating solids, pop a few well-wrapped jars or sachets of baby food into your bags. You should be able to buy food when you’re away, unless you are going somewhere really out of the way. However, a few favourite flavours will help your baby settle. Lots of bibs are also essential for catching all that pureed pumpkin!
How can I keep my baby happy when travelling by plane?
Feed your baby during take-off and landing to ease any earache.
Give her a change of scenery from her seat when you can. Walk her about the plane or train and let her look out of the window. Unless she’s asleep, lay her down safely and let her kick her legs at least every couple of hours.
Do ensure she is drinking enough during the journey. It’s easy to become dehydrated when travelling.
How can I keep my baby happy when travelling by car?
Travelling with a baby by car will take longer than travelling with adults. Plan for regular breaks (about 1 break for every 2 hours travel) and expect unscheduled stops - such as, for nappy changes.
Babies are not meant to spend long periods of time in their car seat. During stops, allow your baby to kick, roll or crawl around on a rug on the ground where it is safe for them to do so.
If your baby is sleeping as you reach your destination, take your baby out even if it means waking them up. Never leave your child unattended in the car.
Keep your baby occupied
Bring some of your baby’s favourite toys and books to help keep them entertained in the car. On a long trip, you may want to introduce one item at a time so your baby will stay interested for longer. Have a few new items on hand as well, in case your baby gets bored with familiar ones. Singing and music may also help keep your baby occupied for a while.
Allow plenty of time for travel when driving
When travelling with a baby, you may find you need to stop more often or for longer than planned. Allow yourself lots of time to travel. You may also want to check real-time information on traffic jams, road conditions and closures from the following government sources.
New South Wales (132 701)
Northern Territory (1800 246 199)
Queensland (13 19 40)
South Australia (1300 361 033)
Victoria (13 11 70)
Western Australia (138 138)
Want some extra help?
If you’d like some assistance planning your babies sleep and travel, you can book in a free 15min consult. We can offer support by helping with their routine, environment and settling tools and techniques to support your little ones sleep.