Traveling abroad with a baby can seem daunting for any first-time parent, but with the right tools and mindset, it can be an enjoyable experience for all.

Let me help you ease anxiety by providing tips for traveling with a baby on a plane. I remember getting anxious four months before our flight to Greece with LO. I joined a few Facebook Traveling Mom Groups so that I could be prepared for this trip. When traveling abroad with a baby, there’s no such thing as being ‘overprepared.’

Whether you’re embarking on a family vacation or relocating overseas, some tips and tricks can make traveling with a baby or toddler a breeze. From packing essentials to navigating airport security, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know for an unforgettable trip with your little one.

First traveling tip with baby: when packing for your international trip, it’s important to bring only the essentials.

This means packing a diaper for every hour until you reach your destination, along with one extra outfit for your infant and one for you.

Baby wipes, pouches, or snacks are also essential to pack in your carry-on luggage.

Don’t forget to bring your child’s passport and relevant medical documents (I also packed allergy medicine and fever medicine, just in case). These all went into my carry-on.

I traded my rollerbag carry-on for my daughter’s diaper bag.

Again, I wanted to be overly prepared for the worst.

I usually never check in bags when I travel, but I checked in luggage this time because I wasn’t sure if they would have pouches LO loved and if she would eat the solids they offered.

We traveled when she was just turning one, which was odd because she had just started on cow’s milk and was transitioning to more complex solid foods rather than mushy pouches.

Favorite tip for traveling with a baby: a travel stroller!

This is one of the best investments when traveling with a baby. Not only will it make navigating through the airport much easier, but it will also come in handy when exploring your destination. Look for a lightweight stroller that folds easily and fits comfortably in the overhead compartments or at the gate check.

We went with the Summer 3D Lite Stroller. You can open and close it with one foot, which helps if you have the baby in your arms. Also, the stroller comes with four reclining positions so LO can nap in it.

It was helpful when we wanted to go out at night after siesta; she would sleep with our portable white noise machine, and we would be out catching up with family and friends. 

If possible, try to schedule an overnight flight around your baby’s sleep schedule. This will not only make the flight more manageable but also help minimize any jet lag your baby may experience. Bring comfort items from home, such as a favorite blanket or toy, to help your baby feel more at ease.

We had her sleep on us since the seats with bassinet access were all occupied. It helped with breastfeeding her by calming her down and helping her ears pop.

The most important tip for traveling with a baby: We all know traveling can be stressful, especially with a baby in tow. Maintaining a positive attitude and keeping your inner monologue on patience in check is essential.

Remember, your baby will feed off your energy, so the calmer and more collected you are, the better your baby will behave. Take deep breaths, enjoy the moment, and don’t forget to smile.

Don’t let traveling with a baby get you down. Following some of these tips can make travel more enjoyable!

Traveling with another adult is ideal. I was thankful for my partner. We had LO as a lap child, so she bounced between us during the trip. She also loved the flight attendants; they were all a joy (thank you, Lufthansa and Swiss Air) to have around her.

The flight attendants took her for a stroll around the cabin so my husband and I could finish breakfast.

Finally, being mindful of your baby’s needs throughout the trip is essential.

Pay attention to cues, such as when your baby is hungry or needs a diaper change, and take breaks when necessary. Don’t stress if things don’t go according to plan, as traveling with a baby is unpredictable.

Remember to take things one step at a time, enjoy the journey, and make lasting memories with your little one.

Traveling abroad with a baby may seem daunting, but with some preparation and a positive attitude, it can be a memorable experience for you and your little one. I hope these tips for traveling with a baby helped you prepare for your journey!

Packing smartly, investing in a travel stroller, scheduling an overnight flight, and being mindful of your baby’s needs can make all the difference when traveling internationally. By taking things one step at a time and enjoying the moment, you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable trip with your baby.

Now, what are you waiting for? Adventure awaits!

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