The holiday season is coming up fast, and for many families, that means travel—whether it’s a trip to visit grandparents, a holiday getaway, or a family reunion. If you’re a parent, traveling can feel overwhelming, especially with a new baby. At Better Beginnings, our birth and postpartum doulas understand the unique challenges you face, particularly if you’re navigating these journeys without much local support. Here are some practical tips to make your baby’s first holiday travels go as smoothly – and as enjoyable! – as possible.
Planning Ahead
Choose Your Destination Wisely
Before you book your travel with a baby, consider the logistics of your destination. Are there family-friendly accommodations? Where will you and baby be sleeping? Researching, or even just talking things through, in advance can help you find places that offer cribs, high chairs, and other essentials for babies, which can significantly lighten your load.
Create a Packing List
Packing for a baby requires organization. Create a checklist that includes all the essentials, as needed for your specific trip:
- Diapers and wipes (enough for travel and a few extra days, unless you plan to go shopping at your destination)
- Changing pad
- Baby clothes (include layers for changing weather, and extras for those blowouts!)
- Swaddles or blankets
- Feeding supplies (bottles, formula, and/or breast pump and accessories)
- Baby carrier and/or stroller
- Pack-and-play or other sleeping place
- Toys or comfort items for entertainment
- First aid kit with baby-safe items
- Car seat
Having a detailed packing list will ensure you don’t forget anything critical, making your trip less stressful.
PRO TIP: Save your list in an accessible location like Google Drive or Apple Notes, and next time you need to pack, your list will be there ready to update!
Plan for Feeding
If you’re breastfeeding, find out where you can nurse comfortably at your destination (and don’t forget some snacks for yourself!). If you’re formula-feeding, pack enough formula for the trip, along with sterilized bottles. Most airports and airlines allow you to bring liquid formulas, breastmilk, and even toddler drinks over the standard 3.4-ounce limit, but always research in advance to avoid surprises; check here for current US TSA guidelines.
Tips for Road Trips
Start Early or Travel Late
Timing can make a significant difference. Consider leaving early in the morning or later in the evening when your baby is likely to sleep. This can help minimize disruptions and make the journey smoother.
Plan for Frequent Breaks
Make sure to schedule time for plenty of stops along the way. Babies may need to be fed, changed, or simply stretched out after being in a car seat for a while. Plan for breaks every 1.5 to 2 hours, and look for rest areas with facilities that can accommodate you and your baby comfortably.
Set Up the Ride for Success
Familiar items can help soothe your baby during the journey. Bring along their favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or toys to make them feel more at home in the car. You can also make room to sit near the baby, if two adults can take turns driving.
Navigating Airports and Airplanes
Book Wisely
When booking flights, consider the following:
- Direct Flights: If possible, choose direct flights to avoid layovers and unnecessary hassle.
- Choose Seats Strategically: Opt for bulkhead seats for extra space or choose seats at the back of the plane where families are often seated together.
Arrive Early
Give yourself plenty of time to get through security and to your gate. Airports can be chaotic, and having extra time can reduce stress levels.
Utilize Airport Facilities
Many airports have family-friendly amenities, such as nursing rooms and play areas. Take advantage of these facilities to make your time there more comfortable.
Bring the Right Gear
Invest in a lightweight travel stroller and a good baby carrier. A carrier can be particularly useful for navigating through crowded terminals while keeping your hands free. If you’re using a stroller, most airports let you use it right up to the gate, and they stow it for you so it’s ready for you right away when you get off the flight. If you don’t bring a car seat along, make sure you will have access to one at your destination, whether through family and friends or the car rental service.
Managing Sleep During Travel
Maintain Routines
Babies thrive on routine, so try to keep your sleeping and feeding schedules as consistent as possible while traveling. If your baby is used to a certain bedtime routine, try to replicate it in your temporary environment. This is helpful for you, too!
Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment
Bring along items that can help your baby (and you!) sleep better in a new place, such as a white noise machine, familiar blankets, or sleep sacks. If you’re staying in a hotel or rental, see if you can arrange the crib or pack-and-play in a quiet corner away from noise and light.
Navigating Family Gatherings
Set Expectations
Communicate with family members ahead of time about your baby’s needs and routines. Let them know if you prefer quiet times for naps or feeding. Most family members will appreciate your honesty and be more accommodating.
Prepare for Overstimulation
Family gatherings can be overwhelming for babies with all the noise and new faces. Have a plan for when your baby needs a break. Find a quiet space where you can retreat for a little while to allow your baby to decompress.
Traveling with Toddlers and Older Children
Maybe you’re traveling with an older baby or preschooler (and maybe with a newborn as well!). Here are a few tricks to make the trip easier on travelers of all ages.
Snacks
Pack a variety of healthy snacks. Pouches, crackers, and fruit slices are portable and easy to manage during travel. These have the added benefit of keeping them distracted and happy, not to mention helping with those pressure changes in the airplane!
Movement
Whether you are traveling by car or airplane, getting up to move around is important for everyone. Stretching your legs just to go to the bathroom in a plane can get your blood flowing and give a change of scenery to your little ones. When taking a break at a rest stop, do some stretches or jumping jacks, or play a quick game of tag. You can also just take a quick walk around and talk about the scenery for a change of pace.
Activities
Plan extra special activities for kids that can handle them. Consider bringing their favorite books or some new ones, particularly those that are interactive, like seek-and-find books. Crayons and sketchbooks are also a great activity, although there are also many options out there now for mess-free drawing or painting. If you think the sights and sounds might be too overwhelming for your littles, consider bringing some noise-canceling headphones.
Embracing the Joy of Travel
While traveling with a baby may seem daunting, it’s also an opportunity to create lasting memories. Embrace the journey, and remember that not everything will go as planned. Flexibility is key. Let us repeat that: FLEXIBILITY IS KEY!
Don’t forget to take photos and enjoy the special moments you share as a family, even if they come with a few challenges. These experiences will be cherished memories for you and your little one in the years to come. Trust us when we say that some of those unexpected, crazy photos may end up being your favorites down the road!
As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of travel can be mixed with anxiety, especially for parents of newborns and older babies. At Better Beginnings, we want to remind you that you’re not alone in this journey. With careful planning and a focus on your baby’s needs, you can create joyful and memorable experiences during your travels. Happy holidays, and safe travels!
Based in the Twin Cities, Duluth, and Rochester, Better Beginnings is a go-to resource for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Whether you are interested in our premier postpartum doula services, or in wraparound services such as childbirth education, birth doula support, breastfeeding support, or placenta encapsulation, Better Beginnings is here to meet the need. Find us on social: Instagram | Pinterest
