Travelling with a baby can be an exciting and daunting experience at the same time. As a parent, you want to make sure that you have everything you need to keep your little one safe, comfortable and entertained throughout the journey. To help you out, we've put together a comprehensive guide on some of the essentials you need to prepare when travelling with babies.
You can start planning ahead by thinking about your destination. When travelling with an infant, where you go will determine what you pack. Researching into the climate at the time of year you are visiting will ensure you have appropriate baby clothes to maximise your child’s comfort.
Whether you’re staying in an apartment, house or hotel, checking out the facilities on offer will help ensure you’re packing the essentials. Many hotels and resorts have prams to hire, whereas many rentals may not have baby cots.
Thinking about what each day looks like will help determine what needs to be packed. What are the activities available in the area? Depending on your location, you may need to pack a few pairs of swim nappies if you’re poolside.
Or if you’re going out in the evening or on pram-accessible nature walks, a mosquito net over your pram can help keep insects away from your baby’s face. Determining what’s on your itinerary will help make sure you’re fully prepared for the trip.
Different trips will require a different level of planning. From day trips to road trips here are some things to consider:
Even day trips require a bit of thought and planning. If you are going on an outdoor adventure, such as the zoo or the beach, it’s important to make sure your bub is dressed correctly.
Packing a bag with adequate sun safety, extra layers, baby food and a few of their favourite toys can help you keep your little one comfortable and happy.
If you’re travelling on foot, a baby carrier is a convenient way to transport your infant and can keep you close together all day long. Bringing a baby travel pram to carry all of your infant’s things is also a good idea if you are walking longer distances and can provide extra sun cover on a hot day. For parents travelling on public transport, try to avoid peak commuting hours and choose a light, compact pram for the journey.
The thought of travelling long distances in the car with your bub for the first time may be intimidating. On one hand, you’re going on an exciting family adventure. On the other hand, you’re breaking your routine away from home. While your little one might take a little while to get used to their new surroundings, there are a few things you can do to help with the transition.
Tools to entertain and soothe: playing gentle music, their favourite sounds or white noise can help you bring some familiar noises into the car. If you’re travelling with a toddler, pack a tablet with downloaded content and a pair of kid-safe headphones. We recommend over-the-ear headphones with volume control. Having a few toys and extra snacks in the backseat is also handy. If you have a newborn, keep toys and a spare dummy in the glovebox in case your baby’s current one gets lost in transit.
Plan your rest stops: Aim to switch drivers regularly and be aware of where your most convenient rest stops are along the way. Planning your breaks based on when you anticipate your baby will need changing, feeding, or soothing can also help keep their temperament happy and calm when on the road. However, factors like traffic, roadworks and weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to remain flexible if plans need to change.
Planning your stay: When booking accommodation, make sure the facilities are suitable for children with adequate baby-proofing, baby menus and a cot to sleep in. If these items are unavailable, you can bring your own. Putting your baby down in your cot or bassinet can help with familiarity and routine. No matter where you’re staying, it’s a good idea to keep the phone numbers of the local doctor or hospital handy, in case of an emergency.
Taking your baby on a plane for the first time is an exciting milestone event. Travelling through the airport can take more time when you have a baby, so be sure to allow plenty of time for check-in.
Your airline may allow you to use a lightweight stroller right up until you reach the boarding gate. Once you board the plane, the crew will help you stow it away and you’ll have the stroller at the ready when you disembark.
Breastfeeding, bottle feeding or gently massaging your baby's ears during take-off and landing can help ease any ear discomfort your child may experience.
To increase the chance of your baby sleeping, you may want to consider a night time departure. Depending on the airline, you may also be able to book a bassinet for your baby to sleep in.
Before you book your flights, talk to your doctor about what vaccinations and immunisations both you and baby might need to enter the country.
There are no restrictions on what baby products you can take on a domestic flight. This is a different story when flying overseas. You are allowed to carry liquids onboard, however, the quantity must be considered reasonable.
You can pack milk (including formula), sterilised water, juice and baby food in the form of liquid, gel, powder or paste. It’s important to know that breast milk must be stored in containers of 100ml or less and no more than one litre total.
Much like your toiletries, this container must be clear and packed up in an equally transparent plastic bag. To help you and bub have the smoothest flight possible, you can refer to the Australian Government’s guide to what baby products are allowed on international flights.
Whether you are packing for a flight or road trip, these are the baby travel essentials we recommend every parent bring in their carry-on:
Tip: If you're travelling with an easily distracted toddler, don't forget to bring tech devices (with their favourite shows downloaded), chargers, snacks, games, and sick bags. Packing their favourite comforter or cuddly toy that they sleep with can provide an added sense of comfort and familiarity on the trip.
When preparing for a trip with a baby, it's important to think about what items you'll need to pack in your checked luggage as well as your carry-on bags. When booking your flight or organising the boot space in your car, remember that you will need a separate suitcase for your little one.
Items such as baby travel systems, car seats, or pack 'n play, may be too bulky or heavy to bring on board the plane and are better suited for checked luggage. If you're planning to use a stroller during your trip, consider packing it in a travel bag or covering it with a protective cover to check at the gate or as checked luggage. Similarly, if you plan to rent a car, use taxis or ride-sharing services during your trip, you may want to bring your baby's car seat with you. Car seats can be checked as luggage or carried onto the plane if you've purchased a seat for your baby.
Another item that you may want to bring in your checked luggage is a baby carrier or sling, especially if you plan to do a lot of walking or hiking during your trip. These items can usually be packed in your checked luggage without taking up too much space or adding too much weight.
While you'll want to pack plenty of baby clothes and nappies in your carry-on bags, it's always a good idea to pack some extras in your checked luggage as well. This can come in handy in case of unexpected delays or accidents during your journey.
A baby monitor may also be helpful for keeping an eye on your little one while you're in another room.
Be sure to pack a few spare bags for dirty clothes or nappies, a sun pod to protect your baby from the sun, toys to keep them entertained, a bath plug for hotel tubs, a baby travel bed and white noise machine to help them sleep, medication in case of illness, bibs, clothes, a first aid kit, breast pump, formula, and a baby on board sign for your rental car.
Remember to check your airline's policies on luggage allowance, weight and size restrictions, and restrictions on certain items before you pack your bags. By packing efficiently and making use of checked luggage, you can make your trip as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Tip: These products can be used on future trips as well as in everyday life. Plus, if you are expanding your family or are travelling with a few little ones, they can be used for many years.
Adjust the shoulder straps and crotch strap so they are as close to your baby’s body as possible and fasten the buckle. Place your baby in the car seat with their back sitting against the car seat, then bring the harness around their shoulders. Buckle it together, followed by the chest clip. Tighten the harness once more by removing the slack.
Some babies are prone to motion sickness. If a baby is exposed to too much movement or visual stimulation, they may also become upset and cry.
There are no standard regulations, however, most airlines will allow your baby to fly as long as they are at least two days old. In general, it is best to seek your doctor’s advice before considering travelling with your newborn.
Passports are not required when travelling domestically. On international flights, all children, including newborn babies must travel on their own passports. They cannot go on a family passport. You can apply for a child passport here
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this page is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns or questions about the health of your baby, you should consult with a health professional.
Note: Products may be limited and delivery times may vary. Please check delivery cut-off times at the point of checkout
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