Travelling with A Baby? Here’s what you need to know!

Traveling with a baby can be tough, but with the right prep and a little know-how, you can turn even the most challenging journeys into smooth, stress-free adventures for both you and your little one.

Essential Checklist For Travelling with a Baby

No matter your mode of transportation, having a well-thought-out checklist is key when travelling with a baby. Here’s a quick guide to ensure you don’t forget any essentials:

Mother’s Rights when Travelling with a Baby

Breastfeeding is a natural and important part of travelling with a baby, and in many places worldwide, you have the right to breastfeed in public.

In many countries, breastfeeding in public is protected by law. For example, in the US and the UK, it’s legal to breastfeed in any public or private location where the mother is authorized to be.

However, in some countries, while breastfeeding in public may be legal, social norms may vary. For instance, some more conservative cultures may have different attitudes toward modesty that could influence how breastfeeding is perceived. It is important to be aware of these cultural differences to ensure a comfortable experience for both you and your baby.

Here are some spaces to look out for when travelling with a baby:

• Lactation Rooms – Many airports around the world are now offering dedicated lactation rooms for breastfeeding and pumping. These private, comfortable spaces are designed to give mothers a safe and quiet environment to feed while travelling with a baby.
• Nursing Pods and Stations – In larger airports and some shopping centers, look for nursing pods—small private spaces equipped with seating, sinks, and power outlets for pumping. These stations are great for when you need a little privacy and comfort while you care for your little one.
• Mother’s Rooms in Public Buildings – Increasingly, public buildings such as libraries, museums, and government offices are offering designated mother’s rooms. These rooms accommodate both breastfeeding and pumping needs. In addition to comfortable seating, many rooms also include amenities like changing tables, outlets for pumps, and refrigeration for breast milk storage.

Being informed about your rights and available spaces when travelling with a baby helps ensure a more relaxed and positive experience for you and your little one, no matter where your travels take you.

Travelling by Plane with a Baby

Tips for a Stress-Free Flight

When it comes to travelling with a baby by plane, planning is everything. Here are some essential tips to ensure your flight is smooth and comfortable for both you and your little one:

• Breastfeeding on the Plane: Breastfeeding during takeoff and landing can help alleviate your baby’s ear pressure. You might also want to ask for a blanket to cover up or support your baby during feeds.
• Bassinet for Baby: Many airlines will provide bassinets for young babies. However, these require advanced booking and some airlines may require early check-in.
• Window Seats for Privacy: If desired, book a window seat or sit in the last row for extra privacy when breastfeeding.
• Priority Boarding: Many airlines offer priority boarding for parents with babies. This helps you manage the many baby essentials you’ll be carrying.
• Lactation Rooms in Airports: More airports are now offering lactation rooms and nursing pods, so take advantage of these spaces for comfort and privacy.
• Inform the Airline In Advance If Carrying Equipment: If you are carrying breast pumps and/or coolers, it is important to inform the airline to avoid disruption at security.

Travelling by Car with a Baby

Road trips can be an excellent way to explore with your baby, but travelling by car with a baby requires some extra preparation:

• Plan Regular Stops: When travelling by car with a baby, it’s essential to take regular breaks for feeding as the baby may need to be taken out of the car seat.
• Comfortable Car Seat: Ensure your baby’s car seat is comfortable and correctly installed to prevent any discomfort on long drives.

Travelling by Train with a Baby

Travelling by train with a baby can be a fantastic option as it often offers more space to move around compared to planes and cars. Here’s how to make your train journey easier:

• Book a Family-Friendly Seat: Many train companies offer family compartments or larger seats for parents with young children.
• Take Advantage of Limited Luggage Restrictions: When travelling by train with a baby , you may be able to carry more equipment without being concerned by limits on liquids or number of bags.
• Take Advantage of the Train’s Facilities: Look for trains that have family bathrooms or quiet spaces where you can change your baby or give them some time to rest.

Here are some more tips to help with travelling with a baby!

Provide Entertainment

While your newborn may sleep through most of the journey, an older, more active baby or toddler is likely to need a little entertainment along the way! Whether you’re traveling by car, train, or plane, having something to keep your baby engaged can make the trip smoother. Consider packing a soft toy, a picture book, or other small, age-appropriate items to help keep your little one entertained and comfortable during the journey.

As a new parent in today’s world, you might feel hesitant about using electronic devices with your child. However, as long as you set appropriate time limits, there’s no harm in incorporating them into your routine!

Bring Food and Snacks

Whether you’re traveling with an infant or a toddler, meals and snacks are always a must! For babies, you’ll need to bring breast milk or formula, and once your little one starts solids around 6 months, you can include their favorite solid foods too. The key is to bring foods that your baby is familiar with to keep their tummy satisfied and make the journey smoother for everyone!

Maintain a Regular Meal Routine

While travel can be a fun opportunity to explore new foods or enjoy the occasional treat, it’s best to stick to your usual meal routines as much as possible. For older babies or toddlers, you can explain that while trying new foods is part of the adventure, it’s still important to eat healthy meals and keep regular mealtimes. This helps maintain consistency and ensures your little one stays nourished and comfortable during the trip.

All in all, it’s okay to slow down, take breaks, and nurse as needed. Travelling with your newborn can be stressful, but certainly a new adventure!